ONBOARD SILVER ENDEAVOUR — Silversea Cruises made history over the weekend with ultra-luxury cruising’s first Antarctica naming ceremony for its newest ship, Silver Endeavour – and Travelweek was there.

Silver Endeavour was celebrated Nov. 19 with an expedition-style event in the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica – one of the continent’s most scenic straits. Silver Endeavour is the 11th ship in Silversea’s fleet and broadens what Silversea says is the most diverse polar offering in ultra-luxury travel.

Executives from Silversea Cruises, the ship’s Godmother Felicity Aston MBE, and select members of the cruise line’s extended family were in attendance as an ice-sculpted champagne magnum smashed against Silver Endeavour’s hull to mark the cruise line’s third naming ceremony in just nine months.

It was the pinnacle event after the week’s epic voyage to Antarctica, including a crossing of the Drake Passage. Travelweek’s Publisher Devin Kinasz was onboard Silver Endeavour to take part in the festivities. “What an incredible ship,” said Kinasz. “A sailing on Silver Endeavour promises a once-in-a-lifetime sailing, especially for clients looking for that memorable trip to ‘The Last Continent’. It’s a journey that’s on the bucket-list for so many travellers right now, and with good reason. Silver Endeavour elevates an already unforgettable experience.”

“THIS REALLY IS ONE OF THE BEST”

Considered one of the world’s most advanced and luxurious expedition vessels, Silver Endeavour now sets sail on a series of 12 voyages to Antarctica, starting today and ranging from 5-20 days. These journeys include Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise sailings as well as an extended ‘Deep South’ expedition and a new 10-day Antarctic Peninsula voyage. Details about Silver Endeavour’s 2024-2025 sailings were also announced last week; click here for more info.

Onboard, guests will find seven suite categories, including some of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising, spread over eight public decks. There are also multiple restaurants, bars and lounges, an expansive spa, a two-storey solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool, an array of indoor and outdoor observation areas, and a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.

“We are excited to officially welcome Silver Endeavour to the Royal Caribbean Group fleet, bringing our global fleet to 64 ships,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Endeavour will continue to strengthen Silversea’s position as the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, allowing us to grow capacity while building upon Royal Caribbean Group’s mission of delivering the best vacations in the world, responsibly.”

And Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises, said: “We are incredibly proud to have hosted ultra-luxury cruising’s first Antarctica naming ceremony for Silver Endeavour, our third ship to be named in just nine months. Silver Endeavour strengthens our position as the industry’s leading cruise line, broadening our diverse polar offering for our guests’ enjoyment.”

Martinoli thanked Aston, the ship’s Godmother, polar explorer and climate scientist, who in 2012 became the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica, as well as the first person to traverse the continent by muscle power alone.

Travelweek spoke to Oakville, ON-based travel advisor Ron Dawick, also sailing onboard Silver Endeavour, about his impressions.

“The Silver Endeavour is a fantastic ship,” Dawick told Travelweek. “I’ve been on many of the Silversea ships, and I’ve been on other luxury liners, and this really is one of the best. And having Silversea add their touches to it makes it pretty special.”

Watch for more coverage from Travelweek’s Antarctica voyage on Silver Endeavour in the upcoming issue of Travelweek.