Cruises from Buenos Aires 2027: Brazil and Patagonia

Sailing from the Benito Quinquela Martín Terminal in the Port of Buenos Aires is one of the most convenient ways to go on vacation. But is a trip to the beaches of Brazil a better option, or an expedition to the glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica? Is the transatlantic crossing to Europe worthwhile? Which ship best suits my budget?

This guide tells you which routes operate from the Argentine capital, which shipping companies serve them, their estimated prices, and the best tips for planning your trip.

What you should know before boarding at the Port of Buenos Aires

Sailing from Buenos Aires offers two completely different experiences depending on the route you choose:

Mega Resort Ships vs. Expedition Vessels: For trips to Brazil, large floating ships with water slides, casinos, and non-stop parties predominate. In contrast, for Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica, the options are concentrated on mid-sized or luxury vessels.
Season: The fleet operates mainly between November and April, taking advantage of the southern hemisphere summer.
Location: The Quinquela Martín Terminal is located in the Retiro neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Buenos Aires, Recoleta, and San Telmo. Its location facilitates transfers from both Aeroparque (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE) airports.

1. Cruises to Brazil and Uruguay: Sun, Beaches and Entertainment

It's the most popular option on the local market. These itineraries almost always combine a technical stop in Uruguay (Montevideo or Punta del Este) with the beaches of southern and southeastern Brazil.

Route 1. Uruguay and Southern Brazil (Camboriú and Itajaí)

Duration: 7 to 9 days (6 to 8 nights).
Activity Level: Light / Family.
Best time: December to March.
Shipping Companies: MSC Cruises ( MSC Poesia , MSC Orchestra , MSC Armonia ), Costa Cruises ( Costa Favolosa , Costa Diadema ).
Indicative rate: From USD 850 to USD 2,500+ depending on cabin and date.

After crossing the Río de la Plata and stopping in Punta del Este or Montevideo, the ship heads north along the Atlantic coast towards beach resorts like Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí, or Ilhabela . It's the ideal route for families or groups of friends looking for beach days with onboard entertainment (swimming pools, evening shows, and dining).

💡 Travel tip: If you're looking to travel on key dates like Christmas, New Year's or Carnival, book in advance, as these are the first departures to sell out.

Route 2. Rio de Janeiro, Búzios and Ilha Grande

Duration: 8 to 10 nights.
Activity Level: Light to Moderate.
Best time: December to March.
Cruise lines: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises.
Indicative price: From USD 1,100 to USD 3,200+.

The most comprehensive tour that reaches the state of Rio de Janeiro. In addition to stops on the Uruguayan coast, it includes disembarkation in Rio de Janeiro Bay (to visit Christ the Redeemer or Copacabana). Stops in paradisiacal destinations such as Armação dos Búzios, Ilha Grande, and Angra dos Reis.

💡 Travel tip: For an unforgettable experience, look for special New Year's Eve cruises. They anchor off Copacabana beach on December 31st to watch the fireworks show from the sea.

Route 3. Mini-cruises to Uruguay (Getaways)

Duration: 3 to 5 days (3 to 4 nights).
Activity Level: Light / Relaxed.
Best time: November/December and March/April (start and end of season).
Cruise lines: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises.
Indicative price: From USD 450 to USD 1,100+.

Designed for a quick weekend getaway, these cruises sail along the Río de la Plata towards Montevideo or Punta del Este . Cruise lines often take advantage of these short itineraries to organize their famous "themed cruises" (gastronomic, dance, or wellness cruises).

💡 Travel tip: It's the perfect option if you've never traveled on a cruise and want to try the onboard experience before booking a longer trip.

2. Cruises to Patagonia, Cape Horn and Chilean Fjords

Heading south means venturing into pristine landscapes, spotting marine wildlife, and traversing the routes of ancient navigators in the far south.

Route 1. Bioceanic Journey (Buenos Aires to Chile)

Duration: 14 to 16 days.
Activity Level: Light to Moderate.
Best time: December to March.
Shipping companies: Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Silversea, Oceania Cruises.
Indicative price: From USD 1,800 to USD 8,000+.

A legendary voyage linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After departing from Buenos Aires, the ship visits Puerto Madryn (gateway to the Valdés Peninsula), the Falkland Islands, and sails past Cape Horn. Following a stop in Ushuaia, it ventures into the Chilean fjords (Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt) before ending in Valparaíso or San Antonio (Santiago, Chile).

💡 Travel tip: For this itinerary, premium cruise lines like Holland America, Celebrity, or Princess offer an excellent gastronomic and service experience.

