It is a long flight, so it is not the easy winter-sun option. It is the one that combines real summer, big cities and a ship most Europeans already know.
What Makes It Different
- Summer in the middle of the European winter: the season runs from about mid-November to early April
- Beaches and cities in one trip, from Ilhabela and Búzios to Montevideo and Buenos Aires
- Familiar ships: most of them sail the Mediterranean in our summer
- A way to get there without flying out: in autumn some ships cross from Europe to Brazil
A Typical Itinerary
There are two main formats: mini-cruises of three or four nights along the Brazilian coast, and routes of seven to nine nights. The most common departure ports are Santos (the port for São Paulo) and Rio de Janeiro, as well as Buenos Aires and Montevideo. For a European, the longer route is the one that justifies the flight. Here is what an eight-night route from Santos can look like. It is an illustration, not a specific sailing: the ports and their order depend on the ship and the season.
- Day 1Santos Board at the port of São Paulo and sail out in the afternoon.
- Days 2–3At sea Heading south: pool, sun and time to get to know the ship.
- Day 4Buenos Aires A full day in the city: neighbourhoods, cafés and, if time allows, a tango show.
- Day 5Montevideo The Old Town, the long seafront and the Mercado del Puerto.
- Day 6Punta del Este Beaches, the peninsula and Uruguay's best-known resort.
- Days 7–8At sea Back north at an easy pace.
- Day 9Santos Back in the port where you started, usually in the morning.
Another option heads north from Rio de Janeiro or Santos, with stops such as Ilhabela, Búzios, Salvador or Maceió. Some itineraries also include Ilha Grande or Balneário Camboriú.
Best Months to Go
The season is short and falls in the southern summer:
| Month | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Warm; around the River Plate about 20–30 °C | Start of the season, fewer people | Fewer sailings to choose from yet |
| December–January | Hot and humid in Brazil, often 26–34 °C | Peak season and a festive atmosphere | Christmas and New Year are the busiest and usually the most expensive weeks; local school holidays |
| February | Hot, often 26–34 °C, with short storms | Carnival: a one-off experience on the Brazilian coast | Another of the busiest and most expensive periods |
| March | Still hot; around the River Plate about 20–30 °C | Holiday peak is over, calmer on board | Fewer sailings left |
| April | Milder, especially in the south | Quieter ports | End of season: most ships leave the region |
Approximate daytime temperatures. The Brazilian coast is hot and humid with short summer storms; Buenos Aires and Montevideo are usually milder.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothes for humid heat
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear and sandals for the beach
- A light layer for the ship's air conditioning and evenings by the River Plate
- A rain jacket or small umbrella for summer storms
- Insect repellent
- A card that works abroad and a little cash in local currency
- Your passport — check its validity and the entry rules before you go
Who It Is For — and Who It Is Not
A good fit if you
- want real summer in December or February
- like combining beaches and big cities
- can add a few days in Rio or Buenos Aires
- are curious about Carnival or New Year on the Brazilian coast
- have time and like the idea of sailing there across the Atlantic
Probably not for you if you
- only have a long weekend — the flight takes too much of it
- do not cope well with heat and humidity
- dislike crowds during the peak weeks
- want to explore each city in depth: port calls are short
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the South America cruise season?
Roughly from mid-November to early April, during the southern summer. Outside that period, most ships leave the region.
How long is the flight from the Netherlands?
About twelve hours to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and around fourteen to Buenos Aires. The time difference is four hours in the European winter.
Can I get there without flying?
Partly. In autumn some ships cross from Mediterranean ports to Brazil, usually in 17 to 20 nights. You still need a flight back — or you return the same way on a spring crossing.
Which currency do I need?
Each country has its own: the Brazilian real, the Uruguayan peso and the Argentine peso. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you do not need much cash.
Which weeks are the busiest?
Christmas, New Year and Carnival. They are the most popular dates and usually the most expensive, so plan them well in advance.
The Whole Season in One Guide
Flying over, sailing across from Europe or heading south to Cape Horn — the three ways to do the season side by side.
South America cruise season guide →
Patagonia and Cape Horn →
Booking It Through the Club
Club terms are the same as on any other route, and you choose one way to pay per booking: the member price (INsider Pricing) or your Reward Points — they do not combine in one booking. Because the holiday weeks fill up early, planning ahead helps twice: more cabins to choose from and, once you have accumulated enough points and book 270 days or more before departure, the possibility to pay up to 100% of the cruise in points.