The short answer: the season runs from October to March. Patagonia and Cape Horn sailings leave from December to March with international lines such as Celebrity, Princess and Holland America; MSC and Costa sail to Uruguay and Brazil. Everything leaves from the Benito Quinquela Martín cruise terminal in the port of Retiro.
Why Buenos Aires
- The gateway to the far south. Cruises to Ushuaia, Cape Horn and the Chilean fjords start here, and some continue to Antarctica.
- Summer in the southern hemisphere. December to February is the best time for Patagonia: long days and the mildest weather of the year.
- A city worth a stopover. Two or three days in Buenos Aires make a trip of their own.
- A terminal in the city. The port is a few minutes from the city airport, Aeroparque.
What sails from Buenos Aires
| Route | Typical length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Horn | About 2 weeks | Round trip or one way to Chile, with Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Cape Horn and the fjords; Celebrity, Holland America, Princess and others |
| Antarctica | About 2 to 3 weeks | Scenic cruising off the Antarctic Peninsula, December to February |
| Uruguay and Brazil | 7 to 9 nights | MSC and Costa, with Punta del Este, Montevideo, Santos or Rio de Janeiro |
| Back north | 3 weeks or more | At the end of the season some ships sail back to Europe or the United States |
Based on cruise line announcements for the 2026/2027 season. Ships, dates and routes change; always check the specific sailing. The whole season, with all ports: South America cruise season →
The terminal
Cruises leave from the Terminal de Cruceros Benito Quinquela Martín, at the corner of Av. Ramón S. Castillo and Av. de los Inmigrantes, inside the port of Buenos Aires in Retiro.
- Arrive by car, taxi or ride-hailing app. The terminal is inside the port area — not a walk to make with suitcases.
- Check where check-in is. In some seasons check-in and baggage drop took place outside the port, with a bus to the ship. Your boarding documents always give the exact location.
- No luggage storage at the pier. If you arrive early, leave your bags at the hotel.
Getting there
- From Europe. Long-haul flights land at Ezeiza (EZE), usually via a hub in Europe or South America.
- From Ezeiza to the port. About 50 minutes to an hour by car, longer at rush hour.
- From Aeroparque. The city airport is about 15 minutes from the port.
Practical tips
- Pack in layers for Cape Horn. Even in summer it is cold and windy in the far south: bring a windproof jacket, hat and gloves.
- Language on board. On the international lines sailing to Patagonia, English is the main language; MSC and Costa are geared to South American guests.
- Documents. Many European passports, including Dutch and Belgian ones, need no visa for a short stay in Argentina, Uruguay or Chile; check the rules for every country on your route, including the Falkland Islands.
- Check your boarding time. Cruise lines give each guest a time slot.
Common questions
Which cruises leave from Buenos Aires?
From December to March, cruises of about two weeks to Patagonia and Cape Horn, some continuing to Antarctica, with lines such as Celebrity, Princess and Holland America. MSC and Costa sail to Uruguay and Brazil; in 2026/2027 MSC Seaview makes 13 seven-night departures from Buenos Aires.
When is the best time for a Cape Horn cruise?
December to February, the southern summer: long days and the mildest temperatures of the year, although it is still cold.
Where is the cruise terminal in Buenos Aires?
It is the Benito Quinquela Martín terminal, at Av. Ramón S. Castillo and Av. de los Inmigrantes in the port of Retiro. You arrive by car, taxi or app.
How long does it take from Ezeiza airport to the port?
About 50 minutes to an hour by car, longer at rush hour. From Aeroparque it is about 15 minutes.
Do Cape Horn cruises always start in Buenos Aires?
Many do, but some run the other way, from Chile (San Antonio or Valparaíso, near Santiago) to Buenos Aires. Check where your sailing starts and ends when you book flights.
How the club fits in
Cruises from Buenos Aires that are available in the club work on the same terms as any other route. You choose one way to pay per booking: the member price (INsider Pricing), roughly 17% below the listed price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the cruise price. They do not add up. To pay up to 100% with points, you need to have accumulated enough points and book 270 days or more before departure.
Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search.
How booking with points works →
Ships, routes and dates are based on announcements by the cruise lines and the port for the 2026/2027 season and may change; check the current itinerary and terminal information before you travel. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.