Silversea has begun its 2026 Grand South Pacific Expedition, a 77-day voyage aboard Silver Cloud from Fremantle, Western Australia, to Valparaiso, Chile. The itinerary covers 57 destinations in 11 countries, combining expedition cruising along Australia’s Kimberley coast with a passage through the South Pacific to Easter Island and South America.
Silver Cloud departed Fremantle on the extended voyage, which is scheduled to conclude in Valparaiso on November 4th, 2026. The sailing also marks the end of Silversea’s 2026 Kimberley expedition season, which featured Zodiac operations, wildlife encounters and cultural visits along Australia’s remote northwestern coast.
Silversea president Bert Hernandez said the Grand Voyages programme was designed to combine extended time at sea with access to remote destinations. The 2026 expedition carries that approach from the Kimberley through the South Pacific, including Pitcairn and Easter Island, in a single continuous itinerary.
The first section of the voyage runs from Fremantle to Darwin, with calls at the Abrolhos Islands, Cape Peron in Shark Bay, North Muiron Island, the Montebello Islands and the Dampier Archipelago before entering the Kimberley. The itinerary includes Adele Island, the Buccaneer Archipelago, the Hunter River region, Ashmore Reef, Swift Bay and the King George River. Among the expedition opportunities are Zodiac exploration of Montgomery Reef and visits to ancient Gwion Gwion rock art sites at Swift Bay.
From Darwin, Silver Cloud continues through Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu before reaching Lautoka in Fiji. The itinerary includes 21 destinations across 6 countries, with experiences ranging from visits to Indonesian rock-art sites to cultural performances on Ambrym Island.
The next section links Fiji with French Polynesia, calling at destinations in Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands before reaching Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Papeete. Activities include reef exploration and marine wildlife encounters, including opportunities to observe blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in Bora Bora’s lagoon.
The final leg from Papeete to Valparaiso covers 12 destinations in French Polynesia and Chile. Silver Cloud will visit the Marquesas Islands, Mangareva, Pitcairn Island, Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island. Zodiac operations will provide access to remote coastal areas such as Fatu Hiva, while the Pitcairn call will offer an opportunity to meet descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.
The voyage also includes two events arranged exclusively for Silversea guests. On September 6th, passengers are scheduled to visit Finniss River Lodge in Australia's Northern Territory, including an off-road tour and helicopter flight over the surrounding wetlands and escarpments. On Easter Island on October 26th, the programme includes a visit to Toki Rapa Nui, a cultural centre established to support Rapa Nui heritage, with a performance by pianist Mahani Teave and traditional cultural activities.
Silversea’s Expedition Experts are accompanying the voyage, providing specialist support in areas including history, natural sciences, local culture and Zodiac operations. The team is expected to adapt activities to prevailing weather, wildlife conditions and terrain, with daily briefings and evening recaps forming part of the expedition programme.
The Grand South Pacific Expedition follows Silversea’s 2026 Kimberley season, during which Silver Cloud operated 10 voyages between May 8th and September 6th. The itineraries covered 25 destinations and included Zodiac exploration around King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls and the Hunter River region.
Wildlife observations during the season included saltwater crocodiles, Australian snubfin dolphins, turtles and numerous seabirds, while cultural visits at Freshwater Cove, Swift Bay and Jar Island incorporated Welcome to Country ceremonies and Indigenous rock-art experiences.
Silversea is also preparing further extended itineraries, including the 50-day Grand Mediterranean 2026 aboard Silver Spirit from Lisbon to Athens. Future programmes include Grand Mediterranean 2027 aboard Silver Dawn, Grand Voyage South America 2028 aboard Silver Ray and Grand Voyage Asia 2028 aboard Silver Muse.