With a declared aim of teaching conservation to young people, the Silversea Fund for the Galápagos has already raised $500,000 for scholarships and educational programming.  One of the major areas of focus for the Foundation is the Oceanic Scouts programme – a select group of young people who are so passionate about nature that many have gone on to become members of the naturalist team aboard the Silver Origin. “At the moment, Group 17 of Oceanic Scouts has approximately 60 children divided in three groups; Cub Scouts (age 7 to 11), Trooper Scouts (age 12 to 15) and Rover Scouts (age 16 to 20),” explains Ernesto Vaca, a local naturalist who oversees the programme from the island of San Cristóbal. With a focus on teaching skills that are relevant to the local environment – agriculture, meteorology, navigation, sailing and diving, among others – there is also an effort to educate young people through language instruction.

A group of marine iguanas perched on the rocky formations

The arid Galápagos archipelago, 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, is a biodiverse wonderland like no other. These [19 volcanic islands](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1/) are home to some 9,000 species of flora and fauna including giant tortoises, red- and blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and basking iguanas – all of which thrive in one of the most meticulously protected areas in the world. In addition to the 200,000 sq km Galápagos Marine Reserve that was established in 1998 to protect these bio-diverse waters, there are also strict laws in place to limit immigration to the islands, visitor traffic and development – all an effort to curb environmental issues.

View of Galápagos cliffs from within the cruise ship

To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to Galapágos click below

Ecuador’s most stunning national park is calling

As the [first UNESCO World Heritage site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/357#:~:text=Inscribed%20in%201978%2C%20the%20Galápagos,banks%20of%20the%20Gambia%20river.), the Galápagos are considered a unique living museum and a showcase of evolution – one that served as the ultimate laboratory for the naturalist Charles Darwin whose theories changed society’s view of the natural world. In a continued effort to preserve and protect this flourishing sanctuary – and the many rare species that are only found here – the luxury cruise line Silversea established a foundation in 2019 so that guests can get involved by contributing funds to environmental and cultural causes well beyond a voyage at sea.

Exploring the Galápagos

And as one would suspect, the remoteness of the area means that the destination has changed very little from the time when polar explorers Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen navigated through glorious-yet-challenging territory in the early 20th century. The breathtakingly beautiful scenery remains unchanged today: “The sky, the colours, the enveloping quiet are all magnificent,” says Combrink of the singular expedition experience. He encourages guests to put down the cameras and phones and to be absorbed by the vastness of it all. “Instead of trying to capture everything for friends back home, just be surrounded by blue skies and ice floes. This really is the perfect place to be in the moment.”

No one is more well versed in these magical, fleeting moments than Marieke Egan, Senior Expedition Leader on the Silver Endeavour who is constantly humbled by Mother Nature in this isolated part of the planet. By being so present, she has overseen magical Weddell Sea explorations “with big tabular icebergs coming off the Ronnie Iceshelf or the Larsen Iceshelf that you wouldn’t see on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula,” she says of the sensory experience.

Antarctica is more sought after than ever before; the combination of a post-COVID travel boom and increased ease of access to this remote region are prompting more visitors to prioritise a once-in-a-lifetime austral summer adventure. New technology is available, which means more stable, fuel-efficient expedition vessels and a more comfortable journey through the traditional two-day Drake Passage. A newer charter flight option – Antarctica Bridge – transports guests from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetlands, further whisking them by Zodiac to an awaiting ship. This allows visitors to be immersed in 24-hour sunlight, dramatic icebergs and snow-capped peaks for six days instead of the typical 10 or more that were historically required to visit the region.

Group of penguins in the foreground of a Silverseas cruise ship

To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to the Antarctica click below

This ice-covered wonderland is one of the last, great frontiers

From November through March, three small ice-class ships from the luxury cruise line Silversea ply these crystalline waters – including the Silver Endeavour that uses dynamic, anchor-free positioning that allows the expedition and bridge teams to offer even more flexibility and variety with regards to the itinerary and destinations. The luxury cruise line is an active member of the [International Association for Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)](https://iaato.org/) – an organisation formed in 1991 to promote environmentally friendly tourism and preservation – and has helped with the development of rigorous guidelines surrounding landing sites throughout this pristine landscape. Silversea has several staff members that actively sit on various IAATO committees, including Bob Simpson, Associate Vice President Expedition Product Development, who currently sits on the Air/Sea Committee and is the former chair of the IAATO Executive Committee.

Wonders of the White Continent

In areas such as the difficult-to-reach St. Kilda archipelago, or the Shetland Islands or the Hebrides “where the seas can be formidable, it takes a level of real skill to access these remote places,” says Measham of the seasoned crew. “We need to be clever about how we research destinations including the Shiants – islands where the birding is some of the most impressive anywhere.” Federica Bellinghieri, Senior Manager Destination Experiences, recalls a recent early morning Zodiac cruise here “that was chilly and splashy, but where the chance to observe myriad seabirds nesting on the cliffs and watch frolicking grey seals fishing was mind-blowing.”

Often overlooked by even the most seasoned traveller, the British Isles are fast becoming a go-to destination for their unique combination of history, culture, stunning natural beauty and temperate climate. With isolated shores, imposing castles and sub-tropical gardens, as well as vestiges of Celtic and Viking history, this relatively undiscovered part of the world is best explored by water and complimented by carefully curated shore excursions that highlight everything from the exquisite Abbey Gardens of Tresco to the birding paradise that is Lunga Island – with plenty of whisky tastings and hyper-local culinary adventures in the mix as well.

The British Isles landscape leading to the sea

The remains of a castle sitting atop a hill

To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to Northern Europe and the British Isles click below

For rugged beauty, unmatched wildlife and rich history, the lesser-known British Isles beckon

“I spent 15 years leading expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica, and I thought the British Isles was all about staid gardens and bus tours,” says Englishman Hadleigh Measham, Director, Expedition Product Development at Silversea. “But this area offers some of the most jaw-dropping, inspiring terrain anywhere on the planet.” Expedition leader Lea McQuillan concurs. “On a recent voyage through the Isles, we discovered the unexpected; from the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the serene island of Iona with its historical and religious significance, to the storm-ravaged island of St. Kilda’s with its weathered stone remnants – reminders of a time when the island was home to people of incredible resilience.”

Best of Britain

In urban communities such as East London, the focus has been on cultural development, including supporting local schools and arts initiatives; while in Cape Town, celebrations featuring local makers are always a highlight. “We recently got permission to use the residence of the premier of the Western Cape, an incredible historical building on the slopes of Table Mountain,” says Combrink of one particularly unique harvest festival set overlooking the majestic city. “The menus were reflective of diverse South African cultures – grilled prawns, local lamb, wines from a trio of female winemakers in Franschhoek, and Oryx Desert Salt from a local maker who is now distributed globally.”

The vibrant setup of one of the dinner functions

From glittering Cape Town up the Diamond Coast to Walvis Bay, and on to Namibia and back down to Port Elizabeth, a small ship cruise brings South Africa into sharp focus for first time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. And those voyaging have the ability to access once-remote fishing villages, lush botanical gardens and hikes in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve – all designed with the help of local guides to engage guests while also enriching the surrounding communities.

A campfire in Cape Town, South Africa, at dusk

A tented camp experience under the Karoo Sky

To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to South Africa click below

An expedition voyage provides a unique – and truly authentic – look at this stunning part of the world

“We firmly believe that we must have a positive relationship with all destinations we visit, and that there needs to be an economic benefit to the people at the destination,” explains South African-born Conrad Combrink, SVP Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management at Silversea, of the company’s approach to exploring new areas for positive change. “In South Africa, we partner with the women-owned and operated [Afri-Centric](https://africentric.co.za/about-us/) to provide the most under-the-radar, hyper-local experiences. This six-person collective is effecting change on a grassroots level in South Africa, and after training and programme development with us, they now offer their services to other cruise operators for increased economic benefit.”

What started with one project in 2019 has now become an ongoing partnership, explains Itumeleng Pooe, Managing Director, Afri-Centric. “We started with a legacy project where we restored a derelict old train for one of the Silversea experiences,” she says. “This gave the train company the chance to use it regularly again – on a very popular tourist route from Cape Town out to a country market for the day.” Many such collaborations have ensued, ranging from spectacular celebrations under the stars to a surprise lunch at the iconic Cape Columbine Lighthouse on South Africa’s West Coast. 

Sailing for South Africa

Another highlight of the Arctic is Greenland, where dramatic fjords framed by snow-capped mountains meet picturesque small towns such as Kangaamiut – meaning _the People of the Fjords_ – where welcoming residents make for lasting memories. Also making a sizeable impression are the wildlife opportunities here: “I had the most incredible panoramic Zodiac cruise of my life in Scoresby Sund, Eastern Greenland,” says Hansen of a recent outing. “Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world and is home to a labyrinth of inlets, islets and icebergs. The mountains are so sheer and steep – the product of being carved by a glacier – that you feel like you're in a maze. You lose all sense of scale.”

