Patagonia & Argentina Cruise/Celebrity Equinox
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Celebrity Equinox

Patagonia & Argentina Cruise - 14 night cruise



Cruise only from €1,731

Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.


Description

Highlights

Gratuities

Dates and Prices

Cabins

Voted 2020 Best Service - Large Ship Category – Cruise Critic Cruiser's Choice Awards

Celebrity Equinox® is now making even more waves in the cruise world. From adding elevated design concepts and technology across the ship to The Retreat®, an exclusive experience for guests of The Retreat that includes The Retreat® Sundeck and The Retreat® Lounge, the change is phenomenal. These new venues combined with our award-winning Luminae are sure to please. Slip into new eXhale® bedding featuring Cashmere℠ Mattresses that will surround you in luxury—literally. The very essence of premium cruising. And after some extensive upgrades, that's more true than ever before. With new amenities not available on any other Celebrity ship, prepare to have your expectations exceeded as soon as you step on board. Delight in your choice of ten exceptional dining venues. Enjoy craft beer and comfort food in the new Craft Social and sip refreshing frozen cocktails on the pool deck at Slush. A unique experience at sea, feel grass beneath your feet at the relaxing Lawn Club. Every imaginable comfort complimented by Celebrity's unrivaled guest services promises an unsurpassed cruise experience no matter your destination.

Celebrity Equinox is sailing with Starlink - the world's most advanced broadband satellite internet - to bring you high-speed connectivity for a better onboard experience.

Cruise ID: 20959

Hot Glass Show
Don't just appreciate art, experience it. Witness the incredible, gorgeous art of glass-blowing with intimate live demonstrations. Watch and learn from professional glass-blowers in this one-of-a-kind exhibition on Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Eclipse.

The Lawn Club
A freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck. Enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere, and let the grass between your toes take you places no cruise.

has gone before.

Celebrity iLounge
Featuring 26 Apple Macbook Pro workstations, with Apple products for sale. Classes on how to use Mac products and software are available on most sailings.

Dancing with the Stripes
Dance tournament. Guests are partnered with ship officers during a dance competition. A panel of judges vote on each round until there is only one couple left.

A service gratuity will be automatically applied to each guest's SeaPass® account on a daily basis for sailings*, excluding guests in Excluding Bookings.** Current amounts*** for the daily gratuity are listed below. The gratuities described above are distributed to the crew, such as dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams, and others who work to enhance the overall cruise experience.

  • Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms: US$18.00 per guest, per day
  • Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms: US$18.50 per Guest, per day
  • The Retreat: US$23.00 per guest, per day

A 20% gratuity will be automatically added to spa and salon purchases and a 20% gratuity will also be automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service and mini bar purchases.

Gratuities may be adjusted at the guest's discretion onboard at Guest Relations up until the morning of their departure.

* Guests sailing in group reservations should check with their group's leader or travel agent for details.

**Excluded Bookings include all staterooms booked either (i) at the All Included rate (formerly Always Included on or before October 4, 2023); or (ii) in the Retreat or AquaClass stateroom category from July 14, 2022, to October 4, 2023. Stateroom and restaurant service gratuities, and a 20% beverage package gratuity, are included in the fare of all guests in an Excluded Booking.

***Gratuity amounts are subject to change.

Date Time Price * Booking
06 December 2025 17:00 €1,731 Call us to book
14 February 2026 17:00 €2,257 Call us to book
28 February 2026 17:00 €2,161 Call us to book

* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.

Cabins on Celebrity Equinox

Sky Suite
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Take your Celebrity vacation to new heights in a Sky Suite. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus enjoy exclusive access to dining and lounge areas reserved only for guests of The Retreat. Accessible Sky Suites available.

Perfectly designed Sky Suites offer a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature our signature Cashmere™ Mattress with eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda.

Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, exclusive for guests of The Retreat.

Highlights

  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding
  • King-sized mattress*
  • Trundle bed in some suites
  • Plentiful storage space
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

  • Daily delivery of afternoon savouries
  • Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary use of umbrella and binoculars
  • Complimentary shoe shine service

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.

Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests

Intuitive Service

  • Butler
  • Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
  • Onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

  • Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
  • Dine in the main restaurant
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Thoughtfully curated amenities

  • Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees.
  • Fresh fruit delivered upon request
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customize your night's sleep
  • Premium bathroom amenities
  • Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Free Mini Bar

Concierge Class Staterooms
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Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.

*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.

Amenities

  • Sparkling Wine upon request
  • Daily delectable delights
  • Pillow selection upon request
  • Use of umbrella and binoculars
  • Celebrity embossed key holder

Stateroom Features

  • King-sized bed**
  • eXhale® bedding
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Sitting area with sofa
  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Personalised Concierge service
  • Exclusive Destination Seminar
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary shoeshine service

Dining

  • Main and specialty restaurant seating time preferences
  • Exclusive Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Sunset Veranda Stateroom
1-4

Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.

Spacious staterooms located in the aft of the ship, each with its own private veranda to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Sunset Veranda staterooms offer superb ocean views at the stern of the ship. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.

Amenities

  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag

Stateroom Features

  • Private veranda opens up to outdoor seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors.
  • King-sized mattress** (Single Infinite Veranda has Queen-size bed)
  • Celebrity eXhale® bedding
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly, personalised service with a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner available in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • TV
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Prime Veranda Stateroom
1-4

Indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax in a spacious stateroom and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Prime Veranda staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.

Amenities

  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag

Stateroom Features

  • Private veranda opens up to outdoor seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors.
  • King-sized mattress** (Single Infinite Veranda has Queen-size bed)
  • Celebrity eXhale® bedding
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly, personalised service with a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner available in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Aquaclass® Stateroom
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Solstice AquaClass guests enjoy a private veranda, Exhale® bedding, premium bathroom amenities, massaging showerhead and complimentary fitness classes. Plus, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge.

Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Elements are thoughtfully infused throughout your stateroom. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you'll enjoy access to the Persian Garden, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. We've thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.

Available on Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette & Celebrity Solstice

Spa Benefits

  • Unlimited access to the Adults-Only Sea Thermal Suite
  • Dedicated Spa Concierge: Personal Consultation
  • Priority Spa Reservations
  • Complimentary fitness classes
  • Exclusive spa treatment package discounts*
  • Exclusive welcome reception

Amenities

  • 2 Bottled waters in-room: daily
  • 2 Yoga mats
  • In-room fitness amenities
  • Eco-friendly natural ingredients shower amenities
  • 100% Cotton bathrobes, slippers, towels
  • Welcome bottle of sparkling wine (upon request)
  • Complimentary use of umbrella and binoculars
  • Complimentary shoeshine service
  • Expanded wellness on-demand TV

Dining

  • AquaClass Exclusive Restaurant: Blu
  • Expanded room service breakfast menu†
  • AquaClass Features
  • Located close to The Spa
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
  • King-sized bed**
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding
  • Plentiful storage space
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa
  • Enhanced air filtration system

*Additional charges apply

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Veranda Stateroom
1-4

Indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax in a spacious stateroom and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day and enjoy fresh sea breezes.

Amenities

  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag

Stateroom Features

  • Private veranda opens up to outdoor seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors.
  • King-sized mattress** (Single Infinite Veranda has Queen-size bed)
  • Celebrity eXhale® bedding
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly, personalised service with a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner available in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Pullman Bed
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone

Prime Inside Stateroom
1-2

Your escape at sea, Inside staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities. Prime Inside staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.

Amenities

  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag

Stateroom Features

  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere Mattress
  • King-sized bed**
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly personalized service with a guest ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Ocean View Stateroom
1-4

Ocean View staterooms, the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the luxury king sized* mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs.

Amenities

  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag

Stateroom Features

  • Expansive view of the ocean
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere Mattress
  • King-sized mattress**
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly personalized service with a guest ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Royal Suite
1-4

With spaces fit for a king or queen, our Royal Suites deliver on style and comfort. Separate living, dining, and sleeping areas provide all the room you need to relax in luxury.

Unwind in a luxuriously large living area featuring floor to ceiling panoramic windows. The Royal Suite features our luxury Cashmere™ Mattress, a primary bathroom with a large soaking tub, a separate shower, a double sink vanity, and a spacious private veranda. No matter where you are in this suite, you'll enjoy stunning views of the sea, the way every royal should.

Highlights

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa
  • One bedroom, one full bathroom 
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding, featuring our king-size Cashmere Mattress*
  • Veranda with lounge seating (whirlpool tub on Solstice Series and Millennium Series ships)
  • Primary bathroom with whirlpool tub and dual sinks on select ships
  • Generous storage space

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

  • Complimentary bottled water, soda, and beer stocked daily
  • Unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants
  • Two complimentary bottles of premium spirits
  • VIP canapés
  • Complimentary laundry service (twice per cruise)
  • Priority luggage delivery

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.

Services & amenities for Royal Suite guests

Intuitive Service

  • Butler
  • Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
  • Onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

  • Choose from Luminae at The Retreat, the main restaurant, specialty restaurants, or in your suite
  • Unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants.
  • Preferred seating in specialty restaurants

Thoughtfully curated amenities

  • Complimentary welcome bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees
  • Fresh fruit delivered upon request
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customize your night's sleep
  • Premium bathroom amenities
  • Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Dining Area
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration

Inside Stateroom
1-4

Your escape at sea, Inside staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities.

Amenities

  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag

Stateroom Features

  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere Mattress
  • King-sized bed**
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly personalised service with a guest ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Hair Dryer
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Penthouse Suite
1-4

Our Penthouse Suites feature a primary bedroom, bathroom, dining area, guest bedroom and bathroom, terrace, and private hot tub. They even have an attentive butler on hand to ensure you never have to lift a finger during your vacation.

Unwind in modern spaces that will make you feel on top of the world. Relax in ultimate luxury on your private veranda. Lounge in the king-size Cashmere™ Mattress in your bedroom. Enjoy VIP treatment with your butler, expansive lounge areas and much more.

Highlights

  • Spacious layout with a dining table that seats eight and separate sitting area
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding, featuring king-sized mattresses*
  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Private whirlpool tub with views
  • Marble primary bathroom with whirlpool tub and dual sinks
  • Walk-in closet with generous storage space

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

  • Complimentary bottled water, soda, and beer stocked daily
  • Unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants
  • Two complimentary bottles of premium spirits
  • VIP canapés
  • Complimentary laundry service (twice per cruise)
  • Priority luggage delivery

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.

Services & amenities for Penthouse Suite guests

Intuitive Service

  • Butler
  • Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
  • Onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

  • Choose from Luminae at The Retreat, the main restaurant, specialty restaurants, or in your suite
  • Unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants.
  • Preferred seating in specialty restaurants

Thoughtfully curated amenities

  • Complimentary welcome bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees
  • Fresh fruit delivered upon request
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customize your night's sleep
  • Premium bathroom amenities
  • Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Facilities

  • Dining Area
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Suite Benefits
  • Full Bar
  • Butler Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Prime Ocean View Stateroom
1-4

Expansive views make Ocean View staterooms the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale(R) bedding featuring the luxury king sized* mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs. Prime Ocean View staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.

Amenities

  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag

Stateroom Features

  • Expansive view of the ocean
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere Mattress
  • King-sized mattress**
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly personalised service with a guest ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Sunset Concierge Class Stateroom
1-4

Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.

