Some Vista Suites accommodate 3 guests. 240 SQ FT / 22 M2 Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
from$ 16250 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Silver Cloud
Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams
Overview
Give us 10 days and we will change the way you see the world. Get so far off the beaten track; the track doesn’t even exist anymore. From the abundant colonies of penguins to glacial silence, this wonderful Antarctica voyage will change the way you see the world around you. Experience nature at its most primal, all the while enjoying the best creature comforts on board. Isn’t it time you broke the ice between expedition and luxury?
Departures
Departing on 2025-02-04
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. The Midship Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2). Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
437 ft² / 40.6 m² Including veranda (81 ft² / 7.6 m²) Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library, Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Silver Suites accommodate 3 guests. 541 SQ FT / 50 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 92 SQ FT / 8 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone, Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
1,031 SQ FT / 96 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 175 SQ FT / 16.5 M2). Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda, Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen audio system, Illy Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
1,314 SQ FT / 122 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 194 SQ FT / 18.5 M2) Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda, Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
827 SQ FT / 77 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 89 SQ FT / 8 M2) Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional large picture window, Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; plus a powder room; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with, satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Departing on 2025-02-16
Some Vista Suites accommodate 3 guests. 240 SQ FT / 22 M2 Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. The Midship Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2). Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
437 ft² / 40.6 m² Including veranda (81 ft² / 7.6 m²) Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library, Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Silver Suites accommodate 3 guests. 541 SQ FT / 50 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 92 SQ FT / 8 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone, Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
1,031 SQ FT / 96 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 175 SQ FT / 16.5 M2). Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda, Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen audio system, Illy Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
1,314 SQ FT / 122 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 194 SQ FT / 18.5 M2) Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda, Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
827 SQ FT / 77 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 89 SQ FT / 8 M2) Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional large picture window, Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; plus a powder room; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with, satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Departing on 2025-02-26
Some Vista Suites accommodate 3 guests. 240 SQ FT / 22 M2 Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. The Midship Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2). Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
437 ft² / 40.6 m² Including veranda (81 ft² / 7.6 m²) Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library, Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Silver Suites accommodate 3 guests. 541 SQ FT / 50 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 92 SQ FT / 8 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone, Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
1,031 SQ FT / 96 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 175 SQ FT / 16.5 M2). Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda, Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen audio system, Illy Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access. ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
1,314 SQ FT / 122 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 194 SQ FT / 18.5 M2) Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda, Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
827 SQ FT / 77 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 89 SQ FT / 8 M2) Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional large picture window, Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower; plus a powder room; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe, Vanity table(s) with hair dryer, Writing desk(s), Flat screen television(s) with, satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone(s), Unlimited complimentary WiFi access ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Cruise Itinerary
Puerto Williams is a Chilean city located on Navarino Island on the southern shores of the Beagle Channel. It claims to be the “southernmost city in the world”, however owing to its small size – 2500 residents approximately – the much larger Argentinean city of Ushuaia, which sits on the northern side of the same channel, also claims that title. The surrounding scenery is magnificent. The wild windswept mountains rise above the tree line and are regularly dusted with snow. The city itself has the dramatic backdrop called “Dientes de Navarino” (literally “teeth of Navarino”), which rival the famous Torres del Paine further to the north. The area was originally used by the Yaghan people, hunter-gatherers who despite enduring the harsh regional climate, could not weather the arrival of Europeans. The current city was established as a naval base in 1953 and honours the British-Chilean naval commander John Williams Wilson of the 16th century. Initially it served to protect territorial possessions and fishing rights of the area, as well as offering logistical support to Antarctic bases. More recently it has become a departure point for scientific and tourism trips to the Antarctic region. In contrast to the bustle and traffic of a very commercial Ushuaia, Puerto Williams offers a quieter, more relaxed experience. It charms the visitor with a small village feel, complete with rustic buildings and the homely smell of drifting wood smoke. A haven of peace at the end of the world.
Sailing the legendary Drake Passage is an experience that few are ever lucky enough to experience. The southern tip of the Americas already feels like a wild enough environment – but the sensation of watching the distant cliffs of the peninsular known as the ‘End of the World’ fade into the horizon, is one that’s equal parts epic, eerie and magical. Set sail, to slowly drop off the bottom of the map from Cape Horn, and voyage on an expedition down into the icy underworld of Antarctica. Drake Passage is an extraordinary voyage of romantic ocean faring legend, as you aim for Antarctica’s icy realm. On arrival, skyscraper sized icebergs salute you, as you traverse the waters of this continent where snow and ice dwelling creatures like penguins and whales roam undisturbed. Your first sight of this most-unexplored place will most likely be the South Shetland Islands. Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest and bravest explorers as you explore famed, snow-covered landmasses like Elephant and Deception Island. If the journey across Drake Passage sounds daunting, don’t worry – even in rough seas you’re never alone, and will often be accompanied on this spine-tingling adventure by soaring albatrosses and maybe even a protective pod of humpbacks and hourglass dolphins or two. Converging warm and cool ocean currents attract some spectacular animal life to the passage. If this is your first visit to this magical continent, you’ll also want to familiarise yourself with our blog for first timers to Antarctica.
