The first solo woman to cross Antarctica has been unveiled as the Godmother of the new Silversea ship, Silver Endeavour.
The uber-luxurious cruise line, known for its itineraries which sail to far-flung destinations, such as Antarctica itself, has bestowed the celebrated Felicity Aston MBE with the honorary and traditional cruising title.
Alongside skiing across Antarctica alone in 2012, Felicity is also the first person to travel across the continent using just muscle power, has been commended with a Polar Medal, and was the leader of the first British women’s team to cross the ice sheet in Greenland.
Felicity’s career conducting expeditions and experiments in one of the world’s most harsh environments has spanned over 20 years. In 2000, she spent 39 months based at the Rothera Research Station, conducting work for the British Antarctic Survey, monitoring climate and the ozone layer.
She now spends her time in more temperate climates, currently based at the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton researching microplastic pollution on polar sea ice. Additionally, Felicity has co-presented two documentaries and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and The Explorers Club in New York.
In 2023 Felicity will be braving the extreme, intense cold of Antarctica to continue her role as leader of the Before It’s Gone North Pole expedition which aims to collect vital materials for research.
But before then, she will officially name the Silver Endeavour in Antarctica before the ship departs on her maiden voyage on 21 November 2022.
I am honoured to have been selected as the Godmother of Silver Endeavour – a beautiful ship that will introduce countless travellers to the magnificent allure of the Polar Regions. With each of my expeditions,
I am driven to push boundaries, to explore new frontiers, and to experience the planet’s most spectacular places. Guests travelling aboard Silversea’s newest ship will exercise these same ambitions with the charting of each course, the launching of every Zodiac, and the arrival in each destination.
She is a vehicle for discovery in every sense of the term and I am excited to sail to the Polar Regions in such comfort.
Felicity Aston
Silver Endeavour has been expertly designed and built to take passengers on polar explorations in lavish surroundings. She will feature innovative navigation and exploration tech, kayaks and be able to capture high-quality images from a whopping 5km away.
Luxurious decor and amenities will adorn every inch of the new vessel, whereby every cabin is a suite bathed in classy, soft furnishings and fixtures and even come with its own butlers too.
We are delighted to welcome Felicity Aston to the Silversea family as Godmother of Silver Endeavour.
A leading authority in the field of polar exploration, Felicity is the perfect ambassador for our cruise line. She shares the unwavering senses of curiosity and adventure that unite all Silversea guests.
In becoming the first woman to cross Antarctica alone, as well as the first person to traverse the continent purely by muscle power, Felicity demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, and passion, embodying a true spirit of discovery.
Her explorations are more than a test of physical stamina; they are a test of oneself. They will be a source of great inspiration for travellers as they set forth on their journey to Polar Regions and beyond with Silversea.
Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises
After her first sailing in November, Silversea Endeavour will depart on a number of cruising itineraries across Antarctica and the Arctic.
