South America cruises offer a journey through a vast and diverse land where each port of call unveils a unique side of the continent. From the Brazilian coast to the southern reaches of Patagonia, maritime routes pass through a wide range of climates, landscapes, and cultures that are rarely found together in a single region of the world. In just a few days, travelers can explore capital cities shaped by a blend of influences, sail between glaciers and fjords, and arrive in tropical ports where local identities, vibrant rhythms, and living traditions come together. Several cruise lines operate in the region, including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, as well as Australis and Ponant.
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South America
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Santos, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
4 other departures
MSC Preziosa
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/12/2026
from
$ 1,281
Other ports of embarkation:
SantosOther departures:
29 Jan 2026
05-12-19 Mar 2026
Itinerary : Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Camboriú, Montevideo
1 other departures
MSC Fantasia
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Montevideo
2/25/2026
from
$ 1,967
Other ports of embarkation:
Buenos AiresOther departures:
14 Mar 2026
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
1 other departures
Costa Favolosa
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
3/9/2026
from
$ 382
Other ports of embarkation:
MontevideoOther departures:
05 Mar 2026
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
1 other departures
Costa Serena
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
4/1/2027
from
$ 563
Other departures:
19 Mar 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
6 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
12/22/2026
from
$ 673
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Paranagua, Itajai, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
MSC Lirica
7 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
12/9/2026
from
$ 887
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Itajai, Santos, Buenos Aires
15 other departures
Costa Diadema
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
3/11/2026
from
$ 935
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Ilha Grande, Paranagua, Itajai, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
9 other departures
MSC Lirica
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
12/15/2026
from
$ 993
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buzios, Paranagua, Itajai, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
MSC Lirica
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
1/26/2027
from
$ 1,073
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
7 other departures
MSC Splendida
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
12/11/2026
from
$ 1,103
Other departures:
03-19 Dec 2026
19-27 Feb 2027
07-15-23 Mar 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Santos, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
4 other departures
MSC Divina
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/18/2027
from
$ 1,110
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Maceio, Salvador de Bahia, Illheus, Rio de Janeiro
5 other departures
MSC Armonia
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
2/28/2026
from
$ 1,124
Other departures:
31 Jan 2026
07-14-21 Feb 2026
07 Mar 2026
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires
2 other departures
Costa Serena
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
3/8/2027
from
$ 1,157
Other ports of embarkation:
MontevideoOther departures:
14-31 Jan 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buenos Aires
1 other departures
Costa Favolosa
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/24/2026
from
$ 1,178
Other departures:
30 Jan 2026
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires
1 other departures
Costa Favolosa
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/16/2026
from
$ 1,192
Other departures:
08 Feb 2026
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
1 other departures
Costa Favolosa
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
2/21/2026
from
$ 1,209
Other departures:
13 Feb 2026
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires
3 other departures
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/18/2027
from
$ 1,330
Other departures:
27 Dec 2026
05 Jan 2027
23 Mar 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
1/22/2027
from
$ 1,330
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Maiu Island, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/27/2027
from
$ 1,330
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
Costa Favolosa
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
2/4/2026
from
$ 1,418
2 other departures
MSC Splendida
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/1/2027
from
$ 1,426
Other departures:
14-23 Jan 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Punta del este, Santos, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
MSC Preziosa
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/25/2026
from
$ 1,441
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Camboriú, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
11 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
2/8/2027
from
$ 1,524
Other ports of embarkation:
MontevideoSouth American cruises offer easy access to an impressive range of strikingly different landscapes. In just a few days, travelers can go from the Amazon rainforest to Brazil's golden beaches, and from the peaks of the Andes to the icy fjords of Patagonia. This unique mix of scenery makes it one of the most appreciated ocean cruise destinations in the world.
At every stop, these cruises offer access to authentic cultural experiences. In Buenos Aires, passengers enjoy tango shows and historic cafés, while in Rio, they discover the festive rhythms of samba and the energy of Carnival. The artisan markets in Valparaíso and Montevideo reveal local art and traditions through their colorful streets.
Cruises in South America are also an opportunity to explore a particularly diverse culinary culture. Every port introduces local specialties, from Argentine empanadas and Brazilian grilled meats to Chilean seafood and Uruguayan wines.
The period from November to March, which corresponds to the southern hemisphere summer, is considered the most favorable time for a cruise in South America. The weather is generally mild, with long sunny days. It’s also the best season for onshore excursions, city visits, and marine wildlife observation—especially in Patagonia, where whales can sometimes be spotted. The shoulder seasons—spring (September to November) and fall (March to May)—are also good times to travel, with moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and often better prices.
The month of February, during Rio’s Carnival, is a particularly attractive time for a cruise in South America. Carnival usually takes place the week before Ash Wednesday, with two days of parades at the Sambadrome and festivities all over Rio de Janeiro.
Many cruise lines offer itineraries that include extended stops in Rio, giving passengers the chance to attend the samba school parades while enjoying all the comforts of the ship. This major cultural event offers a fully immersive experience that combines exploration of the South American coastline with the vibrant traditions of Rio.
Buenos Aires is one of the main departure points for cruises in South America. The Argentine capital is known for its historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, its European-style architecture, and its vibrant cultural atmosphere, with tango at the heart of it all.
South American cruises often include a stop in Rio de Janeiro, a symbolic destination of the continent. In addition to the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio invites travelers to enjoy the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, along with its buzzing nightlife.
