Princess Cruises returns to Antarctica for the 2026-27 season, this time with the Royal Class Majestic Princess, freshly refurbished and ready to sail deep into South America and the White Continent.
From epic landscapes to captivating experiences, these sailings promise to deliver unforgettable moments, including, for the first time, cruising through the Beagle Channel Fjords and Glacier Alley.
This new programme is highly immersive. Over three months, Majestic Princess will operate five extended itineraries, ranging from 15 to 33 days, across 10 countries and calling in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The flagship sailings? A 15-day Cape Horn and Glaciers of Patagonia sailing, a 17-day Antarctica and South America voyage and an 18-day Brazilian Adventure cruise, including Rio, Uruguay, Barbados and Buenos Aires.
Deeper exploration with overnight stays
All sailings on this programme include an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, giving guests ample time to explore the Argentine capital, whether that’s enjoying a steak and a glass of Malbec at a local restaurant or visiting the Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of Eva Perón.
Other highlights include the two overnight scenic cruising experiences on the Antarctica sailings. Passengers can expect multiple days of unhurried cruising through some of the peninsula’s most striking stretches of water: Elephant Island, the South Shetlands and beyond.
All Antarctica operations will be conducted under the guidelines of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), of which Princess Cruises is a member.
Unforgettable experiences
Guests can expect to make memories that will last a lifetime, from sailing through the Gerlache Strait, where icebergs drift silently past, to marvelling at the tidewater glaciers of Glacier Alley and the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego.
Wildlife sightings are more than likely. In the Falkland Islands alone, over a million penguins nest each year. Leopard seals, humpback whales and giant petrels are frequently seen along the Antarctic coast, particularly in the austral summer.
And while mesmerising landscapes and wildlife are key ingredients, there’s more on the menu. Stops at some of the best cities in South America are also what make these sailings so appealing.
From the wide boulevards of Buenos Aires to the samba-soaked streets of Rio and the peaceful charm of Montevideo, these voyages are a chance to sample the distinct flavours of South America.
In Buenos Aires, admire grand 19th-century architecture and browse the antiques of San Telmo. In Rio, take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping views. In Montevideo, stroll the waterfront Rambla or explore the old town’s colonial façades and local art.
A freshly upgraded ship
While destination is clearly the draw, the ship itself has had a timely upgrade. Majestic Princess underwent a major refit this spring, emerging with new dining venues, reimagined social spaces and subtle updates designed to support longer, more immersive itineraries.
There’s now an Italian trattoria, Sabatini’s, serving handmade pasta and regional dishes inspired by family recipes. A new Irish pub, O’Malley’s, hosts live music and late-night bites. The poolside deck has seen changes too, with Alfredo’s Slice offering Neapolitan-style pizza and the Salty Dog Café serving burgers, tacos and street food staples.
There’s also an expanded sushi bar, a cocktail lounge and the return of Good Spirits at Sea, where bartenders walk guests through the stories behind regional cocktails.
For quieter days, the ship’s indoor Hollywood Pool Club provides a warm, weatherproof adults-only retreat, a key addition when cruising the Southern Ocean.
Technology plays a larger role, too. Majestic Princess is equipped with the line’s MedallionClass technology, allowing guests to unlock cabins, order food, track friends or plan excursions through a wearable device.
A different kind of access
Princess Cruises offers a way into Antarctica that’s accessible, comfortable and detailed. There’s time to learn, time to watch and time to let the landscape unfold. Scenic cruising brings proximity, drama and the joy of marvelling at views few others do.
These sailings also allow for a broader exploration of South America as a whole. In Puerto Madryn, for example, there’s access to Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO-listed wildlife preserve where orcas patrol the shoreline and elephant seals bask on the rocks. And in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, the jagged peaks of the Andes rise just beyond the port.
Looking further south
Princess Cruises has described the 2026–27 deployment as “a celebration of raw beauty”, and these itineraries give travellers a way to experience places of wild beauty from the comfort of a newly refitted ship.
Whether guests come for the penguins or the pisco, there’s no question that the 2026-27 South America and Antarctica voyages on Majestic Princess will deliver one-in-a-lifetime experiences to guests.
Visit the Princess Cruises website for more information on the 2026-27 South America and Antarctica programme.
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