The 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams will provide travelers with a uniquely seamless journey of unparalleled comfort to explore the ‘White Continent’

  Silversea, the leaders of luxury expedition travel experiences, today announced it is developing a hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – the southernmost city on Earth – to create an unrivaled experience for guests to explore the rugged landscape of Antarctica.   The hotel will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to the ‘White Continent,’ allowing guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalized service and warm hospitality throughout their voyage. Guests embarking on the cruise line’s innovative Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program – the fastest and most direct route to Antarctica – will fly directly to Puerto Williams from Santiago, Chile’s capital city, for a superior experience.   The new 150-room hotel will be built in partnership with a consortium of Chilean investors with completion scheduled for the end of 2025. The start of construction was celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony where the partners were joined by Chilean government representatives and key stakeholders.   Silversea is the only cruise line that homeports from Puerto Williams during the Antarctica season. Located in the sub-Antarctic zone of the Patagonia region of Chile at the southern tip of South America, Puerto Williams is an ideal gateway for travelers seeking to explore the world’s least visited continent. From there, Silversea guests can immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Antarctica, where they can discover uninhabited islands, snow-covered mountains, magnificent icescapes and a vast array of diverse wildlife.   “As we continue to push the boundaries on the ultimate vacation experience for our guests, this new hotel allows us to offer an unmatched Antarctic expedition that further enhances our diverse portfolio of world-class vacations across our brands,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Partnering with our experienced teams in Chile, we are providing guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking and remote destinations that advances our promise to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”   “We’re thrilled to enhance the Antarctic travel experience by offering seamless journeys that remove traditional barriers for guests to this region,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “This development not only differentiates us from other polar expeditions but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence as Silversea continues to set the standard in experiential luxury travel.”   Overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by pristine forest, the hotel will feature views of the water and snow-capped Patagonian mountains. Amenities will include an expansive restaurant ideal for group gatherings, a bar and lounge, fitness center and gift shop showcasing handicrafts and art by local artisans. Due to its innovative architectural design, the hotel will blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment drawing inspiration from local traditional art, architecture, and materials.   Silversea is committed to fostering long-term partnerships with the communities of Puerto Williams. The cruise line will work with stakeholders to create opportunities for economic growth while preserving the unique cultural heritage and minimizing environmental impact in the area.   Silversea has a history of leadership and innovation in luxury expedition experiences, having led explorations to the far-flung Polar regions for over 15 years. With the opening of this hotel, the brand will further expand the most diverse polar offering in experiential luxury travel and strengthen its leadership in the expedition segment. Among the world’s most luxurious expedition ships, Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud will offer a diverse range of six to 20-day Antarctic voyages appealing to every traveler seeking to discover the region in uncompromised luxury. For guests with limited time, the Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program provides the option to skip the Drake Passage and fly in comfort straight to Antarctica to start their expedition. Expeditions are led by a team of specialists who are experts in their field. With a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1, guests enjoy Silversea’s hallmarks of luxury, including butler service for every suite and some of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising.

Cruise line Silversea has officially named Silver Ray, a second ship in the line’s Nova Class. It comes as the cruise line celebrates its 30th year of operation. Jason Liberty, CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, and Bert Hernandez, in his first naming ceremony as Silversea's president, addressed guests in Lisbon. Dr. Josefina Olascoaga, ocean scientist and the ship's godmother, officially named the ship alongside Captain Alessandro Zanello, taking the helm of Silver Ray. "Welcoming Silver Ray represents the latest commitment to continue building the Silversea brand," Liberty said. Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga is Professor of Ocean Science at University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. Silver Ray embarked on its maiden voyage at the weekend and spends an inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic in December. 

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The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) is advancing its travel agent engagement activities. ECN has released a new comprehensive ECN Antarctica Selling Guide for agents new to expedition cruising. The guide features selling tips, destination highlights of Antarctica, season information and more. The Expedition Cruise Network has also opened registration for the first two intensive travel agent training events for Antarctica cruises called ECN Bootcamps. The first, hosted by ECN member Silversea in their London city offices on 17 July 2024, delivers intense Antarctica cruise training for 12 travel agents. The second bootcamp is hosted by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours in their Manchester office the next day. Akvile Marozaite, CEO and co-founder of ECN said: “Our new bespoke face-to-face training days will provide delegates with a deep understanding of the destination, and insights to help travel advisors sell Antarctica responsibly.” “The bootcamps are the first of its kind and are intended to be intense training events where travel trade professionals can come together to learn about expedition cruises.” The first two ECN Antarctica bootcamps will include training on expedition cruising in general, Antarctica as a destination specifically and hear from five handpicked expedition cruise operators about their Antarctic programmes.   

