King George Island to King George Island aboard the Silver Explorer
An exciting luxurious Antarctica bridge expedition cruise
Length
5 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Mid-Sized Ship
Capacity
144 Passengers
King George Island to King George Island
6 Reviews
Trip highlights
All inclusive expedition, including adventure activities
Skip the Drake Passage on a business flight to Antarctica
Zodiac rides with experienced guides
Historic visit to Elephant Island
The Polartours experience
Butler service in every suite
Nearly 1:1 guest to crew ratio
Unlimited free Wifi
Multiple restaurants to choose from onboard
All aboard for the Antarctica express! Join us ona short advenutre where you'll avoid the infamous Drake Passage and arrive right in the heart of the South Shetland Islands. Board Silver Explorer directly from King George Island – the only airport in Antarctica that accepts commercial flights - and set sail for the destination that has been on the top of your bucket list for decades.
Your Antarctic adventure begins as soon as you arrive in Punta Arenas. Enjoy meeting your fellow explorers during an evening briefing and welcome dinner before travelling the next day by private BAE146 aircraft to King George Island, where Silver Explorer and your life changing voyage await.
Your ship: Silver Explorer
Welcome aboard the Silver Explorer, an expedition cruise ship intricately designed to navigate the remote waters of the Antarctic regions. The Silver Explorer is equipped with a 1A ice-class strengthened hull and can push through the ice with ease. With a maximum passenger capacity of 144 and a crew of 118, the Silver Explorer is the smallest cruise ship in the Silversea fleet, offering a more intimate cruise experience. The 12 Zodiac boats aboard the cruise ship allow its passengers to visit the most off-the-beaten-path locations, while the expert Expedition Team offers valuable knowledge to … Read more about Silver Explorer
Cabins
Amenities
Beauty Salon
Observation Lounge
Spa
Gift Shop
Connoisseur's Corner
Library
Butler Service
Alcoholic Beverages included
Gratuities
Fitness Center
Bar
Mudroom
Expedition Parka
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Food & Drinks
The Silver Explorer takes pride in its international cuisine, offering contemporary fare with exceptional service and sophistication. The menus feature regional specialties, unique to the cruise destinations. You can expect the freshest seafood aboard your Antarctic cruise. During days at sea, passengers can savor a line of signature dishes called La Collection du Monde, prepared by the renowned Chefs of Relais & Chateaux. At The Restaurant, guests can enjoy smart-casual open-seating dining. For a more interactive culinary experience, The Grill invites passengers to prepare their own food directly at the table using grill stone. Not only is every bite cooked to perfection, but it is also one of the healthiest meal options available aboard the Silver Explorer. During the day, The Grill is transformed into a rotisserie and gourmet burger and salad bar. A plethora of options for all tastes and preferences.
Map
Itinerary
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
Adventure options during the cruise
Day 1 - South Shetland Islands
Arrive to King George Island by private flight
Sometimes overlooked as a destination by people keen to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are a must-see destination in their own right.
Often the first and last landfall on an Antarctic cruise, many people are taken aback by the stunning beauty of these islands. What better way to make contact with the Antarctic than by making your first beach landing here surrounded by gentoo penguins?
Apart from some of the most southerly species of penguin, the South Shetlands are home to a huge range of Antarctic wildlife, and they make a superb introduction to the wildlife of the whole region, including key species like elephant seals, humpback whales, and more.
With active volcanoes, the relics and remains of its history as a centre for whaling, and some of the most beautiful Antarctic mountain scenery, the South Shetland Islands are a fitting first destination for any Antarctic cruise.
A spectacular destination, the Antarctic Sound is the gateway to the Weddell Sea and is always home to many beautiful tabular icebergs.
This 30-mile stretch of water at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula offers remarkable vistas as you sail past Joinville Island and the sound is a good location too observe Adelie Penguins.
Massive tabular icebergs drift through from the Weddell Sea and get stuck on shallower banks. With the spectacular tubular bergs and stunning glaciated mountains, the Antarctic Sound is a photographer's delight, often nicknamed 'iceberg alley', and offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Peninsula.
Day 3 - Antarctic Peninsula- NW Side
Antarctic Peninsula
The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.
Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are ice-free in the early season, being important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.
It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.
Day 4 - Antarctic Peninsula- NW Side
Antarctica Peninsula
The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.
Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are ice-free in the early season, being important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.
It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.
Day 5 - South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
Sometimes overlooked as a destination by people keen to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are a must-see destination in their own right.
Often the first and last landfall on an Antarctic cruise, many people are taken aback by the stunning beauty of these islands. What better way to make contact with the Antarctic than by making your first beach landing here surrounded by gentoo penguins?
Apart from some of the most southerly species of penguin, the South Shetlands are home to a huge range of Antarctic wildlife, and they make a superb introduction to the wildlife of the whole region, including key species like elephant seals, humpback whales, and more.
With active volcanoes, the relics and remains of its history as a centre for whaling, and some of the most beautiful Antarctic mountain scenery, the South Shetland Islands are a fitting first destination for any Antarctic cruise.
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
What's included
1 night pre-cruise and 1 day-use post-cruise
Transfers (between airport/hotel and ship)
In-country flights when required by itinerary
Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
Parka
Enrichment lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
Spacious suites
Butler service in every suite
Unlimited Free Wifi
Personalised service – nearly one crew member for every guest
Choice of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
In-suite dining and room service
Onboard entertainment
Onboard gratuities
What's not included
Add-on excursions not available
International flights
Reviews
FAQ
How and when can I pay for the trip?
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
How to choose the right ship?
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
- Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
- Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
- Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
- Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
- Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
- Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
What is the booking process for a Polartours Cruise?
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
When is the best time to book?
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
What can i do to avoid seasickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
King George Island to King George Island
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Price
Upon Request
