cruise ferry scorpio

• Amazon Cruises
• Chile & Argentina
• Galapagos & Machu Picchu
• Galapagos Islands
• Galapagos Islands Cruises
• Galapagos Islands Land Tours
• Machu Picchu
• 2024 New Trips & Tours
• Bucket List
• Luxury Tours
• Most Popular
• Multi Country
• Multi Sport
• Scuba Diving
• Snowshoeing
• Trekking and Hiking
• Whitewater Rafting
• Why Travel With Us
• Meet the Team
• Special Offers

Search form

• Call Call Us: 877-784-5400 Stay
• 877-784-5400

Southern Explorations

Let our travel experts customize a trip for you.

Physical Rating:

This trip is rated: easy, how we rate our trips.

• Itinerary / Map
• Photos & Video
• Boat Details
• Trip Reviews

Skorpios III

Most Popular Chile Trips & Tours

Santiago & Surrounding Vineyards - The fertile heartland, this midland area of Chile enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with maximum temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C) in January and 50°F (10°C) in July. The rainy season lasts from May to August. Evenings and nights can be cool, even during the summer. General Patagonia - The area south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé covers about 30% of the total land area of Chile. It is a rugged, mountainous region of tremendous beauty. Westerly winds and storms often drop enormous amounts of snow and rain on the seaward slopes. In the Magellanes and Tierra del Fuego areas, temperatures in summer average 52°F (11°C). Dampness and wind chill can make it feel cooler so layered clothing and good waterproof gear are musts. The weather year-round is highly unpredictable, and in summer be prepared for incessant winds that lessen in the winter. In the shoulder season months, November and March, winds are not likely to be as strong as during the peak of summer. Torres Del Paine - The weather is famously unpredictable in this area and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours. Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect temperatures ranging between 50° F (10° C) and 70° F (20 ° C) with the occasional hot day of 78° F (25° C). Temperatures can drop to zero at night, and high winds are common in this area. Travelers should be prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and pack accordingly. Good head-to-toe, breathable waterproof clothing is essential.

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

M/V Skorpios III

• All airport/hotel transfers
• All hotel accommodations
• All listed activities
• English-speaking certified guides
• Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
• Meals as indicated
• Southern Explorations pre-departure services
• Airport taxes, international and local
• Domestic airfare within South America
• International airfare to and from Central & South America
• Tips and gratuities
• Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)

The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015. They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels.   - Sharon McRae (Torres del Paine/Galapagos Islands)

Our experience from our first exploratory call to the Seattle office was excellent. Prompt and courteous responses and they accommodated our specific needs for a combined Patagonia and Galapagos trip. I cannot think of anything that was not satisfactory. I recommend Southern Explorations highly.   -Lyn Arscott (Patagonia & Galapagos Island Cruise)

Basically the trip was perfect. Our wishes about big things were totally fulfilled, like exploring Rio Brian, going up Valle del Silencio, etc. Our wishes for small things (low sugar, low gluten, good photo opps) were exceeded. It was a totally excellent trip. Your ability to deal with the unexpected was amazing .. weather, my injuries, our changing our minds. It was an amazing trip! And SE agent gave us all kinds of good advice before we left.   -Brian & Lynne Collins, USA (Chile)

Thank you for a wonderful introduction to South America and excellent vacation. We will be returning to other SA venues in the coming years and will be sure to contact Southern Explorations for assistance.   -Gordon McPhee, South Carolina (Chile & Argentina)

This was a trip of a lifetime. The highlight was the Explora Lodge with unbelievable hikes and horseback riding. Also, the Perito Moreno Glacier was fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. - Kyle Craig, Colorado (Patagonia)

“The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015.  They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels.” - Sharon McRae (Cruceros Australis + Hotel Las Torres)

Recent Blogs

Good kharma, southern explorations proudly featured in the press and member of the following organizations:.

Sailing the Chilean Fjords on a Skorpios Glacier Cruise

• Last Updated: July 11, 2019

Our review of Skorpios Cruceros’ Kaweskar Route in the Chilean Fjords, one of the coolest glacier cruises in the world!

11’700 years ago the last Ice Age came to an end and the modern world as we know it began to expose itself.

Thousands of glaciers had carved out the landscape, creating valleys, gorges and jagged cliffs. As the ice melted into rivers and flowed into the oceans, many untapped regions became accessible to new life.

Today in many parts of the world the glaciers have disappeared, with the only evidence of their existence remaining being the valleys they’ve left behind.

Patagonia is one of the exceptions.

After trekking the O Circuit and staying at the marvellous EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park , we had one final adventure in Southern Chile before heading back into Argentina – a glacier cruise with Skorpios Cruceros .

We’ve always been fascinated with glaciers, and have visited as many as possible in Canada, Central Asia and Antarctica. With climate change dramatically warming the planet we wanted to see as many glaciers as possible before they recede forever.

The Chilean Fjords stretch along the Southern Patagonian Ice Field on the west coast of South America. Home to an abundance of marine life and staggeringly gorgeous channels, it is unrivalled in terms of easily-reached beauty.

Exploring them by boat is the best way to appreciate this region’s splendour, and for 3 nights we had the privilege of visiting glaciers that few people have every seen.

READ MORE: Check out our complete travel to Chile guide.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Welcome Party And Sailing The Channels

Amalia glacier, el brujo glacier, the calvo fjord, alsina glacier, montañas fjord and captain’s dinner, departing the kaweskar route, the kaweskar route.

Our 3-night glacier cruise started in the town of Puerto Natales , the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most phenomenal landscapes.

We were going on Skorpios Cruceros’ Kaweskar Route , which motored through some fantastic coves and channels that no other company visits.

Named after the local indigenous people of the area, the main attraction for the Kaweskar Route is getting as close as possible to some of the most remarkable glaciers in the Chilean Fjords.

The ship that makes the journey is the Skorpios III – a small ice-strengthened passenger ferry that would be our home for the next few nights under the control of the family-run business.

While not being high-end luxury, the Skorpios III offers all the amenities that would make any boat journey supremely comfortable – lounge areas, spacious bedrooms and ample deck space to admire the impeccable views.

To make things even more enjoyable every Skorpios cruise is all-inclusive . Your food, excursions and alcohol are all part of the package, so when you step foot on board there is no need to keep an eye on your wallet every time you hit the bar.

We knew from the moment we arrived that this was going to be a fun and memorable trip.

We walked to the Skorpios port just outside of town and made our way to the ship just after 4pm. Security was relaxed, as most things tend to be in Patagonia, and we wandered straight up the gangway with the staff smiling at us.

When we got inside we met one of the managers, and she took our passports and gave a briefing of the day’s schedule. Afterwards we were shown to our room on the 4th deck.

Not quite knowing what to expect, we opened the door and our jaws dropped. The room was enormous with a sitting area and a queen-sized bed, and the bathroom was one of the largest we’ve seen in all of South America.

Once we’d finished our check in and stashed our backpacks away we went downstairs to attend the mandatory safety briefing.

As to be expected on these types of cruises safety is of the highest importance, and everything was explained clearly and concisely in English and Spanish of what would happen in the very unlikely event of an emergency.

The briefings out of the way, we then made our way to the bar and started to mingle with our fellow guests.

Tea and coffee was always ready to go, but we went straight for the wine and pisco sours that were on offer. While our Spanish is approaching basic conversational level, we were excited to meet a group of people from Australia, the UK and the US that we could chat with as well.

The free-flowing drinks were going down quite smoothly when suddenly we departed from Puerto Natales and started cruising into the famous Chilean Fjords.

Everybody grabbed their drinks and headed upstairs to the outer decks, cameras in hand, to admire the beautiful weather. As Puerto Natales disappeared behind the islands we stayed out as long as we could before the wind picked up and we headed down to get ready for dinner.

The first meal was simple yet delicious. Someone had warned us not to expect much on this cruise, but we were very surprised with the quality of the dishes.

We were put on a table with a group of Chileans and Argentinians, and they were amazingly friendly. They would be a meal-buddies for the entire trip, and the local wine on the table definitely helped us with our Spanish language skills.

Afterwards a few people headed to the bar to enjoy the all-inclusive alcohol, but we opted for an early night. We didn’t want to feel hungover for the next day’s excursion. Crawling into our comfortable bed we were asleep within minutes as the Skorpios III powered through the night.

Day 2 – Amalia Glacier, El Brujo And The Calvo Fjord

We’ve never felt happier to wake up fresh, because when we crawled out of bed we opened our curtains and saw that it was a clear morning. The sky was radiantly glowing!

Naturally we ran outside to take some photos, and quickly found out how windy and cold it was. This was the last trip of the season, and winter was definitely coming to Patagonia.

We were cruising into a channel and as the day got lighter we could see the Amalia Glacier tumbling down into the sea. This was going to be our first excursion, and seeing the glacier in the distance triggered our excitement.

Once we snapped our shots we headed down for the buffet breakfast, then got ready for our zodiac ride to the mainland.

In typical fashion Alesha and I were too busy taking photos from the deck to make it down in time for the first zodiacs. As a result we were left with the last boat heading out.

Normally this wouldn’t be a problem. However being on the last one meant we had to wait for the stragglers, which predictably were people not in a rush at all to go and see the glacier.

For the next 25 minutes we sat there while chilled out locals laughed and giggled about how they had forgotten their camera, or wanted to go get another coffee, or needed to go to the bathroom one last time, or finding it hilarious that Maria had chosen that very moment to have a shower.

Alesha and I bit our tongues, but couldn’t help get frustrated as the sun kept rising and our time on the mainland may be cut short because no one was in a hurry.

Moral of the story – get on the first zodiac.

When we did eventually make it to shore we ran to catch up with the other groups, who had already seen the sun peak over the mountains and caught that first beautiful sight of the glacier.

Any frustrations we previously had disappeared as we found ourselves on a rocky paradise speckled with lagoons and chunks of ice.

The short hike to the top of a hill gave us a wide view of the mesmerising Amalia Glacier. The lighting wasn’t perfect for photos, so that gave us a good excuse to simply sit down and appreciate this spectacular frozen river.

And in all honesty, how could we complain about perfect weather when the last few cruises had supposedly been rained on the entire time?

The Amalia Glacier has receded almost more than any other glacier in Patagonia, retreating over 5km since 1945. We felt honoured to be able to see it while we could.

After 30 minutes or so it was time to head back to the Skorpios III. This time Alesha and I took our time heading back, and being on the last zodiac simply meant more time with the glacier.

Our next excursion after morning tea would be to El Brujo Glacier. ‘ The Wizard ‘ in English, El Brujo is a relatively small glacier, but with a towering face that creates a dramatic scene.

The zodiacs made the quick trip to an exposed chunk of magmatic rock and all of the passengers sat down to admire another one of nature’s wonders up close.

This glacier is quite active, and we witnessed chunks of ice tumble down into the sea, sending waves towards the rocks. We then realised why our Skorpios guides had insisted we left our life jackets on.

Back onboard we enjoyed a tasty lunch then had some time to relax before the afternoon’s adventure. While some people headed off to have a nap or chill in their rooms, we ended up back in the bar sipping on pisco sours and wine.

You know that if the crew are getting excited for an excursion then it is probably going to be amazing.

The Calvo Fjord is sensational stretch of water that is home to a large number of glaciers. Rather than exploring it in the zodiacs, the Skorpios team had a special icebreaker that was waiting in one of the bays.

The mid-sized vessel pulled up to the gangway and we all loaded on, with quite a few of us making a charge for the open bow for the best vistas.

Leaving the Skorpios III behind, we motored our way into the Calvo Fjord, the perfectly calm water creating mirrored reflections against the mountains above.

For 3 and a half hours we explored every inch of the Calvo Fjord. People claim it is the most beautiful location in all of the Chilean Fjords, and having seen it ourselves it is hard to argue the point.

One of the traditions for the Calvo Fjord excursion is to enjoy a glass of scotch with millennia-old glacier ice. We were all given a souvenir Skorpios tumbler glass filled with ice collected and washed from the sea, and topped with the delicious spirit.

The captain gave a toast, we clinked our glasses and settled in for the gorgeous ride back as the sun set over the peaks.

Returning to the ship we all had a bit of a buzz going, and with our stomachs rumbling settled in for the evening’s sprawling dinner and free-flowing wine again.

Day 3 – Alsina Glacier, Bernal Glacier And The Montañas Fjord

Once again we woke up, cracked the curtains and instantly flooded our room with light. It was another glorious morning, and we were ecstatic!

For whatever reason the ship had been delayed during the night, which meant the day’s journeys would be pushed back an hour or so. We weren’t complaining though, as that meant we had more time to enjoy the scenery.

After breakfast we used that extra time to have another coffee and admire the views from the deck. A few of our fellow passengers braved the cold to stand outside, and we chatted excitedly as we neared our next destination with postcard-perfect views all around us.

A pod of dolphins decided to join us, and we all rushed to the starboard side to watch them play around in our wake.

The first excursion was to the Alsina Glacier, a picturesque spot that fronts right up to the edge of a small bay.

The zodiacs were craned off the Skorpios III again, and we made our way to the gangway. The crew loaded us all safely then we set off into the bay.

This particular excursion didn’t have us disembarking the zodiacs. Instead we drifted quietly next to the Alsina Glacier. Once all the boats had entered the bay the captains shut the engines off and we sat there in silence, focused on the sounds of the glacier cracking and moaning.