*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.

Amenities

  • Sparkling Wine upon request
  • Daily delectable delights
  • Pillow selection upon request
  • Use of umbrella and binoculars
  • Celebrity embossed key holder

Stateroom Features

  • King-sized bed**
  • eXhale® bedding
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Sitting area with sofa
  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Personalised Concierge service
  • Exclusive Destination Seminar
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary shoeshine service

Dining

  • Main and specialty restaurant seating time preferences
  • Exclusive Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
1-2

Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax on your spacious veranda and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day and enjoy fresh sea breezes.

Amenities

  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
  • Four pillows in every stateroom
  • Premium Custom blended bathroom products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag

Stateroom Features

  • Private veranda opens up to outdoor seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors.
  • King-sized mattress** (Single Infinite Veranda has Queen-size bed)
  • Celebrity eXhale® bedding
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge*
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer

Services

  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Our signature friendly, personalised service with a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1
  • Laundry service*
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request

Dining

  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner available in a variety of restaurants
  • 24-hour room service†

*Additional charges apply

**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed

† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)

Sunset Sky Suite
1-2

Take your Celebrity vacation to new heights in a Sky Suite. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus enjoy exclusive access to dining and lounge areas reserved only for guests of The Retreat. Accessible Sky Suites available.

Perfectly designed Sky Suites offer a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature our signature Cashmere™ Mattress with eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda.

Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, exclusive for guests of The Retreat.

Highlights

  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding
  • King-sized mattress*
  • Trundle bed in some suites
  • Plentiful storage space
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

  • Daily delivery of afternoon savouries
  • Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary use of umbrella and binoculars
  • Complimentary shoe shine service

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.

Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests

Intuitive Service

  • Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
  • Onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

  • Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
  • Dine in the main restaurant
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Thoughtfully curated amenities

  • Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees.
  • Fresh fruit delivered upon request
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customise your night's sleep
  • Premium bathroom amenities
  • Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Suite Benefits
  • Butler Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Free Mini Bar

Aqua Sky Suite
1-4

ALL EXCLUSIVE, ALL INCLUDED, WELLNESS-INSPIRED SUITES

Introducing our Aqua Sky Suites, which combine our well-being inspired AquaClass experience with exclusive spaces, services, and amenities of The Retreat® to leave you more renewed than ever. These suites feature a king-sized bed with exclusive eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Spa-inspired elements are thoughtfully infused throughout, including eco-friendly bathroom products, on-demand wellness programming on your stateroom TV, yoga mats, in-stateroom fitness amenities, daily bottled water service, and an enhanced air filtration system—which you'll now find in all our staterooms.

Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we've created a whole new way to nourish your mind and body. Aqua Sky Suites combine the best of our rejuvenating AquaClass® experience with the ultimate luxury of The Retreat®. These suites feature a king-sized** bed with exclusive eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Spa-inspired elements are thoughtfully infused throughout, including eco-friendly bathroom products, yoga mats, in-stateroom fitness amenities, and daily bottled water service..

As an Aqua Sky Suite guest, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities combining the best of AquaClass and access to The Retreat.

Highlights

  • Spacious veranda
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
  • King-sized bed**
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding
  • Plentiful storage space
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa

Exclusive services and amenities

  • Exclusive access to The Retreat
  • Unlimited access to the Adults-Only Persian Garden on Millennium and Solstice Series
  • 2 Yoga mats & In-room fitness amenities
  • Full In-Suite Menu (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) featuring clean cuisine from Blu

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.

Services & amenities for Aqua Sky Suite guests

Intuitive Service

  • Butler
  • Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
  • Onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Dedicated Spa Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

  • Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
  • Option to dine in Blu based on availability
  • Full In-Suite Menu (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) featuring clean cuisine from Blu

Thoughtfully curated amenities

  • Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees.
  • Fresh fruit delivered upon request
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customise your night's sleep
  • Eco-friendly natural ingredients shower amenities
  • In-room fitness amenities
  • Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Facilities

  • Suite Benefits
  • Butler Service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Free Mini Bar

Celebrity Suite
1-4

It's time you got the Celebrity treatment. Your butler will assist you at every step and you'll receive exclusive restaurant and lounge access.

These two-room suites feature a large living area with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, private veranda, and a primary bedroom with a king-sized bed from our signature mattress. When you stay in a Celebrity Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of a butler. This includes assistance with unpacking and packing. In-suite lunch and dinner service. Afternoon tea. Evening hors d'oeuvres and complimentary in-suite specialty coffees from Café al Bacio.

Highlights

  • Veranda with lounge seating
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
  • Exclusive eXhale® bedding
  • King-sized mattress*
  • Trundle bed in some suites
  • Plentiful storage space
  • Spacious sitting area with sofa

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

  • Daily delivery of afternoon savouries
  • Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Complimentary use of golf umbrella and binoculars
  • Complimentary shoe shine service

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.

Services & amenities for Celebrity Suite guests

Intuitive Service

  • Butler
  • Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
  • Onboard Retreat Concierge
  • Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
  • Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

  • Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
  • Dine in the main restaurant
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Thoughtfully curated amenities

  • Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
  • Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees
  • Fresh fruit delivered upon request
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customise your night's sleep
  • Premium bathroom amenities
  • Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Facilities

  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Pullman Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Free Mini Bar

View Itinerary By Date



Day 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you'll know you're in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Day 2 Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay's capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) that passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks recalls the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and is always dotted with Montevideans strolling, exercising, and lounging along the water. Montevideo has its share of glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina's capital.When the weather's good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

Days 3-4  Cruising

Day 5 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Tiny Stanley, capital of the Falklands, seems in many ways like a British village fallen out of the sky. Many homes are painted in bright colours, adding visual appeal to this distant outpost. Not far offshore, the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, is one of the many vessels remaining as a silent testimonial to the region's frequent harsh weather conditions.The islands, also known by their Spanish name of Islas Malvinas, are home to arguably more tuxedo-clad inhabitants of the penguin variety than human residents. Various species, such as Gentoo, Magellanic and the more elusive King penguins, either live here permanently or use the Falklands as a stopover on their migration route. Darwin found the islands' flora and fauna fascinating - no doubt you will, too.

