Holland America Line is setting a new benchmark for expedition-style luxury travel with its 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica cruise season. Featuring extended itineraries of up to 41 days, the new voyages promise immersive exploration across two continents known for their dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and extraordinary wildlife. The season will spotlight the debut of the Nieuw Amsterdam in the region, offering travelers an elevated way to experience everything from the glaciers of Antarctica to the rainforests of the Amazon.
The upcoming season represents one of the cruise line’s most ambitious deployments in the Southern Hemisphere. With sailings ranging from two weeks to more than a month, guests can choose between focused regional journeys or comprehensive, back-to-back collector voyages designed for in-depth discovery.
Nieuw Amsterdam Expands South America and Antarctica Access
The arrival of Nieuw Amsterdam marks a significant upgrade for the cruise line’s South America program. Replacing a smaller vessel, the ship introduces additional staterooms and suites, expanded dining venues, and enhanced onboard amenities tailored for long-haul comfort. Guests can expect a refined culinary experience featuring Pan-Asian cuisine at Tamarind and innovative dishes at Morimoto by Sea, alongside immersive destination programming that highlights Latin American culture, music, and cuisine.
With increased capacity, more travelers will have the opportunity to sail these bucket-list routes while enjoying Holland America Line’s signature service and mid-sized ship atmosphere, which allows access to scenic waterways and smaller ports.
Extended Legendary Voyages Across the Americas
Among the season’s highlights is a 26-day Inca Coast voyage connecting North and South America. Departing from Vancouver and sailing to Santiago, this journey explores Mexico and multiple Latin American countries before arriving in Chile. The itinerary blends major cultural centers with lesser-known coastal destinations, giving guests a broader understanding of the Pacific coastline.
Travelers can expect overnight stays in key ports such as Callao, the gateway to Lima, and Manta in Ecuador. Extended port calls provide time for deeper exploration, whether that means sampling Peruvian gastronomy, visiting historic colonial districts, or venturing inland to archaeological treasures.
Enrichment programming onboard complements the itinerary. Guests may participate in tango workshops, regional cooking demonstrations, and lectures about Incan civilization, biodiversity, and Antarctic exploration history.
Antarctic Scenic Cruising and the Chilean Fjords
A defining feature of the 2027–2028 season is multi-day Antarctic scenic cruising. Ships will navigate the legendary Drake Passage before entering the pristine waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula. While strict environmental regulations protect the region, scenic cruising allows passengers to witness towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and seabirds from the comfort of the ship.
The itineraries also include extended scenic passages through the Chilean Fjords, one of South America’s most visually striking regions. Travelers will sail through narrow channels framed by snow-capped peaks and dense forests, with opportunities to view the massive Pío XI Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Glacier Alley and the Beagle Channel further enhance the experience, delivering uninterrupted views of rugged Patagonian landscapes.
These scenic days are carefully curated to maximize daylight viewing, with naturalists and destination experts providing commentary that explains the geological forces and ecological systems shaping the region.
Overland Adventures to Iconic Landmarks
Beyond coastal exploration, the cruise line is expanding its overland adventure offerings in partnership with trusted regional operators. One of the most sought-after experiences is the journey to Machu Picchu in Peru. Recognized globally as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the Incan citadel sits high in the Andes Mountains and attracts visitors eager to witness its stone terraces and panoramic views.
Guests may also opt for a Galápagos Islands overland extension. This UNESCO-recognized archipelago is celebrated for its endemic wildlife and its role in shaping scientific understanding of evolution. Encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies provide a rare opportunity to observe species found nowhere else on Earth.
These land programs are designed to integrate seamlessly with cruise itineraries, ensuring smooth logistics and expert-guided experiences.
Amazon Rainforest and Panama Canal Voyages
The season also features an in-depth Amazon Explorer itinerary. Spanning nearly a month, the voyage sails deep into the Amazon River, including overnight stays in Manaus, Brazil. Guests can explore river communities, spot pink river dolphins, and learn about the rainforest’s ecological importance. The Amazon basin is widely recognized as one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, and these cruises offer rare access to its interior waterways.
Another standout itinerary combines South America’s ancient heritage with modern engineering marvels through a Panama Canal transit. The canal, considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and remains vital to global trade. Cruising through its intricate lock system provides a firsthand look at its scale and complexity.
Collector Voyages for Comprehensive Exploration
For travelers seeking the ultimate expedition-style journey, collector voyages combine consecutive sailings into extended itineraries with minimal repeated ports. These comprehensive routes allow guests to explore multiple regions — from Antarctica and Patagonia to the Amazon and Central America — within a single seamless vacation.
Such extended voyages appeal to travelers who value slow travel and meaningful cultural immersion over shorter port-intensive itineraries.
Loyalty Benefits and Premium Packages
Frequent cruisers can enhance their experience through Holland America Line’s Mariner Society loyalty program. Early bookings may qualify for onboard credits and bundled packages that include specialty dining, shore excursions, beverage plans, and upgraded Wi-Fi. These inclusions are particularly valuable on longer voyages where connectivity and curated experiences elevate comfort and convenience.
A New Era of Southern Hemisphere Exploration
The 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica season reflects a growing demand for destination-driven travel that prioritizes depth over speed. By offering longer itineraries, scenic cruising in remote regions, and thoughtfully designed overland adventures, Holland America Line is responding to travelers who want transformative experiences rather than quick stopovers.
From navigating Antarctica’s icy frontiers to trekking through Andean ruins and sailing into the Amazon rainforest, these voyages provide access to some of the planet’s most extraordinary environments. With the debut of Nieuw Amsterdam in the region and a portfolio of expanded itineraries, the cruise line is positioning itself at the forefront of immersive exploration in the Southern Hemisphere.
For travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey that blends natural wonder, cultural heritage, and modern comfort, the 2027–2028 season promises an unforgettable passage through the world’s southernmost landscapes.
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