Silver Endeavour named in Antarctica's spectacular Lemaire Channel

On the bridge wing Aston — the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica — pronounced the godmother's blessing and smashed a 'bottle' made of ice against the hull as Silversea Cruises' guests toasted with Champagne from the Zodiacs and crew cheered from the bow.

Silver Endeavour glides through the channel

Awesome setting

Lemaire is ringed by towering snowcapped mountains and bobbing with growlers.

Ashore, a parade of gentoo penguins marched up an impossibly steep climb.

As the sun broke out, Silver Endeavour glided silently into position, and 13 Zodiacs waltzed around in a choreographed spectacle before gathering off the port bow.

Godmother Felicity Aston on the bridge wing with Capt. Niklas Peterstam and Peter Greenberg

Naming party

The naming party — Aston, Capt. Niklas Peterstam and emcee Peter Greenberg — stepped onto the bridge wing, their words conveyed via QuietVox headsets to guests in the Zodiacs.

Peterstam — a seasoned polar veteran — said it was rare to be able to access the narrow channel so early in the season.

And rarer still to stage such a spectacle in these surroundings.

Silver Endeavour crew deliver Champagne to guests in the Zodiacs

In true Silversea style, a Zodiac circulated with Champagne to celebrate the endeavor and the purpose of it all — Silver Endeavour.

The newly named Silver Endeavour emerges from the southern end of Lemaire Channel

Here's a video of highlights: