twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Antarctica has long been a continent that has intrigued me and what better way to get there than on a cruise? So it is that I find myself about to board the Silver Wind for 18 nights. Departing from Puerto Williams in the South of Chile, Silversea has gathered us in Santiago, Chile as our commercial airport of arrival and departure. From here Silversea has chartered private aircraft to fly us to Puerto Williams to board the ship. This is considered an "Expedition" Silversea cruise so a little different than their "Classic" offering. Encompassing both Christmas and New Years, the itinerary: J_Keeble, JohnK6404, Lovetocruise2002 and 20 others 14 4 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 To be fair I don't know how "live" this will be as I am not expecting a normal satellite internet experience given the latitude and proximity to the South pole. It may be that I work on this thread not so live but we will have to see. fireclan, MaryS, Sweety and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 I chose to book my own airfare for this trip. Flying a Delta booked ticket on a codeshare flight operated by LATAM airlines. This is my second time flying LATAM but first time in their business class. It was an overnight flight from Miami to Santiago so the lay flat bed was a welcome feature. The plane is a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a relatively new aircraft. Meal service was good and there were no hiccups with the flight. Arriving into Santiago there was a twenty five minute queue for immigration then I was officially in Chile. There were Silversea representatives waiting for guests who booked their air through Silversea for an included transfer service. Since I booked my air direct I used a taxi to the hotel that cost $28,000 CLP. This posted to my US credit card at $32 USD. The taxi driver had a credit card terminal in his car. DDaley, ScottishRobbie, WAAAYTOOO and 13 others 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Silversea included the hotel stay in my fare both pre-cruise and post-cruise. For this occasion they used the Mandarin Oriental in Santiago. The view with the Andes mountains in the background. Yesiamthere, MaryS, WAYNO and 17 others 8 5 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 On the second floor of the hotel are conference rooms where Silversea was established to check guests into the hotel and provide instructions on next steps. They provided a letter explaining the process for the next day, a health questionnaire and my boarding pass for the charter flight with luggage tags. Looks like I am on the last bus but I did score a window seat. Cactus527, PPPJJ-GCVAB, SpeedNoodles and 8 others 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Arriving to the hotel at 9am the hotel accommodated me checking in well before the official 3pm check in time. I wandered around the area and walked to a nearby shopping mall a couple of miles away. Afternoon called for a nap before dinner at the hotel's Seron restaurant. Meals are not included. After dinner I walked around more checking out the hotel grounds and a nearby urban trail system with many residents out after work riding bicycles and walking their dogs. Despite being after 9pm it was still quite light out as I ventured out to get my step count up. The letter provided above stated to put luggage out by midnight which was mildly uncomfortable for me but the hotel appears to be quite safe requiring a key card to access guest floors. It was comforting to see other guests had put their luggage out as well. PPPJJ-GCVAB, SpeedNoodles, MaryS and 8 others 9 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Day One Morning starts with a beautiful sunrise over the Andes mountains. Silversea had arranged a private breakfast for guests. Given the size of the venue for breakfast they must have the majority of guests staying here. I know on some occasions they use more than one hotel. Breakfast was a buffet which was perfect for my needs. Lovetocruise2002, MaryS, FloatyBoaty and 9 others 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 A note about the charter flight had come by email several weeks ago. It appears we use an FBO private terminal to board here in Santiago. Upon our return after the cruise they have just enough fuel to take off from the short runway in Puerto Williams so we'll do a refueling stop in Punta Arenas on the way back. Lovetocruise2002, PPPJJ-GCVAB, JohnK6404 and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 As I sit here in my hotel room waiting, staring out at the picturesque Andes mountains, I have found the inbound aircraft bringing guests from the Silver Wind back to Santiago in the FlightAware app. Just as we will do in 18 days, they first had a refueling stop in Punta Arenas. They are back in the air now on the way to Santiago where they will spend a night before flying home. It seems they are about halfway here. Come on pilots, push those throttles forward... IT'S CRUISE DAY!!! Big Tule, asquared17, SpeedNoodles and 16 others 15 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottD Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 This is amazing, thank you for taking us along, I'm VERY intrigued by this one! Such an amazing experience. Sweety, USCG Teacher, DDaley and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Fun fact... The airport in Puerto Williams is the Southernmost airport in the world with commercial airline service. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardia_Marina_Zañartu_Airport At 1,440 m or 4,724 feet, the runway is a decent size but well short of the runway length found at most larger airports. Hence the need to take off with minimum fuel given the luggage that us cruise guests love to pack. We'll have just enough fuel to make Punta Arenas. PPPJJ-GCVAB, FloatyBoaty, CruzOnBye and 7 others 4 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 I have an airtag in my suitcase. It appears my luggage has found its way to the airport. PPPJJ-GCVAB, SpeedNoodles, Lovetocruise2002 and 6 others 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 I've been to Chile twice before and it is a beautiful country. On my last visit we drove down to Punta Arenas where we zip lined with the mountains in the backdrop. For this trip and with timing for work I couldn't take any more days off but if you have the time it's definitely worth spending a few extra days and making it over to the coast or visiting some of the wineries in the area. Ampurp85, PPPJJ-GCVAB and Sweety 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt From Canada Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Following with great interest and anticipation. We sail on Serenade on JAN 05 ... our ships will not cross paths. However, we will enjoy every experience you describe and every picture you send. Your posts are always inspiring. Our cruise is not an expedition one (just a cruising one). Please get a couple of autographs from Penguins as you spend time on "The Ice". Curt from Canada SpeedNoodles, Shari and twangster 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt From Canada Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Our Christmas Wish for you is a couple of "Drake Lakes". However, if you were "naughty", the Drake Shake awaits ... Have a blast ... Curt from Canada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 1 minute ago, Curt From Canada said: Our Christmas Wish for you is a couple of "Drake Lakes". However, if you were "naughty", the Drake Shake awaits ... Have a blast ... Curt from Canada With my luck... shake it will be! All part of the Antarctica experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Operational update... delayed a bit. Silversea is having snacks put out in the breakfast room for those of us that need a place to wait. The front desk granted me a 12:45pm late check out so I have a brief reprieve. Lovetocruise2002, PPPJJ-GCVAB, SpeedNoodles and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Why is this hidden here in this section?! I am moving it to "Live Blogs". People are blogging Royal and X over there, so might as well add Silversea to the list! And this is an amazing, bucket list itinerary! CruzOnBye, Yesiamthere, FloatyBoaty and 17 others 10 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 I am so intrigued with this trip! So glad I happened upon it…I am following and excited to view as many pictures as you find fit to post! This is one of many areas of the Earth I will never find favor to visit, so thank you for blogging and allowing us to join you…even if only in spirit! twangster and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 While I was in the Galapagos a few months ago the region was first encountering an avian flu that was causing havoc for wildlife. That same avian flu has made its way to the Antarctic. While it's doesn't appear to impact humans directly it will have an indirect impact. Like the Galapagos there will areas that are closed in the Antarctic area to prevent humans from contributing to spreading the disease between islands. I am anticipating we will have more zodiac tours offered in places. In the Galapagos the zodiac tours where a favorite excursion offering great wildlife photography opportunities. While it is disappointing, it is what it is and I'm hoping the zodiac tours in Antarctica will provide similar photo ops and wildlife viewing that we had in the Galapagos. FloatyBoaty, MaryS, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmondFarmer Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 1 hour ago, twangster said: At 1,440 m or 4,724 feet, the runway is a decent size but well short of the runway length found at most larger airports. Hence the need to take off with minimum fuel given the luggage that us cruise guests love to pack. We'll have just enough fuel to make Punta Arenas. Will Silverseas be weighing guests during the cruise and potentially rationing buffet access to insure safe takeoff on flight home? PPPJJ-GCVAB and Shari 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 6 minutes ago, AlmondFarmer said: Will Silverseas be weighing guests during the cruise and potentially rationing buffet access to insure safe takeoff on flight home? Don't give Jason Liberty any ideas (or excuses). Cactus527, CruzOnBye, Ampurp85 and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 This is so cool, I know since you sailed so much on basic itineraries, that cruises like this and the Galapagos are rare treats. I am really looking forward to this blog. Shari and asquared17 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 3 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Why is this hidden here in this section?! I am moving it to "Live Blogs". People are blogging Royal and X over there, so might as well add Silversea to the list! I meant to ask on the Galapagos one if he wanted it moved to the Live Blog section! I chose to do my Celebrity review there since I was making a ton of Royal comparisons. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 3 hours ago, AshleyDillo said: I meant to ask on the Galapagos one if he wanted it moved to the Live Blog section! @twangster blogs should never be hidden. That is my conclusion! lol melmar02, asquared17, USCG Teacher and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Loving your blog. You include a lot of factual information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Bucket list for sure! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year's trip, and thanks for bringing us along! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 4 hours ago, AshleyDillo said: I meant to ask on the Galapagos one if he wanted it moved to the Live Blog section! I chose to do my Celebrity review there since I was making a ton of Royal comparisons. Wait. I missed a Galapagos blog?????? DDaley and asquared17 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 Thirty minute bus ride to the private hanger (FBO) at the airport. There they had the red carpet rolled out for us. It's a typical FBO that isn't really designed for large groups like many FBO. You can see why they needed to stagger the arrival of busses and loading of the four charter planes. There are restroom facilities for those that need them. After a short wait we began boarding. The benefit of an FBO boarding is no security checkpoint. Instead we just walk through the hanger after having our boarding pass scanned. Our chariot to the tip of Chile. The BAE146 is a comfortable regional jet with more legroom than you'll find on any domestic US airline in coach and it may have had more legroom than comfort plus on most US domestic airlines. Not only did I score a window seat, I scored an aisle and a middle too - I had the row to myself. In fact I don't recall seeing any row with three passengers on either side despite the 3 x 3 seating. Sweety, PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 A quick check of the radar before we depart. We may have some rain in Puerto Williams. Temps of 52°F so dress appropriately and don't pack all your jackets in the luggage as you won't see them until on board the ship. Once in the air there was a "Silversea003" SSID on the planes wifi system. It appears they have a media platform on the plane just for Silversea. Several videos that talk to the expedition nature of the cruise and safety. Movies and TV shows. There is also a moving map showing the planes location. Sweety, MaryS, Ampurp85 and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 We passed through areas that were cloudy and areas completely clear. Roughly halfway there were some beautiful snow capped mountains below us. I spotted a hanging glacier. SpeedNoodles, WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and 10 others 6 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 The complimentary lunch was a salad with a mousse. Wine and beer were offered. Eventually we began a deep descent into the clouds. We popped through the clouds to see water and mountains. I spotted a ship! Unfortunately I was taking pictures through the jet engine exhaust stream and couldn't get a clear picture of the Silver Wind. After we passed the town we did a sharp bank to come at it from the other direction. Moments later we were in Puerto Williams. No terminal, just a short walk off the tarmac to a sidewalk and waiting busses. MaryS, WAAAYTOOO, SpeedNoodles and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 A short bus ride later and there was the Silver Wind. I'm pretty sure someone was in trouble for staying out late with the boys. Upon boarding we surrendered our passports and collected our key cards. Skigoofy, CruzOnBye, DDaley and 9 others 10 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 Cabin Tour - Deluxe Balcony Suite The red bag contained a complimentary parka. A form for sizing was submitted several weeks ago online. Also complimentary is a water bottle and a waterproof backpack. Desk outlets with USB-A and USB-C charging ports. The balcony. The view forward. The view aft. As a point of reference the timestamp on this photo was 8:21pm. Long days here in the summer months. Sweety, DDaley, Ampurp85 and 9 others 5 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 Compulsory balcony selfie. CruzOnBye, Meddy3580, Ampurp85 and 15 others 13 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAYNO Posted December 20, 2023 Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 This is all so incredible! Thank you. Sweety and ScottD 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 Luggage arrived as I was being led to my suite. Perfect timing. Quick unpack and then to the MDR for dinner. Quick dinner with the 10pm muster closely approaching. With our late arriving flight it was all a blur and there was little time to stop and take a break. Muster drill the old standard way, long and tedious after being so rushed up to this point. I was scolded for not watching the safety video in my cabin before arriving to muster. Oops. Forgot (didn't know). Skigoofy, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 2 others 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 After muster it was time for sail away. Remember how I mentioned the long days? These photos were taken at 10:18pm. The airport runway. Looking back towards the town. Meddy3580, Ampurp85, Skigoofy and 9 others 10 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 Day one Chronicle: 19 DEC - EMBARK - Puerto Williams.pdf CruzOnBye, Lovetocruise2002 and PPPJJ-GCVAB 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2023 The Silver Wind has been retrofitted with wifi access points in each suite. I found this one behind the TV. We use these where I work and they are a very capable device. Impressive. More outlets bedside. USB-A and USB-C on each side of the bed with an power port on one side. FloatyBoaty, MaryS, WAAAYTOOO and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.