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Silver Cloud is underway in Antarctica

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Silver Cloud passengers kayaking in Antarctica this week
Silver Cloud is in Antarctica this week, marking its first visit to the White Continent following a $40m conversion into an ice-class expedition ship.

The vessel's initially scheduled cruise on Nov. 21 was cut short following a mechanical failure and repairs were undertaken in Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

On Silver Cloud's current 10-night expedition, round-trip Ushuaia, passengers are seeing vistas of towering icebergs, snow-capped mountains and awe-inspiring wildlife.

Silversea Cruises' first crossover luxury expedition vessel can accommodate 254 travelers, limited to 200 when cruising in polar waters. Most of the all-suite accommodations feature generous private verandas and luxury touches that include a choice of European bath amenities, butler service for all passengers and sumptuous Pratesi bedding with a nine-option pillow menu.

The new Tor’s Observation Lounge—named after Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio's fellow shipowner and pal Torstein Hagen—offers commanding, 180-degree views of Antarctica.

Among the five dining options is a Relais & Châteaux restaurant. Other amenities include a Zàgara Spa and a dedicated Photo Academy, where the latest equipment and professional photo-editing software can be used in conjunction with classes offered by the ship’s resident photo expert.

Twenty to 22 expedition team members lead immersive destination experiences, aided by a fleet of 16 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks.

Silver Cloud will operate 10-day Antarctica trips through February, when the ship is scheduled to embark on a journey from the southernmost tip of South America to the southernmost point of South Africa.

From there, Silver Cloud will travel up Africa's western coast to northern Europe and Arctic Svalbard. Summers will be spent in the High Arctic, cruising around Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada.

After a mini-season spent in Central and South America, Silver Cloud returns to Antarctica again late next year for further expeditions.