Travel by Cruise through Patagonia aboard Australis Cruises, Skorpios Cruises, and Princess Cruises, Norwegian, and Celebrity. Explore the stunning Patagonian channels, Chilean fjords, glaciers, the Strait of Magellan, Cape Horn, and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
Which cruise should I choose to travel to Patagonia?
Broadly speaking, we can differentiate between two types of cruises that navigate through Patagonia. On one hand, there are pleasure cruises that can be seen sailing the waters of many seas around the world, and on the other hand, there are expedition cruises.
Pleasure Cruises vs. Expedition Cruises in Patagonia.
Firstly, pleasure cruises are medium to large-sized ships with the capacity to transport 2,200 to 2,700 passengers on board. Some companies offering this type of cruise experience include NCL, Princess and Celebrity. In contrast, expedition cruises are smaller ships that transport a maximum of 40 to 200 passengers. Notable cruise lines in this category are Mar Patag, Skorpios, and Australis. This allows for greater maneuverability and access to places that larger vessels with deeper drafts would find impossible to reach. It also allows for closer interaction with the crew.
Another significant difference between the two types of cruises is the onboard services. While pleasure cruises are known for their excellent service, elegant decor, onboard restaurants, entertainment options, spas, and even casinos, expedition cruises in Patagonia prioritize exploration with specialized guides and landings using Zodiacs or special exploration boats.
What services are included in a cruise to Patagonia?
Both types of cruises include all meals on board. In pleasure cruises, some include non-alcoholic beverages, while others have an additional charge. Alcoholic beverages are not included in pleasure cruises and come at an additional cost. In contrast, expedition cruises in Patagonia often have an open bar concept, including alcoholic beverages.
As for activities, they are optional and have an additional charge in pleasure cruises, as they make stops at various intermediate ports along the route.
In the case of expedition cruises in Patagonia, all excursions with landings in strategic points throughout the itinerary are included.
What is the best time to travel on a cruise to Patagonia?
Cruises that explore Argentine and Chilean Patagonia operate during the austral summer, which is in the months of December, January, and February. For expedition cruises focusing on the fjords and Chilean Patagonian channels, the season extends from October to March.
Which is the best cruise to travel to Patagonia?
All options are good, and there is no one cruise that is better than the others. The important thing is to know which cruise is right for you based on your travel style, preferences, and interests.
If you particularly enjoy onboard comfort, entertainment, and the opportunity to disembark at multiple ports along the journey, a pleasure cruise is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more adventurous style of travel with a greater degree of interaction with nature firsthand, you will enjoy much more an expedition cruise.
