No submersible and no helicopter, and here is why
This ship was built for another line, under another name, and it carried two
submersibles and two helicopters. Silversea removed them after buying it. The
helicopter hangar and the former casino were converted into suites.
The reason given by management at the time comes in two parts: polar water is
too turbid for a submersible to be much use, and the line did not want equipment
usable by only a fraction of guests. You can argue with the decision, but it is
clear and owned.
If a brochure or a website promises you a submersible on this ship, it
predates 2023. The ship keeps eighteen Zodiacs, fourteen kayaks and a remotely
operated underwater camera.
Where this ship comes from
Built in Germany and completed in 2021 for an operator that collapsed in
January 2022. The ship finished its last Antarctic cruise in February 2022, was
detained under judicial arrest in Uruguay, then towed to Gibraltar for auction.
Silversea's parent group acquired it in July 2022.
It was named on 19 November 2022 in the Lemaire Channel, in Antarctica, the
first time a ship has been named in that place.
The hull
One hundred and sixty-four point four metres, 20,649 gross tons, 220 guests
and 207 crew. About one crew member per guest, the best ratio in the fleet. Its
ice notation is PC6, higher than that of Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Every suite has a balcony,
which is true neither of Silver Origin nor of Silver Ray.
What the package covers, and the 2025 change
Aboard, the phrase "all-inclusive" holds up. Gratuities are included. Wines
and spirits are included, poured without counting. Wi-Fi is included in every
suite. Butler service comes with the suite whatever its category, which is rare
and genuinely sets this line apart.
The important change dates from 11 September 2025: the fare that included
door-to-door air travel was withdrawn. The air ticket is no longer included by
default, nor are airport transfers. Any brochure older than that date is wrong
on this point, and the difference shows when you pay.
Excursions depend on the fare chosen and the type of cruise. On expeditions,
landings and Zodiac outings are included at the higher fare. On classic cruises,
expect an excursion credit or an à la carte purchase. Have it confirmed which
applies to your departure.
Aboard
There is no children's club, no childcare and no youth programme. Infants
under six months are not accepted, and children under five cannot ride a Zodiac
on the expedition ships. A minor stays in the suite of an adult aged twenty-one
or over, or in an adjoining suite.
The line has been wholly owned by Royal Caribbean Group since July 2020.
Several databases still list the founding family as a co-owner: that is out of
date.
Booking from Quebec
The port of embarkation is reached by air, and since 11 September 2025 that
ticket is no longer included in the cruise fare. It has become the first thing
to arrange rather than the last. Arrive the day before: a ship does not wait for
a delayed flight.
Voyages AquaTerra holds a licence from Quebec's Office de la protection du
consommateur. Your payments move through the trust account required by law and
the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents covers your file.