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35 countries, five continents, and 20 new calls aboard one of the smallest world-cruising ships, Silversea’s 149-day global voyage  for 2027 will visit more destinations than any sailing in the brand’s history

  Silversea, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, has unveiled its richest voyage ever for its World Cruise 2027, The Three Oceans. Silver Dawn, one of the smallest world-cruising ships, will depart Los Angeles on January 8 and arrive in Copenhagen on June 7, 2027, calling in 80 destinations – more than any voyage in the brand’s history – in 35 countries on five continents, including 20 new calls for a Silversea World Cruise and 11 overnights.   Designed by Silversea’s leading destination experts, the 149-day voyage will unlock the unique cultures, histories, and ideas of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, connecting over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offering longer in port than any other World Cruise. A series of bespoke events, offering exclusive access to tailor-made experiences in true Silversea style, will enhance the voyage for guests.   “Calling in more destinations than any voyage in Silversea’s history, we proudly unveil The Three Oceans World Cruise 2027, which broadens our industry-leading offering of extended voyages,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “Traveling aboard Silver Dawn, one of the smallest ships to embark on a World Cruise, our guests will venture off the beaten path to 80 destinations on five continents over 149 days, with the longest stays in port of any World Cruise. They will explore more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discover 20 destinations that have never been visited on a Silversea World Cruise, and attend four exclusive World Cruise events – bespoke experiences, curated by our team of experts. Garnered over 30 years of operations, our destination expertise will enable our guests to discover the very best experiences in ultra-luxury cruise travel.”   THE THREE OCEANS: OFF THE BEATEN PATH TO 80 DESTINATIONS   Calling in more destinations than ever as the most enriching voyage in the brand’s history, The Three Oceans World Cruise 2027 is set to offer guests unprecedented destination diversity. The Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans represent not only the geographical route for the sailing but also three varying chapters in this singular World Cruise story. Each ocean will unveil unique places, cultures, and stories that will come alive on board and off, as guests celebrate crossing from one to another, with regional events, entertainment, gifts, lectures, and more.  

• AN OCEAN OF TIME: THE PACIFIC OCEAN

  Slowing down to appreciate the art of traveling, as well as the unmatched beauty of Hawaii and French Polynesia, guests will journey through the Pacific Ocean, from Los Angeles to Brisbane, over 46 days. Time spent on many of the planet’s most idyllic beaches, with unequalled wildlife opportunities, will complement a deep dive into regional culture – highlighted by traditional Fijian architecture, rich Polynesian heritage and history, and Melanesian cuisine. Standout destinations include Hilo, Kahului, and Honolulu in Hawaii; Nuku Hiva; Rangiroa; Moorea; Bora Bora; Apia; Lautoka; Champagne Beach; Lifou; Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays; Darwin; and Brisbane. As well as having the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, guests will enjoy a bespoke World Cruise event on this beautiful archipelago, honoring ancient Polynesian seafarers at a sunset ho'olaule'a in Honolulu, with traditional fare, tropical libations, and a night of stargazing.  

• AN OCEAN OF LIFE: THE INDIAN OCEAN 

  Between Brisbane and Cape Town, travelers will reconnect with Mother Nature, connecting with ancient cultures and witnessing iconic wildlife. An immersion into the Indian Ocean will center upon a seven-day deep dive of South Africa, inspired by Silversea’s extensive scouting in the region, with safari experiences to spot the Big Five in some of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes. Highlights of this chapter include Bali, Semarang, Singapore, Colombo, the Maldives, Seychelles, Reunion, South Africa, and more. UNESCO-listed highlights of this segment include a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and a chance to explore the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin, Seychelles. An included two-night overland experience from Durban to Port Elizabeth will enable world-cruising guests to journey deeper ashore into the heart of southern Africa, immersing them into one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. Guests will arrive by air to witness the majesty of these iconic falls from every angle, including a private sunset river cruise. Accommodated in unique comfort in a luxury outpost alongside the Zambezi River, they will discover this mighty natural phenomenon as Dr. Livingstone found it in 1855.  

