Ultra-luxury cruise innovator Silversea Cruises has opened sales on the world’s first ultra-luxury fly-cruise service to Antarctica. Antarctica Bridge will provide discerning travellers with the fastest, most direct route to the White Continent, as they will fly over the Drake Passage in business-class comfort in approximately two hours each way. Departing from December 2021, the collection of 12 fly-cruise voyages aboard Silver Explorer will further enhance Silversea’s industry-leading, all-inclusive Polar offering. Fares for Antarctica Cruises start from USD 17,500 per person, based on two sharing, while fares for Silver Explorer’s Owner’s Suite will reach USD 48,800 per person, based on two sharing.
Enjoying direct flights from Chile’s Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica, travellers will fly 670 nm (1,240 km) over the Drake Passage on a private plane – reserved exclusively for Silversea’s guests – that has been specially adapted to land on King George Island. Hosted by Silversea representatives and offering travellers the luxury of a business-class configuration, the flight will take just two hours each way, meaning guests will avoid approximately four days at sea on the return journey. A bespoke in-flight entertainment programme, which will include Zodiac and IAATO briefings, will be tailored entirely for Antarctic expeditions to prepare guests for the unique adventure ahead. Travellers will then spend five full days – the same amount of time as on Silversea’s conventional Antarctica Cruises – travelling deep into the destination, accompanied by Silversea’s team of expedition experts.
“With the opening of sales for Antarctica Bridge, we have launched the largest Antarctica offering in Silversea’s history,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Tour Operating, Expedition & Destination Management. “Not only with regards to the number of voyages on offer, but also in terms of the diversity of the itineraries: from solar eclipse voyages to an extended voyage in the Ross Sea, the experiences on offer are remarkable. I look forward to December 2021 when Antarctica Bridge will unlock new experiences for our guests.”
Unlocking Antarctica in just nine nights for time-conscious travellers, Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge itineraries are scheduled to comprise the following:
• 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, as part of Silversea’s ongoing air promo.
• Day 2: Pre-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas.
Ahead of flying to Antarctica, the cruise line’s guests will spend a night at the elegant Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. Here, they will receive their expedition kit, including rubber boots, parka, walking poles for the duration of the expedition, waterproof trousers, expedition backpacks and a water bottle. A dedicated Expedition Team will be on the ground prepare guests for the journey ahead.
• Day 3: Flight to King George Island (Antarctica).
A first in the ultra-luxury cruise segment, travellers will fly to Antarctica in the equivalent of business-class comfort, saving two days at sea each way. Silversea’s guests will 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.
With five full days in Antarctica, guests will enjoy an unprecedented level of flexibility aboard Silver Explorer, and an enhanced scope to discover each destination. From King George Island, travellers will explore the same destinations as on Silversea’s conventional Antarctica offering: Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula over three days, and the South Shetland Islands, before returning to King George Island once more. Silversea’s Expedition Team will guide Zodiac tours, shore experiences, kayaking tours, and provide lectures on the region’s fascinating geology, wildlife and history to enrich the journey for guests. In addition to witnessing remarkable icebergs, guests will visit large penguin rookeries, and may see several species of seals, whales and birds.
• Day 9: Flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas.
Return in style and comfort on the 75-seat aircraft to Punta Arenas, accompanied by Silversea representatives.
• Day 9: Post-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas.
Spend a relaxed post-cruise hotel night at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos and explore Punta Arenas once more.
• Day 10: Outbound international flight.
Fly home.
