Why do it the hard way, when you can have silver service on Antarctica’s ice onboard the Silver Endeavour?
The best way to cross the Drake Passage is to Drake-fake it. Instead of enduring two heroic days on rough seas, you can fly in style in two hours. Nobody needs to know. But when it is aboard a privately chartered business-class plane painted with a penguin face, flying to reach one of the world’s most luxurious ships in amazing Antarctica, perhaps everyone needs to know.
Silversea’s all-inclusive Antarctic Bridge adventure starts in Chile, relaxing overnight at a five-star hotel. Transferring to a tiny terminal at the airport, guests are welcomed by butlers for this exclusive flight. No other travellers or queues for security and no economy-class seats – this is how to travel smoothly to the White Continent.
Champagne and lunch are served, without a side dish of seasickness, before landing at King George Island. From there, a fleet of Zodiacs brings passengers to the 220-guest Silver Endeavour. Stepping aboard, I sense I will enjoy this glamorous ship as much as the destination.
The polar-class expedition vessel is truly exceptional, with spacious suites, a hot tub on the bow, a cigar and cognac lounge, three more bars, five restaurants, a huge lecture theatre, a spa, a gym and a library. The most impressive space is The Grill, a double-decker bistro surrounding an indoor pool. Fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass, this elegant venue offers panoramic views by day, and dining under the stars by night. Breakfast and lunch are also served, so you can gaze at glaciers and icebergs in cosy comfort.
The itinerary on Silver Endeavour
A clear blue sky and sunshine accompany most of our voyage. As we set sail, I head out to the hot tub – my preferred kind of ‘polar plunge’. The steamy water contrasts with the frozen scene of snow-capped mountains on the shore. Metres away, three humpback whales come to the surface, gently puffing and flipping their tails. After watching them frolic for half an hour, I move to the sauna with ocean views, where I spot a pod of penguins. The action is immediate and honestly breathtaking.
Arriving at Robert Island, off the Antarctic Peninsula, we get dressed in our gear (a lengthy procedure that improves with practice) and board the Zodiacs for a scenic ride. Hundreds of gentoo penguins are waddling around, unfazed by our presence, as we gleefully greet them on the snow.
A few knee-high penguins approach to peer at these strange creatures with matching red coats. It feels surreal to see them up close, surrounded by such staggering beauty and peaceful silence, as if I am on another planet. In the distance, elephant seals are belching on the beach, while skuas and snow petrels soar overhead. It’s unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The expedition crew have flagged trails to roam independently or you can join a guided hike. We barely notice that we’ve spent several hours exploring this unforgettable scene, before we return to the ship for a hot shower.
Throughout the week-long trip, we visit several sites every morning and afternoon. Neko Harbour is where we first step upon the Antarctic continent, as opposed to the islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. The buzz from this momentous occasion is electric. We kayak around Cuverville Island and Petermann Island, intrigued by the playful wildlife and icy palaces sculpted by wind and water.
At each spectacular spot, we encounter thousands of penguins – from chinstraps and rockhoppers to the adorable Adélie species – and more humpbacks, orcas and minke whales, leopard seals, albatross and countless other seabirds.
In the narrow Lemaire Channel, Silver Endeavour shows off the advantage of its PC6 rating, which means it can push through ‘first-year ice’, up to one metre thick. Reaching the end of the waterway, the captain gracefully spins the ship around to navigate to our next location.
The small size of the ship makes it easily manoeuvrable. “You can turn on a dime,” says Captain Niklas Peterstam. “It’s by far the most technically advanced vessel I’ve ever been in charge of.”
Among the technology is dynamic positioning, a computer-controlled system that holds the ship’s position using its propellers and thrusters, eliminating the need to drop anchor in this precious and fragile region. On top of the ship is a remote-controlled gimbal camera, used to capture ultra-high-definition images from up to five kilometres, which are projected live onto the big screens in the Explorer Lounge. The internet is high speed, reliable and free, thanks to Starlink satellite, which supports video calls and streaming.
When sailing, the gangways are extended to become viewing platforms. These clever wings on either side of the ship are ideal for observing the scenery and wildlife from a lower vantage point. The Observation Lounge offers another excellent viewing area from a higher deck indoors.
Silver Endeavour’s dining options include a main restaurant, the more intimate Il Terrazzino serving Italian food, La Dame for fine French cuisine, and the Arts Café for snacks. Complimentary drinks can be enjoyed across the ship or in the privacy of your cabin.
Each suite has a balcony, king bed, minibar, marble bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and a drying closet for damp clothing. The ship also has two mudrooms, which are outfitted with designated lockers and boot heaters for getting ready for each shore excursion.
Silversea employs a skilled team of expedition leaders, marine biologists, anthropologists, ornithologists, historians and a photographer/videographer, who deliver daily briefings and recaps, educational presentations and documentaries. The service is impeccable, with a 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio, including butlers for more personalised attention.
Our last evening is spent in the bar with newfound friends, mostly well-travelled Americans, Canadians, Brits and Australians. Ordering caviar and cocktails, we exchange contact details and send photos to each other’s phones. As a final farewell celebration, we gather in the lounge for a video compilation of our voyage to relive and reinforce the memories that we will never forget.
Upcoming adventures
Silversea also offers the option to sail both ways if you would like to experience the legendary Drake Passage.
In January and February 2025, Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are scheduled to offer 37 Antarctic cruises. Itineraries range from six to 40 days. Longer voyages venture to South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands, with the longest cruise extending to Cape Town. In 2026, the three ships will depart regularly between January and March on itineraries ranging from six to 22 days.
Silversea’s Antarctic Bridge program includes charter flights from Punta Arenas to the ship. Door-to-door fares include flights to and from Australia, private airport transfers from your home and back again, and pre/post-cruise hotel accommodation in Chile. For those who prefer to make their own travel arrangements, cheaper port-to-port fares are available on select itineraries.
All fares include dining, drinks, minibar, 24-hour room service, butler service, excursions, kayaking, internet, gratuities, waterproof pants and parka (for guests to take home) and waterproof boots to use throughout the cruise.
Expert Tips
Favourite meal onboard: An off-menu curry, prepared on request by the chefs in The Grill.
Insider tip: Book early for La Dame, as seats are limited to 20 diners. This is the only restaurant that charges a fee (US$60 or US$160 including wine pairing).
What to expect: The onboard ambience is relaxed and friendly, attracting solo travellers, couples and small groups. All ages are welcome; most passengers are 50+. Silver Endeavour does not have facilities for children or babies; the minimum age to ride on a Zodiac is five years old. Children are rarely seen on Antarctic cruises but it’s a possibility.
Packing: It’s not as cold as you think; summer is often sunny with temperatures over six degrees. Bring the obvious essentials such as wool socks, beanies, gloves, jumpers, long-sleeved shirts, scarf or neck wrap, and a base layer of long thermals. There is no need to pack a bulky coat or boots (both are provided) but do take flat shoes or sneakers to wear around the ship. The White Continent is very reflective, so don’t forget polarised sunglasses and sunscreen for your face.
Policies: Anyone travelling to Antarctica must follow strict biosecurity and animal welfare guidelines. These measures include a full inspection of all clothing and gear, as well as a decontamination process after every landing to ensure boots, bags, walking poles and other equipment are spotlessly clean. Keep at least five metres away from wildlife. As tempting as it is, you can’t pat a penguin or hug a seal.
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