• AN OCEAN OF DISCOVERY: THE ATLANTIC OCEAN 

  The Three Oceans World Cruise 2027 will enable travelers to follow the footprints of humanity’s evolution between Cape Town and Copenhagen, exploring the region’s dramatic landscapes and ancient secrets. From the fjords of Norway to the remote northern islands of the United Kingdom, the storied maritime history of Northern Ireland, and the famed cities of Northern Europe, the advancement of civilization is open to interpretation in each of the Atlantic Ocean’s varied attractions. Departing Cape Town before venturing along the west coast of Africa, Silver Dawn will unlock Namibia, Angola, Ghana, and Gambia, before arriving in Dakar. Praia, Arrecife, Agadir, Casablanca, and more, precede guests’ arrival in Lisbon. And various destinations throughout the Western Mediterranean and the United Kingdom lead to North Europe. Curated by Silversea’s destination experts, the brand’s guests will enjoy a bespoke night of musical performance at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, with an evening of harmonies from across the Emerald Isle, fine local gastronomy, and various cultural celebrations in a magnificent setting.   Each stay in port has been selected to optimize the experience in each destination. As well as 11 overnights in such iconic destinations as Honolulu, Cairns, Colombo, Cape Town, Bordeaux, and more, Silver Dawn will spend longer in port than any other World Cruise, enabling greater access to more enriching experiences – the ancient city of Kandy, the Yala National Park, and game drives from Port Elizabeth, for example.   SILVER DAWN: ONE OF THE SMALLEST WORLD-CRUISING SHIPS   Traveling aboard the ultra-luxury Silver Dawn, one of the smallest world-cruising ships, guests will benefit from the small-ship intimacy and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, at 68 GRT-per-guest, which are hallmarks of the Silversea experience. All guests will enjoy the personalized service of a butler and an industry-high crew-to-guest ratio. A complimentary treatment and a host of wellness experiences offered through the Roman-inspired Otium wellness program will indulge guests as they discover the world.   S.A.L.T.: CULTURAL IMMERSION THROUGH THE CULINARY LENS   The latest Muse-class ship offers travelers immersive culinary experiences, both on board and ashore, through Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program. In the S.A.L.T. Lab, an onboard test kitchen, an array of culinary programs curated by regional food experts will enable travelers to get hands-on with local ingredients. In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the menu changes constantly, inspired by regional dishes and flavors. The S.A.L.T. Bar will serve custom-designed cocktails related to visited destinations. Bespoke S.A.L.T. experiences ashore will also enrich guests’ travels. Among a varied offering of S.A.L.T. enrichments, guests will connect with local culinary cultures on the following experiences ashore, among many others:  

• Discover the Beauty of Sri Lankan Cuisine with a Master Chef
• Private Truffle Hunt and Gourmet Lunch in an Historic Bordeaux Château
• Fishing for the Finest Seafood in the Swedish Archipelago

Silversea's Silver Shadow departed San Francisco this past week on its Far East-West World Cruise 2024 Guest will sail from east to west on a 132-day round-trip itinerary. It covers most of the Pacific Rim, from Hawaii and remote Pacific isles, to Australia and New Zealand, through Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and back across the Pacific to Alaska, Canada, and California. In total, guests will visit 65 destinations across 14 countries, including 33 destinations that are entirely new for a Silversea World Cruise. There are 20 overnight stays for more extensive cultural exploration. The world cruise is scheduled to conclude in San Francisco on May 26, 2024. During the voyage guests will enjoy an evening on the USS Missouri in Honolulu, a night at the iconic Uluru in Australia’s outback, and visits to the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur in Java. 

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  Silver Whisper®, the most luxurious ship to sail in the region, is set to undertake 17 voyages   in the Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands between April and September 2026   Watch a video on Silversea’s new French Polynesia 2026 voyage collection.   Responding to strong guest demand, Silversea™ has announced its first-ever full summer season in French Polynesia, opening an exclusive pre-sale on 17 voyages between April and September 2026 aboard Silver Whisper® — the most luxurious ship to sail in the region. Curated by Silversea’s destination experts following an extensive scouting mission in the region, the leading ultra-luxury travel brand will operate two itineraries in rotation, offering deep immersion into 11 of some of the world’s most remote destinations in three of the region’s five archipelagos — the Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands.   “Silversea’s rapid increase in capacity has opened opportunities for even deeper immersion into the world’s most enriching regions, such as French Polynesia,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s SVP Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management. “There is no better way to experience these idyllic islands and atolls than by ship, and there is no better ship to connect travelers meaningfully with each destination that Silver Whisper, which is set to become the most luxurious ship to sail in the region. In addition to being the most spacious ship deployed to French Polynesia, she will have the most personalized service, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3 and butler service for every suite. Our all-inclusive door-to-door offering, meanwhile, will enable our guests to focus on simply immersing themselves into the destinations and savoring the experience.”   Spread over a region similar in size to continental Europe, French Polynesia comprises 118 islands and atolls, combining world-renowned natural beauty with iconic wildlife experiences and unique cultural encounters. Appealing to curious travelers who are eager to journey beyond the region’s idyllic landscapes, Silver Whisper’s new voyage collection will unlock many of the most enriching experiences available in the South Pacific, enabling travelers to embrace the culture of mana and form authentic connections with local communities. Traveling slowly to immerse guests deep into each destination, Silversea’s 392-guest ship will spend multiple nights in destinations across her seven- and 14-day sailings, offering travelers more time to explorer ashore than the region’s existing cruise offering.   TWO IMMERSIVE ITINERARIES, 17 SAILINGS, COUNTLESS EXPERIENCES   From April 6, 2026, Silver Whisper will undertake 17 voyages in French Polynesia, homeporting out of Papeete, Tahiti. A mark of the brand’s destination leadership, Silversea’s destination experts spent months scouting the region to identify the very best islands and atolls in which to call, as well as the most engaging experiences for guests. Travelers can choose from seven- or 14-night itineraries – both of which foster meaningful connections with the destination:  

