Silversea Cruises has returned ultra-luxury expedition cruising to Antarctica, on board Silver Explorer, departing from Puerto Willimas, Chile earlier in November.

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Explorer was joined by Silver Cloud in Antarctica, sailing from Punta Arenas, Chile, on 14 November. This comes after the line reached an agreement with Chilean authorities for both ships to sail.

Itineraries on board both ships will visit the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Silversea’s president and CEO Roberto Martinoli said: “We are proud and excited to be at the forefront of the comeback of ultra-luxury expedition cruising in Antarctica.

“Accompanied by our seasoned team of expedition experts, our guests will not only be in awe of the authentic beauty and unique wildlife of the White Continent, but they will also enjoy the signature distinctions that have made Silversea the leader in luxury expedition cruising.”

Silversea has partnered with DAP Antarctic Airways, wh0 provide guests with private, round-trip flights between Santiago and Puerto Williams.

The airway is also the carrier selected to provide the flight component of Antarctica Bridge, Silversea’s new fly-cruise programme that provides the fastest, most direct route to Antarctica.

Silversea Cruises senior VP of expeditions, turnaround operations and destination management Conrad Combrink said: “We are making history. By embarking on a private, direct flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams, we are unlocking a flight path that has not been operated for more than 30 years – and never in such luxury – to deliver comfort and convenience to our guests.

“I am thrilled to launch our 2021-22 Antarctica season from the Chilean port of Puerto Williams – the southernmost town in the world – which is a first for Silversea.”

Silversea’s third ice-class ship, Silver Wind left the dry dock at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland.

The ship will debut as an expedition ship in May 2022 in the Mediterranean, before heading to Northern Europe and the Arctic for the summer season.