Silversea Opens World's Southernmost Hotel for Antarctica Cruises
Silversea has opened The Cormorant at 55 South, a 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, exclusively for guests on its Antarctica Fly Cruise itineraries, eliminating the Drake Passage sea crossing.
Silversea has opened the world's southernmost hotel in Chile exclusively for its cruise guests. The Cormorant at 55 South, a 150-room purpose-built property in Puerto Williams, launched in October 2026 as part of the luxury line's 2026/27 Antarctica season.
This hotel is designed to be the gateway to Antarctica. It is only bookable as part of a Silversea Antarctica Fly Cruise package. The property supports the line's ambition to shape the entire guest journey from start to finish, combining comfort with immersion in the Patagonian wilderness. It will also feature in Silversea's 2028/2029 Voyage Collection.
Exclusive Access and Unique Itinerary
The Cormorant at 55 South serves as the sole overnight accommodation for Silversea's 29 Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages. Every package includes a Silversea-branded charter flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams, a night at the hotel, and a subsequent flight to Antarctica to board the ship. This model provides a seamless transition and avoids the potentially rough Drake Passage sea crossing entirely, saving transit time. Independent bookings for the hotel are not available.
The hotel is part of 40 total Antarctic voyages this season. These itineraries range from six to 21 nights and operate on the expedition ships Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind, and Silver Cloud. Some longer voyages may also visit South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Season Launch and Voyage Details
Silversea's 2026/27 Antarctica season runs through March 2027. The grand opening of the Puerto Williams property was scheduled for November 5, 2026. The season features a mix of sailings, with 11 voyages still crossing the Drake Passage by sea in both directions from Puerto Williams.
The 29 Fly Cruise itineraries are split between roundtrip and one-way sailings. Silversea's Expedition Experts will be on permanent rotation at the hotel to assist guests.
| Ship | Voyage Type | Sample Departure Date | Duration (nights) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Wind | Roundtrip Drake Crossing | November 7, 2026 | 18 |
| Silver Cloud | One-way Fly Cruise | November 9, 2026 | 15 |
| Silver Cloud | Roundtrip Drake Crossing | December 9, 2026 | 12 |
| Silver Wind | Holiday Fly Cruise | December 22, 2026 | 15 |
| Silver Endeavour | One-way Fly Cruise | March 4, 2027 | 21 |
Hotel Amenities and Activities
The hotel features 150 rooms and several food and beverage outlets. The main restaurant, Latitude 55, serves family-style Patagonian dining. Bar Sur offers Chilean wines and local cocktails, and the Fireplace Lounge provides additional space to relax. A 24/7 gym is available for guests.
Exploration opportunities from the hotel include sea kayaking, horseback riding, and birdwatching in the surrounding Patagonian landscape. The opening represents a significant investment by Silversea, a Royal Caribbean Group brand, underscoring its commitment to the luxury expedition market.
The season also highlights a 6-Day Fly Expedition for the 2028/2029 collection. This short expedition offers unparalleled access to Antarctica in exceptional comfort. Guests can choose dedicated festive departures to celebrate Christmas or New Year in Antarctica in 2028.
