Silversea: First Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line To Fly Guests Directly To Antarctica

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Sales of the world’s first ultra-luxury fly-cruise service to Antarctica by  Silversea Cruises has opened. 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. 

Silversea's new Antarctica Bridge will offer guests a faster way to reach Antarctica 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 Bridge voyages 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. To prepare guests for the unique adventure ahead a bespoke in-flight entertainment programme, which will include Zodiac and IAATO briefings, will be tailored entirely for Antarctic expeditions. Travellers will then spend five full days – the same amount of time as on Silversea's conventional Antarctica voyages – travelling deep into the destination, accompanied by Silversea's team of expedition experts.

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Unlocking Antarctica in just nine nights for time-conscious travellers, Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge itineraries are scheduled to comprise the following:

• On Day 1: Inbound international flight, via Santiago.

On the inbound international flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, as part of Silversea’s ongoing air promo the travellers have the choice of either inclusive economy-class air or reduced business-class air.

• On 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 where they will get their expedition kit, including rubber boots, parka, walking poles for the duration of the expedition, waterproof trousers, expedition backpacks and a water bottle. To prepare guests for the journey ahead a dedicated Expedition Team will be on the ground.

• On Day 3: Flight to King George Island (Antarctica).

In the equivalent of business-class comfort travellers will fly to Antarctica, 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.

• On Days 3-9: Antarctica Expedition aboard Silver Explorer.

In Antarctica, Guests will enjoy an unprecedented level of flexibility aboard Silver Explorer, and an enhanced scope to discover each destination in five full days. 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. The guests can also witness remarkable icebergs, visit large penguin rookeries, and may see several species of seals, whales and birds.

• On Day 9: Flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas.

Accompanied by Silversea representatives, return in style and comfort on the 75-seat aircraft to Punta Arenas.

• On 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.

• On Day 10: Outbound international flight.

Fly home.

*Please note: schedule is subject to change, based on a variety of external factors.