Silversea Antarctica Bridge: Fly and Cruise

Cruise Specialists Vice President Teresa Tennant, takes us along on her incredible voyage to Antarctica aboard the stunning Silver Endeavour.

“The fast-track to the last continent”

The Silversea Antarctica Bridge program offers a convenient way to get to the White Continent for those who do not want to spend 36 to 48 hours each way sailing across the Drake Passage.

GETTING THERE

The program starts in Santiago, Chile, where the Silversea representatives met us just outside baggage claim as we arrived from the U.S. We were transferred to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for the night. The service and accommodations were what you would expect from this luxury 5-Star property. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea, juices, and water were available while we checked in at the Silversea desk. Lunch and dinner were not included; however, the hotel has several dining options and is also located in a neighborhood with a variety of restaurants.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Santiago, Chile

The next morning, breakfast was provided as we attended the required safety and information briefing to learn the guidelines that all International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guests must follow for us to visit. Following the briefing, we boarded our motorcoach transfers back to Santiago International Airport for our charter flight to Punta Arenas. This LATAM carrier flight aboard an A321 jet was approximately 3 ½ hours long. Lunch was provided in flight. We had clear views over the Chilean fjords along the way.

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, we were given our hotel room keys and transferred by motorcoach the short 20-minute drive away to our hotel. Our luggage was transferred separately to our rooms, so we only handled our carry-on bags.

The local guide told us a little about the area and suggested some local specialties to try. He also reminded us that dinner and breakfast were included in our package and that we would find our expedition gear in our guest rooms. We were asked to try on all gear right away in case anything needed to be exchanged. Staff were available in a meeting room with items in other sizes for those who had a need. Fortunately, everything we reserved (parka, waterproof pants, mud boots) fit just right.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel, then transferred back to Punta Arenas airport for our charter business class DAP Antarctic Airways flight on a BAe 146-200 four-engine jet. Guests should not expect the conventional business class of a major international carrier, but Silversea has invested in making this the best experience available in the region. Rows of seats have been removed to create more space and an upgraded menu is offered. We were divided into three groups of 50-60 guests per plane. The flight time to King George Island is approximately 2 hours.

On arrival, we boarded small buses to transfer to the zodiac landing. We received our lifejackets and rode our zodiac to the waiting Silver Endeavour.

Check-in on board took less than 15 minutes and we were soon being greeted by our suite butler, Rodolfo, with a bottle of chilled champagne. The ship has a 1:1 crew to guest ratio and the service in all departments was superb.

ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION BEGINS

The 23-member expedition team, including a variety of wildlife experts, a geologist, a glaciologist and others, provided informative lectures and workshops. Lectures (and the daily briefings) are both broadcast live and recorded. You can attend in person, watch in real time from your suite, or watch later at your convenience.

Each evening, our Expedition Leader, Peter, would give us a briefing of the plan for the next day and an update on the weather forecast. Sometimes our following day would go as planned, and other times, the weather would force a change in plans. We experienced snow, rain, fog and sunshine throughout our journey.

At least three crew members assisted each guest on and off the Zodiacs from the ship and more crew assisted with disembarking for each landing. The staff emphasized that you may do as much or as little as you like. It isn’t necessary to hike to the top of a ridge to have a great experience – opportunities to view wildlife, glaciers, icebergs, or sunsets from the ship, your own veranda or a Zodiac are abundant.

EXPERIENCES ON LAND

The expedition team scouts ahead and flags the safest route to explore. Expedition guides are stationed along the route to answer questions, provide any needed assistance or just take a picture for you.

Wildlife always takes priority – yield to Gentoo penguins at Mikkelson Harbour

Remnants of the whaling trade and a Chinstrap penguin at Mikkelson Harbour

Gentoo Penguins at Hannah Point, Livingstone Island

From the top of the ridge:

View from below just as gorgeous:

EXPLORATION BY ZODIAC

Argentinian Research Station at Hope Bay

Note: Originally planned for a landing, the visit to Paulet Island turned in to a Zodiac cruise due to the wildlife overtaking the beach. The staff take great care to preserve the environment and minimize disturbance to the wildlife.

ENCHANTING VIEWS FROM OUR VERANDA AND THE SUN DECK

Note: Public Address announcements are kept to a minimum – calling the Zodiac boarding groups for the most part. However, when whales are active near the ship, they will let you know. One day they paused course, and another day diverted for a while, so that everyone could watch the humpbacks and southern orcas.

LIFE ON BOARD

When not exploring off the ship, you will have plenty of ways to occupy your day on board the Silver Endeavour. As mentioned earlier, the expedition team lectures and workshops are available on a variety of topics.

Enjoy a dip in the glass-enclosed pool or one of the hot tubs, browse through a book in the library, take in the panoramic view from the observation lounge, get in a workout at the fitness center, or indulge yourself with a treatment at the Otium Spa. Entertainment was provided by two talented musicians – Sergei on piano and Jaime on guitar – as well as the cruise director, Yessy.

It’s also a pleasure to spend time in your suite. These are well-appointed – spacious with plenty of storage, vanity, desk, sitting area, mini-bar, coffee maker, special closet just for the parkas, separate WC and shower areas, Caudalie bath products, bathrobes, slippers, walk-in closet, safe, numerous outlets – Type A (North American), Type C (Western Europe/Chile) and USB plugs. Wi-Fi is complimentary and you have access to a special voyage website to view your daily program and restaurant or room service menus on your own electronic device or a tablet provided by Silversea.

Last, but never least on a cruise, the dining options for a 200-passenger vessel are extensive. Your choice of four restaurants, a café, or 24-hour room service to your suite. Reservations are requested for dinner at Il Terrazzino, The Grill and La Dame (the latter being the only location with a nominal cover charge). The Grill also serves breakfast and lunch; The Restaurant is open for all meals, and the Arts Café offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, ice cream, tea and coffee.