Traveling to South America during Europe's winter months is like stepping into a summer brimming with contrasts, colors, and emotions. While the cold sets in across Europe, everything blossoms in the Southern Hemisphere: the days lengthen, temperatures are mild, and landscapes reach their peak splendor. It's the perfect season to explore Patagonia without the extreme cold, sail past glaciers, stroll through vibrant cities like Buenos Aires or Santiago, or enjoy the coastal charm of Valparaíso. Princess Cruises takes advantage of this time of year to maintain its consistent presence in South America, deploying several of its ships on itineraries that combine cultural exploration, spectacular natural landscapes, and sailing along legendary routes.
But for the first time, one of the most comprehensive South American cruises offered by Princess Cruises and Mundomar Cruises is departing in December. Traditionally held in February, this year, as a new feature, it sets sail on December 3, 2025, opening up new possibilities for those who wish to discover the contrasts, colors, flavors, and landscapes of the Southern Cone over 21 days.
Travelers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the essence of South America through a carefully designed program that combines flights, hotels, guided tours, cruise, transfers and assistance throughout the trip in Spanish.
A complete itinerary
The journey begins with included flights from Madrid, Barcelona, or Lisbon. Upon arrival in Santiago, Chile, passengers will enjoy two nights in a 4-star hotel and organized excursions to explore the Chilean capital and key destinations such as Valparaíso and Pomaire, before embarking from the port of San Antonio on a 17-day cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess.
During the cruise, you'll visit some of the most iconic ports in southern South America. Starting in Chile, you'll make several stops, the first being Puerto Montt, gateway to the Lake District, with its volcanic landscapes, seafood markets, and access to natural wonders like Lake Llanquihue and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park; followed by Punta Arenas, a key point for exploring Chilean Patagonia, with its glacial landscapes, penguin colonies, and a rich history linked to the explorers of the Strait of Magellan; Puerto Chacabuco, with its fjords, mountains, and rainforest, as well as a rich salmon farming tradition and an authentically southern atmosphere; the Amalia Glacier, which dazzles with its ice walls up to 80 meters high, calving fragments that crash into the sea with a roar, in a spectacle of icy power and beauty; and concluding in Punta Arenas before beginning your journey through Argentina.
The cruise continues towards Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by mountains, channels, and pristine nature. Enjoy nearly 18 hours of daylight in December. The itinerary also includes Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, famous for its stormy seas and its historical role as a key route between oceans; the Falkland Islands, with their British architecture and home to penguins, sea lions, and other species; and Puerto Madryn, famous for whale watching, penguin colonies, sea lions, and its strong Welsh heritage, all facing the imposing Golfo Nuevo.
Next, he heads to Montevideo, a destination that combines colonial architecture, tranquil beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene, all accompanied by the warm spirit of the Río de la Plata region and the unmistakable aroma of mate. Finally, he returns to Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, captivating visitors with its tango, architecture, and nightlife, to visit the Delta and Tigre and enjoy some free time before catching his flight home.
Throughout the tour, travelers will have a Spanish-speaking assistant guide, ensuring an accessible, informed, and accompanied experience at all times.
The Sapphire Princess
The Sapphire Princess will be our floating home for more than two weeks of cruising. This elegant vessel from the Princess Cruises fleet, designed to offer comfort, entertainment, and memorable experiences at sea, and with a capacity for more than 2,600 passengers, offers ample space and a wide range of amenities and activities to suit all tastes.
The cabins are fully equipped, many with private balconies, and offer all the comfort necessary for a pleasant stay, both on days of sailing and after intense days of exploration on land, with optional excursions in Spanish by Mundomar Cruises, perfect for those who wish to delve even deeper into the richness of each port visited.
In addition to a wide gastronomic offering with seafood, tropical fruits and local dishes that will accompany you throughout the trip, drinks such as iced tea, lemonade, coffee and tea in different varieties, on board you can enjoy swimming pools, lounges, spa, gym, casino, cinema under the stars and daily entertainment.
A different way of experiencing South America
This all-inclusive Princess Cruises tour, in collaboration with Mundomar Cruceros, offers a unique opportunity to experience South America in a well-organized, comfortable, and guided way. The tour includes flights, hotels, transfers, excursions, and the cruise itself, along with a Spanish-speaking guide. It's an ideal travel option for both first-time visitors to South America and those wishing to rediscover it in complete comfort. The fact that it's being offered in December for the first time adds a special appeal, allowing you to enjoy the continent before the high temperatures of the Southern Hemisphere summer.
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