A new dimension has been added to the luxury expedition experience offered by Silversea. The Cormorant at 55 South has officially opened in Puerto Williams, Chile, with 150 rooms and the ambition of becoming the main point of reference for guests travelling to Antarctica as part of the Antarctica Fly Cruise programme. Located in the world’s southernmost city, the hotel offers a new way to experience the journey to the White Continent, bringing together hospitality, local discovery and comfort even before guests embark.
The opening ceremony took place on 5 November 2026, attended by Silversea executives, Chilean national and regional authorities, and members of the local community. Developed in partnership with a consortium of Chilean investors, the project represents a first for Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group, while strengthening the company’s presence in the region. From now on, guests travelling on Antarctica Fly Cruise expeditions will reach Puerto Williams on Silversea-branded charter flights departing from the company’s private terminal in Santiago. They will stay at The Cormorant before continuing their journey to Antarctica, with the hotel also welcoming them at the end of their voyage.
Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea, highlighted the strategic significance of the opening of The Cormorant at 55 South, explaining that the new property had been created to make the journey to Antarctica easier and more comfortable. Designed to reflect the identity of Puerto Williams while providing a level of service consistent with the standards guests experience across the fleet, the hotel becomes the starting point for a fully integrated expedition experience. The project also reinforces the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality and continually enhancing the guest experience.
The hotel’s opening is part of the development journey that Silversea began in 2008, when the brand introduced a new model of luxury expedition cruising, extending its service philosophy to experiences on land. The Cormorant’s staff have been trained according to The Silversea Way, the company’s hospitality philosophy, to ensure personalised service and quality standards in line with those offered aboard its ships.
The development of the property also reflects the international scope of the project and the distinctive nature of its geographical setting. Its 150 rooms were built using a modular construction system in Mendoza, Argentina, before being transported across the Andes and Patagonia to Puerto Williams, at 55 degrees south. The architecture and interior design draw inspiration from the region’s landscapes, traditions and materials, establishing a direct connection with the surrounding environment. This local identity is also expressed through three large-scale artworks by Chilean artists, each interpreting the landscape, geology and ecology of the far south.
The hospitality concept centres on a selection of dining options and welcoming spaces designed to encourage conviviality. Latitude 55 brings the flavours of Chilean Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Puerto Williams to the table, showcasing local ingredients and culinary traditions such as asado. Menus reflect the seasons and the resources available in the region, while dinner is designed around a shared dining experience, with generous dishes served at the centre of the table.
Bar Sur is the hotel’s main social hub. During the day, it serves tea and light bites, while in the evening guests can enjoy a selection of Chilean wines and spirits, with a drinks list that travels from the north to the south of the country. Calafate, an indigenous berry with a distinctive indigo-blue colour, and Pisco, Chile’s emblematic spirit, feature prominently in the cocktail selection. Guests can also take part in guided Pisco experiences hosted by the bar team, as well as wine tastings led by the hotel’s sommelier.
One of the hotel’s most distinctive spaces is the Fireplace, inspired by the Patagonian tradition of gathering around a fire as a symbol of hospitality, storytelling and shared moments. Comfortable seating and large windows overlooking the landscape create a welcoming atmosphere. The interior art collection includes Navarino, a steel sculpture by Paola Vezzani suspended in the main lobby; Dientes de Navarino, a mural in the bar by Cata Flaño; and La Memoria de las Piedras, an installation of 70 handcrafted ceramic stones by Javier Canales.
The connection with the surrounding region also extends to outdoor activities. Guests will be able to explore the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel by kayak, follow the coastal trails of Seno Lauta or discover the Patagonian landscape on horseback. These excursions will also provide opportunities to observe local wildlife, including cormorants, dolphin gulls and upland geese.
The opening ceremony highlighted the new hotel’s ties with the Puerto Williams community and the cultural traditions of Patagonia. Folk group Los Chamames de la Patagonia, founded in Punta Arenas in 2015, performed Patagonian chamamé alongside children from the local Grupo Folklorico. Rooted in the Guaraní culture of north-eastern Argentina, this musical tradition travelled south with seasonal workers, shepherds and families. Local schoolchildren also took part in the celebrations, performing the Chilean national anthem accompanied by young musicians.
Particular attention was also given to the ceremonial ribbon, made from natural junco fibres handwoven by local artisans. Its design, formed by a series of interconnected circles, symbolised the meeting of people, cultures and territories, as well as the bond between Patagonia, its communities and travellers from around the world. Thanks to specially designed connecting elements, hotel representatives and Chilean authorities were able to cut the ribbon together while keeping the sequence of woven circles intact.
The opening of The Cormorant at 55 South also carries strategic significance ahead of the current Antarctic season. Until March 2027, Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud will operate a total of 40 itineraries, including 29 Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages. Each journey will include a stay at the new hotel, bringing air transfers and the land-based experience together as part of the expedition offering. Voyages will range from six to 21 nights and, in addition to the Antarctic Peninsula, will visit destinations such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
With The Cormorant at 55 South, Silversea is broadening the very concept of expedition cruising, making Puerto Williams an integral part of the Antarctic experience. No longer simply a logistical departure point, the city becomes a destination in its own right, to be discovered through the hospitality, culture and landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. This investment strengthens the brand’s position in the luxury expedition segment and establishes a new level of continuity between the land-based and sea-going elements of the journey.
Esther Martin
