Leveraging its destination expertise, Silversea collaborated closely with Chilean authorities, industry bodies and other stakeholders to lead the return of Antarctica travel

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has reached an agreement with the Chilean authorities to depart from Punta Arenas for its 2021-2022 Antarctica season, leading the return of Antarctica travel. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will set sail from Punta Arenas, while the line’s third Antarctica-bound ship, Silver Explorer, will continue with its scheduled plan to depart from Chile’s Puerto Williams from November 2021.

“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. “We commend the Chilean authorities for their collaborative approach and we look forward to building a long-term partnership for an enhanced guest experience. 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. With four ships already sailing in other regions of the world, we have demonstrated our commitment to delivering unforgettable travel experiences for our guests in the safest possible manner.”

Enjoying the most inclusive Antarctica package in ultra-luxury cruising, guests of Silver Cloud and Silver Wind will now fly into Santiago, Chile, where they will enjoy an overnight hotel stay before flying into Punta Arenas the next day to embark the ship. Guests embarking Silver Explorer will do so in Puerto Williams, Chile – except those benefitting from Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge, the first ultra-luxury fly-cruise service to Antarctica, which will see travelers fly directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica.

Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, and Silver Explorer will provide unrivaled opportunities for travelers to discover the enchanting wildlife and icescapes of this remote wonderland in the cruise line’s signature standard of comfort. Each all-suite, butler-serviced ship carries a team of expedition experts who lead immersive shore excursions for guests. These passionate and knowledgeable professionals offer informative lectures, discussions, recaps on board, guided explorations by Zodiac® and kayak, and immersive hikes and nature walks ashore — all of which are included in the fare.

Silversea’s expansive Antarctica cruise collection includes a series of mostly 10-day explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, as well as shorter sailings of just 5, 6 or 9 days 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’ itineraries 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 witness the solar eclipse on December 4, 2021, from Antarctica – the only place on Earth where it can be viewed in totality.