South Georgia and Antarctica via Elephant Island · Dec 2026
Pristine wilderness and the treasures of South Georgia
What makes the voyage of the Silver Wind Expedition to the Antarctic special?
Fifteen nights round trip from Puerto Williams link the Antarctic Peninsula with the vast beaches of South Georgia. Silver Wind crosses the Drake Passage and works through Elephant Island into the Antarctic Sound, before turning south-east to the king penguin masses of South Georgia. South Georgia's islands rank among the greatest wildlife gatherings on Earth, complemented by the Shackleton heritage at Grytviken. Silver Wind Expedition is ice-strengthened to 1A Super, with butler service, premium wines, Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
Route highlights
- King penguin masses in South Georgia
- Shackleton's grave and the whaling station at Grytviken
- Drake Passage with albatrosses overhead
- Elephant Island and the Endurance saga
- Tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound
- Penguin landings in the South Shetlands
- Ice-strengthened 1A Super yacht
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Silver Wind Expedition to the Antarctic?
15 nights round trip from Puerto Williams, including South Georgia, Drake Passage, Elephant Island.
Puerto Williams
15 nights
Puerto Williams
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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TUE · 22 Dec 2026Puerto Williams · Embarkation
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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WED · 23 Dec 2026At sea
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THU · 24 Dec 2026At sea
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FRI · 25 Dec 2026South Georgia
South Georgia is regarded as the most spectacular wildlife destination in the world. More than 100,000 king penguins nest in a single meadow at Salisbury Plain; fur seals and elephant seals occupy the beaches; wandering albatrosses breed on the slopes. Ernest Shackleton's grave at Grytviken is a must-see pilgrimage.
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SAT · 26 Dec 2026South Georgia
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SUN · 27 Dec 2026South Georgia
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MON · 28 Dec 2026At sea
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TUE · 29 Dec 2026At sea
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WED · 30 Dec 2026Elephant Island
Elephant Island is the destination of Shackleton's legendary 1916 voyage: after the Endurance was crushed and sank in the ice, his crew reached this bleak rocky island in open lifeboats. Point Wild, where the men waited for 105 days, is one of the most moving sites in expedition history.
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THU · 31 Dec 2026Antarctic 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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FRI · 01 Jan 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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SAT · 02 Jan 2027South 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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SUN · 03 Jan 2027At sea
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MON · 04 Jan 2027Puerto Williams
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TUE · 05 Jan 2027Puerto Williams
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WED · 06 Jan 2027Puerto Williams · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| 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
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Silver Wind Expedition to the Antarctic?
Highlights of this route: Puerto Williams · Südgeorgien · Drake Passage
Puerto Williams
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.
Südgeorgien
South Georgia is regarded as the most spectacular wildlife destination in the world.
Drake Passage
The Drake Passage between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is regarded as the stormiest stretch of sea on Earth.
Elephant Island
Elephant Island is the destination of Shackleton's legendary 1916 voyage: after the Endurance was crushed and sank in the ice, his crew reached this bleak rocky island in open lifeboats.
Antarctic-Sund
The Antarctic Sound opens up the view towards the Antarctic Peninsula and is known for the massive tabular icebergs that drift from here into the Atlantic.
Südliche Shetlandinseln
The South Shetland Islands are an Antarctic archipelago with active volcanism, vast penguin colonies and international research stations.
What does the Silver Wind Expedition offer?
Silver Wind was converted to an expedition ship in 2022: reinforced hull, Zodiac fleet, 274 guests. Butler service among icebergs, champagne after the Zodiac excursion, gourmet dinner with glacier views.
In Antarctica, Silver Wind Expedition brings her all-inclusive luxury to the end of the world - penguin colonies in the morning, five-course dinner in the evening.
Impressions of the Silver Wind Expedition
What cabins does the Silver Wind Expedition offer?
Owner's Suite
A prestigious suite in a preferred midship location with a private veranda (up to 8 m²), a separate sleeping area and a generous dining and living area. Butler service included.
