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South America cruise destination

Cruise Destination

South America Cruises

Diverse landscapes from rainforests to glaciers

7 Ports7 countries
Explore South America Itineraries

7

Cruise Ports

12+

Cruise Lines

Jan-Feb

Best Season

10-21 nights

Typical Duration

Best Time to Cruise

When to Cruise the South America

November through March (Southern Hemisphere summer) offers the best conditions, especially for Patagonia and Antarctica expedition cruises.

South America Cruise Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak
Shoulder
Off-season

Peak season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec. Shoulder: Apr, Oct.

South America Quick Facts

Cruise Ports

7

Countries

7

Cruise Lines

12+

Typical Duration

10-21 nights

Peak Season Temps

20-28 C / 68-82 F

Best Known For

Patagonia & culture

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Upcoming South America Cruises

Upcoming South America Cruises

L'Austral sailing from Callao (Lima), PeruPonant

5 Night Cruise To Nowhere Cruise

Ponant L'Austral

Oct 30, 2026 · 5 nights

$1,590/person

$318/night

View Deal
Le Lyrial sailing from Valparaiso (Santiago), ChilePonant

14 Night Antarctica Cruise

Ponant Le Lyrial

Nov 3, 2026 · 14 nights

$14,310/person

$1022/night

View Deal
L'Austral sailing from Valparaiso (Santiago), ChilePonant

14 Night Antarctica Cruise

Ponant L'Austral

Nov 4, 2026 · 14 nights

$12,450/person

$889/night

View Deal
Viking Polaris sailing from Valparaiso (Santiago), ChileViking Expeditions

12 Night Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores

Viking Expeditions Viking Polaris

Nov 13, 2026 · 12 nights

$9,995/person

$833/night

View Deal
MSC Musica sailing from Santos (Sao Paulo), BrazilMSC Cruises

4 Night South America Cruise

MSC Cruises MSC Musica

Nov 16, 2026 · 4 nights

$486/person

$122/night

View Deal
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Travel Tips

South America Cruise Guide

South American cruises explore the continent's incredible diversity, from the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro to the dramatic fjords of Chilean Patagonia. These voyages often include Amazon River expeditions and legendary Cape Horn passages.

Chilean fjords and Patagonian glaciers

Amazon River expedition cruises

Historic cities: Buenos Aires, Rio, Lima

Cape Horn and Drake Passage crossings

November through March (Southern Hemisphere summer) offers the best conditions, especially for Patagonia and Antarctica expedition cruises.

Planning Your South America Cruise

With 7 cruise ports across 7 countries, the South America offers diverse itinerary options for every type of traveler.

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or an experienced traveler, the South America delivers unforgettable experiences. From the top ports like Port of Ushuaia, Port of Buenos Aires, Port of Rio de Janeiro to hidden gems throughout the region, there's always something new to discover.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about cruising the South America.

What are the best cruise ports in the South America?
The most visited cruise ports in the South America include Port of Ushuaia, Port of Buenos Aires, Port of Rio de Janeiro. These ports offer excellent facilities, popular excursions, and diverse experiences for cruise passengers.
How many cruise ports are in the South America?
The South America region has 7 cruise ports tracked on our platform. The number of ports visited varies by cruise line and itinerary, with most cruises visiting 3-5 ports per voyage.
When is the best time to cruise the South America?
The peak cruise season for the South America is Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec. Shoulder season (Apr, Oct) can offer lower prices and fewer crowds while still providing good weather conditions.
Which cruise lines sail to the South America?
Multiple cruise lines offer South America itineraries, from mainstream brands to luxury and expedition lines. Use our comparison tools to find ships currently sailing in this region.
Can I track cruise ships in the South America in real-time?
Yes! Our live tracking shows cruise ships currently near South America ports. Ship positions update regularly using AIS data, the same technology used by maritime authorities.
What excursions are popular in the South America?
Popular excursions vary by port but typically include cultural tours, beach visits, adventure activities, and local cuisine experiences. Check individual port pages for specific recommendations.
How do I compare ships sailing to the South America?
Use our ship comparison tool to compare vessels by size, capacity, amenities, and more. We recommend comparing ships that offer similar itineraries in the South America.