Days 6-7  Cruising

Day 8 Ushuaia, Argentina

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Day 9  Cruising

Day 10 Punta Arenas, Chile

Impenetrable forests, impassable mountains, and endless fields of ice define Chilean Patagonia, and meant that the region went largely unexplored until the beginning of the 20th century. Located in the southernmost part of the country, this area is still sparsely inhabited, though you will find a few populated places—like the colorful provincial city of Punta Arenas, which looks like it's about to be swept into the Strait of Magellan. Some unique wildlife, particularly colonies of elephant seals and penguins, call this breathtaking topography home. To the north is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, the country's most magnificent natural wonder, and whose snow-covered peaks seem to rise vertically from the plains below. The vistas, such as the fantastic Avenue of the Glaciers, are breathtaking; along this stretch of the Beagle Channel, you can pass six tremendous glaciers all within a stone's throw of each other.Cruise SightsPunta Arenas. Founded a little more than 150 years ago, Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) was Chile's first permanent settlement in Patagonia. Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the central square, is surrounded by evidence of that early prosperity: buildings whose then-opulent brick exteriors recall a time when this was one of Chile's wealthiest cities. The newer houses here have colorful tin roofs, best appreciated when seen from a high vantage point such as the Mirador Cerro la Cruz. Although the city as a whole may not be particularly attractive, look for details: the pink-and-white house on a corner, the bay window full of potted plants, parking attendants wearing the regional blue and yellow colors, and schoolchildren in identical naval pea coats that remind you that the city's fate is tied to the sea.The Museo Naval y Marítimo extols Chile's high-seas prowess, particularly concerning Antarctica. Its exhibits are worth a visit for anyone with an interest in ships and sailing, merchant and military alike. Part of the second floor is designed like the interior of a ship, including a map and radio room. Pedro Montt 989. Admission charged.Housed in what was once the mansion of the powerful Braun-Menéndez family, the Museo Regional de Magallanes is an intriguing glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy provincial family at the beginning of the 20th century. Lavish Carrara marble hearths, English bath fixtures, and cordovan leather walls are among the original accoutrements. The museum also has an excellent group of displays depicting Punta Arenas's past, from the first European contact to the town's decline after the opening of the Panama Canal. The museum is half a block north of the main square. Magallanes 949. Admission charged.The resplendent 1895 Palacio Sara Braun is a national landmark and an architectural showpiece of southern Patagonia. Designed by a French architect, the house was built from materials and by craftsmen imported from Europe during the four years of construction. The city's central plaza and surrounding buildings soon followed, ushering in the region's golden era. Noteworthy are the lavish bedrooms, magnificent parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and hand-painted ceilings. Don't miss the portraits of Braun and her husband José Nogueira in the music room. Afterwards, head to the cellar for a drink or snack in the warm public tavern (a good portion of the mansion is leased to a hotel). Plaza Muñoz Gamero 716. Admission charged.Commonly referred to simply as "El Salesiano," the Museo Salesiano de Maggiorino Borgatello is operated by Italian missionaries whose order arrived in Punta Arenas in the 19th century. The Salesians, most of whom spoke no Spanish, proved to be daring explorers. Traveling throughout the region, they collected the artifacts made by indigenous tribes that are currently on display. Av. Bulnes 398. Admission charged.Isla Magdalena. Punta Arenas is the launching point for a boat trip to the Isla Magdalena to see the more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins at the Monumento Natural Los Pingúinos. A single trail, marked off by rope, is accessible to humans. The boat trip to the island, in the middle of the Estrecho de Magallanes, takes about two hours. Make sure to bring along warm clothing, even in summer; the island can be chilly, particularly if a breeze is blowing across the water.Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Some 12 million years ago, lava flows pushed up through the thick sedimentary crust that covered the southwestern coast of South America, cooling to form a granite mass. Glaciers then swept through the region, grinding away all but the ash-gray spires that rise over the landscape of one of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena, now the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (established in 1959). Snow formations dazzle along every turn of road, and the sunset views are spectacular.Among the 2,420-square-km (934-square-mi) park's most beautiful attractions are its lakes of turquoise, aquamarine, and emerald green waters. Another draw is its unusual wildlife. Creatures like the guanaco (a woollier version of the llama) and the ñandú (resembling a small ostrich) abound. They are used to visitors and don't seem to be bothered by the proximity of automobile traffic and the snapping of cameras. Predators, like the gray fox, make less frequent appearances. You may also spot the dramatic aerobatics of a falcon and the graceful soaring of the endangered condor. The beautiful puma is especially elusive, but sightings have become more common. Admission charged.Pingúinera de Seno Otway. The road to this penguin sanctuary begins 30 km (18 mi) north of Punta Arenas. Magellanic penguins, which live up to 20 years in the wild, return to their birthplace here every year to mate with the same partner. For about 2,000 penguin couples—no single penguins make the trip—home is this desolate and windswept land off the Otway Sound. In late September, the penguins begin to arrive from the southern coast of Brazil and the Falkland Islands. They mate and lay their eggs in early October, and brood their eggs in November. Offspring hatch between mid-November and early December. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of one of the downy gray chicks that stick their heads out of the burrows when their parents return to feed them. Otherwise you might see scores of the ungainly adult penguins waddling to the ocean from their nesting burrows. They swim for food every eight hours and dive up to 100 feet deep. The penguins depart from the sound in late March. Note that the sanctuary is a 1-km (1/2-mi) walk from the parking lot. It gets chilly, so bring a windbreaker. Admission charged.Reserva Nacional Laguna Parillar. This 47,000-acre reserve lies west of Puerto Hambre, a tranquil fishing village, and is centered around a shimmering lake in a valley flanked by hills. It's a great place for a picnic, and there are a number of well-marked paths that offer sweeping vistas over the Estrecho de Magallanes. About 2 km (1 mi) west of Puerto Hambre is a small white monolith that marks the geographical center of Chile, the midway point between Chile's northern port Arica and the South Pole.Cruise ShoppingWool may no longer be king of the economy, but vast flocks of sheep still yield a high-quality product that is woven into the clothing here. Leather products are also common, but the prices are not necessarily low. About 3 km (2 mi) north of Punta Arenas is the Zona Franca (Av. Bulnes). This duty-free zone is where people from all around the region come for low-priced electronics and other consumer items.

