South America & Antarctica
Cape Horn, Patagonia and the White Continent, from November to March.
Get Free Cruise QuotesThe southern summer opens up some of cruising’s great adventures: rounding Cape Horn, sailing Patagonia’s fjords and crossing to Antarctica.
South America
The main season for the southern tip of the continent runs through the southern summer, roughly from December to March. Classic voyages link Buenos Aires or Montevideo with Valparaíso or San Antonio in Chile, rounding Cape Horn and calling at the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, with scenic cruising through the Chilean fjords. Other routes include the Amazon, the Brazilian coast and the Pacific coast of Peru and Ecuador.
South American voyages are usually 14 nights or longer and suit experienced cruisers who enjoy sea days and dramatic scenery. Weather near Cape Horn can be wild, even in summer. For tours in South American ports, see our sister site South America Shore Excursions.
Antarctica
Antarctic cruises run during the austral summer, about November to March. Most leave from Ushuaia in Argentina and cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula; some include the Falklands and South Georgia, and a few fly over the Drake to shorten the trip.
| Ship size | Landings | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Small expedition ship | Yes | Several landings by inflatable boat, guided by naturalists |
| Mid-size expedition ship | Yes, rotated by group | Landings shared among groups to stay within site limits |
| More than 500 passengers | None | Scenic cruising past the peninsula from the deck |
Landing limits come from rules agreed under the Antarctic Treaty system and the industry body IAATO: ships carrying more than 500 passengers may not land guests, and no more than 100 visitors may be ashore at one site at a time. For polar cruising in depth, see our sister site Polar Expedition Cruises.
Crossing the Drake Passage
Most Antarctic voyages cross the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, usually taking around two days each way. It is famous for rough water, though some crossings are calm. Ships use the time for lectures from the expedition team, safety briefings for landings and the first sightings of albatrosses and other seabirds. If you are prone to seasickness, talk to your doctor before you go, and choose a cabin low and near the middle of the ship.
- Pack waterproof outer layers, warm base layers, gloves and a hat.
- Ask whether the ship provides a parka and boots for landings.
- Bring a camera with spare batteries; cold drains them quickly.
- Allow a buffer night in the departure city in case of flight delays.
Because space is limited and the season is short, Antarctic voyages are usually planned well ahead; it is common to book a year or more before sailing.
Plan a South America or Antarctica Voyage
These voyages sell out early. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare ships and dates and send free quotes.
Get Free Cruise Quotes