Our boats then took turns to cruise the face of the glacier, getting as close as safely possible, before returning to the Skorpios III.

Lunch was waiting for us when we got back on the ship, and we tucked into a tasty meal while we motored to our last glacier of the journey.

Bernal Glacier

The Bernal Glacier is in the final stages of its retreat due to global warming, and it no longer reaches the sea. While this is tragic to see, it has left behind a beautiful environment.

The zodiacs landed on the rocky shore and we began our short, 500m hike to the end of the glacier. Trekking through stunted trees and over stones took us between a turquoise lagoon, glistening in the afternoon sun.

When we finally reached the Bernal Glacier we could walk around to its side and actually touch it. We could see the ice melting right in front of us, and the deep blue hues shined brightly from different angles.

As this was our final glacier of the Skorpios Cruise we spent as much time as possible there. Alesha and I sat down on a rock and thought about how lucky we were to see these frozen masterpieces before they disappeared forever.

The hike back to the zodiacs was quick, and when we returned to the ship we had a drink, then two, then three, before the icebreaker from the previous day came up to meet us.

Before the sun set we jumped back on and went for a final cruise around Montañas Fjord. The mood onboard was quite jovial, and with the captivating colours blitzing across the sky we all made the most of the last few moments of daylight in the Chilean Fjords.

The grand finale was waiting for us when we got back to the ship. At the end of every Skorpios Cruise they have the famous ‘Captain’s Dinner’ – a complete smorgasbord to say thanks to everyone for joining the crew on this amazing journey.

When we walked into the dining room there was a huge chunk of glacial ice lit up at the end of the table, with an enormous collection of food spread out for nearly 10 metres.

We grabbed our seats and were handed audio translators. The captain stood up and gave a great speech, thanking the passengers for joining them on this majestic journey, and describing the origins of the Skorpios Cruceros company and how it grew as a family-run business.

Every crew member is part of the same family, with the brothers and one sister being the managers and officers, and their cousins running the kitchen, bar and rooms.

It’s wonderful to see such a strong family unity, and it was easy to see they loved their jobs, and each other.

Afterwards the dinner began and there was a mad rush to get to the tables. What we didn’t know at the time was that most of the food available was some of the best, gourmet seafood that could be found in Chile, including abalone, king crab and oysters, as well as a whole selection of meats and salads.

Luckily we had a local explain to us what all the best food was, so we could grab some before it disappeared. We filled our plates then got tucked into it. The food on our Antarctica trip was amazing…but this was next level….

We filled our stomachs to the point of exploding, and tucked into the best Chilean wine available. When everyone had finished their meals the plates were cleared, the tables removed and the dining room turned into a dance club!

The youngest crew member stepped up as the DJ and local pop music started cranking out of the speakers. Everybody got up for a dance, grooving off the kilos of food they had just consumed.

Once Alesha and I had done our bit of shaking we decided to head upstairs to grab a drink in the quiet lounge. The rest of the English-speaking passengers were also up there and we sat up for a few more hours talking about our travels.

When we headed to bed we were parked outside of Puerto Natales, ready to dock in the morning.

We woke up feeling a little dusty after all the wines and pisco sours, but managed to get down in time for breakfast. We swapped details with our fellow passengers and made plans to try and catch up whenever we made it into each other’s parts of the world.

Disembarking at Puerto Natales brought that chapter to an end. This was the last sailing of the Kaweskar Route for the season, and the crew were all looking forward to having the winter to work on different projects.

For us we’d wander back into Argentina and onwards to further Patagonian fields. Who knows if we’ll ever end up back in this part of Chile?

We’d like to think one day we will, and hopefully climate change hasn’t affected the glaciers too much. Still we had better return sooner rather than later.

The Kaweskar Route with Skorpios Cruceros was truly remarkable. Exploring the Chilean Fjords in itself is a beautiful experience, but being one of the lucky few who have ever seen some of the most threatened glaciers in Patagonia is something we will never forget.

[box] Our cruise through the Chilean Fjords was done in collaboration with Skorpios Cruceros. All thoughts, opinions, and glasses of scotch drank with 15’000-year-old glacial ice is, as always, our own.[/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

GoPro HERO 12 Review – Is it Worth Buying in 2024?

Surviving The World’s Most Dangerous Hike – Mt Huashan

25 AWESOME Things to Do in Banff, Canada

Related Posts

Espresso display review – is this the best portable monitor in 2024, 6 months travelling – backpacking in south east asia highlights, wineglass bay walk and hazards beach circuit hiking guide, kale konak cave hotel review, 10 thoughts on “sailing the chilean fjords on a skorpios glacier cruise”.

Thank you for taking me to Chile. I will never be able to travel myself but really e enjoyed seeing yours.

Thank you so much for your comment Judi. Glad you liked the post. 🙂

Great blog and pictures! My husband and I took this trip in March, and loved it too!

Thank you so much. We are so glad you had a great time. It is a beautiful part of the world. 🙂

What an adventure! Chile is an incredible country, I was fortunate enough to explore a lot of the country and loved every moment! It has such a diversity of climates and landscapes. I also took a cruise to visit glaciers – but in Alaska! A truly unforgettable trip.

Thank you for your comment Mark. You are definitely right about the diversity of climates and landscape. It is such a stunning country. Wow, a tour in Alaska would have been amazing. Alaska is on our list. We would love to get up there one day soon. Happy travels

Nature is just beyond the thinking. It looks like you had great time to enjoy at amazing places. Love the Pictures. Great Article.

Thank you so much. We had a great time. Chile has amazed us. The landscape has been incredible. Thanks for reading. Happy travels

Looks like you guys had an awesome experience!

We did. it was amazing. 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• +56 2 2570 8620
• Contact us!

[email protected]

Skorpios Cruises

2 cruises found.

• Ordenar por:
• Shortest duration first t Longer duration first Lower price first Highest price first Best comments first Worst comments first

Sail through the immensity of this lands and seas, where is the world biggest ecological reserve.

Among fjords and Patagonian channels, discover the stunning Kaweskar Route with all the comforts of the Skorpios II Cruise, sailing on Tuesday…

From USD $2.400

From USD $2.530

Skorpios cruises, Patagonia & Magellanes

Chile info:

Skorpios, Cruises to Chilean Patagonia and the Magellanes region

Luxury Cruises

The company has one of the largest shipping fleets in the Southern Cone, consisting of 2 tourist vessels and more than 30 cargo ships, a shipyard and a naval machine shop; thermal springs in Fiordo Quintralco; offices in Santiago, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. All this infrastructure makes the company self sufficient and a leading and reliable tour operator in Patagonia.

The company owns two cruise ships, the M/V Skorpios II (106) and M/V Skorpios III (90) and operates on two distinct routes

For prices and itineraries please check their website (links provided below)

Cruise Routes:

Chonos route (5 days/4 nights).

