- Chile
- South America and Antarctica: Santiago to Buenos Aires
Embark on an epic voyage from South America’s vibrant cities to the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. Discover the charm of Argentina, the culture of Uruguay, and the stunning fjords of Chile. Marvel at diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales, as you cruise through the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia and beyond.
Depart on your scheduled flight to Santiago.
Lunch & Dinner
This morning, transfer to the cruise terminal. Spend the afternoon exploring Santiago or settle in onboard and explore the ship’s facilities.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A day at sea aboard the MS Oosterdam offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in the ship's many amenities. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on deck, enjoying panoramic ocean views as you sip your coffee. Take a dip in the pool, relax in a hot tub, or lounge by the water with a good book. For those seeking activity, participate in onboard workshops and lectures. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or explore the boutique shops for a touch of retail therapy. As the sun sets, savour gourmet cuisine at one of the ship's dining venues, followed by live entertainment, from dazzling shows to lively music performances. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, a day at sea offers something for everyone.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Nestled in the heart of Chile’s stunning Los Lagos region, Puerto Montt is your gateway to breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the picturesque towns of Puerto Varas and Frutillar, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Osorno Volcano and shimmering Lake Llanquihue. Take advantage of one of the curated cruise excursions to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this remarkable destination.
Please Note: This stop requires a tender, there will be limited access for wheelchair users
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Puerto Chacabuco serves as the gateway to some of the region's most breathtaking natural wonders. Surrounded by majestic fjords, dense forests, and towering mountains, this remote port offers a tranquil escape into the wilderness. From here, you can explore the stunning Aysén region, including the picturesque Simpson River Valley and the serene landscapes of Río Simpson National Reserve.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Chilean Fjords as you cruise through one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. This breathtaking region, carved by ancient glaciers, features dramatic fjords flanked by snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as seals, dolphins, and even penguins are often spotted in these pristine waters. As your ship navigates the tranquil passages, you’ll feel immersed in the untouched wilderness of Patagonia, a place of unparalleled serenity and grandeur. This is nature at its most majestic, offering unforgettable vistas at every turn.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue on your scenic cruise through the mesmerizing Sarmiento Channel, one of the most captivating waterways in Patagonia. This narrow, winding channel, framed by towering mountains and lush forests, offers breathtaking views as your ship glides through its calm waters. The surrounding landscape is a pristine wilderness, with dramatic cliffs, snow-capped peaks, and occasional glimpses of wildlife, including sea lions and birds. As you sail through the Sarmiento Channel, you'll be treated to an unforgettable journey through one of the most remote and untouched regions of the world, where nature’s beauty is on full display at every turn.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Navigate through the Strait of Magellan, a historic 560-kilometer waterway between South America and Tierra del Fuego, once served as a crucial link between the Atlantic and Pacific before the Panama Canal. Your stop today will be Punta Arenas, located near the southern tip of Chile, is a lively city that serves as a gateway to Patagonia's rugged beauty. The city boasts attractions like Plaza de Armas with a statue of Ferdinand Magellan, the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, and sweeping views of the city and strait from Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint. To the south, the Cockburn Channel connects the Strait to the Beagle Channel, offering stunning vistas of fjords and glaciers, with highlights such as Pia Fjord, where waterfalls cascade into the water and ice calves from Pia Glacier, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cruising Glacier Alley, you can’t miss the cracking sound of the blue ice as it tumbles into the channel or the rush of ice-melt waterfalls. Along with all these natural wonders, passing through Glacier Alley comes with opportunities to see penguin rookeries, humpback whales and seals.
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, sits at the tip of Argentina, nestled between the towering Martial Mountains and the scenic Beagle Channel is our next port of call. As the capital of Tierra del Fuego, this remote town is surrounded by stunning natural wonders, including glaciers, snowcapped peaks, dense forests, and sparkling lakes.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Located at the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn has played a pivotal role in navigational history. Discovered in 1615, it became the primary route for trade ships traveling between Europe and the Americas before the Panama Canal opened in 1914. Marking the entrance to the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. While the island appears desolate, it is home to a variety of seabirds. Rounding Cape Horn remains a significant feat for sailors and a thrilling experience for travellers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A Day at sea aboard the MS Oosterdam offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in the ship's many amenities. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on deck, enjoying panoramic ocean views as you sip your coffee. Take a dip in the pool, relax in a hot tub, or lounge by the water with a good book. For those seeking activity, participate in onboard workshops and lectures. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or explore the boutique shops for a touch of retail therapy. As the sun sets, savour gourmet cuisine at one of the ship's dining venues, followed by live entertainment, from dazzling shows to lively music performances. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, a day at sea offers something for everyone.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day scenic cruise to the awe-inspiring Antarctic region, where pristine landscapes, dramatic icebergs, and breathtaking wildlife await. Your journey begins as you head south to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica.
Arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula, the land of snow-capped peaks, majestic glaciers, and vast ice shelves. This day offers incredible views of Antarctica’s stark beauty. The ship will cruise through ice-filled waters, passing towering icebergs and floating glaciers, offering the chance for breathtaking photos and experiences. Keep an eye out for penguin colonies, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
Continue exploring Antarctica’s coastline, taking in the awe-inspiring views of towering glaciers and jagged mountains. Pass through scenic waterways and fjords, where icebergs rise from the sea. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy watching penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitats. The scenic cruise provides ample opportunity for wildlife photography and sightseeing.
After a full exploration of the stunning Antarctic waters and ice formations, continue on your cruise as you head towards the Falkland Islands. Enjoy scenic cruising through the Southern Ocean, with opportunities to take in the vast open seas and dramatic landscapes along the way.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A Day at sea aboard the MS Oosterdam offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in the ship's many amenities. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on deck, enjoying panoramic ocean views as you sip your coffee. Take a dip in the pool, relax in a hot tub, or lounge by the water with a good book. For those seeking activity, participate in onboard workshops and lectures. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or explore the boutique shops for a touch of retail therapy. As the sun sets, savour gourmet cuisine at one of the ship's dining venues, followed by live entertainment, from dazzling shows to lively music performances. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, a day at sea offers something for everyone.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stanley, the southernmost capital in the world, is the heart of the Falkland Islands, a British territory rich in history and culture. Nestled among the archipelago's two main islands and smaller surrounding isles, Stanley proudly showcases its British heritage with iconic red telephone boxes and traditional pubs. Once a base for whaling and sealing, the Falklands' economy now thrives on fishing and tourism.
Please Note: This stop requires a tender, there will be limited access for wheelchair users
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A Day at sea aboard the Oosterdam offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in the ship's many amenities. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on deck, enjoying panoramic ocean views as you sip your coffee. Take a dip in the pool, relax in a hot tub, or lounge by the water with a good book. For those seeking activity, participate in onboard workshops and lectures. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or explore the boutique shops for a touch of retail therapy. As the sun sets, savour gourmet cuisine at one of the ship's dining venues, followed by live entertainment, from dazzling shows to lively music performances. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, a day at sea offers something for everyone.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Known as the "Gateway to the Peninsula Valdés," this charming port town offers visitors a chance to explore rugged landscapes, and diverse marine life. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on excursions to see impressive colonies of sea lions, penguins, and even the rare southern right whale. The nearby Valdés Peninsula is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot cormorants, seagulls, South American terns, shearwaters, petrels and oystercatchers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A Day at sea aboard the MS Oosterdam offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in the ship's many amenities. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on deck, enjoying panoramic ocean views as you sip your coffee. Take a dip in the pool, relax in a hot tub, or lounge by the water with a good book. For those seeking activity, participate in onboard workshops and lectures. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or explore the boutique shops for a touch of retail therapy. As the sun sets, savour gourmet cuisine at one of the ship's dining venues, followed by live entertainment, from dazzling shows to lively music performances. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, a day at sea offers something for everyone.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Punta del Este, Uruguay’s glamorous seaside resort, is famed for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and upscale attractions. Often called the "St. Tropez of South America," it blends natural beauty with cosmopolitan flair. Explore the iconic "La Mano" sculpture, stroll through the charming old town, or relax on pristine beaches. For a more adventurous experience, Book on the Sea Lion Island tour and explore the incredible sea lion habitat at Isla de Lobos, a national reserve just six miles off the coast of Punta del Este. Hop aboard a local boat or catamaran that will take you to the island, home to the world’s largest non-migratory sea lion colony. Nature lovers will be captivated by the sight of these remarkable creatures in their natural environment.
Please Note: This stop requires a tender, there will be limited access for wheelchair users
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, offers a relaxed, cosmopolitan charm often overshadowed by Buenos Aires across the Río de la Plata. Its approachable atmosphere, excellent steakhouses, and mix of neighbourhoods make it uniquely appealing. The revitalized Ciudad Vieja boasts colonial architecture, trendy restaurants, and bars, while downtown features Art Deco gems. Modern eastern suburbs, with their skyscrapers and beachfront cafés, provide a Miami-like vibe. Whether enjoying a stroll along the Malecon or savouring local cuisine, Montevideo leaves a lasting impression.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a free day exploring the vibrant city often called the "Paris of South America." Discover iconic neighbourhoods like Recoleta and Palermo, celebrated for their stunning architecture, lively plazas, and charming café culture.
Breakfast
Disembark in Buenos Aires to catch your return flight to the UK or opt to extend your stay and explore this dynamic city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £661.25pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ after the day you plan to leave Chile. You can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa.
The Chilean immigration authorities will give you a tourist card (‘tarjeta de turismo’), an A5-sized white form. Keep it safe and give it to immigration when you leave the country.
To enter Argentina, your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you are a resident in Argentina, your passport must be valid for entry. You can visit Argentina without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days.
To enter Uruguay, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp. You can visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days.