Valparaíso is a popular stop on Chilean cruise itineraries thanks to its bohemian charm, colorful houses, and network of quaint funiculars. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a rich and authentic cultural experience.
Cruises exploring the southern Chilean fjords and the channels of Tierra del Fuego offer access to one of the most remote and spectacular regions of South America. Between Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Puerto Natales, and Cape Horn, these routes reveal a wild and rugged world made up of active glaciers, subpolar forests, and jagged coastlines where nature remains overwhelmingly dominant. Some of these cruises even include stops in Antarctica, giving travelers the rare chance to sail among majestic icebergs and penguin colonies in one of the planet’s most pristine and fascinating environments.
Expedition cruises operated by companies like Ponant or Australis focus on active exploration and an immersive approach to the region. They include zodiac landings, kayaking excursions, and guided wildlife observations led by polar environment experts. These itineraries access places that large-capacity ships can’t reach, offering a more intimate and authentic discovery of these unique landscapes.
To discover the Amazon by river, companies such as Rivages du Monde and CroisiEurope offer river cruises departing from Manaus, Belém, or Iquitos. On board intimate vessels, these cruises provide a privileged immersion in the Amazon’s natural wonders. As they sail along the Amazon’s tributaries—especially the Rio Negro and the Solimões—passengers encounter remarkable biodiversity: pink dolphins, caimans, monkeys, sloths, macaws, and much more. These river journeys include zodiac or kayak excursions, nature walks, themed lectures, and highlights within protected areas such as Pacaya Samiria. Stops along the way offer opportunities to meet local communities, always with a strong focus on sustainable tourism.
Your choice of cruise line depends on the type of itinerary you're looking for and the level of comfort you prefer.
MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises offer regular routes between Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, with stops in major capitals and coastal resorts.
Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises offer extended itineraries, including destinations like Peru, the Falkland Islands, or even Antarctica, aboard comfortable ships with a wide range of services.
Ponant offers a luxury cruise experience on small, intimate ships, featuring personalized service, gourmet cuisine developed in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, and expedition itineraries to remote regions such as Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, and Antarctica.
Australis specializes in exceptional cruises through Tierra del Fuego, with short itineraries between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia focused on exploring the Patagonian channels and Cape Horn.
Cruises departing from Buenos Aires are among the most popular in South America. This Argentine capital, well served by an international airport, is an ideal starting point for coastal itineraries along Brazil, Uruguay, or major cities in the Southern Cone.
Cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro offer a mix of beaches, culture, and lively stops along the Brazilian coast. With its busy port and central location, Rio is a great base for exploring the South Atlantic shoreline.
Cruises departing from Santos, near São Paulo, are some of the most common for exploring Brazil's coast. The port sees a high number of seasonal departures each year, especially during the southern summer.
Cruises departing from Montevideo are ideal for travelers wanting to explore routes combining Uruguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. The city offers a convenient alternative for those wishing to avoid larger capitals.
Cruises departing from Ushuaia are designed primarily for travelers looking to explore southern Patagonia and Antarctica. Known as the last major port before Antarctica, Ushuaia is an iconic gateway for polar cruises.
Cruises departing from San Antonio, on Chile’s coast, are the main embarkation point for itineraries along the southern fjords or through the Strait of Magellan. The port is accessible from Santiago, the capital.
Finally, some cruises departing from Puntarenas in Costa Rica sail along the Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal as part of transoceanic itineraries. The port opens access to a wide variety of tropical landscapes and is a common stop for discovering nearby natural areas, from beaches and forests to mangroves.
Most cruises in South America last between 12 and 18 days, which is ideal for exploring iconic ports like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Valparaíso, or Ushuaia while enjoying the comfort of sea travel.
For longer itineraries that include Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, and sometimes the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll generally need to allow 20 to 36 days. These types of cruises, often operated by expedition-focused cruise lines, allow you to explore the southernmost parts of the continent in privileged conditions.
South American cruises offer a wide range of excursions, reflecting the diversity of the continent's landscapes and cultures. Expect guided tours of historic districts, local food tastings, dance workshops, zodiac outings to observe marine wildlife, and glacier hikes in Patagonia. Each stop offers a different perspective, combining cultural discovery, nature, and adventure.
The period from November to March is ideal for wildlife observation. In the Patagonian fjords, passengers can spot humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, penguins, and many migratory birds. The Amazon also offers unique opportunities to discover its biodiversity during these same months.
Prices for cruises vary greatly depending on several factors: time of year, type of cabin, chosen cruise line, included stops, and current promotions. The same itinerary can have significantly different price points depending on the season or comfort level selected.
For an eight-night cruise with MSC, prices for a standard interior cabin start around $1600 per person. This includes full board, access to standard onboard services, and a comfortable interior cabin. For a suite, prices can reach approximately $2700 per person. Suites are more spacious, usually come with a balcony, and often include perks like priority boarding, access to a wellness area, or a dedicated restaurant.
For a 10-night luxury Ponant cruise in South America, rates start around $6000 per person for a Superior cabin. This price includes full board, unlimited drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi, and one included excursion or activity per port. Onboard, the service is top-notch, the atmosphere intimate, and the amenities upscale: fine dining, wellness spaces, elegant lounges, and a limited number of guests. For a Prestige Suite with balcony and lounge area, expect to pay around $11,500 per person.
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