This 5 day cruise that covers 800 miles, sails every Saturday to return on Thursday between the months of September and April .

The cruise covers 800 miles for a magical encounter with the age-old ice formations of the Glaciar San Rafael, sailing through awesome archipelagos, channels and gulfs to tour this incredible territory that includes towns like Castro and the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre, which display the natural wonders of a vigorous landscape and wildlife which is best appreciated at Fiordo Quitralco with its hot springs and excursions to its vast island-peppered sea.   Find out more (prices, itinerary etc.) on their website  

Kaweskar Route (4 days/3 nights)

This 3-night cruise sails for the Southern Ice Fields every Tuesday and Friday (see sailing Schedule) to return every Monday and Friday between the months of October and April , covering 380 miles, which cover most of the glaciers in the area, namely Amalia, El Brujo, Bernal and Herman, and those located in the area of Fiordo Calvo.

The cruise includes around 15 glaciers, some of which we will contemplate and admire directly, walking up to their front and moraines, and sailing through multi-coloured ice-floes on smaller expedition vessels like the Capitán Konstantino; from where we will have the chance to observe de varied Patagonian flora and fauna in all its natural glory.

MV Skorpios II

MV Skorpios II was built in 1988 at the Skorpios shipyard, Chile according to SOLAS and IMO rules, and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) classification, class N° 890.56.66, A1 ice.

Her cabins, toilets and dining-room were remodeled in 2012. It is 70 metres long, has a 10 metre beam and a 2.87 metre draft, displacing 1,520 tons.

She has an international loadline certifícate, and registration N° 2567 issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Territory of Chile.

She has a capacity of up to 106 passengers berthed in 53 double cabins and distributed in 5 decks; cabins offer twin, double or king-sized beds. All cabins have private toilet facilities, plasma TV and background music. The ship has two comfortable lounges, and an ample dining room.

MV Skorpios III

MV Skorpios III was built in 1995 at the Skorpios shipyard, Chile, according to SOLAS and IMO rules, and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) classification, class N° 951.93.18 A1 ice. Her cabins and hotel infrastructure were remodeled in 2012.

It is 70 metres long, has a 10 metre beam and a 3.30 metre draft, displacing 1,600 tons. She has an international loadline certificate, and registration N° 2869 issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Territory of Chile.

She has a capacity of up to 90 passengers berthed in 45 double cabins and distributed in 5 decks; cabins offer twin, queen or king-sized beds. All cabins have private toilet facilities, plasma TV and background music and a safety box. The ship has two comfortable bar lounges, and an ample panoramic dining room.

Skorpios Cruises

Skorpios cruises cruises, chonos route, kaweskar route, skorpios cruises ships, mv skorpios ii, mv skorpios iii, photo gallery, we love to talk travel, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

Skorpios II Cruises of Southern Chile and the San Rafael , Glacier the best tours at the best prices from people who know Chile best. Skorpios Cruises offer an unforgettable cruise through the channels and fjords of southern Chile, visiting the majestic San Rafael Glacier, all with the warm and personal service provided by a professional crew and staff.

Skorpios II is designed to cruise the icy waters of Chile's fjords, for its 160 passengers in 55 cabins, its open decks provide a magnificent view of magnificent landscapes. It has five decks, Athens, Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympo and Athos. All cabins have private baths, heating, international phone system, TV, ventilation system, background music. All decks except the Athens have windows. You will be pampered with the fine onboard dining in the spacious dining room. International menus are complimented by fine Chilean wines. 

Among the programs offered is the classic six day discovery cruise The classic is a 800 mile voyage from Puerto Montt to the San Rafael Lagoon , a powerful testimony of the last ice-age. As soon as the Skorpios II departs, nature surrounds you in all its splendor. You will explore the numerous islands which make up Southern Chile's legendary network of channels, picturesque settlements, fjords, soaring snow-capped mountains, peaceful villages and dense forests almost untouched by civilization.

SKORPIOS II - CHONOS ROUTE,FIVE NIGHTS CRUISE code SK2CL6d/5n

Do you need help or Australis Brochure ? call us today at 1-800-811-3077 (US) local 1-305-613-8000 or send email to: [email protected]

FRIDAY: Additional optional night (additional cost). Offered on Friday before the ship sets sail. Includes: welcome drink, dinner on board, lodging on board, breakfast. At 18.00 hrs. of Friday, you are welcome on board.

Day 1:Saturday 12.00 noon, weigh anchor from Skorpios Terminal in Puerto Montt. Sailing through the Llanquihue archipelago.Catch sight of Calbuco city.Ancud gulf, archipelago of Chiloe and Corcovado Gulf crossing at midnight.

Day 2:Sunday 08.00 hrs. navigation through the Moraleda and Ferronave channels. Arrival at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre at 11.00 hrs. 12.30 noon continue sailing through Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Costa channels. At 21.30 hrs. approximately, anchor at Hualas cove or Punta Leopardos, 20 nautical miles from the San Rafael Glacier.

Day 3: Monday 07.30 hrs. crossing of the San Rafael Lagoon entrance and Tempanos channel. 09.00 hrs. the ship enters the Lagoon and anchors at 2 kms. away from the Glacier. Boat excursions among multicolored icebergs, if the weather allows to. 15.30 hrs. the ship gets closer to the Glacier. 17.00 hrs. set sail to the Quitralco fjord.

Day 4:Tuesday 08.00 hrs. berth at the Quitralco pier. After breakfast, passengers can take hotspring baths were the water temperature is at 32ºC and 30ºC, in covered and outside pools. If the weather allows to, boat excursions in motor boats through the inside of the fjord. 19.00 hrs. sail towards Chiloe, navigating through the Moraleda and Perez Norte channels.

Day 5:Wednesday 08.00 hrs. Corcovado Gulf crossing. In this area, if the conditions allow to, there is a possibility of watching humpback whales and blue whales. Continue to sail through the oriental coast of the Chiloe island, Yal channel, Castro stream, arriving to this beautiful city at 15.00 hrs. Disembarkation to visit this place. 22.00 hrs. set sail towards Puerto Montt through Lemuy, Dalcahue and Quicavi channels. Farewell party, Captain’s dinner, dance.

Rates and sailing dates

Decks / skorpios II

Cabins - skorpios II

Do you need help ? call us today at 1-800-811-8829 or send and email to [email protected]

Married Cabin

Olympo Deck

Junior suite cabin.

Suite Master Cabin

PARTHENON DECK

Doble cabin.

Acropolis Deck

Doble cabin cabin.

atenas DECK

Doble cabin, without window.

Reservations and Information requests for skorpios cruises.

