Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America has announced its 2026-2027 South America and Antarctica season, which will include itineraries that range in length from 14 to 31 days.
From November 2026 through March 2027, Oosterdam and Volendam will explore the region, taking guests to far-flung places like the Amazon River, Falkland Islands, Antarctica, and — new for the 2026-2027 season — the Pio XI Glacier. It’s the largest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica.
“Pio XI—or the Brüggen Glacier—is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica, and it is truly spectacular,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. “Sometimes referred to as the ‘Grandaddy of Patagonian icefields,’ it’s known for its bright blue hues and signature dark streak, and it can really only be accessed via ship. Plus, it is a very active glacier for calving, so our guests are in for a treat when they visit.”
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 voyage, which is an open-jaw cruise between San Antonio, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cruise visits Montevideo, Uruguay; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Ushuaia, Argentina; and Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt, Chile. It also includes scenic sailing through the Chilean fjords, Glacier Alley, and at Pio XI Glacier.
Those looking to check an adventure in the Amazon off their bucket list can sail on the popular Legendary Amazon Explorer itinerary aboard Volendam. For either 27 or 30 days, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale or from New York City to Fort Lauderdale, guests can sail into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. An overnight call in Manaus provides an extended opportunity to see the “Meeting of the Waters” between the Amazon River and Rio Negro.
Antarctica Adventures
Oosterdam will offer 22-day itineraries between San Antonio, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition to a four-day Antarctic experience, guests will be able to discover many of South America’s gems. The sailing includes an overnight stay in Buenos Aires to allow for plenty of time to explore the city’s grand architecture and vibrant culture. This itinerary will also be offered over Christmas and New Year’s.
Panama Canal and Inca Discovery
Travelers can choose between two 16-day Panama Canal and Inca Discovery cruises, sailing between Fort Lauderdale and San Antonio, Chile. These voyages allow guests to experience the Panama Canal and dive into the cultures of Panama City and Lima during overnight stays.
Holland America will also be offering multi-day overland adventures during this voyage. Guests on this itinerary can choose to venture onto a Galapagos Islands overland tour, taking in pristine scenery and unparalleled wildlife like iconic giant tortoises, as well as blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, frigatebirds, and more. Or they can also opt to spend three or four days in Cusco — the former capital of the mighty Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. This provides a convenient look into local markets, Spanish colonial architecture, and of course the Incas’ impressive technical prowess in this 600-year-old archaeological site.
Authentic Experiences
On South America and Antarctica cruises, Holland America will bring local flavors on board through locally-sourced specialties like Chilean salmon and Argentine Black Angus Beef.
Immersive shore excursions will include a number of fun culinary tours, such as visiting a Chilean pisco distillery, browsing a Peruvian farmers’ market, sampling authentic Argentine empanadas, touring a Uruguayan winery, or savoring traditional Falkland Islands meats.
Collectors’ Voyages
Several cruises during the 2026-2027 season can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages, which are back-to-back cruises with non-repeating itineraries. During the South America and Antarctica season, they can be up to 31 days, enabling guests to visit more ports and spend extra time in the region.
Early Booking Bonus
For a limited time, when guests book 2026-2027 South America and Antarctica cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid gratuities and free beverage package and wifi package upgrades.
Guests can also take advantage of Holland America’s Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom when these voyages open for sale. Travelers must book these cruises by March 31, 2025 to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.
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