Chile Cruises

Explore the Wonders of Chile with CruiseAway

Welcome to **Chile**, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that stretches along the western edge of South America. A cruise through this stunning country allows you to experience its diverse regions, from the arid **Atacama Desert** in the north to the glacial regions of **Patagonia** in the south. You’ll have the chance to witness the majestic Andes mountains, colorful coastal towns, and the unique wildlife of the **Chilean Fjords**. Fun fact: Chile has over 6,400 km of coastline, making it one of the longest coastal countries in the world! From world-class wines to pristine national parks, cruising in Chile offers an adventure that you won’t forget!

Must-Visit Harbours in Chile

When sailing to **Chile**, you’ll get to visit several incredible harbours. Here are five noteworthy ports that you won’t want to miss:

• Valparaíso: Known for its colorful hills and historic architecture, Valparaíso is one of the most important ports in Chile. When your cruise docks here, take a ride on the famous **Ascensores** (funiculars) to enjoy breathtaking views over the city. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant street art scene and visit **La Sebastiana**, the whimsical former home of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda. Insider tip: Stroll through the lively **Cerro Alegre** and **Cerro Concepción** neighborhoods to soak in all the culture and charm!
• Punta Arenas: This southern port city is a key embarkation point for exploring **Antarctica** and the surrounding regions. When your cruise team docks here, consider taking a day trip to the stunning **Torres del Paine National Park**, where you’ll find breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and unique wildlife. Pro tip: Make sure to try some local **King Crab** for a true taste of the region!
• Puerto Montt: Known as the gateway to the **Lake District**, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and lush forests. When visiting, be sure to explore **Angelmo**, a vibrant market known for its seafood and crafts. You can also take a scenic tour to **Frutillar**, a charming lakeside town with German influences. Insider tip: A local dish called **Curanto**, cooked underground with seafood, meat, and vegetables, is not to be missed.
• Ushuaia: Technically in Argentina, Ushuaia is often included in cruise itineraries to Chile. Known as the world’s southernmost city, it’s a great base for exploring **Tierra del Fuego National Park**. When you’re in port, take the opportunity to hike the scenic trails and embrace the stunning natural beauty. Don’t forget to visit the museums showcasing the region’s naval history. Pro tip: Grab a warm drink and sample the famous **King Crab** as you watch the stunning sunset over the snow-capped mountains!
• San Antonio: Situated just outside of **Santiago**, San Antonio serves as another important port for cruises. When your cruise comes in, you can take a day trip to Santiago to explore the Plaza de Armas, the **Metropolitan Cathedral**, and the innovative **Museum of Memory**. Pro tip: Try some local **Empanadas** while you’re there, especially the seafood variants!

Best Times to Cruise in Chile

The best time to embark on a cruise in **Chile** typically falls between **October and March**, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere summer. During these months, temperatures are mild, ranging from **20°C to 30°C**, making it perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. For those looking to experience the unique charm of **Patagonia**, consider cruising from mid-December to March, where you’ll have longer days and more stable weather conditions.

Cost of Cruising in Chile

Planning your budget for a cruise to **Chile** is essential. A one-week cruise usually ranges from **$1,800 to $3,500**, while a two-week cruise can vary from **$3,500 to $6,500**. If you prefer luxury experiences, be prepared for starting prices at around **$5,000** for a one-week journey. The most affordable months to book typically align with the shoulder seasons in late spring and early autumn, with the highest prices often seen during peak summer months like December to February. For meals, you can expect to pay on average **$20 to $50** for a meal at a local restaurant.

Top Cruise Lines Offering Trips to Chile

• Holland America Line: This cruise line boasts a fleet of **11 ships**, with **seven** offering itineraries to **Chile**. The **Oosterdam** and **Volendam** are among those ships that frequently visit. Departures often occur from **Fort Lauderdale** or **San Diego**. Holland America Line is known for its immersive onboard experiences and a diverse range of shore excursions, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to explore the rich culture and landscapes of Chile.
• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of **17 ships**, **11** of which navigate to **Chile**. The **Crown Princess** and **Sapphire Princess** stand out for their rich itineraries. Departing mainly from **Sydney** or **Dover**, Princess Cruises focuses on providing memorable experiences, with a variety of onboard activities and exceptional dining options.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: This cruise line features a fleet of **20 ships**, with **one** offering itineraries that include **Chile**. The **Norwegian Star** is a key player here, departing mostly from **Buenos Aires** or **Rio de Janeiro**. Norwegian is recognized for its “freestyle cruising” concept, allowing cruisers flexibility in dining and activities.
• Cunard: With **four ships** in its fleet, **one** sails to **Chile**, specifically **Queen Victoria**. Common ports of departure include **Santiago de Chile** and **Fort Lauderdale**, known for its elegant experiences combining luxury travel with deep cultural immersion. Cunard ensures a refined atmosphere with high standards of service.
• MSC Cruises: This cruise line features **23 ships**, with **one** sailing to **Chile**—the **MSC Magnifica**. Departing typically from **Barcelona** or **Genoa**, MSC is well-known for its family-friendly offerings, diverse dining experiences, and vibrant entertainment aboard its vessels.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Silversea: With **13 ships**, **eight** cruise to **Chile**, including the **Silver Cloud** and **Silver Wind**. They often set sail from **Puerto Williams** or **Valparaíso**. Silversea focuses on immersive luxury experiences with all-suite accommodations and exceptional personalized service, ensuring a unique travel experience for every passenger.
• Viking Ocean Cruises: Featuring **11 ships**, three sail to **Chile**, with **Viking Octantis** and **Viking Polaris** leading the way. Departures usually occur from **Ushuaia** or **Valparaíso**. Viking Ocean Cruises offers immersive itineraries and culturally enriching experiences, allowing guests to truly embrace the local culture.
• Oceania Cruises: This cruise line has a fleet of **eight ships**, **two** of which visit **Chile**. The **Marina** and **Vista** often depart from **Miami** or **Santiago de Chile**. Known for their fine dining options curated by renowned chefs, Oceania provides an elevated cruising experience focused on gastronomical delights.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: With a fleet size of **six ships**, **four** offer itineraries that include **Chile**. The **Seven Seas Mariner** and **Seven Seas Splendor** often depart from **Buenos Aires** or **San Antonio**. Regent is celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury experience, providing top-notch service along with gourmet meals and various enrichment activities.
• Azamara Cruises: This line consists of **four ships**, three of which cruise to **Chile**. Notably, **Azamara Quest** and **Azamara Journey** embark from **Callao (Lima)** or **San Antonio**. Azamara is praised for its destination-immersive voyages, ensuring the focus is on in-depth exploration of each port visited.

Explore Alternative Regions

For travellers considering a cruise to **Chile**, check out these intriguing alternative regions:

• South America: This vast continent offers lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultures that will captivate any traveller.
• Caribbean: An escape to paradise, known for its stunning turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and laid-back island vibes.
• Antarctica: If you’re an adventurer at heart, why not explore the majestic landscapes and unique wildlife in this remote region?
• Argentina: This neighbouring country offers exquisite wine regions, stunning national parks, and a lively culture waiting to be explored.
• Central America: Renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich history, Central America is a gateway to unique experiences.

Chile is a destination bursting with awe-inspiring sights and delightful experiences. Don’t delay your adventures—book your next cruise with **CruiseAway** today and set sail on the journey of a lifetime!