Silversea opens “The Cormorant at 55 South” in Chile: the Antarctica expedition hotel opens in Puerto Williams

Silversea and the Royal Caribbean group officially cut the ribbon on The Cormorant at 55 South, a new 150-room hotel located in Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost city on the planet. Inaugurated on November 5 in the presence of the company’s senior leadership, Chilean authorities, and the local community, the property was created in partnership with a consortium of Chilean investors to serve as the exclusive gateway to the Antarctica Fly Cruise program. All travelers heading to the White Continent will reach Puerto Williams via dedicated charter flights departing from the private terminal in Santiago, staying at the hotel before and after their cruise.

The development of the property represents a logistical and architectural feat: the prefabricated modules for the 150 rooms were built in Mendoza, Argentina, and then transported across the Andes and Patagonia down to the 55th parallel south. The interiors reflect the identity of the territory through the use of warm woods, expansive panoramic windows, and three large installations by Chilean artists: the steel sculpture Navarino by Paola Vezzani in the lobby, the mural Dientes de Navarino by Cata Flaño, and the ceramic artwork La Memoria de las Piedras by Javier Canales. The opening ceremony paid tribute to local roots with performances by Folk groups and the cutting of a ribbon hand-woven from natural rush fibers by local artisans.

The experience brings ashore the high standards of service that distinguish the Silversea fleet. The cuisine celebrates Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego with the restaurant Latitude 55, where dishes based on local ingredients and asado are served on large sharing platters at the center of the table. Bar Sur pairs selections of teas with guided Pisco tastings and a wine cellar spanning Chile’s wine regions from north to south, complemented by the Fireplace relaxation area gathered around the hearth. For those wishing to explore the surroundings, activities include kayak excursions in the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel, horseback riding, and trekking along the Seno Lauta coastline to spot local wildlife.

The opening of the hotel marks a strategic, long-term investment in the brand’s polar expeditions. Through March 2027, Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind, and Silver Cloud will operate a total of 40 cruises to the far south, 29 of which will feature the Antarctica Fly Cruise formula with an included stay at The Cormorant. Ranging from 6 to 21 nights, the itineraries will explore the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, offering travelers an immersive polar adventure without the lengthy open-sea crossings of the Drake Passage.