Cruising South America and Beyond: A 32-Day Adventure
Not having traveled much in South America, we decided a good way to get our feet wet was on a cruise. We chose a 32-day repositioning cruise to some of the most stunning and remote locations around South America, the southern oceans, and the West Coast of the Americas.
Since our voyage started in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we took the opportunity of being in Argentina at the start of the cruise to visit Iguazu Falls on our own. This trip added three days to the overall journey. But, since we may not be back this way again, we couldn’t miss this incredible natural wonder.
This article guides you through the highlights of our journey. I discuss ports and what made this South American cruise an unforgettable travel experience. However, here, I focus more on the cruise ship, the Sapphire Princess, highlighting the amenities and experiences (both good and not-so-good) and life aboard when cruising South America and Beyond.
The ports of call were each fascinating in their own way. I have written individual port posts for many. You can find links to these and more on my page, “How To Spend One Day In Port,” and the individual links in this article.
Onboard the Sapphire Princess: Comfort, Dining, and Entertainment
Princess Cruises is a “mid-tier” or “premium line” known for balancing luxury and affordability. Our ship for this voyage, the Sapphire Princess, had her maiden voyage in 2004 and is part of Princess’s “Grand Class.” This class of cruise ships is smaller than the newer ships made today. However, the smaller size was perfect for us. The ship had all the amenities, but fewer people were sailing on her.
The Sapphire Princess offers many amenities to ensure guests’ comfort and enjoyment throughout the journey. Everything you could need or want for a 32-day voyage, from relaxation, entertainment, and pampering to several venues for excellent dining, are here for you. The ship itself is a floating hotel, equivalent to a 4-star resort, and here’s what you can expect:
Cabins (Staterooms): Your Home For This Month-Long Voyage
Let’s start with the first choice you have to make: your stateroom! Cruise ships have many cabin types, from tiny inside staterooms (around 160 square feet, no windows, and relatively small bathrooms) to suites generally around 550 square feet with a separate sitting room and spacious balconies.
If you want to go crazy, there is always the Grand Suite. This stateroom is over 1,300 square feet and has a dining area, living room, full king-size main bedroom and bath, and a massive balcony for dining or sunbathing.
The odd thing about these larger cabins is that there is still only one bathroom, regardless of size. So, while you can comfortably sleep up to four adults, just one bathroom makes it less desirable for more than one couple (IMHO).
This stateroom would be our home for over a month, so we splurged on a suite. Not one of the huge staterooms, but an average-size suite with a sitting room separate from the bedroom. The large mirrored vanity and a walk-in closet were nice amenities in the bedroom.
The bathroom is split into two spaces. In one, there was a soaking tub and a separate large stand-up shower; this means you don’t have to climb into the tub to shower. On the other side of the door was the toilet and sink basin. It was very convenient that the other could still use the facilities when one guest was bathing.
Our suite was aft, meaning at the back of the ship, so we had the lovely “wake view” you often hear about from avid cruisers. The balcony was quite large, with two loungers and a dining table with four chairs. We are friendly and somewhat social but also quiet introverts, meaning we need our downtime. So we paid the price for more space in our room and a substantial balcony for lounging in private on “sea days” on a cruise ship.
Do you enjoy sunning by the pool, chatting with fellow cruisers in the hot tubs, hanging out in the lounges, and dancing the night away? You may be happy in a smaller stateroom (with or without a balcony) and saving money.
Regardless of which stateroom you choose, the Sapphire Princess has many inside and outside spaces to enjoy sea views and meet fellow cruisers. Which leads us to…
Outdoor Ship Amenities And Common Area
On deck 16 forward is The Sanctuary, an adults-only area for relaxation. It offers private cabanas, soothing music, and attentive service, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape. You must reserve your day in the Sanctuary, and there is an extra fee to use this space.
Not willing to pay for a lounge space? Don’t worry; there is no shortage of outdoor areas on this ship to enjoy. Between decks 12 – 16, you will find no less than 4 pools and 8 hot tubs.
If playing in the sun makes you thirsty, you won’t have to go far; 5 bars are located strategically around the deck areas. To satisfy your hunger, grab a bite at Prego Pizzeria, the Trident Grill, or Horizon Terrace, Sapphire’s excellent dining buffet.
Deck 15 has the Lotus Spa. You’ll find the Fitness Center and Beauty Salon, treatment rooms for facials and massages, saunas, and steam rooms here. As you go further aft, you come to the Conservatory, a quiet, glassed-in lounge area away from the pools.