Route 2. Southern Patagonia and Falkland Islands Circuit (Round Trip to Buenos Aires)

Duration: 12 to 14 days.
Activity Level: Light to Moderate.
Best time: December to March.
Shipping companies: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
Indicative price: From USD 1,500 to USD 5,500+.

The perfect alternative for those who want to explore southern Patagonia and return to Buenos Aires without having to buy international return flights from Chile. It includes stops in Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, and a scenic cruise along the Beagle Channel and Glacier Avenue.

3. Expedition to Antarctica from Buenos Aires

If you want to reach the White Continent without having to take internal flights to Tierra del Fuego, there are extended itineraries that depart directly from the Argentine capital.

Antarctic Cruise (Extended Route)

Duration: 14 to 19 days.
Activity Level: Light / Contemplative.
Best time: January to February (the ideal time of thaw in the polar channels).
Shipping companies: Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line.
Indicative price: From USD 2,400 to USD 7,500+.

The ship sails down the Atlantic, stopping at Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, and Cape Horn. It then spends three to four days cruising the scenic route through the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Buenos Aires.

💡 Please note: These cruises are purely scenic (no snow landings). This option is designed to allow you to enjoy the polar landscape in maximum comfort aboard a traditional cruise ship.

4. Transatlantic Cruises (Europe - Buenos Aires)

Twice a year, fleets cross the Atlantic Ocean to change hemispheres according to the season. These are ideal voyages for long-distance sailing enthusiasts.

Duration: 16 to 22 days.
Activity Level: Relaxed (several consecutive days at sea).
Best time: To Buenos Aires (November/December) | To Europe (March/April).
Cruise lines: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Silversea, Oceania Cruises.
Indicative price: From USD 1,200 to USD 5,500+.

A fascinating route connecting European ports (Barcelona, Genoa, Lisbon, Tenerife) with the Brazilian coast (Salvador, Rio). It culminates in the Port of Buenos Aires (or vice versa at the end of the season).

5. Quick Guide to Choosing Your Cabin

Your choice of cabin varies not only according to your budget, but also depending on the itinerary you select:

Interior Cabin (No Window): Middle and Lower Decks. The most economical option. Ideal for those who spend the whole day enjoying the pools, decks, and excursions (highly recommended on routes to Brazil).

Outside Cabin with Window/Porthole: Lower and Middle Decks. Excellent natural light for watching the world go by without the cost of a balcony. Good stability during long days at sea.

Cabin with Private Balcony: Intermediate and Upper Decks. The premier option for Patagonia and Antarctica. Enjoy views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife from the privacy of your room.

Suites with VIP Services: Upper Bow/High Bow Decks Access to exclusive areas, butler, private restaurant and priority boarding at the Buenos Aires Terminal.

6. Practical information for your boarding in Buenos Aires

Arrival at the Quinquela Martín Terminal

Address: Av. Ramón S. Castillo and Av. de los Inmigrantes, Retiro, City of Buenos Aires.
Check-in and Schedules: Please respect the boarding time slot assigned on your digital ticket. The terminal has waiting areas, luggage storage, and regulated taxi/private car services.
Airport Transfers: Allow at least 45 minutes for transfer from Aeroparque (AEP) and 1 hour and a half from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).

Required documents depending on the destination

Routes to Brazil and Uruguay (MERCOSUR): Argentine citizens and citizens of member countries can travel with a valid ID or passport.
Routes to Chile, Antarctica and Transatlantic: A passport is required with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of return. A visa is also required depending on your nationality.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about cruises from Buenos Aires

In what currency are onboard purchases paid?

On most cruise lines departing from Buenos Aires (MSC, Costa, Celebrity, Holland America), the official currency on board is the US dollar (USD). On transatlantic cruises to Europe, it's usually the euro (EUR). At check-in, you'll register an international credit card for all your expenses.

Are drinks and tips included?

It depends on the fare. On traditional cruise lines like MSC or Costa, tips and drinks are paid separately unless you book an all-inclusive package. On premium or luxury lines (Silversea, Celebrity), they are usually included in the base fare.

Is there internet access at sea?

Yes. Today, almost the entire fleet has satellite internet (like Starlink). You can purchase onboard Wi-Fi packages by the day or for the entire trip for messaging, email, and social media.

What clothes should I pack?

For Brazil: swimsuits, light cotton clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. For Patagonia and Antarctica: layered clothing (thermal base layer, warm layer, and a good waterproof/windproof jacket).

Ready to plan your 2026-2027 cruise from Buenos Aires?

Departures from the Port of Buenos Aires are in high demand. Contact our team of specialists for personalized advice, current promotions, and quotes tailored to your travel plans.