South American Cruises

By David Barclay | April 24, 2024

South America is a popular destination for North American travelers for good reason. Even though flights can be as long as flights to Europe, travelers experience virtually no jet lag with time zones generally only one or two hours different from home. Despite a longer flight, they can start their vacation refreshed and energized. The Southern Hemisphere also experiences the opposite season as North America, making South America a desirable destination for late fall, winter, and early spring vacations.

A luxury cruise is a great way to explore the variety of experiences that South America can offer, from rainforests to glaciers, vibrant modern cities to ancient ruins. For example, Chile is a very narrow country with a long shoreline. Traveling by land typically means many short flights combined with driving to see the sights. A cruise up or down the coast of Chile allows travelers to see the highlights of this country, while utilizing an efficient and luxurious mode of transportation.

Some parts of South America are best visited by boat, and some destinations can only be visited by boat. The famous Chilean fjords rival those of Norway and the Amazon River treats visitors to an abundance of unique wildlife, both of which are perfect to visit on a luxury cruise ship.

South America cruise itineraries are common from October to March each year, which means now is the perfect time to consider a cruise for the upcoming 2024/2025 cruise season.

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Below is a curated sample of itineraries available in the upcoming cruise season. The itineraries available are as varied as the countries and geography of South America. Some sailings resemble more traditional classic cruises, with stops at popular cities combined with smaller ports. Others are very much expedition focused, and the luxury cruise lines utilize their purpose-built expedition ships for these journeys.

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Azamara (Azamara Journey)

10-night Peru & Chile Voyage
Jan 23 – Feb 2, 2025

A very typical exploration of the west coast of South America is a cruise from Lima to San Antonio. Offering guests a multitude of experiences, including urban exploration, marine & avian life, stunning shorelines, and the Atacama Desert, this cruise is sure to please many travelers. Those with extra time can plan a few pre-cruise days in Peru (maybe with a journey inland to see Machu Picchu) and/or a few days post cruise in Chile’s capital of Santiago.

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Silversea (Silver Cloud)

12-night Valparaiso to Puerto Williams
Nov 7-19, 2024

For travelers interested in seeing the natural beauty of the Chilean fjords and the southern tip of South America, a cruise like this one on the Silver Cloud will provide life-long memories. Starting in Valparaiso, this cruise sails the coast, winding between the small islands dotting the coastline and sailing up into the fjords. Just like their cousins in the north, these fjords were carved by glaciers and at the end of some of them guests are treated to the sight of these massive sheets of ice (and potentially to a glacier calving, a highlight of any fjord cruise).

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Regent Seven Seas (Seven Seas Mariner)

22-night Rio De Janeiro to Santiago
Jan 25 – Feb 16, 2025

For those with more time, a circumnavigation of the southern tip of South America is a bucket list worthy cruise. Traveling between the capitals of Brazil and Chile, this cruise makes port calls not only in Brazil and Chile, but also in Uruguay, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands. It also ventures into several of the Chilean fjords.

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Seabourn (Seabourn Venture)

24-night Wild Guianas, Amazon & Coast Of Brazil
Oct 7 – Nov 4, 2024

If you are a lover of nature and enjoy seeing unique plant and animal life, this could be the cruise for you. Sailing on the Seabourn Venture, one of two purpose-built expeditions ships in the Seabourn fleet, this cruise sails from the Caribbean along the eastern coast of South America and journeys up the Amazon River. Entering the Amazon delta at Macapá, the ship spends 14 days traveling up and down the Amazon. For those with less time to commit to a trip, guests can sail on one of the two segments of this cruise, either from Barbados to Manaus, or from Manaus to Rio, each a shorter 14-night cruise.