And finally, at the tail end of the ship are the spaces set aside for kids and teens, including splash pools and game rooms.
A little lower on decks 7 and 8 is the Promenade. Not many cruise ships still have a proper promenade deck. These decks were originally the “exercise facility” for ships. While you have to walk up and down some stairs, this area provides a complete outdoor circuit of the Sapphire Princess.
On deck 8 forward, a group of camera/telescope enthusiasts spent much of each sea day with their equipment scanning the ocean for whales, dolphins, and sea birds. We noticed this group on our daily walks around the Promenade, getting our steps while admiring the endless views of the ocean.
Don’t Forget About The Entertainment Onboard
The Sapphire Princess is packed with entertainment options to keep you engaged during your sea days.
The Princess Theater is the largest venue and hosts Broadway-style productions featuring talented performers, spectacular costumes, and impressive sets. The theater is also home to musical performances, comedy shows, and guest entertainers throughout the journey. There were two shows each night: an early show for the late diners and a late one for the early diners.
For a more interactive entertainment setting, head to Princess Live! This venue hosts trivia, live broadcasts, and game shows. It is also where the famous (infamous) “Art Auctions” are held.
I’ve sailed on many ships for over 20 years and have never once found a piece of art I would want to display in my home at these auctions. However, as the art auction remains a staple on cruise ships, there must be a profit for the auction house. Someone is buying something!
We enjoyed the movies on the big screen in the open air at the Movies Under the Stars poolside cinema. With a giant movie screen and cozy lounge chairs, you can relax and enjoy the latest blockbusters, classic films, or even special events.
Everyone stops in the Casino while at sea. DH and I allowed ourselves $20 per night for gambling (mainly on the slot machines). After 32 days, I was actually ahead by nearly $100!
The downside of the Casino is that this is the one inside area where Princess still allows smoking. Supposedly, the Casino’s port (left) side is smoke-free, but the smoke is not contained on the starboard side. In fact, smoke is not contained in the Casino at all. It drifts out into the adjacent corridors. Also, it was evident that the machines that paid well were on the starboard side.
The Sapphire Princess offers a selection of duty-free shops, perfect for picking up souvenir magnets, watches, cameras, and jewelry. There are a few sundry items, like toothpaste or Advil, but you are better off buying them in port; they will be cheaper there.
When you want to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet drink, there’s a lounge or bar for every mood. Explorer’s Lounge offers a relaxed vibe with live music and cocktails. Skywalkers is a high-energy dance venue at night but provides a quiet space with stunning panoramic views during the day.
During the four days we spent traversing the Chilean Fjords, my husband and I spent a couple of hours each morning sipping coffee, reading, and enjoying the view from Skywalkers.
In the first half of the cruise, other passengers didn’t notice the area, so it was very quiet. However, after Santiago, when we entered the 2nd half of the cruise, this became a very popular place for large groups of people playing various card games.
Staying connected on board was easy with the ship’s Wi-Fi packages. The vessel is equipped with Starlink (satellite-driven internet access). Although internet speeds vary, we could do video conferencing and use our phones’ Wi-Fi calling features to keep up with business, keep in touch with family and friends, and share our travel experiences on social media.
If you don’t have or didn’t bring a “connected” device, there is an “Internet Café” on deck 7, where you can use one of the ship’s computers for a small fee if needed. This area gets busy the day before disembarkation, with many cruisers utilizing the facility to check in and print boarding passes for their flights home.
Dining Options Onboard The Ship
One of the highlights of any cruise is the dining experience, and the Sapphire Princess does not disappoint. With various options available, something suits every palate, whether you’re craving a casual meal, fine dining, or a specialty treat.
In general, you can eat quite well without spending any extra. The main dining room, the buffet, the pool deck grill, and pizza by the slice kiosks are all included in your cruise fare. Including one of “the Princess “Packages” in your fare will cover the cost of sodas, fresh juices, fancy coffees, and alcoholic drinks; otherwise, these items are an extra charge. Here are the key dining venues:
The “Main” Dining Rooms
Princess has moved away from one large dining room; most ships have at least four. Each dining room is themed in its decoration, but they primarily serve the same menu each night. The Sapphire Princess has five dining rooms: International, Pacific Moon, Santa Fe, Savoy, and Vivaldi.
