Homeward Bound

March 11, 2017

Highlights of 2017 Grand South America and Antarctica Cruise

Setting off from Ft. Lauderdale, the highly-rated cruise ship, Prinsendam showed us the best features of the entire continent of South America. After traversing the Panama Canal, we were dazzled by the sites of Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, among other scheduled ports and countries.

We cruised along the Amazon River and the Antarctic Sound, with stunning views of the most memorable scenery offered around the globe. To entice you with a preview of this 67-day journey, we’ve picked out our top 10 highlights of the Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage.

Highlights of the 2017 Grand South America & Antarctica Cruise:

1. PANAMA CANAL
Sailing through the Panama Canal gave us a first-hand view of one of the most marvelous engineering wonders of the modern world. You have to see it to believe it! Opened in 1914, this canal has both international and historical meaning. It drastically reduced the travel time for ships going between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans.

2. CALLAO (LIMA), PERU
Lima, the capital of Peru, displayed a diverse selection of architecture for us to appreciate. From pre-Hispanic ruins to Renaissance buildings, there are also plenty of museums that exhibit a range of incredible pre-Columbian artifacts. The UNESCO district, which should not be missed, spans 117 blocks. The extraordinary Plaza Mayor delighted us, along with other noteworthy sites that are situated nearby, such as the Archbishop’s Palace, Government Palace and Lima Cathedral.

3. TOURING THE CITIES OF CHILE
Our cruise headed to the warmth of Chile for a week filled with natural and man-made splendor. We started in Arica, where the weather and beaches are perfect year-round. The next destination, Coquimbo-La Serena, is a lovely coastal city built up with a combination of modern and traditional style that testifies to the rich heritage of this country. There is a popular old fort that attracts many visitors, as well as a multitude of impressive churches to visit.

Wel also spent time in Valparaiso (Santiago) where one will be intrigued by the eye-catching colors of the bohemian buildings, and you’ll be able to wander through the quaint maze of alleyways and streets constructed on the steep hillsides.

4. ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND AND CHILOE
Located west of Chile, in the South Pacific Ocean, Robinson Crusoe Isle boasts a rolling and rocky terrain composed from lava flows that built up over time as a result of many volcanic explosions. Scuba diving is a popular attraction here, with many divers aiming to glimpse the wreck of the German cruiser Dresden, which was sunk in World War I.

With indigenous blue whales, Chilean dolphins, marine otters, sea lion and penguins, we’re sure to catch sight of a wide array of marine life off the coast of Chiloe Island, located in the Los Lagos Region.

5. AMALIA GLACIER AND EL BRUJO GLACIER
Viewing these colossal glaciers up close was a breathtaking experience that we’ll never forget. With imposing crags of blue ice and deep crevices, they are an awe-inspiring work of nature. Amalia is located on the east side of the Peel Fjord, in Chile, and El Brujo is found in another glacier descended from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

6. STRAIT OF MAGELLAN
This narrow sea route navigates the most important marine connection between the Pacific and the Atlantic. Officially under the auspices of Chile since 1843, it offers spectacular views with more than 40 impressive lighthouses in the waterway, some of which have been declared historic monuments.

From here we continued our cruise by passing the majestic Cape Horn and then the panoramic islands of the Palmer Archipelago while en route.

7. ANTARCTICA

Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. It was our first time to visit this cold, and remote area in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a massive continent dominated, by its nature, by a landscape of ice. We were easily overwhelmed by its sheer beauty and the abundance of wildlife.

8. FALKLAND ISLANDS

The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are a remote South Atlantic archipelago. This was our second visit to this island. It is an incredible archipelago of stunning white sand beaches, seas of beautiful blues and sparkling aquamarines, rocky crags and untouched landscapes. Imagine a place that is so far off the beaten track! Imagine a silence that is only broken by the sounds of the wildlife, the oceans, and your own footsteps as you explore these amazing island.

9. MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
Stroll leisurely through this port city, which is the lively capital of Uruguay. We docked here for a full day, giving us enough time to take in the dramatic beach vistas and be charmed by the fanciful colonial era buildings. Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo’s oldest neighborhood that was once walled in, is a celebrated touring experience.

10. RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
We began our time in Brazil in with a sojourn in Rio de Janeiro, the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere. With a lively city center, there are plenty of attractions that will dazzled us. We relaxed on the magnificent beaches for which the city is renowned, soaked up some rays and didn’t miss the impressive surf waves cresting on the coast. Thrilling views of the region were granted from Sugarloaf Mountain.

With exquisite sunsets and glorious days, our time in Rio de Janeiro and the many other vibrant Brazilian cities that we visited was certain to be memorable.

The 67-Day South America & Antarctica Voyage overnights in Rio de Janeiro, so we were able to get to enjoy one of the most spectacular night time city views in the world - Rio De Janeiro at night.

11. THE AMAZON RIVER
As the second longest river in the world, the powerful Amazon crosses through South America. It is like no other river in the world. It is vast and full of secrets. We cruised through a vast rainforest full of gorgeous examples of natural growth. This amazing river path also provided us with one-of-a-kind views of special and uncommon wildlife, including tamarin monkeys, macaws, electric eels, jaguars and sloths.

12. ON THE WAY BACK TO FT. LAUDERDALE
After crossing the Equator, we stopped first in Devil’s Island, French Guiana, which was an infamous prison and is now a popular tourist site. When we walked around this island covered in lush greenery, the ghastly history came to life beneath our feet.

Another stop was made in Bridgetown, which is the largest city in Barbados. With a pleasing mix of history and modernity, we loved the nonstop action and duty-free shopping found in this city.

Our last port before returning to Ft. Lauderdale was at Philipsburg, Saint Maarten, which is the port for many unbelievable mega yachts. Known as the yachting center of the Caribbean, St Maarten was visually stunning, with a central mountain range encircled by twisting roadways through provincial villages.

FAVORITE MOMENTS