Silversea Launches New Ship at Puerto Williams

Silversea has launched its eleventh ship, making it the first cruise line to regularly dock at Puerto Williams, Chile, for operations in Antarctica.

At the town’s Cape Horn Sub-Antarctic Center, a brand-new research facility for environmental philosophy and science, Silversea held a blessing ceremony for its brand-new ship Silver Endeavour. Chief commercial officer Barbara Muckermann thanked local authorities for their assistance in opening up the port to the cruise line.

“This is now the pillar of our Antarctic experience and there is nowhere better to start this journey for Silver Endeavour,” she said. “It has only been made possible by the vision of those here and as we are honoured to be here. This builds on our philosophy of working closely with the places and communities we visit to support their needs.”

Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel and a part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, is the southernmost city in the world and is popular as a launching point for journeys around Cape Horn.

The town’s runway was previously solely used by Chile’s navy, but Silversea’s new contract has guaranteed it access to such facilities, and a more permanent jetty is being built. Other cruise companies base themselves in the nearby Argentine city of Ushuaia when visiting Antarctica.

Silver Endeavour’s godmother, Antarctic explorer, novelist, and climate scientist Felicity Aston, was also present for the blessing in Puerto Williams. Silver Endeavour is one of the most technologically sophisticated and opulent expedition ships in the world to date.

“As the world faces ever more problems, exploration has never been as important as it is today and Silver Endeavour allows more people to become explorers themselves and return with new perspectives,” Aston said.

By supporting a physical education integration programme for children with disabilities at the Puerto Williams School, Silversea furthered its commitment to the Puerto Williams neighbourhood.

“An important gateway to Antarctica, Puerto Williams is a key destination for Silversea, and it is always our goal to positively impact the local communities we visit,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s senior vice president of expeditions, destination and itinerary management. “Building this facility is just the first step in our commitment to supporting the social needs of Puerto Williams.

“As the only cruise line to be operating out of Puerto Williams, providing a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica for our guests, we are working hand-in-hand with local leaders and grassroots operators to not only showcase Puerto Williams in the most authentic way possible to our guests, but also to care for the needs of the community.

In addition, Silversea gave four Zodiacs to the Cedena Nautical School in Puerto Williams, a non-profit organisation that trains and instructs kids and teenagers in nautical sports and serves as a launching pad for many residents interested in pursuing careers in the adventure business.

Silversea flew 100 travel agents and other partners from Santiago on a special flight to Puerto Williams to participate in the blessing ceremony and commemorate the ship’s opening. The voyage also served to showcase the line’s unique Antarctica Bridge service.

Only Silversea’s ultra-luxury cruise line provides flights to and from Antarctica, avoiding the infamous “Drake Shake,” a crossing of the notoriously choppy Drake Passage that can take up to two days.

Typically, Antarctic Airways’ privately chartered BAE146 will be used for Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge service’s flights between King George Island (Antarctica) and Punta Arenas (Chile). The aeroplane has been modified to carry 75 passengers instead of the regular 90, operating in “European business class,” with one side’s centre seat empty.

In order to provide customers with access to movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other valuable content throughout the flights to and from King George Island, where their cruise would begin, Silversea created an in-flight app.

Silversea’s other expedition ships sail to/from Puerto Williams via Drake Passage; the Antarctica Bridge service will only be offered with cruises on Silver Endeavour, whose maiden season will have voyages ranging from five to twenty days.