Antarctica: Fly the Drake Passage
Fly both ways across the Drake and explore the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Silver Endeavour, with spacious veranda suites, butler service and included expedition activities.
Enquire about this voyageWhy we picked it
A luxury expedition for travellers who want to avoid sailing the Drake Passage.
Flying to King George Island removes the two ocean crossings from the cruise. You board in Antarctica and use the voyage for Peninsula exploration, returning to a spacious veranda suite with butler service. It is particularly relevant if comfort, food and service matter, but several days sailing across the Southern Ocean do not appeal.
Best for
Couples, friends and solo travellers seeking luxury service and an Antarctic expedition without either Drake sea crossing.
What stands out
Flights in both directions, five full scheduled exploration days on the six-night example, and included hotel and charter arrangements.
Bear in mind
Antarctic flights are weather-dependent. Keep flexibility in your plans and distinguish the cruise dates from the full journey dates.
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Antarctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand the crossing, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Your trip overview brings together recommended flight routes, buffer days, travel and packing tips. You can also book a hotel and transfer package through us.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage overview
Santiago, Puerto Williams and King George Island form the route into Antarctica.
The featured voyage sails from King George Island on 10 December 2027 and returns on 16 December. Silversea labels it a six-day cruise; this means six nights aboard across seven calendar dates. The included journey begins in Santiago on 8 December and finishes on 17 December, making ten calendar days.
Hotel nights and charter flights connect Santiago, Puerto Williams and Antarctica. Five full days between embarkation and disembarkation are scheduled around Antarctic Sound, the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Other listed departures include six-night and occasional eight-night variants.
The route is flexible. Landing sites, wildlife, flight timings and the sequence of visits can change with weather, ice and operating requirements.
Watch the experience
Official Silversea films showing Antarctic exploration and life aboard.
Behind the Lens: A Chinstrap Penguin
Follow Silversea’s wildlife storytelling in Antarctica. Wildlife encounters vary on every expedition.
Behind the Lens: Neko Harbour
Antarctic ice and scenery through Silversea’s lens. Neko Harbour is an example location, not a promised landing.
Inside the Grand Suite on Silver Endeavour
An official short film showing the Grand Suite. Filmed during an Arctic voyage and included here to show the accommodation.
Day-by-day journey
The complete 8 - 17 December 2027 journey, including the 10 - 16 December cruise.
Arrive in Santiago
Begin the included journey with a hotel night in Santiago. This is the first programme date for the example voyage. International flights are separate unless purchased as an optional flight package; confirm arrival guidance before booking them.
Fly to Puerto Williams
Take the included charter flight south and stay at The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams. Silversea’s published arrangements include expedition gear collection or exchange here. Final flight and hotel instructions are supplied before travel.
Fly to King George Island and embark
The weather-dependent charter flight crosses the Drake Passage to King George Island. Transfer to Silver Endeavour for embarkation and the start of the cruise. Boarding and landing logistics can involve Zodiac transfers, so discuss mobility needs with EA before booking.
Antarctic Sound
Explore the northern reaches of the Peninsula around Antarctic Sound. Icebergs, coastal scenery and wildlife shape the day, with the expedition team selecting suitable activities and sites. A schedule labelled as a single port may cover a broad exploration area rather than a fixed harbour stop.
Three days on the Antarctic Peninsula
The team adapts the programme around the best available conditions. Guided walks, Zodiac cruises and opportunities to observe penguins, seals and whales form the core experience. Kayaking appears in the example voyage’s included activity programme, but space, safety and suitability determine participation. Time back aboard brings presentations, dining and quiet observation from your suite or the lounges.
South Shetland Islands
Spend the final full exploration day in the South Shetland Islands. Volcanic landscapes, ice and wildlife offer a different view of Antarctica. The exact landing or Zodiac route is chosen aboard and depends on the day’s conditions.
Disembark and fly to Puerto Williams
Disembark at King George Island and take the return charter flight to Puerto Williams. The included journey continues with a hotel night before the onward charter to Santiago. Flight timing is weather-dependent, so avoid treating the published ship arrival time as a guaranteed airport connection.
Return to Santiago
Take the included charter flight to Santiago, where the included journey ends. International flights, optional extensions and any extra nights must be coordinated with the confirmed programme. Build your onward plans around Silversea’s current connection guidance.
Departure choices
Published route departures and suite choices. We confirm the exact cruise and included travel dates for your chosen programme.
Antarctica without a Drake Passage crossing
Ask us to compare the available suites, full travel programme and current offers for your preferred departure. Cruise dates differ from the dates of the included hotel and charter-flight arrangements. International flights require a separate quote.