The Arctic is considered one of the most remote and pristine places on the planet. Known as the northern polar region, this frosty territory is made up of parts of seven different countries, including Canada, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States’s Alaska. Those who voyage through these glacial waters have the opportunity to follow in the steps of early 20th century explorers, such as Robert Peary and Roald Amundsen, while watching glaciers calve to create icebergs and floes that serve as hunting platforms for the Arctic’s majestic apex predator, the polar bear. Ice-class ships allow access to the Northwest Passage – a badge of honour for adventurous historians – as well as to local, relevant, Indigenous experts throughout this vast region.

A pair of kayakers, with snowy and rocky cliffs in the background

To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to the Arctic click below

With its varying shades of white and blue, this frozen region full of glaciers, rare wildlife and Indigenous culture awaits

“Expedition cruising is all about taking advantage of the conditions,” says Bob Simpson, AVP, Expedition Product Development at Silversea. “We have plans A–D, but we have to go with the flow and be flexible from one itinerary to the next due to weather, ice, wildlife opportunities and so on.” 

When it comes to the Arctic’s wildlife, these encounters are different on every voyage and no two experiences – or days – are the same, so highly skilled expedition leaders are versed in everything from seal-spotting to botany to tundra trekking. “This lack of predictability lends a deeper appreciation to these experiences – every moment that’s spent observing these creatures in their natural habitat is an immense privilege,” says Polar Historian and Naturalist Alexandra Hansen.

Adventures Through the Arctic

Looking ahead, events and surprise experiences for the World Cruises are being finalised, but several programmes are set. “For 2025, we are focused on initiatives like supporting small, privately owned restaurants in rural Vietnam,” explains McKeon. “This has great economic impact on the local economy and is the perfect way to highlight local cuisines and important traditions. In 2026, we’ll see the rehabilitation of Mystery Island in Vanuatu – a Pacific island project where we’ll work with Indigenous tribes to showcase their music, masked dancing and local cuisines with the highlight being the freshly caught fish that’s grilled and served on the island’s pristine beach.” 

Further plans are afoot for a day of traditional exotic marigold snake boat racing in Cochin, India, where locals will welcome World Cruise guests for a multi-course, authentic vegetarian meal followed by Kerala drumming and dramatic boat races with each traditional canoe manned by up to 100 rowers. “We aren’t creating anything fake or inauthentic,” says McKeon of such colourful celebrations on the water. “These kinds of events are all about one-off, unexpected experiences that money can’t buy,” he adds.

World cruises take you to remote places, like Myanmar

Silversea's Otium spa programme focuses on indulgence

One of the most majestic places in Bordeaux

For seasoned travellers who’ve satisfied their dream cruising list – from the farthest Norwegian fjords to spectacular islands of Thailand to frigid Antarctica – there’s one ultimate itinerary left to complete: the World Cruise.

Launched in 2002, Silversea’s annual World Cruise has become the jewel in the company crown – a voyage of discovery filled with unexpected surprises and one-off special events that are only available to its passengers – and only for that one fleeting moment in time. After past successful voyages that have sailed to Sydney, Shanghai, South Africa and beyond, planning is now focused on the next several years ahead – and in particular, on World Cruise 2027 – a comprehensive 149-day, 35-country epic journey from Los Angeles to Copenhagen.

An aerial image of the cruise among rocky and green islands

Yellow housing structures with snowy cliffs in the background

To learn more about Silversea’s World Cruise voyages click below

Explore the world to experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey that spans six continents and offers an immersion in local life and culture

Coined _The Three Oceans_, this voyage will visit the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and promises to include a series of highly curated experiences, such as a two-night overland experience to Victoria Falls, visits to 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a musical feast beneath the Spire of Hope at Belfast’s St. Anne’s Cathedral, just to name a few of the planned events designed to engage and delight the senses.

Itineraries may include a strong community engagement component so that the areas of greatest need at the moment – from local schools to wildlife preservation to arts programmes – are supported by the luxury cruise line to create lasting infrastructure long after the ship departs. “We are living in a dynamic time, and so the needs are constantly evolving. We try to respond with event concepts that are entertaining and impactful, always encouraging guests to ‘travel deeper’,” says Kevin McKeon, Silversea’s Experience and Events Manager, of the company’s philanthropic ethos.

EXPLORE THE WORLD