Cruising South America
Cape Horn, the Chilean fjords, the Amazon and the Atlantic coast — the itineraries, the seasons and where to begin.
Get South America Cruise QuotesA Continent You See Best From the Sea
South America is shaped for cruising. Its southern tip breaks into a maze of channels, glaciers and islands that no road reaches; its Atlantic shore runs past some of the world’s great harbor cities; and its largest river is deep enough for ocean ships to sail a thousand miles inland. Cruising South America is a guide to the itineraries that link those places, the months they run and the ports where they begin.
Most South America cruises are longer than a Caribbean week. Many are 14 to 17 nights, and some lines sell month-long voyages that combine the Atlantic coast, Patagonia and the Pacific. That length is part of the appeal: you have time to settle in, enjoy a few scenic sea days and watch the landscape change from Buenos Aires’ boulevards to the ice of Tierra del Fuego. It also means planning matters more, because flights, visas and seasons all need to line up.
The Four Classic South America Itineraries
Cape Horn & the Chilean Fjords
The signature voyage: Buenos Aires to the Santiago area (or the reverse) around the tip of the continent, with Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and days of fjord scenery.
Cape Horn voyages →
The Amazon
Ocean ships sail from the Atlantic up the river to Manaus, usually on long round trips from Florida; small riverboats explore the upper Amazon.
Amazon cruises →
The Atlantic Coast
Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina: Rio, Salvador, Búzios, Montevideo and Punta del Este, with local summer seasons out of Santos and Rio.
Atlantic coast cruises →
The Pacific & Caribbean Coasts
Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, often as part of Panama Canal voyages or longer repositioning sailings between the Americas.
Ports and gateways →When South America Cruises Sail
Because South America lies mostly in the southern hemisphere, its cruise season is the reverse of Europe’s and Alaska’s. The main season for Cape Horn, Patagonia and the Atlantic coast runs through the southern spring and summer, roughly from October or November to March. Ships then move north for the Caribbean, Europe or Alaska. The Amazon follows its own rhythm; ocean ships typically visit during the northern autumn, winter and spring.
That timing makes South America a natural choice for North Americans who want a long voyage over the holidays or in the depths of winter. December and January sailings are popular and are often booked well ahead. See seasons and cruise lines for the month-by-month picture.
Who Sails South America
A smaller group of lines sails South America each season than visits the Caribbean, and the list changes from year to year as ships are moved around the world. For the 2026–27 season, Princess Cruises has scheduled Majestic Princess on voyages of 15 to 33 nights, including Cape Horn sailings between Buenos Aires and San Antonio (for Santiago). Viking has scheduled Viking Jupiter on 17-night voyages between Buenos Aires and Valparaíso. Holland America Line runs long Amazon voyages from Fort Lauderdale, and Celebrity Cruises has said its ships will return to South America and Antarctica. Norwegian Cruise Line plans to bring Norwegian Star back to the region for the 2027–28 season.
Luxury and expedition lines add more choice, including Oceania, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara and Ponant. In Brazil, MSC Cruises and Costa base ships for the local summer, with sailings mainly sold to South American travelers. Schedules change often, so our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise always confirm the current deployment when they quote.
Planning a South America Cruise
Fly in early
Long flights and one-way itineraries mean arriving at least a day or two before the ship sails. Buenos Aires and Santiago both reward a pre-cruise stay.
Check entry rules
Each country sets its own requirements, and they change. Confirm passport validity and any visa or entry rules for every country on the itinerary before you book flights.
Pack for two climates
A Cape Horn voyage can start in summer heat in Buenos Aires and reach cold, windy, wet weather near Ushuaia within a week. Layers are essential.
Book tours with care
Ports such as Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and Punta Arenas are gateways to wildlife and national parks. Plan shore days port by port with South America Shore Excursions.
For your packing and document list, our sister site Cruising Checklist has printable checklists. If you are watching for promotions, Wave Season gathers the year’s biggest cruise offers, and Cruising for Less explains the discounts you may qualify for.
Who Is Behind This Site
Cruising South America is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Plan Your South America Cruise
Tell us which coast or route interests you and when you can travel. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will weigh the South America voyages that fit and send you free quotes.
Get South America Cruise Quotes