Princess Cruises Unveils its Expansive 2027-28 South America and Antarctica Season Aboard Majestic Princess.

Princess Cruises, a global leader in premium cruise travel, has officially pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated 2027–28 South America season, marking a significant commitment to one of the world’s most geographically diverse and culturally rich regions. Between October 2027 and January 2028, the Royal-class Majestic Princess will serve as the flagship for a series of six departures spanning four meticulously crafted itineraries. These voyages, ranging from 15 to 37 days, are designed to offer a blend of high-seas luxury and deep-continent exploration, featuring rare overnight stays in the Antarctic Peninsula, late-night port calls in vibrant metropolitan hubs, and access to no fewer than 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The cornerstone of the season is the epic 37-day "South America Passage Grand Adventure." This marathon voyage, scheduled to depart in October 2027, bridges the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, beginning in Southampton (London) and concluding in San Antonio (Santiago), Chile. This repositioning cruise is far more than a simple transfer of the vessel; it is a transcontinental odyssey that stops in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic to the rhythmic shores of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the historic streets of Montevideo, Uruguay. For seasoned travelers, this itinerary represents the pinnacle of "slow travel," allowing guests to witness the gradual shift in climate, culture, and constellations as the ship moves toward the bottom of the world.

Following the Grand Adventure, Majestic Princess will transition into a series of regional sailings that highlight the rugged beauty of the Southern Cone. A primary focus of the season is the "Antarctica & Cape Horn" itinerary. Unlike standard expedition cruises that utilize small, spartan vessels, Princess Cruises offers the "scenic cruising" experience, allowing guests to witness the icy majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula from the comfort of a 143,700-ton luxury liner. These voyages include four days of cruising through the Antarctic Peninsula, with the ship remaining in the area overnight to maximize viewing opportunities of massive icebergs, Gentoo penguin colonies, and breaching humpback whales. The inclusion of Cape Horn, the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, adds a layer of maritime history to the journey, as guests follow the path of legendary explorers who once braved these turbulent "Roaring Forties" and "Furious Fifties" latitudes.

Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises, emphasized the strategic design of these routes, stating, “Our 2027–28 South America season is designed to bring guests closer to some of the world’s most striking landscapes and cultures. From the ethereal silence of Antarctica to the pulsating energy of Rio de Janeiro, Majestic Princess combines adventure, enrichment, and world-class service to create a seamless exploration of the Southern Hemisphere.” Berra’s perspective highlights a growing trend in the cruise industry: the demand for "destination-immersive" experiences that do not sacrifice the amenities of a large-scale resort.

The Majestic Princess herself is uniquely suited for this deployment. Originally launched in 2017, the ship was the first in the Princess fleet to be specifically designed with a focus on international flair and sophisticated aesthetics. With a capacity for approximately 3,560 guests, the vessel features the "SeaWalk"—a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship—which provides an unparalleled vantage point for viewing the fjords of Chile or the ice-choked waters of the Schollaert Channel in Antarctica. Furthermore, the ship’s "Hollywood Conservatory," an indoor garden-like space, offers a climate-controlled sanctuary for scenic viewing, an essential feature when navigating the unpredictable and often chilly weather of Patagonia.

A significant draw for the 2027–28 season is the emphasis on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Princess Cruises has curated shore excursions that allow guests to step into history at 15 different locations. These include the historic center of Lima (accessible via calls to Callao), the colonial architecture of Cartagena, the Valparaíso port city in Chile, and the Carioca landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. For many, the highlight will be the opportunity to visit the Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. As one of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world, Iguazu is a centerpiece of the Princess "Cruisetours" program.

The Cruisetours are multi-day land extensions that can be booked in conjunction with the cruise to provide a comprehensive South American experience. For the 2027–28 season, these include the "Iguazu Falls Adventure," which takes guests deep into the rainforest to witness the "Devil’s Throat" cataract, and the "Machu Picchu Explorer." The latter involves a flight to the Peruvian Andes and a rail journey to the "Lost City of the Incas." By integrating these land-based wonders with the maritime itinerary, Princess solves the logistical complexity of South American travel, handling everything from domestic flights and luxury hotel accommodations to expert-led tours.

Onboard programming for the South America season is equally immersive. Princess Cruises’ "Across the Ditch" and "North to South" programs bring the local culture onto the ship. Guests can expect tango performances by Argentine professionals, samba lessons as the ship approaches Brazil, and culinary demonstrations featuring regional staples like empanadas, chimichurri, and Brazilian feijoada. The ship’s sommeliers will also curate a selection of South American wines, highlighting the robust Malbecs of Mendoza and the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of the Leyda Valley. Furthermore, guest lecturers, including naturalists and historians, will provide context to the sights, explaining the glaciology of the Amalia Glacier and the complex colonial history of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Shore excursions have been reimagined to offer more than just sightseeing. In the 2027–28 season, guests can choose from "Discovery Recommended" and "Animal Planet Exclusive" tours. These might include a visit to a traditional estancia (ranch) in Argentina to witness the skills of the gauchos, a trek through the Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia—the world’s southernmost city—or a boat tour through the bustling harbor of Montevideo. The late-night port calls in cities like Buenos Aires are particularly noteworthy, as they allow guests to experience the city’s legendary nightlife, including late-evening dinners and milonga (tango hall) visits, which are central to the local identity.

From a market perspective, the deployment of Majestic Princess to South America signals a robust recovery and expansion of the cruise industry’s "exotic" segment. As travelers increasingly seek "bucket-list" destinations, South America offers a compelling alternative to the traditional Caribbean or Mediterranean circuits. The region’s appeal lies in its contrast: the ultra-modern skylines of Santiago and São Paulo versus the prehistoric stillness of the Chilean Fjords. Princess Cruises is positioning itself to capture the premium segment of this market—travelers who want the scale and reliability of a major cruise line but the intimacy of specialized, destination-focused programming.

Environmental stewardship also remains a focal point for Princess Cruises, especially when operating in the sensitive waters of Antarctica. Majestic Princess utilizes advanced wastewater treatment systems and adheres to the strict guidelines set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Antarctic Treaty System. While the ship does not land passengers on the Antarctic continent—a practice reserved for smaller expedition vessels—it provides a "leave no trace" scenic experience that minimizes the human footprint on the fragile ecosystem while still providing an awe-inspiring educational experience for thousands of guests.

For those looking to secure their place on these historic voyages, the 2027–28 South America season is now open for booking. Prospective travelers can coordinate their journeys through professional travel advisors, by contacting the cruise line directly at 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the official website at princess.com. Given the limited number of departures and the high demand for Antarctic itineraries, industry analysts expect these sailings to fill quickly, particularly the "Grand Adventure" and the Christmas/New Year’s departures which offer a unique way to celebrate the holidays in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

As the cruise industry moves toward the late 2020s, Princess Cruises’ investment in South America underscores a broader strategy of global diversification. By pairing a high-capacity, modern vessel like Majestic Princess with some of the most remote and breathtaking destinations on Earth, the cruise line is ensuring that the spirit of exploration remains alive and well, wrapped in the comfort and sophistication that has become the hallmark of the Princess brand. Whether it is the first glimpse of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio or the silent drift past a towering blue glacier in Patagonia, the 2027–28 season promises to be a definitive chapter in the story of South American maritime travel.