Photo courtesy of Silversea
There’s something about the sea that keeps calling us back.
Maybe it’s the thrill of waking up somewhere new every morning without ever packing and unpacking. Maybe it’s the way time slows down when you’re on the open ocean, with the horizon stretching out like a promise. Or maybe it’s just that feeling of total indulgence – the soft clink of champagne glasses at sailaway, the sun warming your skin on a private balcony, the smell of sea air mixing with a hint of salt and sheer pleasure.
Whatever it is, we’ve fully surrendered to our love of cruising.
In fact, over the next four months, my husband and I have three cruises on the books. (Yes, you read that right—three and a possible fourth press trip that I can’t disclose yet!) We’ve officially entered our golden age of travel, and nothing suits this season of life more perfectly than life at sea. Each voyage is a mix of ease, elegance, and exploration, and honestly, we’re not looking back.
We Love to Travel in Style
For me, cruising has become more than a vacation. It was always my husband’s favorite way to live (as someone who always had boats, the ocean feels like home to him), and I’ve become a convert along with him. Each ship feels like a floating city designed just for us. And each itinerary, whether it’s a relaxing Caribbean loop or a cultural deep-dive through the Mediterranean, feels like a chance to keep learning, experiencing, and being fully present.
We’ve danced under the stars in the Aegean (let me rephrase that, I’ve danced under the stars in the Aegean, he sat back and watched me). We’ve watched whales breach off the coast of Alaska. We’ve eaten pasta in Naples, sipped wine in Santorini, and clinked glasses while docked in Key West.
And now? Our cruising dreams are stretching even farther.
The Cormorant at 55 South photo courtesy of Silversea
Silversea’s New Luxury Hotel at the Edge of the World
As seasoned cruise lovers, we’re always intrigued by what’s new in the world of luxury travel, and one recent announcement from Silversea caught my eye.
Silversea, the leading name in experiential luxury and expedition cruising, just revealed the first look at The Cormorant at 55 South, a boutique-style hotel nestled in Puerto Williams, Chile, and it’s scheduled to open in January 2026.
Never heard of Puerto Williams? You’re not alone; neither had I. I had to look it up. It learned that it’s the southernmost town in the world, tucked into the Fuegian Archipelago at the edge of Tierra del Fuego, and it serves as a launch point for expeditions to Antarctica. Yes, Antarctica.
But, this isn’t just another pre-cruise hotel. This is a fully immersive experience for those getting ready to board a Silversea expedition, and it’s poised to transform the journey to Antarctica from a logistical necessity into a breathtaking adventure in its own right.
Why This Matters for Expedition Cruisers
Antarctica has long been one of those “bucket list” destinations. It’s remote, awe-inspiring, and not exactly easy to get to. Traditionally, travelers had to endure multiple flights, layovers, and less-than-glamorous pit stops before even setting foot on a ship.
Silversea is changing that.
“The Cormorant at 55 South” was designed to elevate the pre-cruise experience by making the journey more seamless, comfortable, and yes, luxurious. According to Silversea president Bert Hernandez, the vision was simple: turn the part of the trip that had to be endured into one that’s deeply enjoyed.
And based on what we’ve seen so far, they’ve done just that.
What to Expect at The Cormorant at 55 South
This isn’t just a beautiful place to sleep before heading to Antarctica. This is a curated, immersive, eco-luxury experience that brings guests into one of the world’s most pristine and ecologically rich destinations.
Here’s what guests will be able to enjoy:
- Guided Outdoor Adventures
Whether you’re up for an easy nature walk or a more strenuous hike through Parque Municipal Ukika, there’s something for everyone. You’ll experience Magellanic subpolar forests, stunning vistas, and rare glimpses into the untouched wilderness of southern Chile.
- Birdwatching & Wildlife Encounters
The area is a dream for nature lovers, with opportunities to spot the iconic cormorant, upland goose, yellow-billed pintail, and even dolphin gulls. You may also spot guanacos, foxes, and marine life like dolphins, whales, and seals just offshore in the Beagle Channel.
Photo courtesy of Silversea
- Kayaking Like the Explorers Did
Paddle through the same waters once charted by explorers like Darwin, soaking in the majestic landscapes from the waterline. It’s intimate, it’s wild, and it’s bucket list-worthy.
- Hikes Through Tierra del Fuego
Whether it’s a trail through the Dientes de Navarino mountain range or a walk near Cape Horn, you’ll find yourself in landscapes that feel completely untouched by time.
Photo courtesy of Silversea
Enhanced Flights and an Easier Journey
One of the biggest pain points in getting to Antarctica has always been the logistics. Silversea is tackling that too.
Starting in the 2025–2026 Antarctica season, guests can enjoy a direct charter flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams, exclusively reserved for Silversea guests. This flight includes upgraded seating, in-flight meals (yes, even with drinks!), and more space to get comfortable. It eliminates the dreaded multi-leg travel itinerary, and that alone is a win.
A Fly-Cruise to Antarctica? Yes, Please.
Silversea is also offering Antarctica Fly-Cruise Expeditions with a six-day option where guests fly over the Drake Passage (often one of the roughest sea crossings in the world) and jump straight into the adventure. It’s a shorter, more comfortable way to experience Antarctica without losing any of the once-in-a-lifetime moments.
And, as you’d expect from Silversea, it’s all led by an industry-leading expedition team of experts—up to 28 onboard! From kayaking instructors to wildlife specialists and geologists, the team brings every moment of the journey to life.
Photo courtesy of Silversea
The Takeaway? Expedition Travel is Evolving.
Silversea pioneered luxury Antarctica expeditions back in 2008, and with The Cormorant at 55 South, they’re once again raising the bar. This hotel isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a destination in its own right. It gives travelers the chance to pause, explore, and connect with nature before venturing even further into the wild.
If you’ve ever dreamed of Antarctica but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, this might just be your moment.
As for us? While we’re happily sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean over the next few months, don’t be surprised if Antarctica makes its way onto our calendar. After all, we’ve got the cruising bug—and with Silversea reimagining what it means to journey to the ends of the earth, it’s never looked more inviting.
- For more information about booking visit Silversea Antarctica Fly Cruise