Grand Suite
The most spacious suite on board: a corner suite with breathtaking 270-degree views, a large veranda (up to 14 m²), a separate bedroom and a generous dining and living area. Butler service included.
Royal Suite
A stately corner suite with 270-degree views, a large veranda (up to 12 m²), a separate bedroom and a generous dining and living area. Butler service included.
Silver Suite
A stylish midship suite with separate sleeping and living areas, a private veranda (up to 8 m²) and a marble bathroom. Butler service included.
Medallion Suite
A generous suite in the forward section with a particularly large veranda (up to 12 m²), a sitting area and a marble bathroom. Butler service included.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
A comfortable veranda suite in a preferred midship location with a private teak veranda (up to 4.5 m²), a seating area, a marble bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Butler service included.
Classic Veranda Suite
A comfortable suite with a private teak veranda (up to 4.5 m²), a seating area, a marble bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Butler service included.
Vista Suite
An elegant suite with a large picture window instead of a veranda, a cosy living area, a marble bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Butler service included.
What does the deck plan of the Silver Wind Expedition look like?
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Silver Wind Expedition?
On board
- Luxurious suite with ocean view or veranda, every category with personal butler service
- Full board in all onboard restaurants (main restaurant, speciality restaurants, casual dining) at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service and an individually stocked minibar in the suite
- Premium beverages on board: selected wines, champagne, international spirits, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, speciality coffees, tea and water
- Gratuities for the entire crew are included in the fare
- Unlimited Wi-Fi on board for all guests
- Use of pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and classes (yoga, stretching)
- Evening programme: live music, shows, themed lectures and onboard events
Not included
- Personal expenses on board (boutique, hairdresser, photos)
- Spa and wellness treatments, massages and personal trainer
- Laundry and pressing service (partly included in higher suite categories)
- Premium restaurants with a reservation or cover charge (e.g. La Dame, Kaiseki/Seishin, Silver Note on repeat visits)
- Selected fine spirits, rare wines and vintage champagnes beyond the standard premium package
- Shore excursions or private tours, unless explicitly stated in your booking confirmation.
- Medical care on board, doctor consultations and medication
- Travel insurance (cancellation, international health cover)
- Visa fees, entry taxes and biometric registration in the destination
- Airport taxes and security fees when arriving under your own arrangements
- Travel to the home airport outside the Door-to-Door radius
- Flight upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class (bookable for a surcharge on the Door-to-Door fare)
- Personal telephone calls and satellite calls from the suite
What optional extras are available on the ship voyage aboard the Silver Wind Expedition to the Antarctic?
Additionally included depending on the fare booked:
- Shore excursions: on classic cruises at least one excursion per port depending on the fare; on expedition voyages all Zodiac outings and guided landings
- On expedition voyages additionally: lectures by the expedition team experts, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport on Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares (business upgrade for a surcharge)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship on the Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares
- On Door-to-Door and selected expedition voyages: a hotel night before and after the cruise
- On Door-to-Door (home airport within about 80 km): private chauffeur service from your door to the airport and back
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Silver Wind Expedition to the Antarctic?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
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. 15 nights from EUR 22.100 p.p. With Silversea, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Silver Wind Expedition?
A maximum of 274 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 for a cruise to the Antarctic?
The best time to sail this route is November to March (Antarctic summer, the only season).
Travelling to Earth's last untouched continent
Antarctica is the last continent on Earth without permanent human settlement - a unique ecosystem of ice, ocean and wildlife protected by international agreement.
The Antarctic Treaty (in force since 1961) dedicates the continent to peace and science and prohibits any military or commercial exploitation. The IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) translates these principles into practical visitor rules: defined landing sites, maximum group sizes, strict biosecurity, minimum wildlife distances, no souvenirs.
All shipping partners with whom we work in Antarctica are IAATO members and have committed to these rules. Their crews are trained accordingly, expedition teams document each landing, vessels meet ice class and emission requirements.
At the same time, every guest contributes: please follow the briefings, keep your distance from wildlife, leave nothing behind and take nothing - not even a small stone. Only then can we, as visitors, preserve what makes this region unique.