For reservations and information Fill out the Form or You can contact us directly at 1-800-811-8829 toll free from the USA or Canada, non toll free from other countries 1-309-875-3380 or local # in Chile ( 562) 2 570-3927 or send email to: [email protected]

Deposit & Cancellation Policy: A deposit of 50% is due immediately upon confirmation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation Fees: Over 45 days prior to departure:$0 - 45 to 30 days prior 67% will be returned, 30 to 15 days prior 34% will be returned, 15 to 10 days prior 23% will be returned, 9 to 0 days prior 0% will be returned.

chile cruises

Skorpios iii.

Cruce Andino

Australis Cruise

• Countries/Regions
• United States
• San Francisco - San Jose, CA
• Pier 27- Cruise Terminal

How to get to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf by Bus, BART or Train?

See pier 27- cruise terminal, north beach, sf, on the map.

Directions to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal (North Beach, Sf) with public transportation

The following transit lines have routes that pass near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal

How to get to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal by Bus?

Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules.

From Stonestown, Lakeshore, Sf

From stonestown galleria mall, lakeshore, sf, from sf muni - 29 sunset, outer mission, sf, from the castro, castro/upper market, from hunters point, bayview, sf, from four points by sheraton san francisco bay bridge, emeryville, from de young museum, golden gate park, sf, from haight-ashbury, haight ashbury, sf, from 440 castro, castro/upper market, from i-80, emeryville, how to get to pier 27- cruise terminal by train.

Click on the Train route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules.

How to get to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal by BART?

Click on the BART route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules.

Bus stations near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf

• Sansome St & Filbert St, 3 min walk, VIEW
• Embarcadero & Sansome St, 3 min walk, VIEW
• Coit Tower, 6 min walk, VIEW
• Kearny St & North Point St, 9 min walk, VIEW

Ferry stations near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf

• Pier 33, 11 min walk, VIEW
• San Francisco Pier 41 Ferry Terminal, 15 min walk, VIEW
• San Francisco Pier 1.5, 16 min walk, VIEW

Cable Car stations near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf

• Mason St & Greenwich St, 14 min walk, VIEW

Bus lines to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf

• 114, Mill Valley - San Francisco, VIEW
• 132, San Anselmo - San Francisco, VIEW
• 154, Novato - San Francisco, VIEW
• 164, Petaluma - San Francisco, VIEW
• 172, Santa Rosa - San Francisco, VIEW
• 172X, Santa Rosa - San Francisco Express, VIEW
• F, Fisherman`S Wharf, VIEW
• LOWL, Jones & Beach, VIEW
• 39, Coit Tower, VIEW
• 8, Bayshore, VIEW
• 8BX, Bayshore B Express, VIEW

What are the closest stations to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal?

The closest stations to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal are:

• Sansome St & Filbert St is 190 yards away, 3 min walk.
• Embarcadero & Sansome St is 223 yards away, 3 min walk.
• Coit Tower is 427 yards away, 6 min walk.
• Kearny St & North Point St is 734 yards away, 9 min walk.
• Pier 33 is 853 yards away, 11 min walk.
• Mason St & Greenwich St is 1105 yards away, 14 min walk.
• San Francisco Pier 41 Ferry Terminal is 1262 yards away, 15 min walk.
• San Francisco Pier 1.5 is 1343 yards away, 16 min walk.

Which Bus lines stop near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal?

These Bus lines stop near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal:  LOWL

Which Train lines stop near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal?

These Train lines stop near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal:  LTD 3

Which BART lines stop near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal?

These BART lines stop near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal:  YELLOW

What’s the nearest bus stop to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The nearest bus stops to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf are Sansome St & Filbert St and Embarcadero & Sansome St. The closest one is a 3 min walk away.

What’s the nearest ferry station to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The nearest ferry station to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf is Pier 33. It’s a 11 min walk away.

What’s the nearest cable car station to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The nearest cable car station to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf is Mason St & Greenwich St. It’s a 14 min walk away.

What time is the first Light Rail to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The F is the first Light Rail that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 6:29 AM.

What time is the last Light Rail to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The F is the last Light Rail that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 11:09 PM.

What time is the first Bus to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The LOWL is the first Bus that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 3:04 AM.

What time is the last Bus to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The LOWL is the last Bus that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 3:27 AM.

What time is the first Ferry to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The DAY TOUR FERRY is the first Ferry that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 8:40 AM.

What time is the last Ferry to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The DAY TOUR FERRY is the last Ferry that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 6:32 PM.

What time is the first Cable Car to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The PM is the first Cable Car that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 6:51 AM.

What time is the last Cable Car to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf?

The PM is the last Cable Car that goes to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf. It stops nearby at 11:26 PM.

How much is the Bus fare to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal?

The Bus fare to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal costs about $2.25 - $6.00.

Public Transit to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf

Wondering how to get to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf, United States? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.

Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in real time.

Looking for the nearest stop or station to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Sansome St & Filbert St; Embarcadero & Sansome St; Coit Tower; Kearny St & North Point St; Pier 33; Mason St & Greenwich St; San Francisco Pier 41 Ferry Terminal; San Francisco Pier 1.5.

Bus: LOWL Train: LTD 3 BART: YELLOW

Want to see if there’s another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal easily from the Moovit App or Website.

We make riding to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal easy, which is why over 1.5 million users, including users in North Beach, Sf, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You don’t need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.

For information on prices of Bus, BART and Train, costs and ride fares to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal, please check the Moovit app.

Use the app to navigate to popular places including to the airport, hospital, stadium, grocery store, mall, coffee shop, school, college, and university.

Pier 27- Cruise Terminal Address: 780-942 The Embarcadero street in North Beach, Sf

Attractions near Pier 27- Cruise Terminal

• James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27
• Pier 27 The Embarcadero
• 32 Pier 29 1/2
• 1280 The Embarcadero - Pier 29.5 Garage - Spothero
• Bay Club San Francisco (Bay Clubs)
• Luxury Homes of San Francisco (New Luxury San Francisco Condos)
• United States Secret Service (US Secret Service)
• San Francisco Pier 33
• Pier 23 Cafe
• The Embarcadero Greenwich St
• Pier 33 Ferry Terminal
• The Embarcadero at Pier 33
• Pier 23 Cafe (Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar)
• Alcatraz Landing
• Alcatraz Cruises

How to get to popular attractions in North Beach, Sf with public transit

• Sam's Club
• Downtown Saratoga , Saratoga
• Downtown San Jose , San Jose
• Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek Hotel , Contra Costa Centre
• Old Navy Inc Headquarters , Soma, Sf
• Mountain View VTA Light Rail Station
• California's Great America , Santa Clara
• Mountain View Caltrain Station
• Whole Foods Market , Dublin
• Safeway , Rohnert Park
• Apple Valley Fair , San Jose
• Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) , San Jose
• eBay Headquarters , San Jose
• Google - Quad Campus
• Googleplex - 43
• Japantown , Western Addition, Sf
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , Livermore
• Santa Clara, CA , Santa Clara
• Sharks Ice at San Jose , San Jose

Public transit lines with stations closest to Pier 27- Cruise Terminal in North Beach, Sf

Bus lines with stations closest to pier 27- cruise terminal in north beach, sf, sansome st & filbert st, embarcadero & sansome st, kearny st & north point st, ferry lines with stations closest to pier 27- cruise terminal in north beach, sf, cable car lines with stations closest to pier 27- cruise terminal in north beach, sf, mason st & greenwich st.

