Senior Sailor Says…
I traveled to Antarctica via flights from Shreveport, Dallas, Lima, Peru and Buenos Aries, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina, to catch a research ship that was efficient, but not luxurious like a cruise ship. Next time, I will enjoy the trip more if I take a cruise line.
Enter Holland America Line’s 2026-2027 South America and Antarctica schedule. Booking has officially opened. Each itinerary, between 14 and 31 days, includes a wide array of ports and natural destinations for guests.
From November 2026 through March 2027, Oosterdam and Volendam will explore the region, taking guests to hard-to-reach destinations like the Amazon River, Falkland Islands, Antarctica, and—new for the 2026-2027 season—the Pio XI Glacier, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest glacier outside of Antarctica.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Grandaddy of Patagonian icefields,’ it’s known for its bright blue hues and signature dark streak. It can only be accessed via ship, and it is a very active glacier for calving.
Oosterdam plays host to those seeking to experience the wonders of Antarctica. Each 22-day itinerary sails between San Antonio (Santiago), Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition to a four-day Antarctic experience, guests will discover many of South America’s gems: for example, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires allows for plenty of time to explore the city’s grand architecture, lively neighborhoods, and vibrant tango culture.
Guests hoping to see the Pio XI glacier can board Oosterdam to sail on a 14- or 15-day South American Pathways: Chilean Fjords and Glaciers, between San Antonio (Santiago), Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The voyages take guests to ports including Montevideo, Uruguay; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Ushuaia, Argentina; and Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt, Chile—and through the stunning Chilean fjords, Glacier Alley, a day of scenic cruising at Pio XI Glacier, and other natural wonders.
For those hoping, instead, to check an Amazon adventure off their bucket list, Holland America Line is once again offering the popular Legendary Amazon Explorer aboard Volendam. For either 27 or 30 days, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale or from New York to Fort Lauderdale, guests can sail into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, taking in wildlife like pink dolphins, exotic birds, howler monkeys, and more. An overnight call in Manaus provides an extended opportunity to see the “Meeting of the Waters” between the Amazon River and Rio Negro.
These itineraries are just a sampling of the South America and Antarctica offerings. There are holiday-season-sailings, Panama Canal and Inca adventures.
I am excited to see there are also sailings to Galapagos, another destination I would like to revisit. There is nothing like witnessing firsthand the giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, frigatebirds and more.
Special booking features are being offered for a limited time. To start planning your South America adventure, click here or call (877) 724-5425.
