Antarctica - Different Shades of Wow
Nothing says adventure quite like Antarctica, and travelling there with Silversea brought a little luxury to one of the wildest places on Earth. It was a journey filled with extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and more than a few moments that simply made us say…wow.
Getting there
We chose to travel with Silversea, not only because we had already experienced their incredible service, but because the logistics were seamless. Our expedition included a night in Santiago at a five star hotel, before a luxury coach took us to a private airport hangar, for our chartered flight to Puerto Williams.
Every seat on Antarctic Airlines was business class, making the flight incredibly comfortable. And as we flew over Patagonia, the scenery gave us our flirst glimpse of what lay ahead.
Aboard our ship
Silversea has always impressed us with its high level of service, and the luxurious fit-out and on board amenities. We did wonder wether that would change on an expedition cruise, and I am pleased to say - not in the slightest.
Champagne flowed as we boarded, and completed the formalities, before being escorted to our suite to meet our personal butler - one of the little luxuries we have come to love about Silversea.
Dining onboard was exceptional, with four restaurants to choose from. The Restaurant offered a changing daily menu, while La Terrazza was our choice for wonderful Italian. La Dame was the more formal French dining experience - and very special - while The Grill had the added pleasure of dining on the deck surrounded by some of the most extraordinary scenery imaginable.
There were all the usual luxuries - day spa, gym, library, observation deck, bars, pool and beautifully heated jacuzzi’s. The talented crew kept us entertained with lectures, trivia, karaoke and even a party as we crossed the Antarctic Circle.
One feature we particularly loved was the photography room, complete with computers for editing our photos, and an on-board photographer who was alway on hand with advice on how to get that special shot.
Being an expedition ship, there was also a mud room, where we kept our boots and outerwear. It was also set up with washing stations, to protect the pristine Antarctic environment. This was where we geared up before heading out by Zodiac - or canoe - for the day’s adventure.
Life is an Adventure
We were orgainized into small groups, ensuring we never exceeded the maximum number of people permitted on land at any one time. It also allowed for a thoughtfully planned programme, where we never felt crowded - either on the ship or ashore.
From visiting abandoned research stations and hiking past penguin highways, to canoeing alongside icebergs, and exploring by Zodiac, every day was different and every day was just wow!
It’s Wild Out There
Nothing can quite prepare you for the wildlife encounters. The first penguin is a real treat, but you soon realise they are gong to be everywhere - and their antics can have you giggling to yourself, especially when sitting on your balcony and watching them jump off icebergs into the water. We were incredibly lucky to see some with their young, and to observe them in their natural habitat.
Seals were often seen on rocks or in the snow, near the penguin colonies, seemingly quite content to lie in the sun. They didn’t appear to be in much of a hurry to go anywhere.
We were extremely lucky to come across a pod of killer whales. The captain opened the lower section of the ship - usually reserved for staff - so we could experience them at water level. For over an hour we watched these incredible animals interacting with their young. It was one of those moments you simply don’t forget.
Humpback whales were also abundant, and there was something quite extraordinary about walking into your room, or sitting at breakfast , and seeing one of these majestic animals surface in front of you.
Nature Showing Off
The scenery is both pristine and desolate. From icebergs that glow different shades of blue, to rocky outcrops, that meet pure white snow, the beauty is so overwhelming, it doesn’t feel real.
With its own weather system, we experienced everything from blizzards to magical blue sky days. The icebergs became our own outdoor art gallery, with an ever-changing landscape as the backdrop.
This is a place that makes you step back and realise how insignificant we really are.
Polar Plunge
This activity gets its own segment. It plays on your mind for a lot of the trip… will I do it or won’t I?
I can confirm that from our group of ten - all the females jumped…and none of the males did!!
Its an experience I will never forget. From nervously waiting in the bowels of the ship with my friends, to actually jumping in and experiencing the sudden shock of freezing cold water - so cold that my lungs froze and I couldn’t exhale, - to opening my eyes and feeling as though I was in a crystal ball. It was over so quickly, but the buzz and sense of euphoria continued for the rest of the day.
If you are medically fit, it really is worth considering.
What I Loved
The adventure - our expedition team had everything so well planned. Everyday was different and so exciting.
The luxury - Silversea does this so well and it was great to see it continued on their expedition ships.
What I didn’t Love
The way home across the Drake Passage - We were fortunate enough to experience the Drake Lake, on the trip to Antarctica, but on the way home we were definetely in the Drake Shake.
Coming back to my room on the last night and seeing that our butler had brought out our suitcases - but all good things must come to an end.
Recommendations
Be on the lookout for Silversea special deals - they usually occur a couple of times per year. This is an expensive - but very worthwhile holiday, any discount is appreciated.
Bring sea sick medication with you. There is a doctor on board, but a visit can be expensive. You will only need it for the Drake Passage, as the rest of the time the waters are calm. Of interest, if you really don’t like rough seas, Silversea offer a cruise that flys over the Drake Passage, so you don’t have to worry about sea sickness at all.
I highly recommend hiring your boots and clothes. They are perfect for the conditions, and you probably won’t use them ever again. Silversea will give you that option prior to your cruise. When you arrive in your room, they are there waiting for you to try on, so that any adjustments can be made before the ship sets sail.
Don’t overpack. Shipboard life is relaxed, and with your expedition gear taken care of, you need far less than you think. Silversea also has onboard laundries if you need to wash some clothes.
Would I go again?
Absolutely. Antarctica is one of those rare places that is almost impossible to describe until you have experienced it. The wildlife, the scenery and the sheer scale of the landscape were extraordinary, but it was the combination of adventure and luxury that made this trip so special for us.
It was cold, occasionally rough, and definitely expensive, but worth every bit of it.
Antarctica really was different shades of wow.