One thing to note is that if you are in a “Reserve Collection” Cabin (generally the larger suites), a special seating area is set aside for these guests.
Traditional fixed seating and anytime dining allow guests to choose between a set schedule and more flexibility. However, today, most guests choose “anytime dining.” This is what we do, but we also generally eat dinner at the same time each night, around 7:30.
The menu features a wide selection of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts, with options ranging from international cuisine to traditional favorites. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, let your waitstaff know, and accommodations will be arranged. Because our 32-day sailing is actually two cruises back to back, the menu on the second half of the cruise was a repeat of that on the first half.
However, this didn’t leave us wanting, as 5 – 7 mains were typically offered each night, along with several appetizers and desserts. We were never bored with the choices. Moreover, it was hard to choose just one! Having the menu repeat in the second half of the cruise allowed us to try dishes we had passed up the first time.
Casual Dining Alternatives On The Ship
Horizon Court is the Sapphire Princess’s “Buffet” dining area. This restaurant is open from around 6:00 a.m. until around 9:00 p.m. The food choices rotate in and out throughout the day to reflect typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods.
All the food in Horizon Court is included in your cruise fare, including coffee, tea, juice, and lemonade. Many cruisers will come to the buffet to get their meal and then take it back to either their lounge area on deck or to the stateroom.
I am not a buffet fan, and we only ate here once, so I can’t speak to the quality or variety of the food. But from our friends and fellow cruisers, I understand the buffet is a place where Princess’s food service excels.
Sometimes, you want Room Service, and it is available 24/7 on the ship. Whether you want a late-night snack or a quiet breakfast in your cabin, room service is the perfect option for enjoying delicious meals in the comfort of your stateroom. But keep in mind the menu is limited, and a one-time charge is added to the first order.
The following venues circle the Piazza on deck 5 and are some of the busiest dining locations during the day
The International Café on the port side of deck 5 is nearly everyone’s favorite place for coffee and a light breakfast, lunch, or snack. Sweets and savories are served from early morning to late night. The International Café is the only place on the ship to get “fancy” coffee and tea.
You must have a beverage package or pay extra for your “fancy” coffee or drinks, but all the food is included in your basic cruise fare. We had breakfast at the International Café most port days as it was quick and tasty; the almond croissants are incredible!
Alfredo’s Pizzeria and Vines Wine Bar are on the starboard side of the Piazza. The food and drink at both locations are an upcharge unless you have included one of“the Princess “Packages” in your cruise fare.
When you dine at Alfredo’s, you will feel like you are at an Italian pizzeria. The menu is simple but includes a selection of antipasti, salads, brick-oven pizzas, and an excellent tiramisu for something sweet. Note: We always shared while each pizza was meant to be one serving, splitting an antipasto or salad and a pizza and getting our own dessert left us more than satisfied.
Vines Wine Bar is where you can sample some truly excellent wines by the glass. In addition to a wide selection of upscale wines, you can order the “charcuterie board” as a light lunch.
The one problem with this venue was the overflow of people from the International Café. The seating in Vines is open to the Piazza and, unlike Alfredo’s, not “hosted.” Having no host resulted in many folks who could not find seating at the Café or in the Piazza sitting at the tables in Vines. We often could not find seating, and when we did, the Vines staff were unsure if we were there for service or just more of the overflow from the Café.
Specialty Dining On The Sapphire Princess
For a more refined dining experience, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria serves exquisite Italian cuisine. You can indulge in handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. Complement your meal by selecting a glass or bottle from their extensive wine list.
As a “perk” for staying in a suite, Princess has a unique breakfast service at Sabatini’s each morning. We found some competition between the servers in Sabatini’s and our “Reserve Dining” venue. If we dined at one, the servers in the other venue were “sad” and missed us. Service and food in both dining rooms were excellent. To keep everyone happy, we simply alternated between the two for breakfast.
If you enjoy dining in an upscale steak house, you must visit Sterling Steak House. We ate here twice during our month-long cruise. The first time I had the filet mignon. My filet was delicious and cooked to perfection. The serving size was supposed to be 6 ounces, but it seemed larger and way more than I could eat. On the next visit, I had the sea bass. This was hands down the best piece of fish I’ve had in a long time. I know it’s weird that the best fish would be at the steak house, but there you have it.
