Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Antarctic Expedition in Serene Majesty
Interested in this voyage?
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Puerto Williams to King George Island
This nine-night expedition aboard Silver Cloud Expedition runs from Puerto Williams on the Beagle Channel across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and King George Island. Zodiac excursions reveal sheltered bays, penguin rookeries and towering icebergs in a landscape of profound stillness. Onboard, expedition leaders, glaciologists and naturalists deliver daily lectures and briefings. Silversea looks after you with butler service in every suite, curated wines, complimentary Wi-Fi and gratuities included. Polar parkas are provided and every landing follows strict IAATO protocols. A journey to a place visited by only a few thousand travellers each year.
Route highlights
- Departure from Puerto Williams on the southernmost Beagle Channel
- Drake Passage with albatrosses and petrels alongside the ship
- Zodiac landings along the Antarctic Peninsula
- Penguin colonies and seals in ice-grey bays
- King George Island and the South Shetland archipelago
- Daily expedition team lectures on board
- Polar gear and Zodiac excursions already included
The Route
Puerto Williams
9 nights
King George Island
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MON · 21 Dec 2026Puerto Williams · EmbarkationDeparture 21:00
Puerto Williams on Navarino Island is considered the southernmost town in the world and sits on the Beagle Channel with views of the Cordillera Darwin. The small Chilean town is a starting point for tours to Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.
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TUE · 22 Dec 2026At sea
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WED · 23 Dec 2026At sea
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WED · 23 Dec 2026Antarctic SoundArrival 05:00
The Antarctic Sound opens the view onto the Antarctic Peninsula and is known for vast tabular icebergs drifting from here into the Atlantic. Whales, seals and penguin colonies are ever-present in this icy landscape.
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THU · 24 Dec 2026Antarctic PeninsulaArrival 08:00
The Antarctic Peninsula is the heart of every Antarctic voyage: glaciers calve directly into the sea, humpback whales swim between drifting ice floes, penguin colonies of tens of thousands populate the rocky shores. Zodiac excursions take you right up to ice walls and sleeping seals.
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FRI · 25 Dec 2026Antarctic Peninsula
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SAT · 26 Dec 2026Antarctic Peninsula
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SUN · 27 Dec 2026Antarctic Peninsula
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MON · 28 Dec 2026South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are an Antarctic archipelago with active volcanism, vast penguin colonies and international research stations. Deception Island with its volcanic crater harbour is one of the most impressive landings in Antarctica.
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TUE · 29 Dec 2026King George Island
King George Island is the largest of the South Shetland Islands and home to several international research stations. Colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins and leopard seals share the island with scientists from around the world.
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WED · 30 Dec 2026King George Island · DisembarkationDeparture 05:30
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Puerto Williams
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Sea °C | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 30 | 38 | 44 | 42 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 32 | 34 | 40 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Patagonia / Chilean fjords (Punta Arenas)
Disembarkation: King George Island
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 2 | 1 | 0 | -3 | -6 | -8 | -9 | -9 | -6 | -3 | -1 | 1 |
| Sea °C | 1 | 1 | 0 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Antarctic Peninsula
Silver Cloud Expedition
Silver Cloud Expedition was converted in 2017 from luxury liner to expedition ship: ice-reinforced hull, Zodiac fleet, 296 guests. What remained: Silversea service, the all-inclusive philosophy and a standard of comfort unmatched in the expedition class.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most prestigious suite on board, available with a second bedroom. A separate living and dining area, a generous marble bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the sea. Butler service included.
Grand Suite
The most spacious suite on Silver Cloud, available with two bedrooms. An elegant living and dining area, two bathrooms and a large veranda in the forward position. Ideal for the highest demands on space. Butler service included.
Royal Suite
A stately suite with a separate living and dining area, available with a second bedroom. A marble bathroom and a private veranda with sweeping forward views. Butler service included.
Medallion Suite
A generous midship suite with a sitting area, a marble bathroom and a veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Butler service included.
Silver Suite
A stylish suite with a separate living area, a marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, and a particularly large veranda. Butler service included.
Vista Suite
An elegant suite with a large picture window instead of a veranda, a cosy living area and a marble bathroom. Butler service included.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
A comfortable veranda suite in a particularly central location, with a seating area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda. Butler service included.
Veranda Suite
The classic Silversea suite: a welcoming living area, a marble bathroom and a private veranda with panoramic ocean views. Butler service included.
Deck plan · Silver Cloud Expedition
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Suite with butler service
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the ship
- Gourmet cuisine 24 hours a day
- Free-seating dining with À-la-carte menus
- 24-hour room service (complimentary)
- Premium beverages: champagne, fine wines, spirits, beers, water and soft drinks
- Personalised minibar, replenished daily
- Gratuities for all staff included
- All entertainment (shows, lectures, performances)
- Wellness facilities (fitness centre, sauna, steam bath in Otium Spa)
Not included
- Specialty restaurant La Dame (may have nominal charge)
- Flights and transfers (unless on All-Inclusive Plus fare)
- Additional paid activities and premium extras
Further options
Additionally included depending on voyage type (Classic / Expedition) and fare (Door-to-Door / All-Inclusive Plus):
- Shore excursions: at least one per port on Classic fares; all Zodiac cruises and guided landings on Expedition voyages
- Expedition extras: expert lectures, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport (Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship (Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares)
- Hotel night before and after the voyage (Door-to-Door and selected expeditions)
- Private chauffeur service from your door to the airport (Door-to-Door, within about 80 km)
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 9 nights from EUR 16.300 p.p. With Silversea, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Silver Cloud Expedition?
A maximum of 254 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Puerto Williams the best time to sail is November to March (southern summer); for disembarkation in King George Island it is November to March (Antarctic summer, the only season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
