For the first time in its history, Silversea guests on board Silver Explorer experienced the iconic crossing.

Between 10 August and 5 September 2019, travellers journeyed 5,019 NM between Nome and Tromsø, visiting 27 destinations in three countries.

Among the voyage’s numerous highlights were various sightings of polar bears with their cubs, and other rare wildlife encounters; two passages through the Arctic sea ice, accompanied by an icebreaker; a unique culinary experience on the remote Ostrov Isachenko; and a polar plunge above 80°N latitude.

Two weeks into the voyage, on 24 August, Silver Explorer reached the Arctic pack ice and began following its edge northwards, accompanied by a Russian icebreaker. 

Then, thanks to exceptional weather conditions and the icebreaker in tow, which forged a clear path for Silversea’s expedition ship, guests were able to journey into the thicker ice for an unforgettable experience.

“It was a life-defining voyage,” says Stefan Kredel, Silversea’s expedition leader. “Nothing is guaranteed this far north, but we were very fortunate with the weather and ice conditions.

“We are delighted to have unlocked so many unique and memorable experiences for our guests in this remarkable region, from a folkloric performance by locals in Provideniya to various sightings of polar bears and walruses.”

Guests on board shared a feedback score of 100 per cent on the Northwest passage crossing which, according to Conrad Combrink, senior vice president of strategic development for expeditions and experiences at Silversea, “speaks volumes about about Silversea’s approach to ultra-luxury expedition cruising”. He commented:

“The depth with which we explore each destination ensures that guests enjoy an immersive and holistic journey of discovery, which is both enriching and unforgettable.

“Silversea’s first crossing of the Northeast Passage captured the true spirit of expedition. I look forward to 2020 when the cruise line will unlock both the Northwest and the Northeast Passages for guests once more!” 

In 2020, Silversea will operate two concurrent crossings of the Northwest and Northeast Passages, aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Explorer, respectively. A 24-day voyage, the crossing of the Northwest Passage will depart Kangerlussuaq for Nome on 21 August 2020, journeying through remote regions in Greenland, Canada, and Alaska.

The Northeast Passage crossing will depart Nome on 22 August 2020 and will arrive in Tromsø 25 days later, taking guests deeper into the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Alaska, Russia, and Norway. Both promise a wealth of remarkable experiences in some of the world’s most remote regions.

For more information and to book, visit silversea.com.