Fort Lauderdale, Florida – 24 March 2026 – Princess Cruises has announced its 2027–28 South America and Antarctica season, with Majestic Princess set to sail a series of itineraries featuring 19 destinations and access to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the region.
The programme combines destination-led itineraries with scenic cruising in Antarctica, reinforcing the cruise line’s focus on immersive travel experiences across culturally and environmentally significant regions.
Broad destination mix across South America
The season will see Majestic Princess operate a range of voyages across South America, with itineraries designed to showcase a diverse mix of ports and regional highlights.
Guests will visit 19 destinations spanning multiple countries, with itineraries offering access to a wide range of cultural landmarks and natural attractions. A key feature of the programme is the inclusion of 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting a continued emphasis on heritage-driven travel.
The deployment aligns with growing traveller demand for itineraries that combine multiple countries and culturally significant experiences within a single journey.
Antarctica cruising remains a core draw
A defining element of the 2027–28 season is the inclusion of Antarctica itineraries, which continue to attract strong interest within the premium cruise segment.
Passengers will have the opportunity to experience scenic cruising through Antarctic waters, offering views of glaciers, ice formations and wildlife. These sailings are structured to deliver access to one of the world’s most remote regions while adhering to environmental regulations that limit onshore activity.
Antarctica continues to be positioned as a once-in-a-lifetime destination within the cruise sector, and its inclusion strengthens the overall appeal of the South America deployment.
Destination-led programming onboard
Majestic Princess, part of the cruise line’s Royal Class fleet, will offer a full range of onboard amenities alongside destination-focused programming tailored to the region.
Princess Cruises continues to integrate enrichment experiences into its itineraries, including lectures and cultural insights designed to complement the destinations visited. This approach supports a broader shift within the industry towards deeper engagement with each region rather than purely port-driven cruising.
The South America season reflects this evolution, balancing onboard experiences with meaningful destination exposure.
Relevance for Middle East travel trade
For the Middle East market, the announcement presents a strong opportunity for travel advisors to promote long-haul, experience-led itineraries to high-value travellers.
Demand for South America and Antarctica cruises has been gradually increasing among GCC travellers, particularly those seeking extended journeys that offer a combination of natural landscapes and cultural depth.
The 2027–28 timeframe provides ample lead time for trade partners to package these itineraries with international flights and pre- or post-cruise land programmes. This is particularly relevant for travellers departing from hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where connectivity to South America continues to expand via global airline networks.
Cruise lines remain reliant on regional trade partners to position these complex itineraries effectively, given their longer duration and premium pricing.
Industry context and forward planning
The launch of the 2027–28 South America season reflects a wider industry trend towards releasing itineraries earlier to capture forward demand and support long-term planning among travel advisors.
South America and Antarctica continue to play a strategic role in global cruise deployment, offering a combination of cultural significance and remote exploration that differentiates them from more traditional cruise regions.
By positioning Majestic Princess in the region, Princess Cruises is reinforcing its presence in the premium segment while responding to increasing interest in destination-rich voyages that prioritise depth of experience.
Source: Official announcement by Princess Cruise Line on 24 March, 2026
