Travelers looking to explore South America and Antarctica in 2027 and 2028 will have more opportunities with Holland America Line’s upcoming season of extended voyages. Beginning earlier than in past years, the season allows for additional sailings and more ways to experience the region. All itineraries are 14 days or longer, designed to showcase iconic landmarks and remote destinations at a relaxed, rewarding pace.
Nieuw Amsterdam will make its debut in South America during the season, sailing on voyages ranging up to 41 days from October 2027 through March 2028. Guests will be able to take in Antarctica’s icy landscapes, the Amazon River, the Chilean Fjords and many of South America’s most celebrated ports.
“By adding more sailings, including a new Legendary itinerary, we’re giving guests more opportunities to experience South America and Antarctica,” Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line, said in a statement. “These voyages are designed to help travelers really connect with the region, from the energy of South America to the history of the Inca Coast and the awe of Antarctica. And that sense of place continues on board, with destination‑inspired dishes like Argentinian empanadas and enrichment such as Spanish or tango classes that bring the region to life throughout the journey.”
The 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica season underscores Holland America Line’s focus on destination‑driven travel, pairing extended itineraries with onboard experiences that reflect the regions guests visit. With Nieuw Amsterdam’s South America debut leading the season, travelers can explore farther and more fully while enjoying the comfort, service and enrichment that define the Holland America Line experience.
Nieuw Amsterdam Debuts in South America
Nieuw Amsterdam’s arrival in South America brings added capacity and an enhanced onboard experience to the region for the 2027–2028 season. The ship replaces Oosterdam and offers guests more stateroom and suite options along with a range of popular dining and enrichment venues.
On board, guests can enjoy favorites such as Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea, as well as programming designed to connect them more closely to the destinations they visit. From scenic cruising through glacier-lined channels to overland adventures to iconic sites like Machu Picchu, Nieuw Amsterdam adds another dimension to exploring South America and Antarctica.
Ancient Pathways Meet Epic Horizons
The season begins with Holland America Line’s “26‑Day Inca Coast: Mexico & Latin America Legendary Voyage,” an extended journey from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to San Antonio (Santiago), Chile, sailing Oct. 7, 2027, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary features overnights in Manta (Quito), Ecuador, and Callao (Lima), Peru, and includes calls across California, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Chile — providing rare opportunities such as crossing the Equator and visiting Machu Picchu, along with meaningful time in vibrant coastal cities.
Guests trace the Pacific shoreline from North to South America, pairing marquee port calls and beachside stops with deeper exploration of ancient civilizations, rainforests and volcanic landscapes. Highlights include sailing the California coast; visiting Mayan gateways like Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; exploring Peru’s storied coast; and stargazing off Arica and the dramatic beauty of Coquimbo (La Serena), Chile.
Scenic Cruising
Holland America Line’s South America and Antarctica voyages offer nine dedicated scenic cruising experiences. Highlights include a four-day Antarctic Experience, along with sailing past the immense Pío XI Glacier, through Glacier Alley, the Beagle Channel and the winding Chilean Fjords.
Iconic Sites Beyond the Shore
The cruise line’s overland adventures give guests the chance to step beyond the coastline and into the heart of South America’s legendary destinations. A journey to Machu Picchu brings travelers face to face with the famed “Lost City of the Incas,” where stone terraces, sacred temples and precisely cut granite walls reveal the ingenuity of an ancient civilization. Walking the same paths once reserved for Incan royalty, guests experience the scale and significance of a city built high along a remote mountain ridge.
For those seeking natural wonders, the Galápagos Islands Overland Adventure offers rare access to one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Guests encounter giant tortoises wandering volcanic terrain, blue-footed boobies showcasing their distinctive coloring, Sally Lightfoot crabs darting across lava rock shores, and marine iguanas soaking up the equatorial sun. Each encounter highlights the islands’ wildlife and evolutionary history, making the Galápagos a standout experience for travelers drawn to nature and discovery.
Itinerary Highlights
- 28-Day Legendary Amazon Explorer (Zuiderdam, roundtrip Fort Lauderdale, Jan. 6, 2028): This itinerary sails deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, with overnight stays in Manaus and visits to Parintins, Alter do Chão, Santarém, Boca da Valeria and Caribbean gems like Martinique, Barbados and St. Lucia.
- 14–15 Day South America Pathways: Chilean Fjords & Glaciers (Nieuw Amsterdam, multiple departures): Cruising between Buenos Aires and San Antonio (Santiago), this itinerary explores Glacier Alley, the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, the Pío XI Glacier and more.
- 17-Day Inca & Panama Canal Discovery: Lima Overnight (Nieuw Amsterdam, March 21, 2028): Sailing between San Antonio (Santiago) and Fort Lauderdale, this cruise gives guests an opportunity to take in the modern wonders of the Panama Canal and dive deeply into the unique cultures and distinctive local charm of Fuerte Amador (Panama City) and Callao (Lima) during overnight stays.
- 22-Day South America & Antarctica (Nieuw Amsterdam, Buenos Aires to San Antonio [Santiago], multiple departures): Spend four days exploring Antarctica’s White Continent, with scenic cruising through the Drake Passage, the Chilean Fjords and stops in Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and Port Stanley.
- South America and Antarctica Collectors’ Voyages: This itinerary combines back-to-back sailings for the ultimate South America adventure, with few or no repeating ports and maximum value.
Early Booking Bonus
For a limited time, when guests book 2027–2028 South America and Antarctica cruises with the “Have It All” premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included—plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line’s Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom. For the latest details, fares and booking information, visit hollandamerica.com.
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