Because seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, the peak cruise season runs from November through March. This is the ideal time for Patagonia and Antarctica expeditions. Amazon River cruises, however, are popular year-round depending on whether you prefer high-water or low-water scenery.

As an independent hub, Cruise-Vacations lets you compare premium global lines including Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, and NCL. Our platform helps you see the differences between traditional luxury coastal cruises and rugged expedition sailings side-by-side.

A valid passport is required for all South American voyages. Depending on your citizenship and the specific ports—such as Brazil or Chile—you may also need a visa or to pay a reciprocity fee. We provide independent guidance to help you navigate these requirements before you book.

The most effective way is to use our comparison hub. Because South American routes often involve multi-country stops, our aggregator simplifies the process by showing you transparent rates and added benefits like airfare credits or inclusive excursions that vary between lines.

Coastal cruises focus on major cultural hubs like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Expedition cruises are designed for deeper exploration, using smaller ships or specialized vessels to navigate the Chilean Fjords, the Amazon, or the Antarctic Peninsula with expert naturalists on board.