Drake Passage and Antarctica: Antarctic Sound and South Shetland Islands
An Antarctic voyage of discovery
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Puerto Williams → King George Island
This nine-night expedition aboard Silver Wind Expedition runs from Puerto Williams across the Drake Passage into the Antarctic Sound and to the South Shetland Islands, with disembarkation at King George Island. Penguin colonies, drifting tabular icebergs and silent glacier bays shape the daily routine. The expedition team delivers lectures and briefings, with Zodiacs opening up the most remote landing sites. Silversea offers premium all-inclusive with butler service in every suite, curated wines, Wi-Fi, gratuities included and polar gear provided. Every landing follows strict IAATO protocols.
Route highlights
- Embarkation in Puerto Williams on the Beagle Channel
- Drake Passage with albatrosses and petrels
- Antarctic Sound with tabular icebergs
- South Shetland Islands and penguin colonies
- Zodiac landings at glacier edges
- Lectures from the expedition team
- Polar gear and Zodiac excursions included
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
Puerto Williams
9 nights
King George Island
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MON · 01 Mar 2027Puerto 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 · 02 Mar 2027At sea
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WED · 03 Mar 2027At sea
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THU · 04 Mar 2027Antarctic Sound
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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FRI · 05 Mar 2027Antarktische Halbinsel
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost reach of the white continent and the classic goal of expedition voyages. Amid glaciers, drifting icebergs and black volcanic shores live gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, seals and whales.
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SAT · 06 Mar 2027Antarktische Halbinsel
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SUN · 07 Mar 2027Antarktische Halbinsel
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MON · 08 Mar 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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TUE · 09 Mar 2027King 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 · 10 Mar 2027King George Island · DisembarkationArrival 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 Wind Expedition
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 northern Europe, Silver Wind Expedition links Norwegian fjords with Arctic waters - repositioning routes that combine expedition with classic cruising.
The Ship
Cabins
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.
Deck plan · Silver Wind Expedition
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
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
Further options
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 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 16.900 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 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.
