Six voyages. Up to 37 days at sea. And a route that takes travelers from the sun-drenched beaches of Rio de Janeiro all the way to the frozen edge of Antarctica. Princess Cruises has announced its 2027-28 South America season, and the scale of what’s on offer is genuinely striking.
The cruise line will deploy its Majestic Princess for the entire season, running sailings from October 2027 through January 2028. The itineraries span four countries — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay — and include extended Antarctic expeditions that push well beyond what most cruise lines offer in the region.
For anyone who has been waiting for the right moment to experience South America by sea, this season looks like a serious contender for that trip.
What Princess Cruises Is Actually Offering
The 2027-28 season centers on six sailings aboard the Majestic Princess, with voyage lengths ranging from 15 to 37 days. That upper end is notable — a 37-day sailing is a significant commitment, and it signals that Princess is targeting travelers who want depth over speed.
The itineraries are built around some of South America’s most compelling destinations. Rio de Janeiro brings its iconic harbor and carnival culture. Montevideo, Uruguay’s laid-back capital, offers a quieter counterpoint to the region’s busier ports. And Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth and the traditional gateway to Antarctica, serves as a launching point for the season’s most dramatic sailings.
Antarctica itself is a major part of the pitch. The season includes extended voyages through Antarctic glaciers and wildlife-rich waters — not just a quick pass along the peninsula, but what Princess describes as an immersive journey through the icy landscape. For wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers who have Antarctica on their bucket list, that distinction matters.
The Key Details: Routes, Ports, and Timeline
Here’s what the confirmed source material tells us about the structure of the 2027-28 season:
| Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Ship | Majestic Princess |
| Number of Sailings | Six |
| Voyage Lengths | 15 to 37 days |
| Season Dates | October 2027 – January 2028 |
| Countries Featured | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay |
| Key Ports | Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Ushuaia |
| Special Feature | Extended Antarctic voyages |
The ports of call span a remarkable geographic and cultural range. Consider what each destination brings:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — One of the world’s most recognizable cities, known for its dramatic natural setting, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks
- Montevideo, Uruguay — A compact, walkable capital with a strong café culture and a relaxed pace that contrasts with the region’s larger cities
- Ushuaia, Argentina — The world’s southernmost city and the primary gateway for Antarctic expeditions, surrounded by Patagonian wilderness
- Antarctic waters — Glaciers, unique wildlife, and some of the most remote and visually spectacular scenery on the planet
Why the Antarctic Component Sets This Season Apart
Plenty of cruise lines include Antarctica as a checkbox on a South America itinerary — a brief scenic crossing before turning north again. What Princess Cruises is emphasizing here is something different: extended time in Antarctic waters, with a focus on glaciers and wildlife.
Antarctica attracts a specific kind of traveler. These aren’t people who want a beach day and a cocktail at sunset (though the South American ports certainly offer that). They’re after something rarer — the feeling of standing at the edge of the world, watching icebergs drift past and penguins go about their business completely indifferent to human observers.
The combination of culturally rich South American ports and genuine Antarctic immersion in a single voyage is what makes the longer sailings — particularly those approaching 37 days — genuinely unusual in the cruise market.
Who This Season Is Built For
A 15-to-37-day voyage isn’t a casual weekend getaway. Princess Cruises is clearly targeting experienced travelers — people who have done the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and are ready for something more ambitious.
The season also suits travelers who prefer to go deep rather than wide. Rather than rushing through a dozen ports in two weeks, the longer sailings allow for a more genuine engagement with each destination. Montevideo deserves more than a four-hour stop. Ushuaia rewards those who slow down and look around.
For wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the Antarctic sailings represent a rare opportunity to access one of the planet’s last truly wild places aboard a major cruise line — with the onboard comfort and service that comes with a ship like the Majestic Princess.
What to Watch For as the Season Approaches
The season runs from October 2027 through January 2028, which means there’s still meaningful lead time for travelers considering booking. Southern Hemisphere summer — roughly November through February — is the optimal window for both South American travel and Antarctic access, and Princess has timed the season accordingly.
Specific pricing, full port-by-port itineraries, and booking availability have not been detailed in the currently available information. Travelers interested in the season should monitor Princess Cruises directly for those details as they are released.
What is clear is that Princess is treating this as a flagship season for the region — six sailings, a dedicated ship, and itineraries designed to showcase South America and Antarctica at their most compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ship will operate the 2027-28 South America season?
Princess Cruises will use the Majestic Princess for all six sailings in the 2027-28 South America season.
How long are the voyages?
Sailings range from 15 to 37 days, offering options for travelers with different schedules and levels of commitment.
Which countries and ports are included?
The season features ports across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, with confirmed stops including Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and Ushuaia, along with extended time in Antarctic waters.
When does the season run?
The 2027-28 South America season operates from October 2027 through January 2028.
How many sailings are offered?
Princess Cruises has announced six sailings for the season.
Are specific prices available yet?
Pricing details have not been confirmed in the currently available information — travelers should check directly with Princess Cruises for booking and fare details as they are released.
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