Silversea has completed its Grand South Pacific 2026 expedition, a 77-day voyage aboard the Silver Cloud from Fremantle (Perth), Western Australia, to Valparaíso, Chile. The itinerary included 57 destinations in 11 countries and sailed along the Kimberley coast of Australia before continuing through the South Pacific to Easter Island and South America.
This immersive journey through the South Pacific allowed for the discovery of lush landscapes and rugged coastlines through Zodiac excursions in the Marquesas Islands, as well as snorkeling alongside whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia. The trip also offered cultural encounters with local communities, including a fire dance in Papua New Guinea, a school visit to Raja Ampat, and a first stop on the remote island of Pulau Num, both in Indonesia.
“As a leading destination experience brand, Silversea designs grand voyages that offer our guests unparalleled access to the world’s most remote corners, along with the time to discover them,” said Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea. “On this expedition, guests were able to experience the spirit of exploration that characterizes the South Pacific, from its natural beauty to its cultural diversity and the warmth of its people.”.
Trip Highlights:
The itinerary took guests to local schools, villages, and island communities, accompanied at each stop by Silversea's expedition experts. Highlights included:
- Pulau Kokas, Indonesia – The discovery of ancient artistic expressions in a spectacular coastal setting. Zodiac exploration allowed for close-up views of rock paintings on limestone cliffs, combining cultural history with stunning island landscapes.
- Child Aid Papua, in Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Students shared their knowledge and guided guests around their school facilities, offering an insight into the organization's conservation work, which combines education and environmental awareness.
- Pulau Num, Indonesia – During an unforgettable first stop in this little-visited community, residents of five villages gathered to welcome guests with singing and dancing, creating a cultural encounter full of meaning and joy.
- Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia – Guests had the extraordinary opportunity to snorkel alongside whale sharks and share the waters with the world's largest fish, in one of the most outstanding marine wildlife encounters of the trip.
- Papua New Guinea – Visits to different villages offered the opportunity to discover vibrant cultures and diverse traditions through energetic dances, elaborate headdresses, and warm welcomes from the communities. An unforgettable evening featuring a fire dance, marked by its powerful rhythm, the light of the flames, and its intensity, also provided a fascinating cultural experience.
- Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – Continuing the journey eastward allowed us to discover new cultural perspectives, with Vanuatu's spectacular Rom dance being one of the highlights of our encounters with local communities.
- The Marquesas Islands – Their spectacular volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, mountainous interiors, and rugged coastlines showcased another facet of French Polynesia. In Fatu Hiva, visits to the Bay of the Virgins on Hanavave ya Omoa combined breathtaking scenery with exploring the island's interior by land and its coastline by Zodiac.
From the Australian Outback to the Toki School of Music and Art
Silversea's grand voyages also offer privileged access to culture through a selection of exclusive events, specially designed for its guests. Highlights of the Grand South Pacific 2026 expedition include the following experiences:
- Northern Territory Adventure (Finniss River Lodge, Darwin, Australia) – On September 6, guests enjoyed a day at Finniss River Lodge, a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch located in Australia’s Northern Territory. The program included a four-wheel-drive tour through the property’s melaleuca forests and a helicopter flight over the wetlands, escarpments, and the Finniss River. The experience concluded with a special lunch featuring
seasonal regional produce. - Toki, Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) – This exclusive celebration of culture and music, organized on October 26 as part of the Grand Voyage, included an extended visit that combined some of the island's main sites with a tour of the Toki School of Music and Art, founded to preserve Rapa Nui's heritage.
Guests at the Grand Voyage enjoyed an intimate concert starring Mahani Teave, co-founder of the Toki school and internationally renowned classical pianist, along with moving performances by children who played the violin and sang.
Afterwards, the guests visited the Tahai moai and participated in a private reception with cocktails and snacks, accompanied by a traditional folklore performance that included a hoko warrior dance.
Mediterranean, South America and Asia: Silversea's next big voyages
Silversea's upcoming major voyages include the Grand Mediterranean 2027, aboard the Silver Dawn; the Grand Voyage South America 2028, aboard the Silver Ray; and the Grand Voyage Asia 2028, aboard the Silver Muse.
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