Silver Explorer (Source: Silversea)
Silversea Cruises has announced a new fly-cruise service to Antarctica as part of the largest ever Antarctica offering in the cruise line’s history. Named Antarctica Bridge, the new service will provide travelers with the fastest, most direct route to the White Continent.
Starting in December 2021, the collection of 12 fly-cruise voyages aboard Silver Explorer will further enhance Silversea’s all-inclusive Polar offering.
Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge Expeditions
In December 2021, Silversea will fly guests round-trip in a chartered British Aerospace BAE 146-200 four-engine jet with 75 business-class seats. Two such aircraft will take Silver Explorer’s entire guest complement from Punta Arenas in Chile to a Chilean air force base on King George Island in Antarctica, thus eliminating the cruise across the Drake Passage, which can take more than 36 hours to traverse.
Because Silversea’s new Antarctica Bridge will fly over the Drake Passage, guests will avoid a total of four days at sea on the return journey. The shorter, nine-night holiday options offer the same amount of time discovering the White Continent as Silversea’s longer voyages that cruise the Drake Passage.
With the launch of Antarctica Bridge, guests will be able to choose from 59 Antarctica voyages.
Antarctica Bridge Itineraries
Day 1: Inbound international flight, via Santiago
Travellers have the choice of either inclusive economy-class air or reduced business-class air on their inbound international flight to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Day 2: Pre-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas
Ahead of flying to Antarctica, guests will spend a night at the elegant Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. A dedicated Expedition Team will be on the ground prepare guests for the journey ahead.
Day 3: Flight to King George Island, Antarctica
Guests will fly to Antarctica and land at the Chilean base of Presidente Frey, which is normally used by scientists as they journey to the island’s research stations.
Days 3-9: Antarctica Expedition aboard Silver Explorer
From King George Island aboard Silver Explorer, travelers will explore the Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula over three days, and the South Shetland Islands, before returning to King George Island.. Silversea’s Expedition Team will guide Zodiac tours, shore experiences, kayaking tours, and provide lectures on the region’s geology, wildlife and history. Guests will witness emarkable icebergs, visit large penguin rookeries, and may see several species of seals, whales and birds.
Day 9: Flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas and Post-Cruise Hotel
Guests will fly to Punta Arenas and spend a post-cruise hotel night at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos.
Day 10: Outbound International flights
What’s Included in Silversea’s Antarctica Expeditions
- Roundtrip economy class air to Punta Arenas, Chile
- Private flight to and from King George Island, Antarctica
- One night pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel stay in Punta Arenas
- Expedition kit – rubber boots, parka, walking poles for the duration of the expedition, waterproof trousers, expedition backpacks and a water bottle
- Welcome reception and bon voyage dinner in Punta Arenas
- Pre- and post-cruise meals
- Transfers between airport and hotel, and luggage handling, when guests take international air through Silversea
- Silversea’s standard expedition inclusions – guided Zodiac tours and onshore activities led by the Expedition Team, enrichment lectures, butler service for every suite, and many additional amenities.
Bookings of Silversea’s new shorter Antarctica cruises are now available. Fares start from $17,500 per person, based on double occupancy.
SOURCE: Silversea press release
