Princess Cruises Just Added Overnight Antarctica Experiences — Here’s What to Know
Princess Cruises is expanding its lineup of bucket-list voyages with a major update for the 2027–2028 season, introducing overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula as part of new South America itineraries aboard Majestic Princess.
The cruise line says the move is designed to give travelers more immersive, close-to-nature experiences in one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth.
A Deeper, More Immersive Antarctica Experience
For the upcoming season, Princess Cruises will offer 17-day Antarctica & South America voyages sailing roundtrip from Buenos Aires. What makes these sailings stand out is the addition of overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing guests more time to take in the dramatic scenery.
Passengers will spend four days scenic cruising through Antarctic waters, surrounded by glaciers, icy landscapes, and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and seabirds. The slower pace and extended time in the region are designed to create a more meaningful connection with the destination.
Onboard naturalists will guide guests throughout the journey, pointing out wildlife, explaining the region’s history, and sharing expert insights as the scenery unfolds.
Six Sailings Across Four Itineraries
The Antarctica sailings are part of Princess Cruises’ broader South America 2027–2028 season, which includes:
- Six total departures
- Four unique itineraries
- 15- to 37-day voyage options
- 19 destinations across eight countries
- 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
All sailings will take place between October 2027 and January 2028, and bookings are already open.
Each cruise also includes overnight stays in Buenos Aires, along with late-night port calls in destinations like Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Ushuaia.
Highlights Beyond Antarctica
While Antarctica is the headline, the itineraries offer a wide range of experiences across South America and beyond.
Patagonia & Cape Horn Adventures
The 15-day Cape Horn & Glaciers of Patagonia voyage features scenic cruising through the Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley. Guests can expect views of towering glaciers cascading from the Darwin Mountain Range, along with opportunities to spot whales, porpoises, and penguins.
Falkland Islands Wildlife Encounters
Several itineraries include a stop in the Falkland Islands, home to roughly one million nesting penguins, making it a major highlight for wildlife lovers.
Grand South America Voyage
For travelers looking for an extended journey, Princess is offering a 37-day South America Passage Grand Adventure sailing from Southampton. This voyage crosses the Atlantic with stops in destinations like Lisbon, the Canary Islands, Rio de Janeiro, and Montevideo before ending in Chile.
Land & Sea Extensions Available
To enhance the experience even further, Princess Cruises is offering optional cruisetours, including:
- 6-night Machu Picchu Explorer
- 5-night Iguazu Falls Adventure
These add-ons allow travelers to turn their cruise into a more comprehensive South American exploration.
A Focus on Scenic, Destination-Driven Travel
Princess Cruises says these new itineraries reflect a growing focus on destination immersion and scenic cruising, similar to enhancements the line is rolling out in places like Alaska.
From Antarctica’s frozen landscapes to the vibrant cities of South America, the goal is to give travelers more time in each destination—whether that’s through overnight stays, extended scenic cruising, or enriched onboard programming.
As Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Jim Berra explained, the season is designed to bring guests closer to both natural wonders and cultural experiences, combining adventure with education and comfort at sea.
Why This Matters
Antarctica cruises have always been about the scenery—but with overnight experiences now part of the itinerary, Princess is taking things a step further.
For travelers, it means:
- More time in one of the world’s most remote regions
- Better opportunities for wildlife viewing
- A slower, more immersive cruise experience
With limited sailings and high demand for Antarctica voyages, these new itineraries are likely to attract significant interest from travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