Day 11  Cruising

Day 12 Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Approaching from Ruta 3, it's hard to believe that the horizon line of buildings perched just beyond the windswept dunes and badlands is the most successful of all coastal Patagonia settlements. But once you get past the outskirts of town and onto the wide coastal road known as the Rambla, the picture begins to change. Ranged along the clear and tranquil Golfo Nuevo are restaurants, cafés, dive shops, and hotels, all busy—but not yet overcrowded—with tourists from around the world.Puerto Madryn is more a base for visiting nearby wildlife-watching sites like Península Valdés and Punta Tombo than a destination in its own right. The town's architecture is unremarkable, and beyond a walk along the coast there isn't much to do. Indeed, even the few museums serve mainly to introduce you to the fauna you'll see elsewhere. The exception is the beginning of whale season (May through July), when the huge animals cavort right in the bay before heading north—you can even walk out alongside them on the pier. During these months it's worth the extra expense for a room with a sea view.The many tour agencies and rental-car companies here make excursion planning easy. Aim to spend most of your time here on one- or two-day trips exploring the surroundings. Note that competition is fierce between tourism operators in destinations such as Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides on Península Valdés. Take information that tour operators and even the tourism office give you about these with a grain of salt: they often exaggerate Madryn's virtues and other areas' flaws.

Day 13  Cruising

Day 14 Punta del Este, Uruguay

Often likened to the Hamptons or St-Tropez, Punta del Este is a flashy destination where parties run nonstop in peak season. But it is also a destination that draws a range of beachgoers to its shores, from summering families to the celebrity jet-set. There's a bustling city on the beach downtown, as well as quiet countryside populated solely with upscale ranches called chacras or estancias, and creative, buzzing hamlets like La Barra and José Ignacio. Though it's pricey and at times a logistical challenge to get around, everyone finds something about Punta to love.The resort takes its name from the "east point" marking the division of the Río de la Plata on the west from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also lends its name to the broader region encompassing the nearby communities of Punta Ballena and La Barra de Maldonado. These days even José Ignacio, some 20 miles away, is grouped in. It's usually a given that Argentina's upper class spends at least part of the summer in Punta, soaking in the ample rays.

Day 15 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you'll know you're in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Day 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you'll know you're in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Day 2 Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay's capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) that passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks recalls the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and is always dotted with Montevideans strolling, exercising, and lounging along the water. Montevideo has its share of glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina's capital.When the weather's good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

Days 3-4  Cruising

Day 5 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Tiny Stanley, capital of the Falklands, seems in many ways like a British village fallen out of the sky. Many homes are painted in bright colours, adding visual appeal to this distant outpost. Not far offshore, the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, is one of the many vessels remaining as a silent testimonial to the region's frequent harsh weather conditions.The islands, also known by their Spanish name of Islas Malvinas, are home to arguably more tuxedo-clad inhabitants of the penguin variety than human residents. Various species, such as Gentoo, Magellanic and the more elusive King penguins, either live here permanently or use the Falklands as a stopover on their migration route. Darwin found the islands' flora and fauna fascinating - no doubt you will, too.

