Antarctica has long been a destination that has caught the imagination of explorers. For the adventurers of the early 20th century, the continent was an untouched frontier, filled with both danger and potential for discovery. It was their stories which inspired Conrad Combrink, now Silversea’s senior vice president of expeditions, destination and itinerary management, to embark on his first expedition cruise for an adventure of his own.
“Astonished by the stories of those explorers, I started looking for ways to experience the White Continent for myself,” he says. “I realised my love for expedition cruising after just a few days of being onboard the ship and I haven’t looked back. The polar regions offer an experience unlike any other. I always find them incredibly emotional and captivating – for me, few other experiences or destinations compare.”
Although Combrink has sailed across the world to a variety of spectacular destinations on expedition ships since that first voyage, Antarctica was the setting for a moment he describes as one of his most unforgettable. The experience happened on a visit to Neko Harbour, an inlet of the Antarctica Peninsula.
“We were on a Zodiac cruise with our guests when we saw a group of humpback whales in the bay,” says Combrink. “Drifting along the calm waters in the Zodiac with the engine off, we were approached by a mother and her calf. The pair began swimming beneath our Zodiac, playfully circling us in a way that was both humbling and exhilarating. It was one of the greatest wildlife encounters I’ve ever had – a moment that will live with me for the rest of my life.”
Silversea excursions offer the chance for guests to encounter extraordinary local wildlife, such as humpback whales in Antarctica
That encounter took place during a voyage onboard a Silversea ship and Combrink is keen to give every guest sailing onboard the cruise line’s Antarctica itineraries their own chance to create a similar memory.
“Wildlife features heavily on our expedition voyages and guests have ample opportunities to see rare and elusive creatures in their natural habitats,” says Combrink. “Guests simply adore viewing a beautiful animal in the wild before learning about their behaviours and characteristics from one of our many expedition experts.”
Silversea offers a range of Antarctica itineraries from Puerto Williams, Chile, that guests can also join by flying directly to the White Continent as part of the company’s fly-cruise programme. Silversea is the only cruise line to homeport in Puerto Williams, the world’s southernmost city, during the Antarctica season and has broken ground for the construction of its own hotel at the port, overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by forest.
“By joining voyages departing from Chile, our guests can experience the beauty of Antarctica in a short time and complete a bucket-list trip within two weeks,” says Combrink. “Flying directly to Antarctica as part of our fly-cruise programme allows them to experience the White Continent in luxury in just 10 days.”
Silversea’s commitment to delivering luxury experiences is evident across its fleet of 12 vessels, including its four expedition ships Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and Silver Origin. Silver Endeavour, the most recent addition, offers a 1:1 guest to crew ratio and suites of up to 173 square metres, all of which have balconies where guests can take in views of the unique destinations they visit.
Along with Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, Silver Endeavour will spend the winter season in 2024-2025 sailing to Antarctica. However, Antarctica isn’t the only destination that guests can visit on a Silversea itinerary. On the other side of the world, cruises to the Arctic and Greenland during the summer season provide the chance for guests to see musk ox, reindeer, seals, walrus, Arctic foxes and other wildlife, visit Inuit communities and learn about Viking history in Southern Greenland.
The Galapagos Islands offer unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing, says Conrad Combrink
Silversea also operates voyages to the Galapagos Islands, sailing from San Cristóbal Island onboard Silver Origin, the brand’s only ship designed specifically for a destination. Guests can research the Galapagos in Silver Origin’s Basecamp lounge before they step onboard one of its eight Zodiacs to explore the islands, led by a team of Ecuadorian national expert guides.
“There is real intrigue and fascination about the Galapagos Islands and the renowned region is highly favoured among guests,” he says. “The 19-island archipelago is one of the strangest, most surreal and truly breathtaking places to visit on Earth. Here, the wildlife is unafraid of humankind, which means there are always unparalleled sighting opportunities for every guest.”
Silversea continues to expand its itinerary programme and, alongside its expedition voyages, has several new ocean cruises planned for 2025. Silver Nova is set to complete a 47-day circumnavigation of Australia, while Silver Ray will undertake a 71-day journey around South America. In April, Silver Wind will sail along the West Coast of Africa, taking guests to rarely visited destinations such as Takoradi, Abidjan and the Bijagos Archipelago.
When asked to define the experience offered by a Silversea itinerary, Combrink highlights the appeal of its remote destinations to a particular kind of traveller.
“A Silversea expedition itinerary always resonates with those looking for off-the-beaten-track travel and self-enrichment,” he says. “Guests want once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can only be delivered through years of expertise, solid partnerships and collaborations with communities around the world, and the means to get there – and to do so in true luxury!
He also points to the opportunities Silversea provides to learn more about these outstanding destinations as another favourite feature for guests.
“On each Silversea expedition voyage, we have a brilliant team of hand-picked expedition experts – including marine biologists, geologists, scientists, historians, and cultural specialists – who share their passion and in-depth knowledge of the destinations with our guests,” he says. “This, for many, is a highlight of their trip.”
Silversea’s new itineraries for 2025 include a circumnavigation of Australia
Combrink has been at Silversea for a total of 17 years, having started as head of expedition planning when the cruise line first launched its luxury expedition cruise concept. He says the brand has evolved during that time but has maintained an unwavering commitment to exploration and innovation.
“There is still so much of the world to discover!” he says. “In 2023, 15 of our most seasoned expedition leaders and explorers spent two weeks on a deep-dive scouting mission in Antarctica, which resulted in us identifying 12 new landing sites. We’ve welcomed advanced ships too, such as Silver Endeavour and Silver Origin, both of which deliver unequalled experiences in unique comfort.
“Due to developments like these, our offering has evolved over the years, with more destinations and stronger expertise in each region. We go to exceptional lengths to curate incredible experiences for our guests, ensuring that each traveller disembarks feeling deeply enriched by the places they visit, the moments they enjoy and the people they meet.”
This article was first published in the 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe for FREE to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox.