Cruise

Silversea Crosses the Iconic Northeast Passage

For the first time in the cruise line’s history, Silversea’s guests recently crossed the iconic Northeast Passage.

Between Aug. 10 and Sept. 5, travellers journeyed 5,019 NM between Nome and Tromsø, calling at 27 destinations in three countries. They travelled aboard Silver Explorer, retracing the route taken by famous explorers of yesteryear.

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.

“It was a life-defining voyage,” says Stefan Kredel, Silversea’s Expedition Leader for this particular crossing of the Northeast Passage. “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.”

Silversea’s guests were accompanied on this unique voyage by 15 experts from the cruise line’s industry-leading Expedition Team, including three historians, a marine biologist, a botanist, a geologist, an ornithologist, and a professional photographer.

Almost 50 destination-inspired lectures were delivered aboard Silver Explorer throughout the voyage, which enabled guests to learn insightful information that enriched their experiences.

Two weeks into the voyage, on Aug. 24, Silver Explorer reached the Arctic pack ice and began following its edge northwards, accompanied by a Russian icebreaker. Then, with the icebreaker forging a clear path for Silversea’s expedition ship, guests were able to journey into the thicker ice for a truly unforgettable experience.

(https://www.silversea.com)