Review: Silver Endeavour

_Location: Silver Endeavour will be based in Northern Europe this summer, offering two ex-UK British Isles and Iceland cruises, and nine Arctic and Greenland voyages. The ship returns to Antarctica for the winter 2023-24 season based at King George Island – allowing passengers to fly in from Chile and skip the notorious two-day Drake Passage crossing. This means time[1]pushed clients will be able to fit in their Antarctica trip in about 10 days, rather than 14, with six days’ sailing.

_{First impressions:} When I arrive for the shakedown sailing, it’s clear this is going to be a special way to explore the world’s most remote destination – with champagne waiting in my suite and floor-to-ceiling windows ready to bring the spectacular scenery inside. The spacious suites in this former Crystal Cruises ship have been given the full Silversea treatment, with a classic-meets-contemporary decor in a muted colour palette, and butler service. With a guest to crew ratio of 1:1, I feel looked after from the moment I step on board.

_{The facts:} Endeavour sailed briefly under Crystal Cruises, before it was purchased by Silversea last year. There are seven categories of suites, all with balconies and butlers, ranging from the Owner’s Suite and Grand Suite, both at the bow, to the classic veranda suites. Further improvements, to be completed when in dry dock this spring [March-May], include adding another 10 suites to replace the helipad and hangar – bringing the total number up to 110 and increasing passenger capacity to 220.

The former casino will make way for more crew accommodation. The spa features a sauna and steam room, plus treatment rooms and a relaxation area that offers a decadent angle on wellness, in line with Silversea’s Otium spa philosophy. Forget the almonds and ginger tea: guests can indulge in macarons, candies and chocolate truffles, and cocktails, featuring some of the same ingredients as the scrubs used in treatments.

The ship has four dining options: The Restaurant is the largest, with an international menu; Il Terrazzino serves Italian fare; The Grill is a more laidback option by the pool; and La Dame offers intimate French dining. The Arts Cafe offers all-day snacks and a bar, while the Observation Lounge is the spot for an aperitif with a view, or a post-dinner cocktail, with entertainment from the ship’s pianist.

The Explorers’ Lounge is where guests come for a recap over a cocktail at the end of each day, reflecting on the wildlife seen during the day – with an LED screen projecting images captured by the ship’s high-definition camera. Members from the knowledgeable, 22-strong, safety-conscious expedition team also run through where guests will visit the following day. And with 18 Zodiacs – soon to be 22 – all guests are able to go ashore at the same time.

_{Ideal for:} Mature clients who were intrepid travellers in their youth, who still have a lust for far-flung exploration, but now prefer a certain level of comfort. Endeavour offers more of a “safari at sea” than a typical cruise, says president and chief executive Barbara Muckermann, “because the experience is so close to meeting the wildlife, like in Africa, it’s just that here you need the ship, because there are no camps.”

_Wow: The outdoor hot tub on the ship’s bow is one of the best places I’ve ever sunk a glass of champagne – largely thanks to a near-panoramic view as the ship cut through icy Antarctic waters as it left Cuverville Island.

_{Book it:} A six-day sailing costs from £20,300, based on a February 27, 2024, departure from King George Island. Price includes food and drink, excursions, butler service, transfers, international business-class flights and hotel stays in Santiago.
silversea.com