Silver Cloud’s 77-day passage from Western Australia to Chile included landings in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Marquesas, and Rapa Nui

MIAMI – November 4, 2026 – Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has concluded its Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 – a 77-day voyage from Fremantle (Perth), Western Australia, to Valparaiso, Chile, aboard Silver Cloud. The voyage called at 57 destinations in 11 countries, tracing Australia's Kimberley coast before continuing through the South Pacific toward Easter Island and South America. The immersive journey across the South Pacific featured lush landscapes and jagged coastlines explored by zodiacs in the Marquesas and snorkeling with whale sharks in Centerawasih Bay, Indonesia. Rich cultural encounters with communities included a Fire Dance in Papua, New Guinea, a school visit in Raja Anpul and maiden call to remote Paulan Nim, both in Indonesia.

"As the leader in destination immersion, Silversea designs Grand Voyages that give our guests unmatched access to the most remote corners of the world, along with the time to experience them,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. "On this expedition, guests experienced the spirit of exploration throughout the South Pacific – from its natural beauty to its diverse culture and warmth of its people.”

FIRST CALLS AND FAR-FLUNG CULTURES: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JOURNEY

The voyage introduced guests to local schools, villages, and island communities, guided at each stop by Silversea’s Expedition Experts. Highlights included:

  • Pulau Kokas, Indonesia — Ancient art in a dramatic coastal setting unfolded as zodiac exploration brought guests close to ancient rock art on limestone cliffs, combining cultural history with striking island scenery.

  • Child Aid Papua in Raja Ampat, Indonesia — Students presented their learning and guided guests around their school, offering insight into the organization’s conservation work bringing education and environmental awareness together.

  • Pulau Num, Indonesia — During an unforgettable maiden call to this rarely visited community, people from five villages gathered to welcome guests with song and dance, creating a meaningful and joyous cultural encounter.

  • Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia — Snorkelling alongside whale sharks, guests had the extraordinary opportunity to share the water with the world’s largest fish – a standout wildlife encounter of the journey.

  • Papua New Guinea — Village visits showcased colorful living cultures and diverse traditions through exuberant dancing, elaborate headdresses, and generous community welcomes. An unforgettable evening fire dance – its powerful rhythm, firelight, and intensity – also created a mesmerizing cultural experience.

  • Solomon Islands and Vanuatu — Fresh cultural perspectives were revealed as the journey continued east, with Vanuatu’s striking Rom dance as a particular highlight of the diverse community encounters.

  • The Marquesas — Spectacular volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, mountainous interiors, and dramatic coastlines revealed another side of French Polynesia. At Fatu Hiva, visits to Hanavave’s Bay of Virgins and Omoa combined breathtaking scenery with discovery of the island’s interior by land and coastline by Zodiac.

FROM THE OUTBACK TO THE TOKI SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND ART

Silversea's Grand Voyages also provide prime cultural access through an array of bespoke events, planned exclusively for guests. During the Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, these included:

  • Northern Territory Adventure (Finniss River Lodge, Darwin, Australia): On September 6, guests spent a day at Finniss River Lodge, a 50,000-acre working cattle station in Australia's Northern Territory. The program included an all-wheel-drive exploration of the property's paperbark groves and a helicopter flight over the surrounding wetlands, escarpments, and the Finniss River, concluding with a special luncheon featuring regional seasonal fare.

  • Toki, Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile): This exclusive Grand Voyage celebration of music and culture on October 26 featured an enhanced tour that combined the island’s landmark sites with a visit to the Toki School of Music and Art, founded to preserve Rapa Nui heritage. Here, Grand Voyage guests enjoyed an intimate concert featuring Toki School co-founder and world-renowned classical pianist Mahani Teave, alongside moving performances by the children, who played violins and sang. Afterwards, guests visited the moai at Tahai and enjoyed a private cocktail reception with canapés and a traditional folklore performance featuring a traditional hoko warrior dance.

MEDITERRANEAN, SOUTH AMERICA, AND ASIA: SILVERSEA'S NEXT GRAND VOYAGES

Upcoming Grand Voyages include the Grand Mediterranean 2027 aboard Silver Dawn, the Grand Voyage South America 2028 aboard Silver Ray, and the Grand Voyage Asia 2028 aboard Silver Muse.