Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has reached an agreement with Chilean authorities to depart from Punta Arenas for its 2021-2022 Antarctic season, thus leading the return of cruises to the polar region. The Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will depart from Punta Arenas, while the company's third Antarctic ship, the Silver Explorer, will continue with its scheduled departure from Puerto Williams, Chile, starting in November 2021.
“Leading the way for the return of cruises to Antarctica, as facilitated by our agreement with the Chilean government, represents our commitment to providing unforgettable travel experiences for our guests,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea. “I commend the Chilean government for its unwavering dedication to restarting cruises to the White Continent in a safe and enriching manner.”.
“Thanks to our unique destination expertise, we are able to lead the return of Antarctic cruising with the valuable addition of Punta Arenas as a departure port,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Development, Expeditions, Experiences, and Destination Management. “We commend the Chilean authorities for their collaborative approach and look forward to building a long-term partnership to enhance guest experiences. Chile is a fantastic gateway with a stable infrastructure and excellent services. From here, our guests can discover the unique allure of the polar continent in luxurious comfort. With four ships already sailing in other regions of the world, we have demonstrated our commitment to providing unforgettable travel experiences for our guests in the safest way possible.”.
Enjoying the most inclusive Antarctic package on ultra-luxury cruises, guests aboard the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will fly to Santiago, Chile, where they will enjoy an overnight hotel stay before flying to Punta Arenas the following day to embark on their cruise. Guests embarking on the Silver Explorer will depart from Puerto Williams, Chile, except for those taking advantage of Silversea's "Antarctica Bridge" program, the first ultra-luxury cruise service to Antarctica, which offers travelers direct flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica.
The Silver Cloud, SilverWind , and Silver Explorer offer an extraordinary opportunity to discover the enchanting wildlife and icy landscapes of this remote location with the company's unparalleled standard of comfort. Each all-suite ship with butler service carries a team of expedition experts who lead immersive shore excursions for guests. These passionate professionals offer onboard lectures and talks; guided Zodiac® and kayak expeditions; and immersive shore excursions and nature walks, all included in the price.
Silversea’s extensive collection of Antarctic cruises includes a range of expeditions, mostly 10 days, to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, as well as shorter 5, 6, or 9-day sailings as part of the “Antarctica Bridge” program. Longer voyages encompass the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, Elephant Island, and South Georgia. Two “Deep Antarctica” itineraries will spend 20 days charting a course beyond the Antarctic Circle, attempting to reach a latitude of 69 degrees south. In addition, two unique sailings will offer guests the opportunity to witness the December 4, 2021, solar eclipse from Antarctica, the only place on Earth where it can be seen in its totality.