Please note that final flight details, including terminal, airline and baggage allowance, will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org. uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies, please remember to bring additional prescription medication for at least 2 weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills, and getting on and off the cruise ship. This tour may not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK On board our ships, U.S. dollars are the only currency accepted. We also accept U.S. travellers' checks. In most ports of call, you may easily exchange your currency into the local currency at banks, airports, and major hotels. All onboard purchases and services in US Dollars are charged to your account by using your stateroom keycard. Cash is not accepted for individual transactions, e.g. bars, shops, spas, shore excursions. Cash is accepted in our casinos. Whilst in the Chilean Ports, the currency used is Chilean peso. For Uruguay it will be Uruguayan Peso and Argentina is Argentine pesos. It is advised that you order the smaller denominations when getting your currency ordered.
PLEASE NOTE: There is not an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in for your cruise in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit or use a debit card. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any extras not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400-500 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your Cruise. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour.
PLEASE NOTE: There is not an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board.
Tipping
The Crew Appreciation charge is paid to Holland America Line team members and represents an important part of their compensation. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required.
Tipping is customary on most cruise liners, a daily charge will be applied to your onboard account. If you would like to adjust the amount or make your own tipping arrangements, please visit the customer service desk onboard at the start of your cruise.
The maximum number of travellers on your cruise will be dependent upon the Cruise ship capacity. (1,964 max cruise capacity). Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
Excursions during your cruise are in shared services, meaning that these excursions are not exclusive to Mercury Holidays customers, you will have an English-Speaking local guide present during these excursions ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge. This guide will only be available during excursions.
Transportation to and from the airport will be provided by private transfers for your group.
Your Stateroom category is based on an inside. You have the option of upgrading to other stateroom types, please contact the reservations team for this. All group tour Cruise ships/hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
In addition to breakfast, lunch and a multi-course dinner, you can enjoy afternoon tea, hearty salads, comfort classics, global cuisine, an ice cream bar, hot hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hours, and the traditional late-night snack. Complimentary In-Room Dining is available 24 hours a day. Drinks are payable onboard, however there are beverage package options available to pre book.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for onboard. Please advise Customer Experience about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. The suggested attire for most evenings is resort casual, slacks and collared shirts for men, and casual dresses, slacks and informal eveningwear for women. On Dressy Nights women usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and men wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo.
There will be around 3 formal dress nights for this cruise
On your arrival in Santiago, you will be met by your driver at the exit, after baggage claim. The driver will be holding a sign displaying your name.
Boarding Procedures
We strongly encourage you to complete the Online Check in Process at hollandamerica.com and to if you are able too; download the Holland America Line Navigator App. After you have completed the Online Check-in process, please print a Boarding Pass or access your electronic boarding pass on Navigator App. Upon arrival at the pier, you will need to present your Boarding Pass, have your passport and applicable visas verified and your picture taken if you have not uploaded a photo on Navigator. Your stateroom keycard will be delivered to your stateroom. Please Note: This online procedure must be completed prior to your sail date. If you completed the Online Check-in, please have the following documents ready to present at check-in: • Express Docs including your Boarding Pass • Proper proof of citizenship • Applicable Visas
U.S. government security regulations require Holland America to submit certain guest information to law enforcement authorities at least 60 minutes prior to departure. To meet this requirement, the necessary information is needed in our records at least 90 minutes before departure. If we do not have your information by this deadline, you will be unable to sail. Guests are urged to complete the Online Check-in process before leaving home. Guests who wait to check in at the terminal risk being unable to sail even if they arrive at the terminal before the vessel leaves. You will be responsible for all costs you incur to join the vessel at the next port. Ship Identification Card: Upon completion of check-in you will receive a ship identification card. This ship ID card serves as your identification for security procedures when embarking and disembarking the ship, and for making purchases on board. It is also your access card to your stateroom.
Please Note: Please have your ship ID card and a valid picture identification issued by an official government agency ready and available whenever getting on or off the ship, as you will need to scan your ship ID card at the gangway for boarding. Also, although not required at the ship gangway, you may be required to present a valid picture ID to pass through terminal security.
Embarkation Time: Boarding begins at 12:00 pm. All guests must be checked in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time.
To allow us to expedite immigration clearances in the various countries you will be asked to surrender your passport to our staff upon check-in. Some clearances will require face to face inspections, details will be communicated to you onboard. Rest assured that your passport will be fully secured by our staff. Regardless, it is always good practice, when travelling, to make copies of your passport pages before departing.
Holland America embarkation procedures are smooth and easy. You carry nothing but your hand baggage, and everything is beautifully organized. Although embarkation may begin as early as 11:30am, the previous sailing guests will have just disembarked, and we will still be in the process of preparing the ship for your cruise. We anticipate that your stateroom will be ready at approximately 1:00pm. Therefore, you are welcome to make yourself at home in the bar, lounge or pool areas. Your baggage will arrive in your stateroom later that afternoon.