Lead Pricing
| Interior | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request Price | Request Price | Request Price | Request Price |
Art inspires. Awakens your emotions and stimulates your thoughts.
In the quiet calm of morning, your private veranda becomes a place of true inspiration. Surrounded by the magnificence of the dawning day, at one with the vista of sea and sky, in awe of nature and the vast beauty of this world. The shoreline of the next port slides closer and closer into view, and with it an undeniable anticipation of things to come and the promise of limitless possibilities.
Silversea creates exceptional ocean journeys with unique opportunities to explore remote ports-of-call from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Discover genuine European expertise reflected in every detail, from our tranquil all-suite accommodation and uncompromising service to distinctive fine dining and a carefree all-inclusive philosophy.
Our guests hail from across the globe, yet share an appreciation for the spectrum of choice offered in Silversea’s array of exotic destinations and exclusive explorations ashore. By blending these elements together with enrichment experiences, each new port becomes more than a destination, it becomes a state of mind, transcending the traditional concepts of cruising. It is this distinction that has earned Silversea the reputation of World’s Best.
ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP An extensive selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are yours to enjoy — all courtesy of Silversea.
IN-SUITE BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every suite features a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.
COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE DINING AND 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE A formal dinner served course-by-course, a late-night snack, or a full breakfast delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.
COMPLIMENTARY SILVERSEA EXPERIENCE® A shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Namibia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus.
A FULL SPECTRUM OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT Production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances. Multi-tiered show lounge. Lectures by world affairs experts, renowned authors and destination specialists.
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION INTO TOWN Roundtrip transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call.
Silversea … The art of travel. The art of good living.
A quiet sanctuary to escape to on your cruise. The sitting area has plenty of room to relax. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views. The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed. Silver Wind Vista Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 240 ft² / 22m²
One bedroom: Suite 738: 325 ft² / 30m²
SUITE FEATURES:
Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Sitting area
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Standard Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Veranda suites offer floor-to-ceiling glass doors which open onto a furnished private teak veranda. Each spectacular sunset feels like it is yours alone. Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests. A must for the world’s best cruise line.
One bedroom: 295 ft² / 27m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Sitting area
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Standard Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
The Midship Veranda Suite offers unbeatable views. A Silversea signature. Spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda. Each spectacular sunset feels like it is yours alone. The Midship Veranda Suite offers a preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite. No top cruise line would be complete without such a luxury.
One bedroom: 295 ft² / 27m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Sitting Area
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Standard Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
A mark of distinction. Sumptuous. Spacious. Rich textures and panoramic views surround you with distinguished luxury. The perfect summary of The Medallion Suite offered by the world’s best cruise line.
One bedroom: Suite 741: 667 ft² / 62m²
One bedroom: Suites 801–804: 490 ft² / 45m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors (Suites 801–804 only)
Three large picture windows providing panoramic ocean views (Suite 741 only)
Living room with sitting area
Separate dining area (Suite 741 only)
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized tub and separate shower (Suite 741 has full-sized whirlpool bath and shower)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at Officer’s Table
For those wanting more space, Silver Suites are ideal. Stylish and sophisticated. Separate dining and living rooms. Larger verandas. Situated midship on the Silver Wind. Perfection in design for comfortable living. Silver Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 541 ft² / 50m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining. The Royal suite lives up to its name. Enough living space to roam. The pinnacle of good living. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 736 ft² / 69m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,031 ft² / 96m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized whirlpool tub; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. The Grand Suite on the Silver Wind ideal for entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 1,019 ft² / 95m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,314 ft² / 122m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized whirlpool tub; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Plush robes and slippers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
The name says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. The Owner’s Suite is available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Vista Suite so you can enjoy your luxury cruise in style.
One bedroom: 587 ft² / 55m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 827 ft² / 77m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two- bedroom has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized whirlpool tub and separate shower (Suite 737 only; Suite 734 has tub/shower combination), plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in Le Champagne, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining. The Royal suite lives up to its name. Enough living space to roam. The pinnacle of good living. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 736 ft² / 69m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,031 ft² / 96m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized whirlpool tub; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. The Grand Suite on the Silver Wind ideal for entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 1,019 ft² / 95m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,314 ft² / 122m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized whirlpool tub; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Plush robes and slippers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
The name says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. The Owner’s Suite is available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Vista Suite so you can enjoy your luxury cruise in style.