• Español (Latinoamérica)

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

Related stories

But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

Watch: While Delta's business is 'extremely robust,' the airline's marketing chief stays focused on the data

• Main content

Cruises see a fair amount of overboard incidents: Are ships equipped?

Mental health crises can happen anywhere. But what happens if you're stuck in the middle of the ocean?

Between 2009 and 2019, there were 212 overboard incidents – when a guest or crew member goes over the edge of a ship – according to  statistics compiled for Cruise Lines International Association  by consulting firm G.P. Wild (International) Limited. "In discussions with cruise line representatives, they indicated that in every case where the cause of the (overboard) was established following a careful investigation it was found to be the result of an intentional or reckless act," the report said, noting that motives could not be determined in some cases.

There were also numerous reports of suspected suicides among crew trapped at sea during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while cruise lines have protocols and services in place to support to guests and crew members, some experts say they are lacking.

Cruise ships feature a range of amenities, from roller coasters and go-kart tracks to spas and dining, but passengers may not always know where to find mental health resources on board.

‘It’s really, really, really needed’

Cruise ships may be designed to prioritize fun and relaxation, but not everyone responds the same to that approach.

For some passengers, being around family members or away from their day-to-day routine can be stressful, said Dr. Tia Dole, Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health. “But for other people who might have been struggling with their mental health … going on a vacation actually takes you out of your environment, it makes you feel better,” she said.

The widespread presence of alcohol and gambling in onboard casinos may also prove challenging for some travelers, said Dr. Michelle Riba, a clinical professor at the University of Michigan Medical School's Department of Psychiatry and former president of the American Psychiatric Association.

"People have to be self-reflective and talk to their loved ones about how problematic it might be to be on a ship where there's easy access to that," she said.

And when it comes to the kinds of overboard incidents that appear in news reports with some frequency, she said jumping into the water has perhaps been featured prominently in films and TV shows, and cruises may provide another "access point" to impulsive suicides.

Travis Heggie, a professor at Bowling Green State University who studies tourist health and safety issues, said it's difficult to draw concrete comparisons, however, between rates at sea and on land due to a lack of comprehensive statistics. Riba added that it would be hard to compare the two, given varying demographics and other factors.

Still, suicide on cruise ships is a “growing concern” for Heggie, among both guests and crew. He has recommended adding mental health care to cruise ship infirmaries in his research .

“It’s really, really, really needed,” he said.

Dole also emphasized that “the reasons why people die by suicide are as unique as a fingerprint” and said it’s important not to generalize.

"The circumstances that lead up to completed suicide, and the things that sort of push people over the edge are incredibly unique," she said.

Do cruise ships have mental health resources?

If passengers find themselves in need of mental health support during a cruise, some lines do have resources available.

Passengers sailing with Carnival Corp., the parent company of brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, can contact onboard medical staff “who are available 24/7 for mental health support and other medical needs,” a spokesperson for the company said in an email.

“With a referral from the shipboard medical team, guests may also access tele-psychiatrist services for face-to-face consultations with these licensed specialists within 24 hours if needed,” the spokesperson added. The consultations are offered through a third-party company that connects passengers with U.S.-based psychiatrists (the company did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment).

While training in mental health care varies among onboard medical staff, they can “fulfill recommendations made by the psychiatrists.” There is a pharmacy on board with many medications used to treat mental health problems, and those not carried on the vessel can be ordered in a port.

Like other medical care, passengers have to pay for any costs associated with mental health services. “Travel insurance coverage varies by provider and typically covers acute-need services but usually includes limitations for pre-existing illnesses,” the spokesperson said. “We urge travelers to contact travel insurance providers directly for specific terms and conditions.”

Crew members can also see psychiatrists via telehealth with a referral from the onboard medical team. The company also has an employee assistance program that allows them to access free mental health services.

Royal Caribbean Group, another major cruise line operator, and Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, did not answer questions regarding onboard mental health resources before publishing. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. did not respond to a request for comment.

Cruise ships may also quarantine passengers deemed to be a threat to themselves or others, according to Michael Winkleman, a maritime attorney with Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A.

“Our team of onboard medical professionals safeguards the health and well-being of our guests and crew (including mental health), which may include placing a patient under secure watch in the medical center or in a cabin depending on the risk,” the Carnival Corp. spokesperson said.

While there are major differences – namely, being in the middle of the ocean – Winkleman said there are some commonalities between cruise lines’ approach and that of hotels or resorts, which often do not have on-site mental health providers. “They are just expecting to provide a fun, safe vacation for their guests,” he said.

Crises on cruises, like an overboard incident, for example, may also get outsized attention given their setting, Heggie added. "People are expecting to go and have a good time and have the vacation or holiday mindset, and, 'Oh, something bad happened.' "

However, Winkleman said he thinks cruise lines “could do a lot more” to provide mental health support to crew, many of whom work rigorous schedules on months-long contracts.

How passengers can care for their mental health

Travelers can take proactive steps to care for their mental health before a trip if need be. If passengers have a mental health provider, Dole recommends speaking with them beforehand and making sure they have any medication they might need.

Passengers can also reach out to their therapists mid-cruise to schedule a session as needed – though state laws regarding telehealth vary and could prevent them from accessing care. “But generally speaking, it's really about where the person resides,” Dole said. “So (if) you're on a work trip, and you're like, ‘I need to see my therapist,’ they'll see you.”

Riba noted that it may be more difficult to coordinate than at home with spotty cell service and possible time differences.

The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also works in U.S. states as well as territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How safe are cruise stops?: Travel advisories are only one marker for destinations

Checking in with your fellow travelers can also be helpful. Dole said, “One of the biggest clues someone is struggling” is a change in behavior. Typically, that takes the form of withdrawal, but it could also manifest in people engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors.

“‘I noticed something is different,’” she suggested saying. “‘Is there something happening that you feel comfortable talking to me about?’ And that that's not going to make people be defensive as much as, ‘What's wrong? Are you okay? What's happening?’”

Dole recommended framing the question in a way that avoids sounding judgmental or accusatory. “But actually asking the question, especially for young people, can save someone's life,” she said.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call  988  any time day or night, or chat online.   Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. Cruising means seeing the world while unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids and teens -- all for free. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship for you. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with staying at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- all their extras.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their cabins but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors.

Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes lower. Here's a tip: Many times, the smaller ships from these lines offer the smallest prices.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

Being flexible will get you the best last-minute cruise deals. If you live near a cruise port and can drive, you're probably going to be able to jump on those deals that might pop up a week or two before the ship is set to sail.

If you don't have flexibility with dates and locations, be willing to bend on destination. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise costs on average. When you see it drop, pounce! Many cruise lines update pricing several times every day, so be prepared.

Best cruises in 2020

Part of the appeal of cruising is that there's truly something for everyone. Ships come in an array of sizes, some loaded with so many activities, you couldn't get to them all in a week.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations to which they sail. The Caribbean is a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, also is a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, MSC and Holland America for a family cruise.

River cruising has been heating up over the past few years, with itineraries that send passengers down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to even more exotic locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam or the Volga River in Russia. Popular river cruises embark in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. Popular river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal.

If you're a thrill-seeker, consider an expedition cruise. These cruises, often onboard small ships, offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world, including Antarctica, Alaska, Australia and Greenland. Passengers will spend their time kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Quark Expeditions.

Luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard smaller ships with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be smaller, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships can't -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Oceans and Silversea.

Cruises by style

• Luxury Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Family Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• River Cruises

Find other cruise vacations in popular destinations

• Cozumel Cruises
• Seattle Cruises
• San Francisco Cruises
• Los Angeles Cruises
• Fort Lauderdale Cruises
• Baltimore Cruises
• Boston Cruises
• Aruba Cruises
• New Orleans Cruises
• New York City Cruises
• Galveston Cruises
• Ensenada Cruises
• Miami Cruises
• Cruises from Florida
• Cruises from Seattle
• Cruises from San Francisco
• Cruises from Los Angeles
• Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
• Cruises from Tampa
• Cruises from Baltimore
• Cruises from Boston
• Cruises from New Orleans
• Cruises from New York City
• Cruises from San Diego
• Cruises from Galveston
• Cruises from Miami
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• MSC Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Oceania Cruises

Find cruise vacation on popular cruise ships View all

• Adventure of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Vista
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Celebrity Equinox
• Disney Dream
• MSC Seaside
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Getaway

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Norwegian Cruise captain refused to let eight passengers who were late reboard ship

Passengers, who have since rejoined vessel, missed scheduled departure time from São Tomé and scrambled to reunite with ship

Eight cruise passengers had to scramble to reunite with their cruise ship after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The passengers, including a pregnant woman and a paraplegic traveller, missed their scheduled departure time from the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea, about 250km off the coast of Gabon, after disembarking the Norwegian Dawn to take a local tour.

Another passenger in her 80s was reportedly late to the ship because she was receiving emergency medical treatment on the island.

The vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, arrived in São Tome on Wednesday morning having departed Cape Town for the three-week cruise to Barcelona on 20 March.

The group’s private day excursions on the island ran overtime and, despite the efforts of the local coast guard, which motored the group to the ship before it set sail that afternoon, the captain would not allow the late guests to board.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from Garden City in South Carolina, described attempting to board the vessel after arriving late.

“We have never had an experience like this before,” Jill Campbell told ABC4 News .

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number. They said, ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails,’” Jay Campbell added.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way.”

The travellers’ passports were returned to them via port authorities. The group, which reportedly includes two Australians, had to leave their medication, bank cards and other belongings on board. The Campbells said they were the only members of the group with a Visa card and had paid more than $5,000 in their attempts to reach the ship.

They aimed to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in the Gambia the following Sunday but low tides prevented the ship from making the scheduled stop. The group reportedly travelled through six countries and eventually met the ship in Dakar, Senegal, the final west African port call of its journey, according to the cruise line.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included,” Jay Campbell told ABC15 . He described having to take a ferry to get into Senegal, and then a four-hour drive.

Australians Doug and Violeta Sanders were among the stranded passengers.

“It’s been the worst experience of our lives to be abandoned like that in a strange country, can’t speak the language,” Violeta Sanders told Seven’s Sunrise program.

“We have no money, our credit cards aren’t accepted.”

The 21-day cruise is due to end in Barcelona on 10 April.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said it was a “very unfortunate situation” and that it was the passenger’s responsibility to be back on board the ship no later than one hour before the ship’s scheduled departure time.

A Sydney travel lawyer, Anthony Cordato, said passengers needed to heed ships’ tight schedules.

“Terms and conditions would make returning to the ship on time essential,” he said.

“From a consumer’s perspective, it’s harsh but from a ship’s perspective, are you going to hold up the cruise for an hour or two because they were slow to get on board? Are you going to inconvenience 1,000 passengers for the sake of four?”

The cruise company said all eight guests had rejoined the ship.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time. While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol. Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol.

“While the eight guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia on April 1, 2024, unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority. We contacted these eight guests regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. As of this morning, all eight guests have rejoined the ship.”

• Sao Tome and Principe

Most viewed

Brightline partners with Princess Cruises, wraps train with ‘Love Boat’ theme

F lorida’s high-speed Brightline train has partnered with Princess Cruises for a “Rail & Sail” program that includes one of its trains made over with the iconic imagery of the brand with ties to “The Love Boat.”

Most Princess ships call Port Everglades home in Fort Lauderdale, including the debut later this year of its newest and largest ship, the Sun Princess. The line is expanding with its first ship to be based out of Port Canaveral this fall when Caribbean Princess arrives.

The nearly 113,000-gross-ton vessel began sailing in 2004, christened by Jill Whelan who played Vicki Stubing on “The Love Boat.” Princess ships were featured during the show’s run in the 1970s and 1980s.

Brightline runs from Miami to Orlando with several stops in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and a northern terminus at Orlando International Airport. The line has future stops planned that include Cocoa, near Port Canaveral.

The deal between the train and cruise companies aims to offer passengers hassle-free travel to the two port destinations that includes an optional express baggage checking service at $35 per bag that people can use so their luggage is checked at the train station and will make its way to their staterooms.

The deals include complimentary motorcoach travel from the Brightline station to the cruise port terminal to board the ships. The Orlando-to-Port Canaveral service will begin once Caribbean Princess begins sailing in November.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” said cruise line president John Padgett in a news release. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

The partnership also offers discounts of up to 15% on packages booked through the Brightline website. For those who book through May 5, an extra credit for up to $150 per person for certain packages is available.

The Princess theme design adorns four cars that include the Princess “seawitch” logo and depictions of popular ports of call. Princess branding will also be on display at Brightline terminals.

