Malfunction Cancels Silver Cloud’s First Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Silversea’s Silver Cloud has experienced a mechanical malfunction that forced the ship to cancel its inaugural expedition voyage to Antarctica, a cruise line representative tells Travel Agent. The ship has since returned to Puerto Madryn to perform the necessary repairs.

“All guests are safe and comfortable onboard and will be repatriated as soon as possible,” the cruise line said in a statement provided to Travel Agent. “Silver Cloud’s next cruise, departing Ushuaia on December 1, is scheduled to operate regularly.”

Fresh off a $40 million refurbishment and conversion into an ice-class expedition ship, the Silver Cloud had been sailing from Buenos Aires on its first expedition voyage. Originally scheduled to last 16 days, the itinerary was set to call at a number of destinations in Antarctica.

The renovation project updated the ship’s suites, most of which have a private verandah, as well as added a number of redesigned public spaces, including the new Tor’s Observation Lounge, which offers commanding views of the scenery, as well as boutiques stocked with expedition gear. The ship also has a heated, resort-style pool, the new Zagara Spa, and a new Photo Studio where a manager and professional equipment and photo editing software can assist guests with their photography. The ship also has a fleet of 16 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks for up-close exploration, as well as a team of between 20 and 22 Expedition Team members who give lectures, run workshops, lead Zodiac and kayak trips and guide nature walks.

Following its inaugural season in Antarctica, Silver Cloud will sail up Africa’s western coast to northern Europe and the Norwegian Arctic, where it will spend the summer season. After that, a series of expeditions to Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Central and South America will culminate in a return to Ushuaia for another season in Antarctica.

Travel Agent had a chance to sail onboard a special preview cruise of the newly renovated ship – you can check out our photo tour here.

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