Enquire about this voyageThe dates below are cruise embarkation and disembarkation dates. Allow for the included travel days before and after the cruise, and confirm the full programme for your chosen departure. This table includes King George Island return voyages on Silver Endeavour shown by Silversea’s available-cruises filter on 12 September 2026. Waitlisted-only departures and one-way sail/fly routes are not included.
| Cruise dates | Cruise duration |
|---|---|
| 20 Oct 2026 - 26 Oct 2026 | 6 nights |
| 26 Oct 2026 - 01 Nov 2026 | 6 nights |
| 01 Nov 2026 - 07 Nov 2026 | 6 nights |
| 19 Nov 2026 - 25 Nov 2026 | 6 nights |
| 25 Nov 2026 - 01 Dec 2026 | 6 nights |
| 01 Dec 2026 - 07 Dec 2026 | 6 nights |
| 07 Dec 2026 - 13 Dec 2026 | 6 nights |
| 19 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 | 8 nights |
| 24 Jan 2027 - 30 Jan 2027 | 6 nights |
| 05 Feb 2027 - 11 Feb 2027 | 6 nights |
| 10 Nov 2027 - 16 Nov 2027 | 6 nights |
| 16 Nov 2027 - 22 Nov 2027 | 6 nights |
| 22 Nov 2027 - 28 Nov 2027 | 6 nights |
| 28 Nov 2027 - 04 Dec 2027 | 6 nights |
| 10 Dec 2027 - 16 Dec 2027 | 6 nights |
| 16 Dec 2027 - 22 Dec 2027 | 6 nights |
| 22 Dec 2027 - 28 Dec 2027 | 6 nights |
| 28 Dec 2027 - 03 Jan 2028 | 6 nights |
| 09 Jan 2028 - 15 Jan 2028 | 6 nights |
| 15 Jan 2028 - 21 Jan 2028 | 6 nights |
| 21 Jan 2028 - 27 Jan 2028 | 6 nights |
| 27 Jan 2028 - 02 Feb 2028 | 6 nights |
| 08 Feb 2028 - 14 Feb 2028 | 6 nights |
| 14 Feb 2028 - 20 Feb 2028 | 6 nights |
| 20 Feb 2028 - 26 Feb 2028 | 6 nights |
| 26 Feb 2028 - 03 Mar 2028 | 6 nights |
| 06 Nov 2028 - 12 Nov 2028 | 6 nights |
| 12 Nov 2028 - 18 Nov 2028 | 6 nights |
| 24 Nov 2028 - 30 Nov 2028 | 6 nights |
| 30 Nov 2028 - 06 Dec 2028 | 6 nights |
| 06 Dec 2028 - 12 Dec 2028 | 6 nights |
| 12 Dec 2028 - 18 Dec 2028 | 6 nights |
| 24 Dec 2028 - 30 Dec 2028 | 6 nights |
| 30 Dec 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | 6 nights |
Ask us to compare the available suite categories, solo occupancy, additional guests and international air arrangements for your departure.
Most listed cruises are six nights. The eight-night December 2026 variant has a longer expedition programme and must be assessed against its own day-by-day route.
Life aboard Silver Endeavour
An expedition ship with the space, service and dining expected of Silversea.
Silver Endeavour’s published capacity is 220 guests with 207 crew. Its veranda suites, butler service and comfortable public rooms appeal to travellers who want both field exploration and a refined experience aboard. The expedition team organises landings and Zodiac operations in groups; the ship’s luxury facilities do not remove the physical requirements of Antarctic outings.
The Restaurant offers changing menus, Il Terrazzino focuses on Italian dining, and Arts Café provides a relaxed setting for coffee and light bites. The Grill and La Dame add further choice. Check reservations and supplementary charges for specialty dining; La Dame is not universally included in every suite fare. A few higher suite categories include a dinner benefit.
Complete suite gallery
All nine suite categories, with official Silver Endeavour photography.
Every suite has butler service and a private veranda or balcony. Figures below reproduce the operator’s published suite-size and outdoor-area descriptions; exact layouts, finishes and usable space vary by suite. Confirm bed arrangements, occupancy, accessibility and the final plan before booking.
Classic Veranda Suite
Decks 5 - 6 · 33.1 m² · veranda up to 5 m²
A forward location, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling doors opening to a private veranda. Some layouts can accommodate a third guest on a sofa bed; accessible suite 508 is identified by Silversea. This category was waitlisted for the example departure.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Superior Veranda Suite
Decks 6 - 8 · 33.1 m² · veranda up to 5 m²
The category used in our example fare. The main distinction from the other standard veranda categories is location. A private veranda and sitting space offer a comfortable retreat between expedition outings.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Deluxe Veranda Suite
Decks 6 - 7 · 33.1 m² · veranda up to 5 m²
Located from aft to midship, with the same published size as the other standard veranda categories. Compare the exact suite number, surrounding spaces and deck position with EA.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Premium Veranda Suite
Decks 6 - 7 · 33.1 m² · veranda up to 5 m²
A midship-to-forward position and private veranda. Some fares may be sold on a guaranteed-category basis, where the operator assigns the suite number; confirm this before choosing.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Silver Suite
Deck 8 · 49.7 m² · balcony up to 7 m²
A larger forward suite with a more generous bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. A useful step up for travellers who want more private living space without moving to the largest suites.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Signature Suite
Deck 8 · 67 - 78 m² · balcony up to 22 m²
An aft suite with a separate bedroom and living area, plus a large balcony. It suits guests who value defined living and sleeping spaces and time outdoors in privacy.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Master Suite
Deck 8 · 108 m² · balcony up to 25.8 m²
Corner glazing gives wide views from the living areas. A separate bedroom, dining space and bathroom with walk-in shower and whirlpool bath make this a substantial private retreat.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Grand Suite
Deck 7 · 155 m² · balcony up to 64 m²
An expansive living and dining arrangement with a large corner balcony and broad views. Ask us to check the precise configuration and any connecting arrangements.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Owner’s Suite
Deck 7 · 173.5 m² · balcony up to 69 m²
The largest published category in this voyage’s suite selection, with extensive living and dining space and a large corner balcony. This category was waitlisted for the example departure.
