8 best South America cruises for 2025-2026

07.08.2024 - 18:03 / thepointsguy.com

Many of South America's top sights are best experienced on a cruise ship. You can take in the lush scenery as you sail down the remote Amazon River, marvel at Chile's breathtaking fjords from the sea and come face to face with rare indigenous species in the Galapagos Islands.

What's more, some sailings venture from Chile and Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll be able to cross off that bucket-list item of making it to the Seventh Continent while taking in the rare sights of glaciers, icebergs and adorable penguins.

Add in port visits in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay, and setting off on one of these cruise itineraries provides a great opportunity to see South America's diverse destinations. Plus, your cruise might include jaunts to tropical Caribbean islands or a Panama Canal crossing along the way.

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Cruises to South America are adventuresome, indeed, and most require a decent time commitment, plus long flights to your departure port. If you're planning on sailing away to this region in the next year or two, here are eight of the best South America cruises to inspire you to book your trip and start dreaming.

Silversea Cruises' 388-passenger Silver Whisper visits a winning combination of great beaches and big cities on a cruise down the Atlantic coastline of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The 12-night cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires sets out a few days after Christmas.

The itinerary begins on Dec. 28, 2025, with an overnight stay in the dazzling city of Rio de Janeiro. Sunbathe on the gorgeous Brazilian beaches during stops at Buzios and Ilhabela and visit the coastal rainforests of Paranagua by foot, coach or boat.

Discover why Balneario Camboriu's skyline, nightlife, beaches and attractions have given it the moniker "the Dubai of Brazil" and why Punta del Este in Uruguay has been compared to Monaco. After taking in the history and sights of Uruguay's capital city of Montevideo, the itinerary winds down with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Who should go: Luxury-minded, mature couples seek out Silversea's small luxury ships. If you're looking for elevated dining options and spacious, ocean-view suites, most with private verandas and all with butler service, then Silver Whisper could be the ship for you. The ship is like a boutique hotel at sea but still offers an expanded spa, a multitiered show lounge and four restaurants.

Small ship line Windstar Cruises is expanding its global reach with its first South America cruises on board the all-suite, 312-passenger yacht Star Pride. Sailings begin in December 2025.

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