South America is one of the most spectacular cruise destinations in the world, offering dramatic coastlines, colorful cities, tropical beaches, remote wilderness, glaciers, and some of the most impressive sailing routes on the planet. For travelers who want to explore the continent by sea, Royal Caribbean offers itineraries that can take guests along parts of the South American coastline, through the Panama Canal, and on select longer voyages around the southern tip of the continent.
If you are specifically looking for a Royal Caribbean cruise that goes around South America or sails around Cape Horn, it is important to understand that these are generally longer, more specialized itineraries rather than the standard seven-night Caribbean cruises. Royal Caribbean has historically operated South American and "Around the Horn" voyages, while its longer world-cruise itineraries have also included extensive South American segments.
Yes. Royal Caribbean has operated itineraries that travel around the southern tip of South America, including Cape Horn, and has also offered longer voyages covering multiple South American destinations.
An example from Royal Caribbean's previous world-cruise itinerary traveled from the Caribbean south toward Argentina, continued around Cape Horn, visited Antarctic waters and Ushuaia, and then traveled north along the Chilean coast.
However, travelers should distinguish between:
Royal Caribbean's current cruise schedule covers 2026, 2027 and 2028 sailings, but specific South American itineraries and ships can vary by season and year.
An "Around the Horn" cruise refers to a voyage that sails around Cape Horn, located at the southern end of South America in Chile.
Cape Horn is famous because it sits where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet and has historically been associated with challenging winds and rough seas. Royal Caribbean describes Cape Horn as being at the southern extreme of Chile's maritime territory and highlights the area's dramatic scenery and wildlife.
For cruise passengers, sailing around Cape Horn can be one of the highlights of the entire voyage.
Unlike a typical Caribbean vacation, an Around the Horn itinerary is focused heavily on scenery, exploration and unique destinations. You may spend considerable time at sea, but those sea days can provide opportunities to watch the coastline, glaciers, islands and wildlife.
Royal Caribbean's ship assignments change from season to season, so you should always check the official schedule for the year you plan to travel. The cruise line's current schedule provides listings for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Historically, ships such as Rhapsody of the Seas have operated Around the Horn itineraries. Royal Caribbean has previously promoted an Around the Horn cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas that included destinations such as Buenos Aires and Montevideo and sailing around Cape Horn.
Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas has also been associated with extensive global itineraries that included the coasts of Central and South America and Patagonia. A Royal Caribbean world-cruise infographic describes a journey aboard Serenade of the Seas that traveled along Central and South America before going around the tip of Patagonia.
Therefore, rather than choosing a ship solely by its name, travelers should search by itinerary and sailing date. The same ship may operate completely different routes in different seasons.
One of the biggest attractions of a South American cruise is the opportunity to experience several countries without having to arrange separate flights and hotels between every destination.
Depending on the itinerary, Royal Caribbean cruises can include destinations such as:
Buenos Aires is one of South America's most famous cities and is an important cruise gateway.
Passengers can explore historic neighborhoods, architecture, cafés, restaurants, plazas and tango culture. The city is also an excellent starting or ending point for an extended South American cruise.
A cruise beginning or ending in Buenos Aires can be particularly attractive if you want to combine a cruise with several days of independent sightseeing in Argentina.
Montevideo provides a completely different atmosphere from Buenos Aires.
The Uruguayan capital is known for its waterfront, historic neighborhoods, markets and relaxed culture. A visit here can provide an easy introduction to Uruguay without requiring a lengthy inland journey.
Royal Caribbean has historically included Montevideo on Around the Horn itineraries.
Punta Arenas is particularly appealing to travelers interested in Patagonia.
Royal Caribbean describes Punta Arenas as a gateway to the wilderness of Patagonia and Antarctica. The city is located beside the Strait of Magellan, a natural passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific and separating mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego.
This is a very different cruise experience from visiting a tropical beach destination. Expect dramatic landscapes, strong winds and opportunities to see wildlife.
Cape Horn is not necessarily a conventional port stop. Depending on the itinerary and weather conditions, the ship may sail around or near Cape Horn rather than making a traditional port call.
The experience is primarily about the landscape and the significance of the route.
For many cruise enthusiasts, simply sailing around the southern tip of South America is a major bucket-list experience.
Ushuaia is another major destination associated with southern South America and expedition-style cruising.
Located in Tierra del Fuego, it is often described as one of the world's southernmost cities and is an important gateway toward Antarctica.
Royal Caribbean's previous Ultimate Americas itinerary included Ushuaia after sailing through Antarctic waters and around Cape Horn.
If you enjoy spectacular natural scenery, a South American cruise through Patagonia can be an excellent choice.
The southern Chilean coast contains an extraordinary network of fjords, islands, mountains and waterways. Depending on the itinerary, travelers may have opportunities to see glaciers and rugged landscapes from the ship.
Punta Arenas is particularly significant because it provides access to Patagonia and the wider Antarctic region.
A Patagonia-focused itinerary is generally better suited to travelers who enjoy nature and scenic cruising than travelers who are primarily looking for beaches and nightlife.
Some extended Royal Caribbean itineraries have included Antarctic waters or Antarctic-region experiences.
For example, Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Americas itinerary traveled south toward Cape Horn and included sailing in Antarctic waters before visiting Ushuaia.
However, travelers should not assume that every cruise advertised as a "South America cruise" includes Antarctica.
