Antarctica: Drake Passage and South Shetland Islands
Antarctic Expedition Voyage
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Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams
From Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan this ten-night expedition crosses the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Sound before disembarking at Puerto Williams on the Beagle Channel. The Silver Cloud Expedition, carrying 254 guests, is ice-strengthened, carries a full Zodiac fleet and is staffed by experienced naturalists. The route focuses on the northern Antarctic Peninsula with its gentoo penguin colonies, tabular icebergs and historic research stations. Butler service in every suite and the all-inclusive concept complement the premium standard.
Route highlights
- Punta Arenas: Chilean embarkation harbour on the Strait of Magellan, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.
- Drake Passage: the famous crossing between Cape Horn and Antarctica, with albatross and petrel observations from the bridge.
- South Shetland Islands: the offshore archipelago with penguin colonies, the Deception Island volcanic caldera and several active research stations.
- Antarctic Sound: the passage between Joinville Island and the peninsula, known for the giant tabular icebergs drifting out of the Weddell Sea.
- Zodiac and landing programme: daily operations subject to ice and weather, led by the expedition team on board.
- Puerto Williams: the disembarkation harbour on the Beagle Channel, the southernmost town in the world and gateway to the Magallanes region.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Punta Arenas
10 nights
Puerto Williams
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TUE · 02 Feb 2027Punta Arenas · EmbarkationDeparture 21:00
Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia was once the most important transit station between Atlantic and Pacific before the Panama Canal. The Palacio Sara Braun and the central Plaza Muñoz Gamero bear witness to the wealth of the 19th-century sheep-farming barons. Excursions lead to Torres del Paine National Park.
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WED · 03 Feb 2027At sea
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THU · 04 Feb 2027At sea
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FRI · 05 Feb 2027South Shetland IslandsArrival 13:30 Departure 19:00
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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SAT · 06 Feb 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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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SUN · 07 Feb 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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MON · 08 Feb 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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TUE · 09 Feb 2027South Shetland IslandsDeparture 11:30
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WED · 10 Feb 2027At sea
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THU · 11 Feb 2027Puerto Williams · DisembarkationArrival 07:00
Climate & best time to sail
| 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)
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. 10 nights from EUR 15.120 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?
The best time to sail this route is November to March (southern summer).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
