NCL South America: Unforgettable Ports and Experiences

Imagine sailing through the majestic waters of South America with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). You'll have the opportunity to visit incredible ports, each with its own unique charm and experiences.

You'll dock in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and have the chance to explore the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. The vibrant city is a feast for the senses, with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, you'll discover the city's European flair, with grand architecture, world-class museums, and passionate tango performances. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the city's famous asado, a traditional barbecue feast.

From the Amazon rainforest to the Galapagos Islands, NCL's South America cruises offer a chance to explore some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet.

A sea day on NCL's South America cruise is a great opportunity to relax and unwind. You can lounge poolside with an umbrella drink.

The Freestyle Daily is a great resource to check for shopping seminars, special sales, and other activities happening on board.

NCL's ships have up to 22 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe. You can dance at Bliss Ultra Lounge or sip champagne at one of the many bars.

Christmas Eve dinner on NCL is not special, just the regular night 3 menu. If you're looking for some holiday cheer, you can attend a Christmas sing-a-long.

You can catch a Broadway Cabaret performance in the Bliss Lounge by the production show cast. They also offer fascinating lectures by the expedition team, like the one on continental drift.

The promenade deck is a great place to take a walk after eating every hour or so. You can also spend hours running up and sliding down giant sand dunes on a beach stop.

South America Ports offer a range of experiences for NCL guests, from the vibrant city of Buenos Aires to the stunning natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

The ports of call on an NCL South America cruise include Montevideo, Uruguay, where guests can explore the Old City and its historic architecture.

One of the most popular ports is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for its iconic beaches and vibrant Carnival celebrations.

In the port of Lima, Peru, guests can visit the ancient Inca city of Chan Chan and explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

Montevideo, Uruguay, is a city that effortlessly balances a relaxed atmosphere with a rich cultural tapestry. Its European-style architecture and broad boulevards like Avenida 18 de Julio make it a shopper's and foodie's paradise.

You can easily spend hours exploring the historic Solis Theatre, a hub for the performing arts, or the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, renowned for its mouth-watering steak and seafood. The city's coastline, with its 20-kilometre-long rambla along the Rio de la Plata, is perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and jogging.

The local tango scene is a must-experience in Montevideo, with lively milongas (tango clubs) offering an immersive cultural experience.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina is a must-visit port for nature lovers.

Located in Argentina, Puerto Madryn is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding wildlife.

The largest penguin colony in South America is found in Punta Tombo, just a two-hour drive from the port.

During the breeding season, roughly from September to April, over a million magellanic penguins call Punta Tombo home.

This was one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences I've had on a cruise, and I highly recommend booking a private tour through Shore Excursions Group.

While the penguins stole the show, Punta Tombo is also home to other unique wildlife, including the guanaco, a wild llama-like animal.

Ushuaia, Argentina is a port that offers a unique experience for travelers. It's known as "The End of the World" due to its remote location.

The temperature in Ushuaia can be quite extreme, changing from shorts to parkas in just a few days. This is a notable change from the previous locations visited.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is a great place to explore near Ushuaia. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Ushuaia is a great base for private tours, such as the one we took to sail through the Beagle Channel. This tour was booked through Shore Excursions Group and offered a chance to see thousands of penguins and dozens of sea lions.

Celebrating milestones, like keeping a human alive for 11 years with minimal trauma, is a great way to spend the day in Ushuaia.

Santiago, Chile is a vibrant city set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes.

The historic Plaza de Armas, founded in 1541, is the cultural heart of Santiago, where you can admire the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office's architecture.

Santiago is nestled at the foot of the Andes in the Maipo River Valley.

The port of San Antonio is the gateway to Santiago, which is around an hour and half away.

The bustling Mercado Central offers a variety of fresh seafood and traditional dishes, making it a culinary highlight of the city.

Nearby, you can visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases Chilean and South American art.

Bellavista, known for its colorful street art and lively atmosphere, is home to La Chascona, the house of poet Pablo Neruda.

Inland lies the sun-kissed wine regions of Casablanca and Maipo Maipo Valley, Chile's renowned wine region.

After disembarking from the NCL South America cruise, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The ship docks at the Port of Buenos Aires, which is a short distance from the city center.

You can take a taxi or shuttle from the port to your hotel, or explore the city on your own. The city's famous Cabildo and Plaza de Mayo are just a short walk from the port.

One of the highlights of the post-cruise experience is the opportunity to explore the city's famous markets, such as the Feria de San Telmo, which is a great place to find unique souvenirs and try local cuisine.

The Norwegian Star itinerary was a real treat. We had a total of 14 days at sea, with stops in various ports along the South American coast.

One of the highlights was our visit to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where we spent a full day exploring the city's famous streets and landmarks.

Our first port of call was Montevideo, Uruguay, where we enjoyed a leisurely morning stroll along the scenic coastal promenade.

We also visited the charming town of Punta del Este, Uruguay, known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque harbor.

The Norwegian Star was a great base for our adventures, offering a range of onboard amenities and activities to keep us entertained.

From the ship's pool to the spa and fitness center, there was always something to do or see.