Antarctica and Drake Passage: South Shetland Islands
Polar adventure with a spirit of excellence and effortless ease
In the warm water on deck while the glaciers drift past outside.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
King George Island → Puerto Williams
Nine nights carry Silver Wind from King George Island across the Antarctic Peninsula back to Puerto Williams. In late summer the penguin chicks are largely fledged, humpback whales frequent in Wilhelmina Bay and the light stretches far into the evening. The Drake Passage forms the homeward leg, often under the wings of albatrosses and petrels. Silver Wind Expedition is ice-strengthened to 1A Super and works in small Zodiac groups under IAATO standards. Butler service, premium wines, Wi-Fi and gratuities are part of the Silversea standard.
Route highlights
- Direct Antarctic start from King George Island
- Tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound
- Late-summer gentoos close to fledging
- Humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay and Paradise Bay
- Volcanic caldera of Deception Island
- Drake Passage on the northbound leg
- Arrival in Puerto Williams on the Beagle Channel
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
King George Island
9 nights
Puerto Williams
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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WED · 10 Mar 2027King George Island · EmbarkationDeparture 18:00
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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THU · 11 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 · 12 Mar 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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SAT · 13 Mar 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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SUN · 14 Mar 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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MON · 15 Mar 2027Antarctic Peninsula
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TUE · 16 Mar 2027South Shetland IslandsArrival 18:30 Departure 18:30
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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WED · 17 Mar 2027At sea
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THU · 18 Mar 2027Puerto WilliamsArrival 22:00
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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FRI · 19 Mar 2027Puerto Williams · Disembarkation
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 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.
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
- 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 18.000 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.
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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
