A cruise provides travelers with an excellent and easy way to see the rugged terrain, glaciers, jungles and exciting urban capitals of this varied part of the world.  Many travelers cruise South America on their way to Antarctica or choose to go ‘around the horn.’ – Cape Horn – the tip of which is only 1,100 miles from Antarctica. While popularity is rising each year, cruise ports are still relatively uncongested.  There are also opportunities to sail the Amazon with ports of call in Brazil and Uruguay. And for those craving more adventure, consider cruising further into the Amazon on an expedition vessel. The itineraries below range from once-in-a-lifetime trips up to 44 days long and shorter sailings that still provide an amazing experience in just 14 days.

Spend 44 nights on the luxurious Seven Seas Mariner sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to ports in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. Next, travel through the Deception Passage into Antarctica before the cruise ends with two glorious days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While in Rio, be sure to pack in some final shore excursions such as visiting the Tijuca Forest, a Samba show or a journey to the Iguazu Falls. Onboard passengers will enjoy their temporary home on Mariner which carries just 700 passengers and has all-suite accommodations – each with a balcony and first-rate bathrooms.

Oceania Cruises
Grand Circle of South America: Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro

This remarkable 40-day voyage provides a once in a lifetime chance to experience the entire continent of South America in one trip. Sailing on the intimate and luxurious Insignia, with only 684 fellow voyagers, guests will enjoy sharing the wonders of this itinerary in a way not customary on larger ships.

The trip starts in exciting Buenos Aires, Argentina, stops in Montevideo, Uruguay and Puerto Madryn, Argentina before rounding Cape Horn at the southern tip of the continent, the proceeding to cruise the Chilean fjords. Many ports await these lucky travelers in Chile, Peru. Ecuador, crossing through the Panama canal, Colombia, Aruba, French Guiana, and down the Brazilian coast ending in exotic Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A 16-night journey leaves from Miami and will take passengers through the Panama Canal before ending on the other side of the United States in San Diego. Passengers will of course be amazed by the locks of the Panama Canal literally lifting the ship to allow it through and will also enjoy docking in Columbia, Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, Acapulco and more. Time on the Azamara Journey will be well spent enjoying the butler service, superb dining options and a spa with exotic treatments including acupuncture. Staterooms onboard tout European bedding, a 23” plasma television, plush robes and more. And, passengers who book a suite can schedule in-suite massage and spa services.

One of the shorter South America cruise options available will still give travelers a taste of it all – beautiful landscapes and volcanoes, waterfalls, lakes and wildlife. Shore excursions give passengers the chance to hike, visit a penguin reserve and explore small towns. In Buenos Aires don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of night life and the Tango. NCL passengers will enjoy the ‘Freestyle’ approach and on the Norwegian Sun  and can choose from a variety of dining options – from French cuisine to tapas to Sushi; spa treatments; and the Sun Club Casino. Book a suite or villa and enjoy the VIP treatment – from having someone unpack your bags to private balconies with hot tubs.