Days 6-7  Cruising

Day 8 Ushuaia, Argentina

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Day 9  Cruising

Day 10 Punta Arenas, Chile

Impenetrable forests, impassable mountains, and endless fields of ice define Chilean Patagonia, and meant that the region went largely unexplored until the beginning of the 20th century. Located in the southernmost part of the country, this area is still sparsely inhabited, though you will find a few populated places—like the colorful provincial city of Punta Arenas, which looks like it's about to be swept into the Strait of Magellan. Some unique wildlife, particularly colonies of elephant seals and penguins, call this breathtaking topography home. To the north is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, the country's most magnificent natural wonder, and whose snow-covered peaks seem to rise vertically from the plains below. The vistas, such as the fantastic Avenue of the Glaciers, are breathtaking; along this stretch of the Beagle Channel, you can pass six tremendous glaciers all within a stone's throw of each other.Cruise SightsPunta Arenas. Founded a little more than 150 years ago, Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) was Chile's first permanent settlement in Patagonia. Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the central square, is surrounded by evidence of that early prosperity: buildings whose then-opulent brick exteriors recall a time when this was one of Chile's wealthiest cities. The newer houses here have colorful tin roofs, best appreciated when seen from a high vantage point such as the Mirador Cerro la Cruz. Although the city as a whole may not be particularly attractive, look for details: the pink-and-white house on a corner, the bay window full of potted plants, parking attendants wearing the regional blue and yellow colors, and schoolchildren in identical naval pea coats that remind you that the city's fate is tied to the sea.The Museo Naval y Marítimo extols Chile's high-seas prowess, particularly concerning Antarctica. Its exhibits are worth a visit for anyone with an interest in ships and sailing, merchant and military alike. Part of the second floor is designed like the interior of a ship, including a map and radio room. Pedro Montt 989. Admission charged.Housed in what was once the mansion of the powerful Braun-Menéndez family, the Museo Regional de Magallanes is an intriguing glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy provincial family at the beginning of the 20th century. Lavish Carrara marble hearths, English bath fixtures, and cordovan leather walls are among the original accoutrements. The museum also has an excellent group of displays depicting Punta Arenas's past, from the first European contact to the town's decline after the opening of the Panama Canal. The museum is half a block north of the main square. Magallanes 949. Admission charged.The resplendent 1895 Palacio Sara Braun is a national landmark and an architectural showpiece of southern Patagonia. Designed by a French architect, the house was built from materials and by craftsmen imported from Europe during the four years of construction. The city's central plaza and surrounding buildings soon followed, ushering in the region's golden era. Noteworthy are the lavish bedrooms, magnificent parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and hand-painted ceilings. Don't miss the portraits of Braun and her husband José Nogueira in the music room. Afterwards, head to the cellar for a drink or snack in the warm public tavern (a good portion of the mansion is leased to a hotel). Plaza Muñoz Gamero 716. Admission charged.Commonly referred to simply as "El Salesiano," the Museo Salesiano de Maggiorino Borgatello is operated by Italian missionaries whose order arrived in Punta Arenas in the 19th century. The Salesians, most of whom spoke no Spanish, proved to be daring explorers. Traveling throughout the region, they collected the artifacts made by indigenous tribes that are currently on display. Av. Bulnes 398. Admission charged.Isla Magdalena. Punta Arenas is the launching point for a boat trip to the Isla Magdalena to see the more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins at the Monumento Natural Los Pingúinos. A single trail, marked off by rope, is accessible to humans. The boat trip to the island, in the middle of the Estrecho de Magallanes, takes about two hours. Make sure to bring along warm clothing, even in summer; the island can be chilly, particularly if a breeze is blowing across the water.Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Some 12 million years ago, lava flows pushed up through the thick sedimentary crust that covered the southwestern coast of South America, cooling to form a granite mass. Glaciers then swept through the region, grinding away all but the ash-gray spires that rise over the landscape of one of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena, now the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (established in 1959). Snow formations dazzle along every turn of road, and the sunset views are spectacular.Among the 2,420-square-km (934-square-mi) park's most beautiful attractions are its lakes of turquoise, aquamarine, and emerald green waters. Another draw is its unusual wildlife. Creatures like the guanaco (a woollier version of the llama) and the ñandú (resembling a small ostrich) abound. They are used to visitors and don't seem to be bothered by the proximity of automobile traffic and the snapping of cameras. Predators, like the gray fox, make less frequent appearances. You may also spot the dramatic aerobatics of a falcon and the graceful soaring of the endangered condor. The beautiful puma is especially elusive, but sightings have become more common. Admission charged.Pingúinera de Seno Otway. The road to this penguin sanctuary begins 30 km (18 mi) north of Punta Arenas. Magellanic penguins, which live up to 20 years in the wild, return to their birthplace here every year to mate with the same partner. For about 2,000 penguin couples—no single penguins make the trip—home is this desolate and windswept land off the Otway Sound. In late September, the penguins begin to arrive from the southern coast of Brazil and the Falkland Islands. They mate and lay their eggs in early October, and brood their eggs in November. Offspring hatch between mid-November and early December. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of one of the downy gray chicks that stick their heads out of the burrows when their parents return to feed them. Otherwise you might see scores of the ungainly adult penguins waddling to the ocean from their nesting burrows. They swim for food every eight hours and dive up to 100 feet deep. The penguins depart from the sound in late March. Note that the sanctuary is a 1-km (1/2-mi) walk from the parking lot. It gets chilly, so bring a windbreaker. Admission charged.Reserva Nacional Laguna Parillar. This 47,000-acre reserve lies west of Puerto Hambre, a tranquil fishing village, and is centered around a shimmering lake in a valley flanked by hills. It's a great place for a picnic, and there are a number of well-marked paths that offer sweeping vistas over the Estrecho de Magallanes. About 2 km (1 mi) west of Puerto Hambre is a small white monolith that marks the geographical center of Chile, the midway point between Chile's northern port Arica and the South Pole.Cruise ShoppingWool may no longer be king of the economy, but vast flocks of sheep still yield a high-quality product that is woven into the clothing here. Leather products are also common, but the prices are not necessarily low. About 3 km (2 mi) north of Punta Arenas is the Zona Franca (Av. Bulnes). This duty-free zone is where people from all around the region come for low-priced electronics and other consumer items.

Day 11  Cruising

Day 12 Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Approaching from Ruta 3, it's hard to believe that the horizon line of buildings perched just beyond the windswept dunes and badlands is the most successful of all coastal Patagonia settlements. But once you get past the outskirts of town and onto the wide coastal road known as the Rambla, the picture begins to change. Ranged along the clear and tranquil Golfo Nuevo are restaurants, cafés, dive shops, and hotels, all busy—but not yet overcrowded—with tourists from around the world.Puerto Madryn is more a base for visiting nearby wildlife-watching sites like Península Valdés and Punta Tombo than a destination in its own right. The town's architecture is unremarkable, and beyond a walk along the coast there isn't much to do. Indeed, even the few museums serve mainly to introduce you to the fauna you'll see elsewhere. The exception is the beginning of whale season (May through July), when the huge animals cavort right in the bay before heading north—you can even walk out alongside them on the pier. During these months it's worth the extra expense for a room with a sea view.The many tour agencies and rental-car companies here make excursion planning easy. Aim to spend most of your time here on one- or two-day trips exploring the surroundings. Note that competition is fierce between tourism operators in destinations such as Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides on Península Valdés. Take information that tour operators and even the tourism office give you about these with a grain of salt: they often exaggerate Madryn's virtues and other areas' flaws.