One bedroom: 587 ft² / 55m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 827 ft² / 77m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two- bedroom has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized whirlpool tub and separate shower (Suite 737 only; Suite 734 has tub/shower combination), plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with shower
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in Le Champagne, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Al fresco dining with panoramic ocean views. Warm clubby spaces for evening cocktails with friends. The plush comfort of your ocean-view suite after a day of incredible sights. Welcome home to the luxury cruise ship, Silver Wind. Timelessly elegant yet luxuriously relaxed, Silver Cloud’s sleek sister ship strikes the perfect balance of yacht-like intimacy combined with the space, amenities and diversions typically reserved for larger vessels. Warm welcomes and gracious personalized service inspire our guests to call Silver Wind their “home away from home” – join us and discover the charms of Silver Wind.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 514 ft
- Tonnage: 17400 tons
- Maiden Voyage: 1994
- Refurbished: 2017
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 296
- Crew Nationality: International
- Officer Nationality: Italian
- Dining Staff Nationality: International
- Ship Registration: Italy
Ship Facilities
- The Bar
- Saletta
- Internet Cafe
- Laundrette
- 1 Swimming Pool(s)
- The Restaurant
- 4 Elevator(s)
- Library
- 2 Whirlpool(s)
- Casino
- Boutiques
- Conference / Card Room
- Show Lounge
- La Terrazza
- Panorama Lounge
- The Humidor
- Pool Bar
- Pool Grill
- Observation Lounge
- Fitness Centre
- Spa / Beauty Salon
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Feb '21 | Ushuaia, Argentina |
05:00 PM | |
| 28 Feb '21 | Drake Passage |
||
| 01 Mar '21 | Drake Passage |
||
| 02 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 03 Mar '21 | Antarctic Peninsula |
||
| 04 Mar '21 | Antarctic Peninsula |
||
| 05 Mar '21 | Antarctic Peninsula |
||
| 06 Mar '21 | South Shetland Islands, Antarctica |
||
| 07 Mar '21 | Drake Passage |
||
| 08 Mar '21 | Drake Passage |
||
| 09 Mar '21 | Ushuaia, Argentina |
08:00 AM | |
| 10 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 11 Mar '21 | New Island, West Falkland Islands |
06:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 12 Mar '21 | Port Stanley, Falkland Islands |
08:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| 13 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 14 Mar '21 | South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean |
05:30 PM | overnight |
| 15 Mar '21 | South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean |
overnight | |
| 16 Mar '21 | South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean |
overnight | |
| 17 Mar '21 | South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean |
overnight | |
| 18 Mar '21 | South Georgia, South Atlantic Ocean |
overnight | |
| 19 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 20 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 21 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 22 Mar '21 | Tristan da Cunha, United Kingdom |
09:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| 23 Mar '21 | Nightingale Island |
06:00 AM | 02:30 PM |
| 24 Mar '21 | Gough Island, United Kingdom |
12:30 PM | 05:30 PM |
| 25 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 26 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 27 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 28 Mar '21 | At sea | ||
| 29 Mar '21 | Cape Town, South Africa |
08:30 AM | overnight |
| 30 Mar '21 | Cape Town, South Africa |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
31 Night cruise departing from Ushuaia to Cape Town onboard Silver Wind.
Silver Wind is a perfect illustration of how complete a small-sized ship can be. With just 296-guests, luxury suites and spacious public areas, Silver Wind is one of the cosiest and most intimate ships afloat today. Warm welcomes and gracious personalized service inspire our guests to call Silver Wind their “home away from homeâ€.
Highlights of this cruise:
Ushuaia, Argentina
At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina’s northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego’s historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk’nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin’s “missing link” theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, “Southernmost City in the World” passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the ’70s and ’80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March’s Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of “sled houses” (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town’s landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).
Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the westerly winds and the funneling effect of the passage. The Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward, is within the Drake Passage. When these two currents meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Black-browed Albatross, Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrels glide in the air currents alongside and in the wake of the ship.
Antarctic Sound
The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story – like Hope Bay or Paulet Island – are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south.
Antarctic Peninsula
Remote and otherworldly, Antarctica is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.
South Shetland Islands
Some 770 kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.
New Island, Falkland Islands
The remarkable beauty of the remote Falkland Islands can best be seen on New Island. The westernmost of the inhabited islands of the archipelago, it is a wildlife and nature reserve, and an environmental conservation group protects its many birds and animals. There are rookeries where Rockhopper Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags share the same nesting area. Black-browed Albatrosses can be seen going about their daily routines and it is easy to spot Upland Geese. More than 40 species of birds breed on the island. Near the landing site is ‘Barnard’s barn’ — a restored stone structure going back to the early 19th century. Lying in the sandy shallows in front of the barn is the wreck of Protector III, an old minesweeper used for seal hunting.
West Point Island, Falkland Islands
Located slightly northwest of West Falkland, West Point Island is used for sheep farming and nature observations. Peale’s dolphins and the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s dolphin can usually be seen in the waters around West Point Island. Rolling moorland and steep cliffs make for great photographic opportunities, but the main attraction is the Devil’s Nose, a cliffside colony of Black-browed Albatrosses nesting side-by-side with feisty Rockhopper Penguins. Magellanic Penguins and Magellanic Cormorants can also be found on the island.
