Silversea started Antarctica 2024-2025 winter season with Silver Endeavour ship embarking on an 18-day expedition to South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The season, running from October 29th, 2024, to March 10th, 2025, is based on 3 vessels - Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind, and Silver Cloud, and groups a total of 34 voyages. This deployment represents one of the most comprehensive luxury expedition offerings in Antarctica.
Key moments from Silver Endeavour’s initial voyage include a rare sighting of a pod of ~50 orca whales, a landing at Baily Head in the South Shetland Islands - a site seldom visited and home to ~45,000 pairs of chinstrap penguins - and calls at iconic locations such as South Georgia, Wilhelmina Bay, and Neko Harbour.
The upcoming season features a variety of itineraries catering to diverse preferences, ranging from 6-day fly-cruise expeditions to 22-day immersive explorations. The 6-day Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise option allows travelers to bypass the Drake Passage, optimizing time in the destination. 10-day sailings from Puerto Williams (Chile) focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, while 12-day voyages extend into the Polar Circle. Longer itineraries of 15 to 22 days include deeper explorations into the Southern Ocean and the remote landscapes of Antarctica.
In an effort to enhance guest experiences, Silversea is developing a dedicated hotel in Puerto Williams, the southernmost city in the world. This facility aims to streamline pre- and post-cruise logistics, complementing Silversea’s focus on seamless, personalized travel. The hotel will serve as a key component for passengers joining the fly-cruise program, which begins with flights from Santiago to Puerto Williams before continuing to King George Island in Antarctica.
Silversea, a pioneer in luxury expedition cruising since 2008, maintains an industry-leading approach to Antarctic exploration. With an expert team of up to 28 specialists onboard each vessel, the company provides guided shore excursions, wildlife observation, and lectures covering topics such as glaciology, geology, and polar history. Notable past lectures have included presentations on the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance expedition. In December 2022, historian Nicholas Crane presented original lantern slides from Shackleton's journey, providing historical context and engaging storytelling aboard Silver Endeavour. Additionally, Captain Freddie Lighthelm, who participated in the discovery of Shackleton’s ship, has shared firsthand insights with guests.
Silversea’s offerings emphasize its commitment to enriching polar expeditions, combining immersive experiences with the highest standards of luxury and service. Through innovative itineraries and expertly curated programs, the cruise line continues to set benchmarks in Antarctic exploration.