Day 13  Cruising

Day 14 Punta del Este, Uruguay

Often likened to the Hamptons or St-Tropez, Punta del Este is a flashy destination where parties run nonstop in peak season. But it is also a destination that draws a range of beachgoers to its shores, from summering families to the celebrity jet-set. There's a bustling city on the beach downtown, as well as quiet countryside populated solely with upscale ranches called chacras or estancias, and creative, buzzing hamlets like La Barra and José Ignacio. Though it's pricey and at times a logistical challenge to get around, everyone finds something about Punta to love.The resort takes its name from the "east point" marking the division of the Río de la Plata on the west from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also lends its name to the broader region encompassing the nearby communities of Punta Ballena and La Barra de Maldonado. These days even José Ignacio, some 20 miles away, is grouped in. It's usually a given that Argentina's upper class spends at least part of the summer in Punta, soaking in the ample rays.

Day 15 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you'll know you're in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Day 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you'll know you're in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Day 2 Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay's capital city hugs the eastern bank of the Río de la Plata. A massive coastal promenade (malecón) that passes fine beaches, restaurants, and numerous parks recalls the sunny sophistications of the Mediterranean and is always dotted with Montevideans strolling, exercising, and lounging along the water. Montevideo has its share of glitzy shopping avenues and modern office buildings, balanced with its historic old city and sumptuous colonial architecture, as well as numerous leafy plazas and parks. It is hard not to draw comparisons to its sister city Buenos Aires across the river, and indeed Montevideo strikes many as a calmer, more manageable incarnation of Argentina's capital.When the weather's good, La Rambla, a 22-km (14-mile) waterfront avenue that links the Old City with the eastern suburbs and changes names about a dozen times, gets packed with fishermen, ice-cream vendors, and joggers. Around sunset, volleyball and soccer games wind down as couples begin to appear for evening strolls. Polls consistently rate Montevideo as having the highest quality of life of any city in Latin America. After one visit here, especially on a lovely summer evening, you probably will agree.

Days 3-4  Cruising

Day 5 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Tiny Stanley, capital of the Falklands, seems in many ways like a British village fallen out of the sky. Many homes are painted in bright colours, adding visual appeal to this distant outpost. Not far offshore, the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, is one of the many vessels remaining as a silent testimonial to the region's frequent harsh weather conditions.The islands, also known by their Spanish name of Islas Malvinas, are home to arguably more tuxedo-clad inhabitants of the penguin variety than human residents. Various species, such as Gentoo, Magellanic and the more elusive King penguins, either live here permanently or use the Falklands as a stopover on their migration route. Darwin found the islands' flora and fauna fascinating - no doubt you will, too.

