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January 8, 2023

Aboard the new Silver Endeavour, Silversea Cruises‘ expedition ship, on its inaugural cruise to Antarctica. All the benefits of the new Antarctica Bridge formula and the uniqueness of ultra-luxury services.

For every cruise passenger, but also for every traveler in general, Antarctica represents the dream destination, the most beautiful but at the same time the most difficult itinerary to reach. The distances, the time involved, the dreaded Drake Strait are just some of the usually most obvious inconveniences.

Silversea Cruises, with the purchase of the new Silver Endeavour, has given a significant boost to its expedition fleet, which has also recently been expanded through the refurbishment and reclassification of some of its vessels. By proposing the winning formula of the Antarctica Bridge, it is now possible to reach embarkation directly in Antarctica with several benefits of no small consequence. More time to discover cities such as Santiago and Punta Arenas, where overnight stays are included, flying charter without having to worry about anything from reservations to luggage. And finally, reaching King George Island, in the heart of Antarctica, with a two-hour flight instead of two days of navigation in a channel with a reputation for being one of the most agitated in the world.

In addition to the excitement of Antarctica, being on board the Inaugural Antarctica Cruise of a ship like the Silver Endeavour is certainly an added value, given the opportunity to be the first to discover the amenities and beauty of Silversea’s new Expedition. Upon reaching the ship, one immediately appreciates the class of the company, with a champagne welcome in the suite and the first delicacies in the restaurant.

A cruise to Antarctica does not involve a written itinerary or a precise shipboard schedule. It is the allure of the expedition, of being among these enchanting, out-of-this-world lands, and of approaching only where the vagaries of nature make it possible. But to be aboard Silver Endeavour, and to observe from one’s balcony icebergs and snow-covered rocks is in itself a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

By means of evening briefings and real-time communications, one is able to keep abreast of landings ashore and excursion arrangements, soon immersing oneself in the context of adventure and familiarity that characterizes the shipboard environment. The excitement of the first Zodiac disembarkation, surrounded by floating ice and sleet, kicks off the adventure, bringing us for the first time into the presence of penguins and Antarctic birds, stepping on fresh snow and relying on staff explanations.

Excursions take place in the morning and afternoon. Temperatures are not so cold, but certainly lunches on board, pampered in the restaurant or immersed in the spectacular The Grill, are a welcome time of rest and complete relaxation. The so-called “landings,” i.e., shore walks, are also offered equally interesting “zodiac cruises,” thanks to which one encircles icebergs, overlooks small coves, and follows whales, penguins and sea lions in their skillful swimming among the icy waters.

Silversea Cruises‘ new ship offers spacious Suites equipped with every comfort and all with a personal butler, an absolutely complete all-inclusive formula on board, which also becomes all-inclusive of hotel, flights and transfers in the case of the Antarctica Bridge. The exclusive service on board respects the reputation and standards of the company, which brings even to this faraway place all the luxury of its fleet. The organization associated with boarding in Antarctica is simply perfect and allows one to fully relax before and after the cruise, without any worries and with the feeling of always being in safe hands and surrounded by attentive and capable staff.

In Antarctica, it is difficult to make a list of the ports of call visited. There are many, with the most fascinating names, largely tracing the history of these places forgotten by the world, bearing the names of their discoverers, their ships, patrons who over time invested in the discovery of the most mysterious continent. Danko Island, Cuverville Island, Orne Harbour, Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island, Port Charcot, Detaille Island, Marguerite Bay, Porquoi Pas Island, Jenny Island, Neko Harbour…

But if one can easily forget the names, one will hardly forget the details, the charm, the tiny inhabitants of them, whether they were penguins, birds or a few other animals. Some moments really remained in our hearts: sailing through the ice in Wilhelmina Bay, the impact with sea lions on Jenny Island, the feeling of transience and suspension in time on Deception Island, with the remains of the whaling station, boats and hangars.

But the experience of Antarctica, lived with extreme excitement and concentration during the cruise, matures even later, when we think back to that white world, far from everything and everyone. But at the center of which, the Silver Endeavour, represents the most wonderful time of rest, complete relaxation, excellent cuisine and exclusive services, which make the trip truly a unique experience.

Also don’t miss the News, Reportage, Photo Album, full Video Tour and all the Silver Endeavour Reviews on Cruising Journal, with tips, opinions and cruises on offer.

Gabriele Bassi

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