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Tiny Stanley, capital of the Falklands, seems in many ways like a British village fallen out of the sky. Many homes are painted in bright colours, adding visual appeal to this distant outpost. Not far offshore, the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, is one of the many vessels remaining as a silent testimonial to the region’s frequent harsh weather conditions. The islands, also known by their Spanish name of Islas Malvinas, are home to arguably more tuxedo-clad inhabitants of the penguin variety than human residents. Various species, such as Gentoo, Magellanic and the more elusive King penguins, either live here permanently or use the Falklands as a stopover on their migration route. Darwin found the islands’ flora and fauna fascinating – no doubt you will, too.
South Georgia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.
Gough Island, Saint Helena
Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean was originally known as Gonçalo Ãlvares (named after the captain of Vasco da Gama’s flagship). The volcanic island is uninhabited except for the handful of personnel stationed here to operate a South African weather station, making it one of the most remote places with a constant human presence. Gough Island and Inaccessible Island comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands as they are protected wildlife reserves and an “Important Bird Areaâ€. Gough Island is home to Tristan Albatrosses, Atlantic Petrels, Gough Moorhens, Gough Buntings, and Northern Rockhopper Penguins; just some of the many birds using this mid-Atlantic island as their nesting ground. Gough is a dependency of Tristan da Cunha and part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Tristan Da Cunha, Saint Helena
Tristan da Cunha is the main island of an archipelago with the same name. The Tristan da Cunha island group is home to fewer than 300 hardy residents and is recognized as the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. Its closest neighboring landmass is the island of St. Helena some 2,430 km (over 1500 miles) away. For fortunate visitors who have cooperative weather conditions and land ashore on Tristan da Cunha, local inhabitants of the village might tell the tale of how the islanders were evacuated from their home during a 1961 lava flow, and how it affected their lives. Birds to watch out for around the island include the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Sooty Albatross, Tristan Thrush, and Tristan Wandering Albatross – a critically endangered species with fewer than 1,500 breeding pairs left in the world. The archipelago is also where 90% of the world’s Northern Rockhopper Penguins come to breed.
Nightingale Island, Saint Helena
Nightingale Island is an active volcano and one of three islands in the extremes of the South Atlantic Ocean known as the Nightingale Islands falling within the Tristan da Cunha group. The three islands are administered by the United Kingdom and are visited for scientific research purposes and little else. This means the magnificent wildlife with an estimated one million seabirds, in addition to unusual flora, is all unspoiled by people. Nightingale Island is also a protected wildlife reserve and World Heritage Site. Nightingale has two peaks on its north end and the rest of the island is ringed by cliffs and sea caves, and is fringed with kelp beds. The sea caves have been said to hide pirate treasure with a fortune in Spanish doubloons and pieces-of-eight hidden here for safekeeping. However, no recovery of this booty has ever been documented.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you visit only one place in South Africa, make it Cape Town. Whether you’re partaking of the Capetonian inclination for alfresco fine dining (the so-called “Mother City” is home to many of the country’s best restaurants) or sipping wine atop Table Mountain, you sense—correctly—that this is South Africa’s most urbane, civilized city. Here elegant Cape Dutch buildings abut ornate Victorian architecture and imposing British monuments. In the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the call to prayer echoes through cobbled streets lined with houses painted in bright pastels, while the sweet tang of Malay curry wafts through the air. Flower sellers, newspapers hawkers, and numerous markets keep street life pulsing, and every lamppost advertises another festival, concert, or cultural happening. But as impressive as Cape Town’s urban offerings are, what you’ll ultimately recall about this city is the sheer grandeur of its setting—the mesmerizing beauty of Table Mountain rising above the city, the stunning drama of the mountains cascading into the sea, and the gorgeous hues of the two oceans. Francis Drake wasn’t exaggerating when he said this was “the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth,” and he would have little cause to change his opinion today. A visit to Cape Town is often synonymous with a visit to the peninsula beneath the city, and for good reason. With pristine white-sand beaches, hundreds of mountain trails, and numerous activities from surfing to paragliding to mountain biking, the accessibility, variety, and pure beauty of the great outdoors will keep nature lovers and outdoor adventurers occupied for hours, if not days. You could spend a week exploring just the city and peninsula. Often likened to San Francisco, Cape Town has two things that the City by the Bay doesn’t—Table Mountain and Africa. The mountain, or tabletop, is vital to Cape Town’s identity. It dominates the city in a way that’s difficult to comprehend until you visit. In the afternoon, when creeping fingers of clouds spill over Table Mountain and reach toward the city, the whole town seems to shiver and hold its breath. Meanwhile, for all of its bon-vivant European vibe, Cape Town also reflects the diversity, vitality, and spirit of the many African peoples who call this city home. Cape Town has grown as a city in a way that few others in the world have. Take a good look at the street names. Strand and Waterkant streets (meaning “beach” and “waterside,” respectively) are now far from the sea. However, when they were named they were right on the beach. An enormous program of dumping rubble into the ocean extended the city by a good few square miles (thanks to the Dutch obsession with reclaiming land from the sea). Almost all the city on the seaward side of Strand and Waterkant is part of the reclaimed area of the city known as the Foreshore. If you look at old paintings of the city, you will see that originally waves lapped at the very walls of the castle, now more than half a mile from the ocean.