Days 6-7  Cruising

Day 8 Ushuaia, Argentina

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Day 9  Cruising

Day 10 Punta Arenas, Chile

Impenetrable forests, impassable mountains, and endless fields of ice define Chilean Patagonia, and meant that the region went largely unexplored until the beginning of the 20th century. Located in the southernmost part of the country, this area is still sparsely inhabited, though you will find a few populated places—like the colorful provincial city of Punta Arenas, which looks like it's about to be swept into the Strait of Magellan. Some unique wildlife, particularly colonies of elephant seals and penguins, call this breathtaking topography home. To the north is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, the country's most magnificent natural wonder, and whose snow-covered peaks seem to rise vertically from the plains below. The vistas, such as the fantastic Avenue of the Glaciers, are breathtaking; along this stretch of the Beagle Channel, you can pass six tremendous glaciers all within a stone's throw of each other.Cruise SightsPunta Arenas. Founded a little more than 150 years ago, Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) was Chile's first permanent settlement in Patagonia. Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the central square, is surrounded by evidence of that early prosperity: buildings whose then-opulent brick exteriors recall a time when this was one of Chile's wealthiest cities. The newer houses here have colorful tin roofs, best appreciated when seen from a high vantage point such as the Mirador Cerro la Cruz. Although the city as a whole may not be particularly attractive, look for details: the pink-and-white house on a corner, the bay window full of potted plants, parking attendants wearing the regional blue and yellow colors, and schoolchildren in identical naval pea coats that remind you that the city's fate is tied to the sea.The Museo Naval y Marítimo extols Chile's high-seas prowess, particularly concerning Antarctica. Its exhibits are worth a visit for anyone with an interest in ships and sailing, merchant and military alike. Part of the second floor is designed like the interior of a ship, including a map and radio room. Pedro Montt 989. Admission charged.Housed in what was once the mansion of the powerful Braun-Menéndez family, the Museo Regional de Magallanes is an intriguing glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy provincial family at the beginning of the 20th century. Lavish Carrara marble hearths, English bath fixtures, and cordovan leather walls are among the original accoutrements. The museum also has an excellent group of displays depicting Punta Arenas's past, from the first European contact to the town's decline after the opening of the Panama Canal. The museum is half a block north of the main square. Magallanes 949. Admission charged.The resplendent 1895 Palacio Sara Braun is a national landmark and an architectural showpiece of southern Patagonia. Designed by a French architect, the house was built from materials and by craftsmen imported from Europe during the four years of construction. The city's central plaza and surrounding buildings soon followed, ushering in the region's golden era. Noteworthy are the lavish bedrooms, magnificent parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and hand-painted ceilings. Don't miss the portraits of Braun and her husband José Nogueira in the music room. Afterwards, head to the cellar for a drink or snack in the warm public tavern (a good portion of the mansion is leased to a hotel). Plaza Muñoz Gamero 716. Admission charged.Commonly referred to simply as "El Salesiano," the Museo Salesiano de Maggiorino Borgatello is operated by Italian missionaries whose order arrived in Punta Arenas in the 19th century. The Salesians, most of whom spoke no Spanish, proved to be daring explorers. Traveling throughout the region, they collected the artifacts made by indigenous tribes that are currently on display. Av. Bulnes 398. Admission charged.Isla Magdalena. Punta Arenas is the launching point for a boat trip to the Isla Magdalena to see the more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins at the Monumento Natural Los Pingúinos. A single trail, marked off by rope, is accessible to humans. The boat trip to the island, in the middle of the Estrecho de Magallanes, takes about two hours. Make sure to bring along warm clothing, even in summer; the island can be chilly, particularly if a breeze is blowing across the water.Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Some 12 million years ago, lava flows pushed up through the thick sedimentary crust that covered the southwestern coast of South America, cooling to form a granite mass. Glaciers then swept through the region, grinding away all but the ash-gray spires that rise over the landscape of one of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena, now the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (established in 1959). Snow formations dazzle along every turn of road, and the sunset views are spectacular.Among the 2,420-square-km (934-square-mi) park's most beautiful attractions are its lakes of turquoise, aquamarine, and emerald green waters. Another draw is its unusual wildlife. Creatures like the guanaco (a woollier version of the llama) and the ñandú (resembling a small ostrich) abound. They are used to visitors and don't seem to be bothered by the proximity of automobile traffic and the snapping of cameras. Predators, like the gray fox, make less frequent appearances. You may also spot the dramatic aerobatics of a falcon and the graceful soaring of the endangered condor. The beautiful puma is especially elusive, but sightings have become more common. Admission charged.Pingúinera de Seno Otway. The road to this penguin sanctuary begins 30 km (18 mi) north of Punta Arenas. Magellanic penguins, which live up to 20 years in the wild, return to their birthplace here every year to mate with the same partner. For about 2,000 penguin couples—no single penguins make the trip—home is this desolate and windswept land off the Otway Sound. In late September, the penguins begin to arrive from the southern coast of Brazil and the Falkland Islands. They mate and lay their eggs in early October, and brood their eggs in November. Offspring hatch between mid-November and early December. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of one of the downy gray chicks that stick their heads out of the burrows when their parents return to feed them. Otherwise you might see scores of the ungainly adult penguins waddling to the ocean from their nesting burrows. They swim for food every eight hours and dive up to 100 feet deep. The penguins depart from the sound in late March. Note that the sanctuary is a 1-km (1/2-mi) walk from the parking lot. It gets chilly, so bring a windbreaker. Admission charged.Reserva Nacional Laguna Parillar. This 47,000-acre reserve lies west of Puerto Hambre, a tranquil fishing village, and is centered around a shimmering lake in a valley flanked by hills. It's a great place for a picnic, and there are a number of well-marked paths that offer sweeping vistas over the Estrecho de Magallanes. About 2 km (1 mi) west of Puerto Hambre is a small white monolith that marks the geographical center of Chile, the midway point between Chile's northern port Arica and the South Pole.Cruise ShoppingWool may no longer be king of the economy, but vast flocks of sheep still yield a high-quality product that is woven into the clothing here. Leather products are also common, but the prices are not necessarily low. About 3 km (2 mi) north of Punta Arenas is the Zona Franca (Av. Bulnes). This duty-free zone is where people from all around the region come for low-priced electronics and other consumer items.

Day 11  Cruising

Day 12 Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Approaching from Ruta 3, it's hard to believe that the horizon line of buildings perched just beyond the windswept dunes and badlands is the most successful of all coastal Patagonia settlements. But once you get past the outskirts of town and onto the wide coastal road known as the Rambla, the picture begins to change. Ranged along the clear and tranquil Golfo Nuevo are restaurants, cafés, dive shops, and hotels, all busy—but not yet overcrowded—with tourists from around the world.Puerto Madryn is more a base for visiting nearby wildlife-watching sites like Península Valdés and Punta Tombo than a destination in its own right. The town's architecture is unremarkable, and beyond a walk along the coast there isn't much to do. Indeed, even the few museums serve mainly to introduce you to the fauna you'll see elsewhere. The exception is the beginning of whale season (May through July), when the huge animals cavort right in the bay before heading north—you can even walk out alongside them on the pier. During these months it's worth the extra expense for a room with a sea view.The many tour agencies and rental-car companies here make excursion planning easy. Aim to spend most of your time here on one- or two-day trips exploring the surroundings. Note that competition is fierce between tourism operators in destinations such as Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides on Península Valdés. Take information that tour operators and even the tourism office give you about these with a grain of salt: they often exaggerate Madryn's virtues and other areas' flaws.

Day 13  Cruising

Day 14 Punta del Este, Uruguay

Often likened to the Hamptons or St-Tropez, Punta del Este is a flashy destination where parties run nonstop in peak season. But it is also a destination that draws a range of beachgoers to its shores, from summering families to the celebrity jet-set. There's a bustling city on the beach downtown, as well as quiet countryside populated solely with upscale ranches called chacras or estancias, and creative, buzzing hamlets like La Barra and José Ignacio. Though it's pricey and at times a logistical challenge to get around, everyone finds something about Punta to love.The resort takes its name from the "east point" marking the division of the Río de la Plata on the west from the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also lends its name to the broader region encompassing the nearby communities of Punta Ballena and La Barra de Maldonado. These days even José Ignacio, some 20 miles away, is grouped in. It's usually a given that Argentina's upper class spends at least part of the summer in Punta, soaking in the ample rays.

Day 15 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you'll know you're in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

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TRAVEL AWARE - STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY ABROAD

The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise