If you're like this traveler, you may be tempted more by cruises to the Caribbean than to cold weather climes. I have made an exception in the past for Alaska. But now there's another incentive for buying that extra sweater.
The luxury cruise line Silversea has just added some great perks for passengers who book an expedition voyage to the Arctic or Antarctica. All passengers can take advantage of these new incentives:
- One-night, pre-cruise hotel stay
- In-country flight(s) when required by the itinerary
- Polar expedition cruise with guided shore experiences and Zodiac excursions
- Polar parka
- One post-cruise day-use hotel
- Transfers and luggage handling between airport, hotel and ship.
What's more, these perks can be combined with air promotions for the Arctic or Antarctica.
Many of my friends have ventured into the storied polar regions and raved about the experiences. They brought back memories of seeing magnificent landscapes, wildlife such as clown-faced puffins and polar bears along with seldom seen indigenous cultures to the north.
And then there are the glaciers, geothermal beaches and ice-dappled waters of Antarctica, where orca whales, elephant seals, penguins and other local wildlife plays.
Here are a few choices:
The Arctic – 2020
Reykjavik to Longyearbyen
11 days – June 10-21, 2020
This Silver Cloud Expedition journey from Iceland to Svalbard, Norway, features dazzling waterfalls, spectacular cliffs, colonies of puffins, guillemots and gulls. It also goes to the seldom visited volcanic island of Jan Mayen, a haven for humpback and minke whales that feed in its waters.
Longyearbyen to Reykjavik
11 days, July 9 - 20, 2020
Silver Cloud voyages from Svalbard to Iceland through jaw-dropping arctic realms of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and pristine fjords. You'll be able to marvel at cascading waterfalls, geothermal springs and such wildlife as polar bears, walruses, whales and multitudes of seabirds.
Kangerlussuaq to Nome
24 days, Aug. 21 - Sept. 14, 2020
Following in the path of great explorers, Silver Cloud heads into the High Canadian Arctic to traverse the iconic Northwest Passage. The itinerary features a captivating mix of majestic scenery, isolated villages, possible wildlife sightings. Plenty of polar bears and musk oxen to seals and walruses to see along with UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord and the Smoking Hills of Cape Bathurst.
Antarctica – 2019 to 2020
Ushuaia round-trip
12 days – Dec. 5-17, 2019
This round-trip odyssey from Ushuaia, Argentina, on Silver Explorer unlocks Earth's least visited and most mysterious continent, Antarctica. Spectacular scenery frames the trip with icebergs, calving glaciers and the possibility to spot sunbathing seals, frolicking penguins and breaching humpback and minke whales.
Ushuaia round-trip
18 days – Dec. 17, 2019 to Jan. 4, 2020
What a way to spend Christmas and celebrate the new year, surrounded by a winter wonderland. Silver Explorer makes a special holiday voyage to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and more.
Ushuaia round-trip
15 days, Dec. 20, 2019 to Jan. 4, 2020
Another holiday option is on sister ship Silver Cloud. The ship sails to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, Elephant Island and South Shetland Islands, an itinerary that promises remarkable landscapes and close-up glimpses of spectacular wildlife species.
Ushuaia round-trip
12 days, Feb. 21 to March 4, 2020
Silver Explorer will sail to Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands on a voyage to unlock this pristine white wonder's treasures, from ancient glaciers and towering mountains to breathtaking colonies of penguins, seals and pods of whales. Early Booking Bonus fares start at US $13,590 per guest based on double occupancy.
This month only!
Silversea's exclusive air promotions for the Arctic and Antarctica are now available on new bookings until Aug. 30, 2019. The savings program includes free economy round-trip air, or reduced business-class air, for flights from select U.S. and Canadian gateways, plus free transfers between airport and ship.
The expedition ships host passionate and well-informed specialist experts who take passengers on immersive shore excursions.
Accommodations on Silver Cloud and Silver Explorer are luxurious. Both offer ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, butlers for all cabins and free beverages, wines and spirits. Fares also include a stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi , though keep in mind that satellite coverage in the polar regions are often.
Interested in learning more?
Intrigued? Contact a Cruiseable travel specialist to hear about prices, the exact itineraries for each voyage and how Cruiseable can save you a boatload of money. Remember, Cruiseable travel experts work for you, not the cruise lines. Call our Business Department at 1-877-322-3773 or email a Cruiseable travel consultant.
