Long-haul cruises are having a moment right now—and if you’ve ever dreamed of sailing past glaciers, spotting penguins, or ticking off bucket-list destinations in South America, this new lineup is exactly the kind of itinerary that grabs attention.
Princess Cruises has officially opened bookings for its 2027–2028 South America season, and it’s shaping up to be one of its most adventure-packed programs yet.
The spotlight is on longer voyages, deeper exploration, and—most exciting of all—extended time cruising through Antarctica.
A Full Season Built Around Exploration, Not Just Ports
Instead of quick port hops, this program leans heavily into immersive travel.
The sailings will run from October 2027 through January 2028 aboard the Majestic Princess, a ship that recently underwent upgrades and is returning for its second season in the region.
Across the schedule, travelers can choose from:
- 6 total sailings.
- 4 different itineraries.
- Voyage lengths range from 15 to 37 days.
And what really stands out is the scale of exploration:
- Visits to 19 destinations.
- Across 8 countries.
- Including hotspots like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay.
This isn’t your typical Caribbean-style cruise—it’s more of a journey across an entire continent.
The Standout Voyage: A 37-Day Ocean Adventure
For those who love long cruises (or want to avoid flights as much as possible), the headline sailing is a massive 37-day repositioning voyage.
This journey begins in Southampton and gradually works its way down to South America, blending transatlantic cruising with iconic port stops.
Highlights along the way include:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- The Canary Islands
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Montevideo, Uruguay
The voyage eventually ends in San Antonio, Chile—the main gateway to Santiago—before transitioning into shorter regional sailings.
It’s the kind of cruise where the journey itself becomes just as memorable as the destinations.
Shorter Itineraries Still Pack a Punch
Not everyone has five weeks to spare, and Princess clearly kept that in mind.
Once the ship arrives in South America, it will offer more manageable—but still very immersive—options:
Cape Horn & Glaciers of Patagonia (15 Days)
- Sails between Buenos Aires and San Antonio.
- Focuses on dramatic landscapes and southern fjords.
Antarctica & South America (17 Days)
- Round-trip from Buenos Aires.
- Includes multiple days cruising in Antarctic waters.
Even these “shorter” sailings are still far more destination-rich than typical cruise itineraries.
Antarctica Is the Real Star of the Season
Let’s be honest—Antarctica is what makes this program truly special.
Instead of just quick scenic passes, these itineraries include extended time in some of the most remote and visually stunning regions on Earth.
Guests can expect to sail through:
- Gerlache Strait
- South Shetland Islands
During these segments, you’ll likely see:
- Towering glaciers and floating icebergs.
- Penguins, seals, and possibly whales.
- Vast, untouched polar landscapes.
And yes—this is all from the comfort of a large cruise ship, without needing an expedition-style vessel.
Scenic Cruising That Feels Like a Movie
Beyond Antarctica, the itineraries also include some of the most scenic waterways in South America.
One standout experience is cruising through:
- Beagle Channel Fjords.
- Glacier Alley, near the southern tip of the continent.
These areas are known for:
- Dramatic glacier views.
- Snow-covered mountain backdrops.
- Calm, narrow waterways that feel incredibly close to nature.
It’s the kind of scenery where you’ll probably spend more time on deck than in your cabin.
Destinations That Mix Nature, Culture, and Icons
This isn’t just about remote landscapes—there’s also a strong cultural element woven into the itineraries.
Across the season, cruises will visit 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
- The Peninsula Valdés nature reserve (famous for whale watching).
- The Carioca Landscapes in Rio de Janeiro.
And of course, stops in Rio de Janeiro bring iconic sights like:
- Christ the Redeemer
- Copacabana Beach
It’s a rare mix of natural wonders and world-famous cities in one itinerary.
Want to Go Even Further? Land Tours Are Included
For travelers who don’t want the journey to end at the port, Princess is offering optional land extensions that turn the cruise into a full South American adventure.
Popular add-ons include:
- Machu Picchu Explorer (6 Nights)
- Lima
- Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
- Iguazu Falls Adventure (5 Nights)
- Buenos Aires
- Iguazu Falls
- Rio de Janeiro
These extensions are perfect if you’re already making the long trip—you might as well experience more of the continent while you’re there.
Onboard Experience During Antarctica Segments
One thing that often gets overlooked on these itineraries is how much the onboard experience changes during scenic cruising days—especially in Antarctica.
During these segments, guests can expect:
- Talks from naturalists and destination experts.
- Live commentary while passing glaciers and wildlife areas.
- Educational sessions about the region’s history and ecosystems.
It turns the cruise into something closer to a floating documentary experience.
A Cruise for Travelers Who Want More
This isn’t a “sit by the pool all day” type of cruise—though you can still do that if you want.
The 2027–2028 South America season from Princess Cruises is clearly designed for travelers who want:
- Longer, more meaningful itineraries.
- A mix of iconic cities and remote wilderness.
- Bucket-list experiences like Antarctica.
With voyages stretching up to 37 days and covering everything from Brazil’s coastline to icy Antarctic waters, this is one of those cruise programs that feels more like an expedition—just with a lot more comfort.
And if you’ve been waiting for the right time to explore this part of the world… this might be it.