• SEVEN DAYS: THE SOCIETY ISLANDS

  The shorter of the two itineraries sees Silver Whisper journey among the Society Islands’ most iconic destinations, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. Formed by volcanoes and fringed by beautiful coral reefs, the islands of the Society Archipelago are characterized by towering mountains and white-sanded atolls, offering the quintessential French Polynesian experience. From Papeete, Tahiti, guests will journey to Moorea, Raiatea on an overnight call, Huahine, and Bora Bora overnight. Three late departures maximise guests’ time in Papeete, Moorea, and Huahine, enabling them to connect with the rich Polynesian culture, captivating local traditions, and the region’s 3,000-year history. Hosted by an expert guide aboard a traditional boat in Bora Bora, guests will learn about the important role of storytelling in local culture and how early navigators used the stars to sail through the Pacific Ocean. In Huahine, travelers can join a cultural nature walk to discover the archaeological sites of the village of Maeva, while admiring tropical plants and stunning treetop views of the coastline. In Moorea, Bora Bora, and Huahine, guests can snorkel in crystal-clear waters for the chance to witness hundreds of fish species and corals. Guests will also have the option of relaxing on a private island or motu, enjoying a traditional barbeque and local music.  

• 14 DAYS: THE SOCIETY, TUAMOTU, AND MARQUESAS ISLANDS

  Guests in search of a longer, more encompassing sailing need only look to Silver Whisper’s 14-day voyage, which combines the very best aspects of the great diversity of French Polynesia. The iconic, mountainous terrain of the Society Islands contrasts with the remote atolls and in-water opportunities of the Tuamotus, while the cultural offering and community encounters of the Marquesas Islands, one of the most far-flung archipelagos in the world, offers yet another element of enrichment. Departing from Papeete, Tahiti, guests will explore Moorea, Raiatea on an overnight call, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona, Tahuata, Rangiroa, and Bora Bora, before returning to Papeete. As well as discovering the iconic peaks of the Society Islands and snorkeling to admire the archipelago’s abundant marine life, guests on both itineraries can spot whales (August-November), accompanied by expert guides; learn about local culinary traditions in a test kitchen in Moorea; and discover Raiatea by electric bicycle, among other immersive experiences. As on the seven-day itinerary, guests will also have the chance to relax on a private island, as a highlight experience.   Additionally, a 21-day Easter Island sailing, departing Valparaiso on March 16, and two combination voyages broaden the regional offering for guests.   SILVER WHISPER: THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP TO SAIL IN FRENCH POLYNESIA   Silversea’s Silver Whisper is set to become the most luxurious ship to sail in the region. She will be the most spacious ship in French Polynesia, with a space ratio of 72 GRT-per-guest and will welcome travelers in the largest guest accommodations. She will offer the most personalized service too, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3 and butler service for every suite – the only ship in French Polynesia to provide this benefit to every guest. Four dining options and six bars and lounges enhance the luxury of choice for guests, while Silversea’s comprehensive all-inclusive offering and door-to-door service will provide a uniquely seamless experience for the entirety of the voyage, enabling guests to focus on immersing themselves into the trip of a lifetime.   View all voyages in Silversea’s new French Polynesia collection:   https://www.silversea.com/lp-leader-in-luxury-cruising-french-polynesia-and-pacific-1.html   Watch a video on Silversea’s new French Polynesia voyage collection: https://youtu.be/xYGRHL56bIU

 

Designed exclusively for our valued travel advisors, our easy-to-use training platform comprises various product, destination and ship modules that are continuously updated with the latest Silversea offerings.

 

Becoming a Silversea ultra-luxury expert has never been easier and will help you close more sales and expand your business.

 

• Earn digital badges with each course to display on your website
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• Over 20 courses are available and more coming soon
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