Silversea Previews Immersive Experiences at New Antarctic Gateway Hotel in Puerto Williams
Immersive land experiences and a direct charter flight will elevate Silversea’s 2026 Antarctica Fly Cruises.
Photo: Courtesy of Silversea
Silversea is redefining the pre-cruise experience with The Cormorant at 55 South, a new property opening January 2026 in Puerto Williams, Chile. Set on Navarino Island at the edge of the Fuegian Archipelago, the hotel will serve as both a luxury base camp and a springboard for guests embarking on the line’s Antarctica Fly Cruise sailings.
Unlike traditional embarkation points like Punta Arenas or Ushuaia, Puerto Williams offers a quieter, more intimate gateway—and Silversea is turning it into a destination in its own right. Guests staying at The Cormorant will be able to explore nearby Magellanic subpolar forests, kayak through the Beagle Channel, and spot native wildlife including upland geese, guanacos, and the cormorant that gives the property its name.
Crucially for advisors, Silversea is also easing access to the region. Beginning with the 2025–2026 season, a new direct charter flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams, exclusive to Silversea guests, will eliminate the need for overland transfers and multiple legs. The flight includes upgraded seating, premium onboard service, and private check-in, creating a seamless journey from city to ship.
The Cormorant enhances the transition with a land-based experience that mirrors the company’s onboard ethos: personalized, comfortable, and deeply rooted in place. On-the-ground programming includes guided hikes in Parque Municipal Ukika, birdwatching excursions led by expedition experts, and interpretive lectures that frame the region’s cultural and ecological significance.
The hotel complements Silversea’s pioneering Fly Cruise model, which lets travelers bypass the Drake Passage while maximizing time in Antarctica. The six-day itineraries offer a compelling alternative for clients with tighter schedules or a preference for smoother crossings, while still delivering expert-led landings, Zodiac excursions, and lectures from Silversea’s team of up to 28 specialists.
Antarctica is no longer just about endurance. With the debut of The Cormorant at 55 South, it’s about engagement, from the moment guests touch down. Advisors can position the new offering as both a logistical upgrade and an experiential differentiator, helping clients get more from their journey without adding friction.
The first guests will check in this January.