Few voyages ignite the imagination like a journey down to one of the planet’s most remote, extreme and enchanting wilderness, Antarctica. An adventure in its purest form, only a handful of people will ever be lucky enough to experience the majestic beauty of these monochrome landscapes first-hand. The Antarctic Sound will be one of your first encounters of this whitewash kingdom, located at the northerly tip of the Antarctic Peninsula - which sprawls up like a tentacle towards Tierra del Fuego, South America’s most southerly point, otherwise known as the ‘End of the World’. Taking its name from the first ship to brave the passageway between the peninsular and the Joinville Island groups back in 1902, the Sound is a raw, sensory assault of imposing iceberg slabs, broken away from the disintegrating Larsen Ice Shelf. Come face-to-face with stadium-sized islands of ice and meet the extraordinary birdlife that call this whitewash kingdom home. Watch on, as colonies of Gentoo penguins hop around, and cape petrels sweep overhead, as the continent’s unique wildlife thrives around you. If you’re planning your first venture into Antarctica, you’ll want to brush up on your photography skills in advance, to capture this unforgiving continent in all of its unrestrained glory. Read our blog for tips on how to ensure that your photos do justice to the adventure of a lifetime.
The Antarctic Peninsula unravels upwards towards South America, reaching out a beckoning finger to the adventurous, who dare to explore this untamed realm. Stretching up from the heart of the world’s southernmost continent, the Antarctic Peninsula lies a mere 620 mile from Tierra del Fuego and, for many, offers a spectacular first taste of the snow-blanketed landscapes and colossal ice sculptures, which make up Earth’s least-explored continent. Unseen by humans until 1820 - a blink of an eye ago in relative terms - this is an adventure sure to make your hairs stand on end, as you experience the thrill of the truly unknown and extraordinary. The vast peninsula is sprinkled with research bases, which are at the frontline of human scientific endeavour, pushing to study and understand this unique landscape, its exceptional wildlife, and the impact that humans are having on this pristine continent. Witness cathedral-sized icebergs up close, and blue-hued glaciers, slowly slipping from imposing locations like Hope Bay. Blanched mountain peaks cover the peninsula, and you’ll find thousands of adorable Adelie penguin pairs thriving undisturbed in this peninsula’s unique setting.
The ice-coated Antarctic Peninsula forms perhaps the most accessible region of mainland Antarctica, lying a mere 480-miles away from South America, across the fabled waters of Drakes Passage. Lying close to the northwestern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, separated by the Bransfield Strait, the South Shetland Islands fall under the jurisdiction of the Antarctic Treaty, suspending claims on their sovereignty. Several countries maintain research bases here, and with plump elephant seals, and crowds of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins also calling the islands home, it can even feel a little crowded at times. King George Island is the largest and most hospitable island, hosting the majority of the research stations - some of which are populated all-year-round by tiny, hardy crews. Don’t be fooled though, these islands offer extraordinary adventure in one of the most remote locations on earth. The triple peaks of Mount Foster tower above the archipelago, and you’ll feel your heart pumping a little quicker, as you sail into the core of Deception Island’s magnificent collapsed volcano caldera. Hike the luna landscapes within, and even dip into the improbably warm, geothermally-heated waters of Pendulum Cove. Elephant Island, meanwhile, is written deep into the annals of Antarctic expedition legend, as the site where Ernest Shackleton and the stricken crew of the Endurance miraculously survived a harsh Antarctic winter, in 1916. Discover even more reasons to visit this incredible icy kingdom and find out why many consider the South Shetland Islands to be the jewel in Antarctica’s Crown, by reading our blog.
