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Our essential guide to the best cruises in Patagonia and Antarctica, discover the best small luxury ships and expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula and the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia.
Ved Enter the luxury
The glaciers and fjords of southern Patagonia and the vast ice mass of Antarctica are fertile ground for world-class scenic sailing and unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Luxury Antarctic cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile with connections to Buenos Aires or Santiago. PatagonianRefrigerator- or glaciers - The National Park near El Calafate offers the possibility of sailing between icebergs to the famous Upsala and Perito Moreno glaciers. further south,luxury cruise operatorAustraliansailing between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, showcasing the fjords and glaciers of southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
Here's our roundup of the best small luxury ships sailing the unique landscapes of Patagonia and Antarctica and how to combine them for a South American trip.
main image:Ponant L'Australia Antarctic cruise
Luxury Antarctic cruise aboard Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse Antarctic Cruises are designed for luxury travelers seeking six-star integration and access to unique experiences, including helicopter and kayak tours.
Scenic post-eclipse Antarctic cruiseshe piloted the world's first research yachtsTMcombines state-of-the-art technology (including advanced stabilizers for comfortable crossing of the infamous Drake Passage) with ultra-luxurious 6-star amenities. Each cabin has floor-to-ceiling windows and a private veranda, perfect for watching the icebergs fly by with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Meals at 10 specialty restaurants, room service and an open bar are included, from fresh sashimi at the trendy sushi bar to an 8-course French dinner at the premier Lumiere restaurant. A modern spa center, saunas and swimming pools as well as nine bars complete the experience on board the Scenic Eclipse. Soft boat tours and all kayaks are included - a difference since most Antarctic cruises charge extra for kayaking - and two helicopters offer exceptional aerial views of Antarctica (price). Scenic Eclipse Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina, including air transportation from Buenos Aires. A recommended addition is a day trip to Cape Horn on the day of departure.
> Vis11-night Antarctic cruise on Scenic Eclipse
> Recommended accommodation before/after the cruise: Stay atthe best luxury accommodation in Ushuaia in Arakur, LubA legendary legacyfor overtime in Buenos Aires
> Goes well with El Calafate and El Chalten and extensionsArgentine Patagonia. We invite you to consider oursThe best private tour in Patagonia, WExtension of the El Chalten hiking trailLubExplore the luxury cottage El Chalten. We also recommend that you enableIguazu Falls,MendozaandValdez Peninsulaif you have more time to enjoy Argentina.
Luxury cruise in Patagonia on board Australis
Sail from Punta Arenas in southern Chile to Ushuaia in southern Argentina for unique access to the fjords and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego
Luxury ships Sister Southern, Southern Wind and Southern Star, sail between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas and enjoy the glaciers and wilderness of southern Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego. This four-night luxury cruise passes vast blue glaciers, dramatic waterfalls and sub-polar forests before reaching the famous Beagle Channel and Cape Horn. There are opportunities to see penguins, elephant seals and leopard seals, a highlight for many. The onboard experience includes fine dining and an open bar (fixed hours) with spacious cabins with large panoramic windows in most classes. The Yamaha Lounge is a place where you can watch the glaciers flowing from the bow of the ship together with other guests. For the adventurous, guided boat tours offer access to wilderness walks and wildlife encounters. This oneLuxury Patagonia cruise of 4 nightsis a popular addition to a trip to Torres del Paine or El Calafate National Park andsouthern Patagonia, or any trip to Chile or Argentina.
> VisA 4-night luxury Patagonia cruise on the Australis
> Recommended accommodation before/after the cruise:or try the Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. If you are flying through Santiago, give it a tryHotel MagnoliaLubUnique Santiagoand in Buenos Aires this is our favorite hotelA legendary legacy
> Goes well withTorres del Paine National Park and W-Trek, just a four-hour drive north of Punta Arenas (still in Chilean Patagonia).the Atacama desertandChilean Lake Authorityit can easily be combined with Punta Arenas or Torres del Paine if you plan to explore more of Chile.Tip - ask for free shuttle options between Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine National Park, available with some private tours.
A unique Antarctic expedition cruise on board Ponant L'Austral
A Ponant Antarctica cruise offers unique access to the white continent with elegant cabins, leading-edge technology on board and outstanding cuisine
Luxury expedition cruises Ponant comes from France, so it's no surprise that the culinary offer on board is unparalleled. We recommendPonant's luxury small boat L'Australon your Antarctica cruise departing from Ushuaia and including the Weddell Sea in your 10-day Antarctica itinerary. Ponante naturalists lead tours in and around the spectacular ice fields and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula, and Zodiac ships provide easy access to the white continent. Luxurious furnishings, gourmet all-inclusive restaurants and an open bar make the trip unique, and we also love the ship's pool and spa facilities. The theater offers educational seminars to learn about the geology, wildlife and climatology of Antarctica as you sail the waters of this unique continent.
> See:10-night cruise on L'Austral in Antarctica Ponant
> Accommodation before/after the cruise:Arakur Luxury Resort and Spa, Ushuaia, and we recommendA mythical legacy in Buenos Airesto a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo Soho.
> Goes well with the best luxury homes and cottages in Argentina - thinkEOLO Patagonia against El Calafateafor a luxurious Estancia experience,House Uco in Mendozas Uco Valleyfor wine tasting surrounded by the Andes, orKeep an eye out for Iguazu Fallsin the far north of Argentina.
Luxury cruise in Glaciers National Park - Spirit of the Glaciers
Sail on a small luxury vessel Santa Cruz on Lago Argentina past icebergs to the towering glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park
If you are running out of timeSpirit of the Glaciers luxury cruisein southern Patagonia offers unique access to the glaciers of this remote region in just three days. Departing from Puerto Banderas near El Calafate, MY Santa Cruz sails across Lago Argentino to the three must-see glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park: Upsala, Spegazinni and Perito Moreno Glacier. Guests can enjoy fine dining and local wines and scenic cruises on a luxury ship, with the option of walking through the remote Patagonian-Andean forest and along the base of glaciers in off-board experiences not otherwise available. This is a unique luxury Patagonia cruise that we recommend for visitors to El Calafate.
> VisThree-day luxury cruise in Glaciers National Park
> Accommodation before/after the cruise: RecommendedEOLO Patagonski, an estancia located just 30 minutes from the port of Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino. If you prefer to stay in the town of El Calafate, we love itHotel Esplendor, El Calafate
> It goes well with oursBest of Patagonia, 7-Day Private Tour- which includes the Tierra Patagonia luxury lodge in Torres del Paine National Park - and oursA four-day luxury trip to El Chalten
End your trip in Chile or Argentina
A luxury cruise to Antarctica or Patagonia is a unique trip and often a big investment. We understand that you want quality accommodations in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Ushuaia, or Punta Arenas to complement your cruise and flight itinerary, and you may be interested in expansion options to add those places and experiences to your bucket list when you're in a remote corner of Chile and Argentina. Here are some resources to help you plan a unique trip.
> BrowseThe best luxury accommodation and travel ideas in Patagonia
> BrowseThe best accommodation and tours in Chilein Santiago, the Atacama Desert, the Lake District and Torres del Paine National Park
> BrowseThe best accommodation and tours in Argentinai Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chalten, Półwysep Valdez, Mendoza and Wodospady Iguazu
daily contactwith our travel designers to plan your trip to Antarctica or Patagonia.