“Brightline has been connecting travelers to South Florida ports since we began operations in 2018 and cruisers from the beginning have found our train to be the easiest way to start their vacation,” said Brightline President Patrick Goddard in the release. “Today’s partnership with Princess Cruises and this train wrap with the iconic Love Boat branding is yet another example of the connection between cruisers and Brightline.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

8 Norwegian Cruise Passengers Stranded on African Island Catch Up to Ship After Traversing 7 Countries

The group of stranded American and Australian passengers included four elderly people, one with a heart condition and a pregnant woman

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Sipa via AP

• Nine Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were reportedly left behind on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe on March 27 
• The group was on a guided excursion that got delayed, leading them to miss the ship’s "all aboard" call 
• A statement from Norwegian Cruise Lines noted that all guests are responsible for returning to the docked ship at the designated call time 
• Eight people were able to catch up to the ship on Tuesday morning after reportedly traversing seven countries.
• One, who had fallen ill before the incident, has safely returned to the U.S.

Multiple passengers were stranded on an island in Africa after their Norwegian Cruise Line ship reportedly left them behind. After several days of uncertainty and a trek across seven countries, they're now back on board the vessel.

On Wednesday, March 27, South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell were enjoying a guided tour on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe located off the continent's western coast, ABC15 News reported at the time. The pair was with six other American and Australian passengers when they realized they wouldn’t make it back to the ship on time due to their tour taking longer than planned.

Though the tour operator contacted the cruise ship’s captain to inform them of the delay, the captain refused to let them back on the still-anchored ship when they arrived at the port because it was after the "all aboard" call, per the outlet. 

The São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard allegedly then took them by boat directly to the ship where the captain again did not permit them to board. 

The group later encountered another stranded passenger, an 80-year-old woman, who was hospitalized on the island after a cruise line tour, the outlet stated. The woman reportedly experienced memory and vision loss due to a medical emergency. 

In addition to the ill passenger, the group also includes one person who is pregnant, one with a heart condition and four elderly travelers. 

The majority of the group left their medications and credit cards on the ship except for the Campbells, who have reportedly paid over $5,000 for food, accommodations, and other necessities for their fellow passengers. 

On Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Angola allegedly arranged for the group to fly to the West African country of Gambia, the ship's next planned port of call, so they could reboard. 

Google Maps

Unfortunately, the group discovered the cruise ship wasn’t docked at the port in Gambia as planned because it had to spend another day at sea due to low tides. ABC News 4 reports the passengers spent fifteen hours traveling through six countries to make it to the port on Sunday. 

“We have to cross the ferry to get into Senegal,” Campbell told the outlet on Monday, marking their seventh country. “We just learned from the gentleman that the ferry hadn’t been working, but he said no problem, if the ferry is not working we will get another little boat and then pick up a car on the other side. And then once we get on the other side of Senegal, it’s another four-hour drive.” 

In a statement to PEOPLE, Norwegian Cruise Line said, “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

The statement continued, “While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

The cruise line added that guests are “responsible for any necessary travel arrangements” to meet the ship at the next port and that they had each of their passports “delivered to the local port agents to retrieve” when they missed their all aboard call.

The group was finally able to catch up to the vessel. They reached Dakar, Senegal, its next port, on Monday night, PEOPLE confirmed.

After what they'd been through, Jill told NBC News in a story published on Tuesday, "We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us." While she allowed that Norwegian technically followed protocol, she says, "I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority."

On Tuesday morning, the eight passengers, less the person who had fallen ill and later safely returned home to the United States, chose to board the cruise. Norwegian confirmed the news to PEOPLE in a statement.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available,"

The Norwegian Dawn departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day trip that will end in Barcelona on April 10.

Related Articles

Watch CBS News

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is impacting cruises and could cause up to $10 million in losses for Carnival

By Caitlin O'Kane

Updated on: March 28, 2024 / 10:22 PM EDT / CBS News

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse  has impacted cruise travel in Baltimore. Carnival Cruise Line had to temporarily move its Baltimore operations to Norfolk, Virginia, as the Baltimore Harbor has been closed to marine traffic — which could cause up to a $10 million monetary loss for the company. 

The company's ship, Carnival Legend, was scheduled to return to Baltimore on  Sunday, March 31, but guests will instead go to Norfolk. There will be a complimentary bus service to get back to Baltimore from that port, Carnival announced on Tuesday . The drive between these cities could be up to five hours long. 

The upcoming Carnival Legend cruise on March 31 will depart and return to Norfolk. 

"Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore," Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. "We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk."

"We will continue to actively monitor the situation and look forward to getting back to Baltimore as soon as possible," a Carnival spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News.

As for the impact on business, the spokesperson told CBS News the company expects a less than $10 million impact on both adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as well as its adjusted net income for the full year 2024. 

Cruise Lines International Association , the largest cruise industry trade association, says 12 cruise ships made 115 trips through Baltimore in 2024. And in 2023, about 444,000 cruise passengers moved through the port, the 29th largest in the U.S.

Other cruise companies like Royal Caribbean and American Cruise Lines also have ships that go to Baltimore, however, it is unclear if those lines have been impacted yet. CBS News reached out to several cruise companies for comment. 

The bridge collapsed around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday when a cargo ship, called the Dali , lost power and crashed into one of the bridge's columns. The ship made a mayday call ahead of the crash and first responders were able to prevent cars from driving onto the bridge, but eight construction workers  were on the structure pouring concrete.

Two of the construction workers were recovered alive, but the other six were presumed dead on Tuesday. Two bodies were found in a construction vehicle  submerged in the water on Wednesday. 

Following the incident, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and President Biden said the federal government would pay for the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge, which is still sitting in the river, on top of the cargo ship, which had 22 people on board – none of them harmed.

Baltimore is the ninth-busiest port in the nation and handled a record 11.7 million tons of cargo last year,  the Associated Press reports. More than 50 shipping and cruise ship companies do business with the port, mainly moving cars, coal, wood, steel, aluminum, home appliances, furniture, sugar and liquefied natural gas. 

"For everybody who is buying cars, for everybody who is (buying) farm equipment, we're the largest port in the country that does that," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said . "So this is not just impacting Maryland."

Shipping companies and automakers will likely divert ships heading to Baltimore to other East Coast cities, experts say, according to the AP.

Ships waiting to get into Baltimore were stalled after the incident, with many drifting in the North Atlantic, waiting to be assigned to a new port, according to Windward Maritime, which analyzes maritime data. 

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said rebuilding the bridge  won't be easy or cheap. "That does not necessarily mean it will take five years to replace, but that tells you what went into that original structure going up," he said. "We need to get a sense of the conditions, of the parts that look ok, to the naked eye, but we just don't know yet, especially in terms of their foundational infrastructure."

Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

More from CBS News

Body of third construction worker recovered from Key Bridge wreckage in Baltimore

Congress faces lengthy to-do list when lawmakers return next week

Decades after their service, "Rosie the Riveters" to be honored

Earthquake snarls air and train travel in the New York City area