Experience a Luxurious Antarctica Cruise with Silversea on the Endeavour

Our journey to Antarctica, on Silversea's Endeavour, was nothing short of exhilarating. As we ventured through the infamous waters of the Drake Passage, we were greeted by breathtaking views of king penguins floating serenely in the water. The rapid changes in weather added an element of excitement to our adventure, with moments of calm seas quickly giving way to fierce winds and stormy skies. Despite the unpredictable conditions, our experienced guides and crew navigated through the conditions, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and wonder of Antarctica. The ship was luxurious, with spacious cabins, dining options, spa treatments, and skilled guides that made our experience exceptional.

One of the highlights of our cruise was the opportunity to observe the king penguins in their natural habitat. These regal creatures waddled along the icy shores in large colonies, their distinctive orange markings standing out against the white landscape. Seeing them here was a bucket list item, indeed. We were also fortunate to spot more common penguins, such as chinstrap, gentoo, Adélie, and the fun-to-view rockhopper penguins. We found the fur seal pups to be curious—they would follow us around, making it difficult to stay the mandatory 15-foot distance from all wildlife.

Antarctica's wildlife and landscape

Two fur seals

Other wildlife sightings included elephant seals, albatross colonies, and several species of whales, including humpbacks and orcas, as they dove and played in the frigid waters. Each day brought new surprises and unforgettable moments, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The stark beauty of Antarctica, with its icebergs and glaciers, combined with the thrill of cruising through the Drake Passage, made this an adventure that I will never forget.

Shipwreck on Falkland Island

Be flexible: Due to the unpredictable weather conditions in Antarctica, schedules can change at a moment’s notice. Be patient, have a positive attitude, and go with the flow. We were delayed for three days waiting for the weather to clear to fly to George Island, Antarctica. We opted for a one-way flight to George Island, and one-way via Drake Passage. Silversea offers several options for your convenience.

Layer up: Antarctica can be extremely cold and windy, so be sure to pack plenty of warm layers. Silversea will provide a custom parka and offers rentals for waterproof pants and boots. If you take the flight (bridge) option, I highly recommend renting.

Be prepared for rough seas: The Drake Passage, the body of water between South America and Antarctica, is notorious for its rough waters, and many travelers experience seasickness. Consult a doctor with appropriate medications, such as patches, wrist bands, etc.

Respect the wildlife: Antarctica is home to incredible wildlife. Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing or touching the animals.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Antarctica page.