There is a significant difference between:
South America cruise:May visit Argentina, Uruguay, Chile or Brazil.
Around-the-Horn cruise:Typically includes sailing around Cape Horn.
Antarctica-related itinerary:May travel into Antarctic waters or toward Antarctica, depending on the exact route.
Always read the individual itinerary carefully before booking.
Brazil can be another major part of South American cruising.
Depending on the itinerary, travelers may visit destinations along Brazil's Atlantic coast, including major cities and resort areas.
One particularly memorable destination is Rio de Janeiro, famous for Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
Royal Caribbean's previous Ultimate Americas itinerary included Rio de Janeiro and was timed to celebrate New Year's Eve there.
Brazil can add a completely different atmosphere to a South American cruise, with tropical weather, beaches, music, food and vibrant cities contrasting with the colder landscapes of Patagonia.
Many travelers confuse Panama Canal cruises with Around South America cruises.
They are not the same.
A Panama Canal cruise connects the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the Americas by passing through the Panama Canal. Royal Caribbean specifically promotes Panama Canal cruises as a way to travel between the Pacific and Atlantic sides while exploring destinations in Central and South America.
An Around the Horn cruise, by contrast, travels much farther south and passes around the southern tip of South America.
If your goal is to see Patagonia, Cape Horn, Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, a Panama Canal itinerary is not the right substitute.
The length varies considerably.
Shorter cruises may visit selected South American destinations, while longer repositioning, transatlantic or world-cruise segments can spend weeks exploring the region.
Historically, Royal Caribbean has offered Around the Horn itineraries lasting around two weeks or more. The cruise line has also operated much longer world-cruise segments that spent substantial time exploring South America.
For example, Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Americas segment ran from Miami to Los Angeles for more than two months and included Caribbean, South American and Antarctic-region destinations.
This means travelers have options ranging from a relatively focused cruise to a once-in-a-lifetime extended voyage.
The best season depends on the region you want to explore.
For southern South America, including Patagonia and Cape Horn, cruise schedules are generally concentrated around the warmer months because conditions are more suitable for cruising and sightseeing.
If you want to see:
Weather can be unpredictable around Cape Horn. Travelers should be prepared for wind, cold temperatures and changing sea conditions. Royal Caribbean itself recommends warm layers for its South America/Antarctic-region world-cruise itinerary and notes that Cape Horn conditions can be rough.
Packing for South America requires more planning than packing for a Caribbean cruise.
You may encounter both warm and cold climates during the same vacation.
Consider bringing:
Layering is particularly useful because temperatures can change significantly during the voyage.
For the right traveler, absolutely.
An Around South America cruise offers experiences that are difficult to replicate on a conventional vacation.
You can combine:
Instead of arranging multiple domestic flights, hotels and transfers, your cruise ship becomes your floating base.
The main drawback is that these cruises can involve longer sea days and more variable weather than Caribbean cruises. Travelers who want constant beach activities may prefer a tropical itinerary.
But if your dream vacation involves dramatic landscapes, wildlife, remote destinations and unique sailing routes, South America can be an excellent choice.
The easiest way to find a suitable itinerary is to search Royal Caribbean's current cruise schedule by destination, departure port and date. Royal Caribbean currently lists future cruises for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
When searching, look for itinerary terms such as:
Do not select a cruise solely because its destination page says "South America." Check the complete port-by-port itinerary to determine how much of the continent you will actually experience.
Yes. Royal Caribbean has operated Around the Horn itineraries that sail around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.
Rhapsody of the Seas has historically operated an Around the Horn itinerary, while Serenade of the Seas has also been used for extensive world-cruise routes that included South America and Patagonia. Ship assignments can change, so check the current sailing schedule before booking.
Yes. Royal Caribbean offers or has offered itineraries that reach destinations associated with Patagonia, including Punta Arenas. The exact availability depends on the sailing season and year.
Not necessarily. Some extended Royal Caribbean itineraries have included Antarctic waters, but a standard South America cruise should not be assumed to include Antarctica. Check the individual itinerary carefully.
Depending on the itinerary, you may visit or sail near destinations in countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil. Longer itineraries may include additional destinations in Central and South America.
Cape Horn is generally a scenic sailing destination rather than a conventional cruise port. Your ship may sail around or near the area without making a traditional port call.
The waters around Cape Horn can experience strong winds and rough seas. Royal Caribbean notes that passengers should be prepared for potentially choppy conditions when sailing around Cape Horn.
Royal Caribbean's South American itineraries offer some of the most memorable scenery and destinations available to cruise travelers. If you specifically want to go around South America, look for an itinerary that mentions Cape Horn, Patagonia or an Around the Horn route, rather than simply selecting any cruise labeled South America.
For travelers seeking an even bigger adventure, Royal Caribbean's longer world-cruise itineraries have demonstrated just how much of South America can be incorporated into one voyage. The cruise line's Ultimate Americas itinerary, for example, traveled from the Caribbean toward Argentina, around Cape Horn, into Antarctic waters and then north along Chile before continuing its broader journey.
Because Royal Caribbean changes ships and itineraries from season to season, the best strategy is to check the latest 2026, 2027 and 2028 schedule and compare the complete itinerary before making a reservation.
For travelers who love adventure, wildlife, dramatic landscapes and destinations far beyond the usual Caribbean ports, an Around South America cruise can be an unforgettable bucket-list vacation.
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