There is an upcharge for the above restaurants
Cruising South America and Beyond: Highlights And Ports
We were to see 16 ports on this 32-day cruise. The initial itinerary looked like this:
Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Sea Day, Puerto Madryn, Sea Day, Falklands, Sea Day, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Sea Day, Amalia Glacier (essentially a Sea Day), Sea Day, Puerto Mont, Sea Day, San Antonio (Santiago), Coquimbo, Sea Day, Sea Day, Pisco, Lima (overnight), Sea Day, Manta, Sea Day, Puntarenas, Sea Day, Sea Day, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Sea Day, Sea Day, Los Angeles.
With this schedule, we would never spend more than two days at sea. However, due to weather, sea conditions, and political strife, we docked in only 14 ports.
After our stop in Punta Arenas, the weather prevented us from visiting the Amalia Glacier, and the Sapphire could not dock in Puerto Mont, leaving us cruising in and out of the Chilean Fjords for four days. Here’s a map of that part of the voyage that, Captain Todd McBain, of the Sapphire Princess provided us.
After leaving Lima, the Captain chose to skip port in Manta, Ecuador, as there had been political strife and assassination the day before we were scheduled to arrive. This choice made for another three long days at sea.
These Are The Ports I found To Be Most Enchanting
Our cruise overnighted in Buenos Aires. We boarded on Monday morning but didn’t sail until Tuesday evening, giving us a few days to explore this fascinating metropolis before heading on this 32-day adventure. Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a city brimming with history, culture, and passion. We did a food tour, saw a Tango show, and did many other touristy things in the city.
Falklands is a British Overseas Territory famous for its rugged beauty and incredible wildlife. We made port in the Falkland Islands (Stanley). Making a port in Stanley is significant as many cruises have this port on the itinerary. Still, strong winds and high seas often force ships to pass it. Learning about the island, its strategic importance, and its penguins was fun.
Known as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is located on the edge of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. This charming little town is often the jumping-off point for an expedition to Antarctica. With a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, there is plenty to see and do.
In the morning, we chose to do a boat trip through the Beagle Channel (named for the HMS Beagle, Darwin’s Ship).
Later, we walked through town and hoped to get a shot glass for our Hard Rock collection at the Hard Rock Café (yes, they have a location in this remote region). However, the area’s remoteness also meant they were all sold out of shot glasses and pins. Most disappointing. So we continued around town, tried some empanadas at a local eatery, bought postcards, and had them mailed from this far-away outpost.
We made port in San Antonio; from here, you can go to Santiago, Chile’s Capital, or Valparaiso. I chose Valparaiso because I have read several novels by Isabel Allende in which this port city played an important role.I was not disappointed. For people who visit Valparaiso and San Francisco (my hometown), you will quickly see the twinning between the two cities. I immediately felt at home.
Pisco, Peru, is best known as a gateway to the famous Nazca Lines and the Paracas National Reserve. If I could start my “career” life over again, I might have been an archeologist. I love the mysteries of these old places. The pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Hadrian’s Wall in England, and now the Nazca Lines.
The flight over the Nazca Lines was thrilling. You must understand your camera well to get good photographs in the few seconds you are over each “Gliph.” However, using my iPhone 14 Pro Max, I took these photos. With a few edits using the native editor (just my camera), I was happy with the photographs I came away with.
This was our second time in Lima, the capital of Peru. The city has a vibrant mix of history, culture, and cuisine. We did some sightseeing on this trip. Still, we were mainly happy to meet with Percy, our guide from the previous year, on our incredible journey to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu.
The grand finale of the cruise was Los Angeles, California—a city known for its entertainment, culture, and diverse attractions. For us, It is also our daughter’s home.
So Did We Find Cruising South America and Beyond A True 32-Day Adventure?
Yes! Our cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess offers a breathtaking mix of vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires to the serene beaches of Cabo San Lucas, this journey allowed us to explore some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, this cruise promises an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. With luxurious amenities, exceptional dining options, and world-class entertainment, the Sapphire Princess ensures that every moment of this grand voyage is as unforgettable as the destinations.
Each port showed us new and different facets of the countries of South America. Montevideo’s cultural richness, the natural wonders of the Falkland Islands, and the breathtaking landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Then, heading north, we stopped in Valparaiso, Chile, the lively metropolitan city of Lima, Peru, and the rainforest of Costa Rica before taking us home to California.
We we do a 32-Day Cruise again? Check out my article “How Long Is Too Long For A Cruise”
