Silver Explorer

Duncan Watts

Silver Explorer

Luxe

If you have the slightest possibility to take this trip - then book - you won't regret it! It was a huge privilege to see the beauty of Antarctica up close. We were able to make so many trips - onshore, by zodiac and in kayaks. We saw penguins (and eggs, and young), leopard seals, elephant seals, humpbacks, albatrosses, petrels and many more. We couldn't stop photographing the majesty of the ice in all its forms: massive tabular bergs, glacier fronts, all colours and shapes of icebergs, several carrying groups of penguins and most memorably paddling through the brash ice. Truly spectacular - a trip of a lifetime. We also felt extremely well looked after by Silversea and this added immensely to our experience. We were lucky (although not everyone was) to dodge the various covid-related hurdles on our journey to Puerto Williams to join the ship. Plenty of champagne and cocktails to help us settle in, an ever changing and delicious choice of food on board, fine wines and great service all the way - what's not to like. Sitting in the hot tub with a refreshing cocktail surrounded by the majesty of mountains and glaciers was the perfect way to unwind after our excursions. Silversea employ top notch experts & scientists on the bird life, sea life, history and geology of Antarctica. They looked after us on our excursions, explained what we were seeing and help us to become Antarctic enthusiasts and ambassadors; in addition we were treated to a schedule of informative and well presented lectures on-board which added immeasurably to our experience. This was our only cruise, booked as there is no other way to see Antarctica (unless you are a research scientist of explorer which we aren't - and as we are retired are unlikely to be). The Silver Explorer is a small ship by cruise standards which is why we picked it. Talking to more experienced cruisers about big ship cruising made us very glad about our choice. Covid meant that the Silver Explorer was sailing below capacity (70 guests out of a maximum capacity of 144), but I'm sure we'd have had a great experience if it had been full because everything was so well organized. We were able to take every trip possible - including 3 kayak trips (a favourite of ours). We were advised at the beginning that being Antarctic explorers meant being adaptable - plans must adapt to the conditions. In the event only one excursion was cancelled because of conditions (too much ice for the ship to access Mikkelson harbour). I am not the greatest sailor and the Drake passage was a bit bumpy for the first half day on the way out, the pills and the ships stabilizers worked and after a morning lying down I found my sea legs and all was literally plain sailing, the return journey couldn't have been smoother. Yes, getting into Chile and to the ship via multiple Covid tests and reams of paperwork was a faff - but the trip was so very definitely worth it. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Dale R

Silver Explorer

Luxe

It is not the newest of ships by any means. Yet it is very comfortable and the crew is outstanding. We did an 18 day Antarctica cruise, going to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The food was outstanding, always fresh (how do they keep lettuce fresh for 18 days?) and varied. we never had the same offering on the menu twice. Our housekeeping staff and butler always attentive and were able to meet our every need. If they did not have it now, somehow without any stop in a port for over a week it would somehow materialize. Silver Seas is all inclusive. You do not pay anything more than the cost of the cruise. All excursions, tips, gratuities, drinks whether at the bar or with you meal are included. If I ever cruise again, Silver Seas will be the company I go with. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Balsher

Silver Explorer

Luxe

We recently spent 12 days on the Silver Explorer expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. The passengers met in Buenos Aires, where we were given an orientation and tested for fever. From B.A. we took a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. We were given a tour and lunch at a restaurant near Ushuaia. The ship departed that evening from Ushuaia and returned there. This was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ship was just the right size, the food was delicious, the crew was very accommodating, and the expedition leader and guides were very knowledgeable and informed. They were passionate about their jobs and it showed. On this particular cruise, the ship sailed below the Antarctic Circle. The captain and crew managed to guide the ship through magnificent waters containing icebergs, whales, penguins, birds, seals, etc. We saw icebergs calving from glaciers. We toured a shipwrecked whaling boat from the last century. We thoroughly enjoyed this expedition and would highly recommend it. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Alma