Select the image to enlarge. Category availability varies by departure.
Solo, family and accessibility considerations
The published example is for two sharing. Solo guests need a sole-occupancy fare. Certain suites allow a third guest, but family suitability also depends on age rules and expedition activities. An accessible suite does not mean every Zodiac transfer or landing is accessible; discuss your needs with EA so we can check the complete journey.
Activities and time ashore
The featured departure publishes hiking, Zodiac cruising and kayaking as included expedition activities. These are sample activities, not twelve separately guaranteed excursions. The team adapts the programme aboard.
| Experience | Published basis | Suitability and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Guided hiking and shore exploration | Included expedition activity | Some walks are extensive; terrain, snow and landing access vary. |
| Zodiac cruising | Included expedition activity | Transfers require following instructions and boarding small boats. |
| Kayaking | Included when offered | Prior kayaking experience, good physical condition and conversational English required. Minimum age 16; under-18s must accompany an adult. |
| Lectures and discovery | Included onboard programme | Learn about wildlife, history and the polar environment with the team. |
| Wildlife and photography | Throughout the expedition | No species or sighting is guaranteed. Bring protection for camera equipment. |
Kayaking is not a guaranteed place. The example activity is approximately one hour and may involve up to 60 minutes of paddling. Guests must be able to transfer between Zodiac and kayak and lift their own weight. Silversea lists dry suits, buoyancy aids, neoprene booties, gloves and dry bags as supplied, with maximum dry-suit size XXL. Availability and final suitability are decided with the expedition team.
Unlike a voyage-long specialist kayaking programme, an included activity listing does not promise paddling every day. Tell us before booking if kayaking is the main reason for travelling.
What is included, and what costs extra
All-Inclusive Plus example
- Your selected suite, butler service, onboard meals and 24-hour in-suite dining.
- Included Champagne, spirits, wines, coffee and teas, plus onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi.
- Port taxes and fees.
- Expedition activities, lectures and supplied expedition gear as specified by Silversea.
- One pre-cruise hotel night in Santiago and one in Puerto Williams.
- Charter flights linking Santiago, Puerto Williams and King George Island.
- Return charter flights and the stated post-cruise hotel night in Puerto Williams.
Additional costs and arrangements
- International flights unless purchased as a separate optional flight package.
- Additional hotels, touring and transfers outside the included journey.
- Travel insurance, visas if required, and personal equipment.
- Specialty dining supplements where applicable, spa treatments and personal purchases.
- Premium services not included in the selected suite category.
Antarctic flight baggage
The featured charter information allows one checked bag up to 23 kg, one carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm and a small personal item, with total hand luggage up to 8 kg. Payload and landing restrictions make these limits material to packing. Reconfirm the allowance and the final flight instructions before departure.
Before you choose
Does this avoid both Drake sea crossings?
Yes. This King George Island return route flies across the Drake in both directions. It is different from Silversea’s one-way sail-and-fly itineraries.
Is the full holiday only six days?
No. The featured cruise is six nights, from 10 - 16 December 2027. Its included hotel and charter programme runs 8 - 17 December, covering ten calendar days.
Are the flights guaranteed to run on time?
No. Antarctic flights depend on weather and operating conditions. Keep flexibility in your international travel plans and follow the operator’s connection guidance.
Does the voyage visit South Georgia or cross the Circle?
Neither is part of the featured route. It explores the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Sound and South Shetland Islands.
Can children join the kayaking?
The published kayaking minimum is 16 years, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Voyage eligibility and other activity requirements need separate confirmation.
Plan your Antarctic expedition
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Voyage information
Reviewed 12 September 2026 against Silversea’s live EV271210006 itinerary, suite fares, travel benefits and excursion details, the live Antarctica departure finder, the two-guest fare selection and Silver Endeavour ship information. Photographs are official operator images unless credited otherwise. Images illustrate the ship, suite category or region; layouts and finishes may vary. Dates, fares, activities and availability can change. EA will confirm the departure, travel arrangements and conditions before booking.