Silversea Cruises has announced new details on its Antarctica schedule for the 2021-2022 season.
The line has reached an agreement with the Chilean authorities for two of its ships to depart from Punta Arenas, Chile: Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. A third ship sailing to Antarctica, Silver Explorer, will continue with its scheduled plan to depart from the country’s Puerto Williams starting in November.
“Leading the return of cruising in Antarctica, as facilitated by our agreement with the Chilean government, represents our commitment to delivering unforgettable travel experiences for our guests,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “I commend the Chilean government for its unwavering dedication to restarting cruising to the White Continent in a safe and enriching manner.”
“Thanks to our unique destination expertise, we are able to lead the return to cruising in Antarctica with the precious addition of Punta Arenas as a departure port, says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Turnaround Operations and Destination Management.
“Chile is a fantastic gateway with a stable infrastructure and excellent services. From here, our guests can discover the unique allure of the Final Continent in luxurious comfort.”
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Passengers sailing aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will now fly into Santiago, where they’ll enjoy an overnight hotel stay before flying into Punta Arenas the following day to board the ship.
Those embarking Silver Explorer will do so Puerto Williams — except those who are taking Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge, a luxury fly-cruise service to Antarctica. Guests using the fly-cruise service will fly directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica.
All three vessels will provide plenty of opportunities for travelers to discover the wildlife and icescapes of remote Antarctica in comfort.
Each all-suite, butler-serviced ship carries a team of expedition experts who lead shore excursions for guests — including tours by Zodiac and kayak, as well as hikes and nature walks ashore. All shore excursions are included in the cruise fare.
Silversea Cruises’ Antarctica cruises include a series of mostly 10-day explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, as well as short five, six, and nine-day adventures as part of the Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program.
Longer journeys encompass the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Falkland Islands, Elephant Island, and South Georgia.
Two “Deep Antarctica” cruises will spend 20 days tracing a path beyond the Antarctic Circle, attempting to reach a latitude of 69 degrees south. Plus, two unique sailings will offer guests the chance to see the solar eclipse on December 4, 2021 from Antarctica — the only place on earth where it will be able to be viewed in totality.
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