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SAILING SOUTH AMERICA
This Western Hemisphere continent is the cruise traveler's new oyster

To say that South America is a hot cruise destination is to put it mildly. In fact, “mild” is exactly what it’s like down south lately, where it’s summer during North America’s winter. That’s what makes now the time to plan for a cruise (and more) down south this coming South America cruising season.

"The growing popularity of South America cruises is reflective of not only the maturing and globalization of the cruise industry but the continuing outstanding value of cruise vacations,” says Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association. “South America offers an extraordinary diversity of travel experiences, from glamorous cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires to the fjords of Chile and the magnificent wilderness landscapes of Patagonia.”

Cruise Basics

Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Pacific, with the Caribbean Sea and North America to the north and Antarctica to the south, South America has almost 7 million square miles of land mass and around 375 million people. It’s home to what many claim is the world's largest river (the Amazon), biggest rainforest (the Amazon Rainforest), highest waterfall (Angel Falls), and longest mountain range (Andes).

Of course, “rounding the Horn”--Cape Horn, Chile, that is--is still a rite of passage for many cruise ship passengers. However, this vast continent has so much more to offer, thanks to a variety of countries, cultures, history, and stunning scenery.

In the north, countries such as Columbia and Venezuela are starting to welcome cruise ships in increased numbers. The beauty of the northern part of South America is that several ports are easily accessible during more extended Caribbean cruises. Thus, this area often provides an appetizing taste of South America to many passengers, leaving them hungry for more.

Running along the Atlantic side, Brazil beckons with the continent’s longest coastline and largest land mass by far. There are several opportunities to head up the Amazon or into the rainforest: Larger ships dock or anchor on the coast and transfer passengers to smaller boats for various excursions, while small cruise ships head inland on their own. The Amazon remains a classic South American cruise destination.

Further down Brazil’s coast, many ports await, including Rio de Janeiro. Several lines offer shorter cruises that focus on this area of South America. Rio and Buenos Aires, Argentina are the most popular ports of embarkation and debarkation for what many call the Brazilian Riviera. Sao Paolo, the continent’s largest city, is also accessible from nearby coastal ports.

No other city in the world is like Rio, and a pre- or post-cruise stay is almost a given. Highlights of this city of 7million have to include: Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; sambas on the sidewalks of Lapa or Leblon; famed “Cristo Redentor” (Christ the Redeemer statue); Sugar Loaf Mountain; and many museums.

Farther along the coast, Argentina awaits with Buenos Aires. This port city is home to about 13 million friendly portenos (locals), who love sharing their elegant Argentinean capital city with visiting cruise ship passengers. Highlights here should include tango, of course; a grilled steak lunch or dinner at a parilla (steak house); Recoleta Cemetery (including Eva Peron's grave); and some of the world’s best cafés.

Situated in between Argentina and Brazil along the coast, and easily accessible from Buenos Aires, Uruguay has become more and more popular as a port of call. Most ships head to the capital city of Montevideo, which includes a great port market, the wonderful National Historical Museum, and several other art and history museums well worth a visit.

The part of Argentina south of Buenos Aires is called Patagonia. Most cruise ships heading down and around Cape Horn stop in Ushuaia. Known as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia offers excursions into the stunning Patagonia landscape, including Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Chile is next.  Punta Arenas serves as a kind of a sister city to Ushuaia when it comes to Antarctica and Patagonia access. Next up the coast are the breathtaking Chilean fjords (a cruise line favorite) and the port city of Puerto Montt, where outdoors activities prevail.

Farther up the coast, the Chilean capital of Santiago--accessible by the port of Valparaiso, about 90 minutes away--awaits with beautiful squares and varied neighborhoods. Back in pretty Valparaiso, which was once Chile’s capital and is a UNESCO Heritage Site, visitors will find the hilltop home of poet Pablo Neruda.

Peru continues to grow in popularity, with Lima and more on many west coast itineraries. Next comes the Equator and Ecuador, where Guayaquil is a growing cruise port, and the Galapagos Islands are a cruise destination in their own right, way out in the Pacific.

Holland America Offerings

Known for its worldwide cruise offerings for more than 135 years, Holland America offers a worldly schedule of South American cruises. They range from 12- to 30-night South America overviews (many rounding the Horn) to shorter seven and 14-day cruises that focus on the coastline of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The line even offers longer voyages that combine South America with Central America, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean and both coasts of North America.

Those value-packed longer voyages actually sail round-trip from a U.S. port. “Having these itineraries sail round-trip from a U.S. port is ideal for our guests looking to take an exotic cruise, but who don’t want to travel extensively to get to the port of embarkation,” says Richard D. Meadows, Holland America’s executive vice president of marketing, sales, and guest programs. “These cruises offer a premium onboard experience, overnight calls, late-night departures, and opportunities to explore many different ports and countries.”

More Down South

Other lines popular with AAA members now offer a variety of cruises to South America. “Whatever the destination, travelers to South America and beyond will find a cruise offers not only the most convenient and easy way to explore the world, but exceptional value for money spent,” says CLIA’s Dale.

Princess Cruises continues to offer two different types of South America options: Amazon cruises (often combined with the Caribbean) on one of its smaller ships and traditional round-the-Horn sailings on larger ship.

Royal Caribbean offers a number of shorter Brazilian Riviera cruises out of Sao Paulo, Brazil, with four-, six-, and seven-night options. These shorter cruises make for an ideal pre- or post-cruise South America stay.

Celebrity has spent more than a decade cruising South America. The line typically stops in more than a dozen countries at 30 or so ports. It has South America offerings that include the Panama Canal, as well as many two-week cruises that head around Cape Horn. The line’s experience on the continent has led to singular shore excursions and escorted land tours.

For those with even more time, Cunard offers a range of opportunities to see some of South America during segments on their famed world voyages aboard the Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Elizabeth. In addition, the line has big plans for 2011, thanks to a new Americas Season, during which Queen Victoria will head to both coastlines of the continent.

Equally luxurious Crystal Cruises also typically includes South America in their world cruises, which are bookable in shorter segments.

Given all of these options, it’s easy to see why South America is a hot cruise destination.

Planning Your Trip

For more information and trip-planning assistance, contact a local AAA Travel agent or visit AAA.com/travel.