Princess Cruises Opens 2027–28 South America & Antarctica Sailings

Princess Cruises has opened bookings for its newly announced 2027–28 South America and Antarctica program, positioning Majestic Princess on routes that link Argentina, Chile and the Antarctic Peninsula with a series of extended sailings between October 2027 and January 2028.

Majestic Princess Heads South for 2027–28 Season

Publicly available information indicates that Majestic Princess will be dedicated to South America and Antarctica for the core of the 2027–28 austral summer, with six departures planned over a roughly four-month window. The deployment reflects growing demand for longer, more immersive itineraries that bundle classic South American cities with remote Patagonian and polar landscapes.

Reports describe the program as part of a wider global reshuffle for the brand, with ships rotating between regions such as Alaska, Europe, Asia and South America across opposite hemispheres’ peak seasons. By assigning one of its larger, MedallionClass ships to the southern cone, Princess Cruises appears to be signaling continued confidence in long-haul travel to the region.

The 2027–28 sailings build on earlier South America and Antarctica seasons, but extend the concept with more time in key destinations and additional scenic cruising in high-latitude waters. Promotional material emphasizes that the voyages are now open for sale, giving travelers a longer booking horizon than is common for many South America departures.

New Itineraries Linking Argentina, Chile and Antarctica

Reference brochures and trade coverage show that the upcoming season centers on itineraries connecting Buenos Aires in Argentina and San Antonio, the cruise gateway for Santiago in Chile. The line’s established Cape Horn and Patagonia routes are set to return in 2027–28, combining well-known ports with lengthy stretches of glacial scenery along the Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley.

Fifteen-day sailings between Buenos Aires and San Antonio are expected to feature calls such as Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands capital Stanley, Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego and Punta Arenas in Chile. Scenic cruising around Cape Horn remains a highlight, with passengers able to view one of the world’s most storied maritime chokepoints from the comfort of a large cruise ship rather than an expedition vessel.

In addition, published schedules describe 17-day roundtrip voyages from Buenos Aires that include extended scenic time in the Antarctic Peninsula. These longer itineraries are positioned as a bridge between traditional South America cruises and more specialized expedition sailings, offering multiple days among ice, snow-covered peaks and wildlife-rich waters without sacrificing the onboard amenities of a big-ship experience.

Overnight Scenic Cruising in the Antarctic Peninsula

One of the most notable elements of the 2027–28 program is the return of what consumer travel coverage has called rare “overnight” experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula on a large mainstream ship. Rather than transiting in and out of Antarctic waters within a brief window, Majestic Princess is scheduled to linger in the region, with scenic cruising spread across more than one calendar day.

This extended presence is intended to increase the chances of favorable conditions for viewing ice formations, glaciers and marine life. It also gives the bridge and expedition teams greater flexibility in choosing scenic routes such as the Antarctic Sound or the Gerlache Strait, depending on ice and weather patterns observed during the voyage.

While landings are not part of the program and the experience remains ship-based, the prolonged time in Antarctic waters is being marketed as a way for travelers to access one of the world’s most remote regions in relative comfort. Promotional materials highlight balcony and deck viewing, onboard commentary and photography opportunities as key aspects of these segments.

Cultural Highlights Across Argentina, Chile and Brazil

Beyond the ice, the 2027–28 deployment underscores South America’s cultural draw, particularly in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. Destination descriptions emphasize days and overnights in major cities that bookend or punctuate the itineraries, offering opportunities to explore local food, music and architecture before or after time at sea.

Buenos Aires features prominently, with itineraries often including an overnight stay in port. This gives guests time to experience neighborhoods such as San Telmo and La Boca, sample parrilla-style dining and attend tango performances in historic venues. From a logistical perspective, extended calls in the Argentine capital also simplify flight connections for international travelers beginning or ending their cruise.

On the western side of the continent, San Antonio serves as the primary gateway to Santiago, where shore excursion programs point to winery visits in nearby valleys and historic neighborhoods in the Chilean capital. Select itineraries and associated land packages reference further extensions to Brazil, with combinations that link Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro being promoted as add-ons to core cruise segments.

Expanded Scenic Cruising and UNESCO-Focused Shore Programs

Across the full 2027–28 South America and Antarctica portfolio, Princess Cruises is placing emphasis on scenic cruising days and access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trade publications and destination flyers describe a collection of up to 15 UNESCO locations featured either directly as ports of call or through optional excursions and longer cruisetour packages.

Examples include the historic quarters of cities such as Valparaiso and Montevideo, as well as natural sites in Patagonia and the South Atlantic. Although Antarctica itself is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the peninsula segments are being framed as complementary to visits to recognized areas such as the Chilean fjords and certain protected reserves in southern Argentina.

Scenic cruising through the Beagle Channel and along Glacier Alley is another key selling point, with itineraries designed to maximize daylight hours in these narrow waterways during the southern summer. Marketing materials highlight opportunities to view tidewater glaciers, snowcapped peaks and waterfalls from open decks while onboard commentary provides context on local geography and history.

These elements, combined with the Antarctic overnight experiences and extended city stays, are being presented as the distinguishing features of the 2027–28 South America season. For ports from Ushuaia and Punta Arenas to smaller communities along the Chilean coast, industry analysis suggests that the confirmed schedule of high-capacity calls is likely to provide a welcome boost to local tourism economies that rely heavily on cruise visitors during the austral summer.