Reaching Antarctica Has Never Been Easier—Thanks to This Epic Cruise

Condé Nast Traveler

21-05-2025

With its wind-swept glaciers, craggy snow-covered peaks, and curious penguins punctuating the pristine polar scape, Antarctica is as untouched as it is unforgettable. And it's a destination that, for many people, tops travel dreams. But reaching the most remote region on earth has historically been an adventurous journey through the Drake Passage, a scenic, albeit rough-watered route vessels have long had to cross when sailing from the southernmost tip of South America to Antarctica.
But the long haul has become a simple jaunt thanks to Silversea Antarctica Fly Cruise, which whisks passengers to the edge of the world faster, smoother, and more luxuriously, by way of their combined and all-inclusive Antarctica Fly Cruise. Silversea charts a shortened course, bypassing the Drake Passage altogether and flying passengers to Antarctica directly by charter plane from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile. And starting in 2026, passengers will have the added option of flying from Santiago to Puerto Williams, Chile before making their way to Antarctica. This truncated trip is a quick under-two-hour hop, compared to the two-day trek it would typically take to cross the Passage by water. For travelers eager to make the most of their time and stay, it's the perfect option. And of course, for those who want the full experience, there are longer options that sail through the Drake Passage.
Easing Into the Adventure
While Antarctica's crystal frontier, rich wildlife, and remote wilderness regions are a lure for the intrepid traveler, Silversea Antarctica Fly Cruise makes the experience comfortable and altogether lavish, starting with a stay at The Cormorant at 55 SouthSM.
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Located in Puerto Williams, Chile, exclusively for Silversea guests, the 150-room property, set to open in 2026, will be the southernmost hotel on earth. Named for both its location (it sits 55 degrees south of the equator) and the cormorant bird, which symbolizes a seafarer in ancient South American culture, The CormorantSM complements the experience at sea by steeping guests in its idyllic location and lodging them in the lap of luxury. Set on a bluff overlooking the Beagle Channel, the hotel brings the outside in thanks to its earthy décor, expansive windows, and open-plan design.
Luxury by Land and Sea
Whether you're embarking on a 6-, 9-, or 15-day journey, every Silversea ship delivers refined luxury at sea in an intimate vessel equipped to reach the unreachable. The experience begins from the moment you step outside your door to find the Silversea chauffeur service waiting to shepherd you and your luggage to the airport in style. It continues as you walk onto the ship's gangway and into the heated mudrooms, where your expedition outerwear is carefully removed, expertly cleaned, and sanitized before it's delivered to your suite by a butler who'll cater to your every whim during the length of your stay.
With a higher space-to-guest ratio on board each vessel, private and public spaces feel generously roomy. All-suite accommodations offer sweeping ocean views and private verandas. And here, all-inclusive means 24-hour access to gourmet cuisine from multiple fine dining options or butler-served courses enjoyed in-suite. There are premium spirits available for toasting at every turn, a world-class spa in which to unwind, and sophisticated nightly entertainment.
An Immersive Expedition
Antarctica may be the most faraway realm on the planet, but Silversea Antarctica Fly Cruise brings it closer to home. The journey begins to unfold as soon as you're welcomed aboard the ship. A team of naturalists, biologists, and geologists helps the destination come to life through lectures and workshops, offering rich insight and context to the quest ahead. But what truly makes this a voyage of discovery is the expert-guided journey through the wonder of this destination unknown. Choose your own adventure by zodiac boat, kayak, or on foot, to cross frozen terrain far off the grid and brave uncharted waters for deeper discovery and up-close encounters with wildlife.
Agile Zodiacs make it possible to navigate through narrow inlets, glide over sheets of ice, and float by towering icebergs in Pleneau Bay and historical whaling relics in Whalers Bay. If you're lucky, you might see a whale or two breach the surface along the way. Kayaking puts you even closer to nature and its nautical inhabitants. As you paddle through fjords, a leopard seal may swim alongside for the ride. Walk ashore in the footsteps of explorers who came before on a guided hike through majestic geological formations and icy expanses where colonies of gentoo penguins play and wandering albatross roam the earth.
Whether you're plunging into polar waters or trekking across glacial plains, every moment is an opportunity to take exploration to the extreme.
Set sail for the extraordinary by visiting silversea.com.