Princess Cruises makes it Majestic to sail for Antarctica and South America

• Princess Cruises has announced its South America and Antarctica season.
• The line is sailing Majestic Princess on these routes, which are attracting growing numbers of cruisers.
• Princess ships sail past Antarctica as they are too big to land guests. But for many cruisers, it’s the views that count.

Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2026–27 South America and Antarctica season, featuring five itineraries across six departures ranging from 15 to 33 days.

All sailings will be operated by the 3,560-guest Majestic Princess and are designed to combine classic South American ports with extended time cruising in Antarctic waters.

The line best known for family cruising in Alaska and the Mediterranean as well as Australia, is doubling down on a more accessible style of polar travel. The new program will continue to focus on scenic cruising, meaning passengers will not disembark on the continent but instead experience Antarctica from the ship.

The cruises appeal to a broader range of travellers who want to witness the region without the demands of expedition-style landings.

Guests can expect multiple days cruising through the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with views of glaciers, towering icebergs and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Onboard enrichment will play a key role, with naturalists and experts providing commentary throughout the journey to enhance the experience.

For many passengers, this “look but don’t land” model is increasingly attractive. It removes the logistical and physical barriers associated with smaller expedition vessels while also aligning with environmental priorities.

Limiting shore access also helps protect Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem and supports the long-term sustainability of cruise operations in the region.

The itineraries are marketed as South America and Antarctica voyages, with departures centred on Buenos Aires. Sailings include visits to up to 17 destinations across 10 countries, alongside scenic cruising highlights such as Glacier Alley and the fjords of the Beagle Channel.

A key addition to the new season is the inclusion of overnight scenic cruising in Antarctic waters, offering guests more time to absorb the landscape.

As with most voyages departing South America, the itineraries include a crossing of the dreaded Drake Passage, a stretch of ocean known for its unpredictable conditions. While some ultra-luxury lines offer Antarctica itineraries that bypass the Drake by sailing from ports such as Hobart or flying to Antarctica, Princess is continuing with the traditional route for now.

The cruise line’s approach reflects a wider shift in Antarctic tourism, where “soft expedition” cruising is gaining traction. Instead of small ships, Zodiac excursions and hands-on exploration, Princess is offering large-ship amenities, guided viewing and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere. The result is an experience that positions Antarctica as a bucket-list destination for mainstream cruise travellers rather than a niche adventure reserved for seasoned explorers.

Princess Cruises operates as a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, adhering to strict environmental guidelines and responsible travel practices in the region.

The season features overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula, late-night port calls, and access to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the region.

The October 2027 through January 2028 season includes six departures across four itineraries (15 – 37 days), designed to give guests more time ashore in marquee cities and closer-to-nature scenic cruising in Patagonia and beyond.

“Our 2027–28 South America season is designed to bring guests closer to the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer.

What Princess Cruises is offering

The South America season begins October 2027 with a 37-day South America Passage Grand Adventure departing from Southampton (London). The voyage crosses the Atlantic with stops at Lisbon, Canary Islands, Rio de Janeiro, and Montevideo before concluding in San Antonio (Santiago).

The rest of the season looks like this:

• 15-day Cape Horn & Glaciers of Patagonia Voyages – Sailing between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Antonio (Santiago), Chile
• 17-day Antarctica & South America Voyages – Roundtrip from Buenos Aires, including overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula
• Plus, two adventures through combined land-and-sea South America cruisetours
  • Machu Picchu Explorer: 6-night land duration pre- or post-cruise visiting Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco, Peru
  • Iguazu Falls Adventure: 5-night land duration pre or post cruise visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, Iguazu Falls and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Guests sailing in South America and Antarctica will be fully immersed in the destinations they visit surrounded by the breathtaking scenery, native wildlife, and the traditions of the local people.

The onboard experiences

While cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, onboard naturalists guide guests to view the wildlife and vistas appearing along their journey, while also sharing the history of the region and stories of their own.

There will also be Argentine folkloric music and regional cuisine, and Carnival festival celebration with samba dancers and interactive classes

Shore Excursions

Princess’ shore excursions offer exclusive and up-close-and-personal experiences to enhance time spent ashore, including gentoo penguins expeditions at Newan’s Station on the Falklands and a Kelp Point Exclusive Wildlife Excursion.

To find out more or book, go here.