Adventurous cruise travelers sailing to Antarctica will soon have a luxurious new gateway to the remote continent.
As demand grows for South America and Antarctica cruises, Royal Caribbean’s experiential luxury and expedition cruise line, Silversea, is preparing to open the world’s southernmost hotel that will facilitate a more seamless and connected way to journey between the two continents.
Opening to guests in October 2026 in Puerto Williams in Chile’s far south, The Cormorant at 55 South will set the stage for smoother and more relaxing Antarctica expeditions while connecting travelers to South America’s Patagonia region and Chilean culture.
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The Cormorant at 55 South will offer a cozy and regionally inspired experience.Royal Caribbean Group
(Royal Caribbean Group)
The Cormorant at 55 South will anchor Antarctica Fly Cruise program
With the opening of The Cormorant at 55 South, Silversea passengers will be able to begin their expedition cruises in a more comfortable way with a stay at unique, luxury hotel that combines Silversea’s personalized service, Chilean culture, and the raw beauty of Patagonia.
The new 150-room hotel will elevate the way passengers embark on their Antarctica adventures, adding a luxurious new element to Silversea’s Antarctica Fly Cruise itineraries. These itineraries allow passengers to skip the long and sometimes rough crossing of the Drake Passage from South America to Antarctica by taking a charter flight from Puerto Williams to King George Island for embarkation.
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Once The Cormorant opens, these itineraries will include a one-night stay at the hotel before passengers fly to King George Island. After disembarking from their cruise, passengers will again stay overnight at The Cormorant before flying back to Santiago, Chile to complete their journey.
While staying at The Cormorant, guests will have the opportunity to enrich their expedition experience with activities like nature walks, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching in Puerto Williams.
The Cormorant will connect guests to regional culture
Designed to invite relaxation, reflection, and discovery, The Cormorant features cozy lounges, curated gathering areas, and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Inspired by the natural beauty of Patagonia and Chilean culture, the hotel will help guests better connect with the region they’re exploring.
Highlights of The Cormorant’s public spaces include the Fireplace Lounge, a warm, plush retreat offering sweeping vistas of the Patagonian landscape, fine wines, and signature cocktails, and Latitude 55, a restaurant celebrating Chilean flavors and traditions. Guests can also enjoy regional flavors at Bar Sur, offering teas and small bites by day and curated wines and spirits by night. The hotel also features a boutique showcasing keepsakes crafted by Chilean artisans.
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The Cormorant’s 150 guest rooms offer forest views or water vistas of the Beagle channel to immerse guests in the region’s landscapes. Warm wood tones and earthy elements create an authentic and calming environment, and handcrafted items created by Chilean artisans add a unique touch that celebrates local and regional culture.
“The Cormorant at 55 South represents an exciting new chapter for Silversea, extending our commitment to luxury travel to Antarctica,” Silversea President Bert Hernandez said in a press release. “This unique property will offer our guests the same hallmark comfort and personalized service they expect while on board our ships and will immerse them in the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the region. The interior spaces are thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of this extraordinary destination.”
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Feb 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