Silver Explorer

Luxe

It is very hard to describe this amazing trip, what we learned, what we saw and how it feels to be in these places. There are no words adequate to describe this trip. The ship is great, not too big, not too small, so even in rougher seas, it does pretty well but small enough to do landings and see a lot. Some of the amenities are over the top (butlers, sit down dinner service, superb chef and sommelier), but the expedition team was outstanding and it's unlikely you would get such a fantastic group on some of the lower key ships. The all suite ship does have smaller and larger cabins, we were in mid-ship which was a good idea when it got rough (lower is better), The food and service is amazing not least the wait staff who had superb balance and a sense of humor, the staff gets to go on some of the landings and zodiacs to experience where we are, which I liked. I also got my hair cut by a really good stylist (Madeline), and a facial from the super masseuse/cosmetologist (Megan, also a fabulous entertainer with a great voice). And they were really nice people, everyone was just super nice and friendly and seemed to like where they were working. The trip is incredible: Black browed Albatrosses and Rockhopper penguins nesting in West point, Falkland Islands, unbelieveable colonies of beautiful King penguins and their funny large brown chicks alongside fur seals and elephant seals in South Georgia, elephant seals and Macaroni and Gentoo penguins so numerous we could not even land but saw by zodiac on Elephant Island in two locations, the truly awesome Gerlache strait, Antarctic Sound and the Peninsula, with Adelie and Gentoo penguins nesting, alongside molting elephant seals, leopard seals, tons of whales including Humpbacks, Minkes, Fin, Southern Rights and Orca. And finally South Shetlands with nesting Chinstrap colonies. And then the Drake passage, which well, could have been worse but for the masterful sailing. The crew under the capable Captain Andrey Domanin, showed their experience often, including when leaving the Antarctic Sound and having to push aside icebergs to get out of the Sound, not least sailing to and from South Georgia and through the Drake passage. And nearly always, various birds around the ship including albatrosses, other petrels, terns and in the water penguins elegantly swimming and jumping through the water. The expedition team was fantastic, including Robin Aiello-the first woman to dive in Antarctica, Damien Sanders who spent years at the South Georgia research station and gave us the history, especially of the Shackleton expedition, Malcolm Turner who oversaw research on the Great Barrier Reef and is an experienced and knowledgeable ornithologist who also gave the climate change lecture (which was still questioned by some passengers), Ffion Rees, marine biologist whose whale lecture ended with a whale sighting, geologist James Lowe on the underwater and visible geology and volcanic and plate activity, Stephan Hauke, meteorology and sailing expert, Scott Kiefer, conservationist and last but not least, Luke Kenny the amazing and patient expedition leader whose announcements often were our alarm clocks and also had experience in the neighborhood, and his capable staff, assistant Darryn Griffiths, coordinator Leonie Vieth, staffer Tania Jeken, photographer Ross McDonald. All these people were incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, very nice, and quite funny. Super story tellers who could and did make fun of themselves at times. This was our 40th wedding anniversary and also we had Christmas and New Years. All great fun. We did have the unfortunate experience of having to visit the doctor when an unfortunate accident with the wind ripped my husband's finger and both Dr. (Frans) and nurse (Angel) were super nice and very professional. Luckily we did not have to get flown out as the injury was manageable with stitches and it happened on days at sea and early enough to allow him to wear gloves later on. But it underscored the need for insurance to cover emergency flights and care. Biosecurity was taken very seriously to keep the environment pristine, which meant scrubbing boots, having all outer gear examined and cleaned. We rented waterproof pants and boots which were delivered to our room and luckily fit and we and most people, wore the Silversea parkas so a sea of red jackets were often in view but helped us see how far the zodiacs actually were going for the expeditions. I could go on endlessly as this was the best trip I've ever taken and I was lucky enough to be able to do this. It is expensive, but truly the trip of a lifetime. I had no idea about South Georgia but so glad we went there so I would highly recommend this loop. I wish I could do it again... perhaps I will. And if you don't take climate change seriously, seeing pictures of the glaciers from the experienced staff's slides and how they have receded may change your mind and make you think twice about what you should support. As this trip had people from many countries, this is a global question that hopefully will soon be answered differently so Antarctica will be able to have penguins for many years. Source: Trip Advisor

Lonestarbc

Silver Explorer

Luxe

We have done many cruises with Silversea, mostly on the exploration vessels. From beginning to the end of the cruise everything is amazing. The Silver Suite is spacious and very light with floor to ceiling windows. The staff are so efficient and friendly and we often meet staff members and crew from previous trips. The itinerary with the 18 days cruise was very good and we had very good weather. Pre-cruise logistics is sometimes a little strange as when one arrives in B; Aires in Business Class (no First on BA anymore) the transfer to Ushuaia allows only one suitcase and one carry on of 8kgs even if it's a charter by Silversea and we've had problems with LATAM. When traveling for 6 weeks they should allow more baggage etc, especially with a charter. We keep coming back to Silversea because of the whole exploration cruise experience with them. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

mariannap670

Silver Explorer

Luxe

Top notch captain & crew delivered on every promise this cruise company made to the passengers in the brochure&on-line presentation. This was our first expedition cruise & since than we only travel on small vessels & expedition style cruise. Everything was organized to perfection. Our Medallion suite had a huge terrace which is a plus even on a cruise to Antarctica. Restaurant staff was very inventive considering that there were very few places to get fresh produce. Butler service is an amazing help&makes you feel like a VIP every day. Can't give enough compliments to everyone who made this cruise such an amazing experience. (Copied from Trip Advisor)