Sailing the legendary Drake Passage is an experience that few are ever lucky enough to experience. The southern tip of the Americas already feels like a wild enough environment – but the sensation of watching the distant cliffs of the peninsular known as the ‘End of the World’ fade into the horizon, is one that’s equal parts epic, eerie and magical. Set sail, to slowly drop off the bottom of the map from Cape Horn, and voyage on an expedition down into the icy underworld of Antarctica. Drake Passage is an extraordinary voyage of romantic ocean faring legend, as you aim for Antarctica’s icy realm. On arrival, skyscraper sized icebergs salute you, as you traverse the waters of this continent where snow and ice dwelling creatures like penguins and whales roam undisturbed. Your first sight of this most-unexplored place will most likely be the South Shetland Islands. Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest and bravest explorers as you explore famed, snow-covered landmasses like Elephant and Deception Island. If the journey across Drake Passage sounds daunting, don’t worry – even in rough seas you’re never alone, and will often be accompanied on this spine-tingling adventure by soaring albatrosses and maybe even a protective pod of humpbacks and hourglass dolphins or two. Converging warm and cool ocean currents attract some spectacular animal life to the passage. If this is your first visit to this magical continent, you’ll also want to familiarise yourself with our blog for first timers to Antarctica.
In the past, no two words conjured up more fear to sailors than Cape Horn. With its reputation of ferocious storms and mountainous seas it was a place where a seafarer garnered respect for bravery against the odds. That is, if he lived to tell the tale (he also got to wear a gold hoop ear-ring and dine with one foot up on the table). The Cape itself is the rugged insular tip of South America that projects into the storm-swept Drake Passage. The Dutch sailor Willem Schouten and merchant Jacob Le Maire, both from the town of Hoorn (hence Cape Horn), put it on the map in 1616 when attempting to circumvent the trade monopoly exercised by the Dutch East India Company over the Straits of Magellan. Once an unavoidable physical gateway to adventure and commerce in the Pacific Ocean, Cape Horn nowadays has more of a spiritual attraction, drawing intrepid travellers to pay homage to the brave sailors who, by necessity, attempted to pass this wild and inhospitable headland. During clear weather, when the island is free from the frequent icy squalls that batter its shores, a 7-metre (23 feet) high steel monument can be seen standing about 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) away from the true cape, near the Chilean navy station. It depicts the silhouette of an albatross, a bird that is said to carry the souls of those sailors who perished “rounding the Horn”. With that in mind, consider yourself lucky to confront the Horn on a luxury Expedition cruise ship rather than from the wave-washed and perilous deck of a windjammer.
Puerto Williams is a Chilean city located on Navarino Island on the southern shores of the Beagle Channel. It claims to be the “southernmost city in the world”, however owing to its small size – 2500 residents approximately – the much larger Argentinean city of Ushuaia, which sits on the northern side of the same channel, also claims that title. The surrounding scenery is magnificent. The wild windswept mountains rise above the tree line and are regularly dusted with snow. The city itself has the dramatic backdrop called “Dientes de Navarino” (literally “teeth of Navarino”), which rival the famous Torres del Paine further to the north. The area was originally used by the Yaghan people, hunter-gatherers who despite enduring the harsh regional climate, could not weather the arrival of Europeans. The current city was established as a naval base in 1953 and honours the British-Chilean naval commander John Williams Wilson of the 16th century. Initially it served to protect territorial possessions and fishing rights of the area, as well as offering logistical support to Antarctic bases. More recently it has become a departure point for scientific and tourism trips to the Antarctic region. In contrast to the bustle and traffic of a very commercial Ushuaia, Puerto Williams offers a quieter, more relaxed experience. It charms the visitor with a small village feel, complete with rustic buildings and the homely smell of drifting wood smoke. A haven of peace at the end of the world.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Silver Cloud
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 157 m Passenger Capacity: 200/260 Built: 1994 Refurbished & Rebranded: 2017 After extensive refurbishment, Silver Cloud will be the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her unparalleled service make her truly special. Her five dining options will tantalise your taste buds and as 80% of her suites include a veranda, watching a breaching whale or a few cavorting penguins has never been so personal. Broad sweeping decks with multiple open spaces and a swimming pool complete what is surely the most distinctive expedition ship sailing today. A limited number of guests, particularly with just 200 in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 18 zodiacs, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide simultaneous explorations. Finally, a team of 19 passionate and dedicated experts are always at hand to ensure your voyage is enhanced every step of the way. DECK 09 - Observation Lounge, Jogging Track DECK 08 - Pool, Pool Bar, Hot Rocks, The Panorama Lounge, The Connoisseur’s Corner DECK 07 - La Terrazza, The Spa at Silversea, Beauty Salon, The Library DECK 06 - Lecture Theatre, The Fitness Centre, Reception/Guest Relations, Expedition Desk DECK 05 - The Bar, Boutique, Casino DECK 04 - Main Restaurant, Le Champagne, Launderette
Highlights
• Antarctic Sound • Antarctic Peninsula • Booth Island & Neko Harbour • South Shetland Islands
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