The Queens of the South: Exploring Latin America with Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth

• Global Reach: Learn how Cunard incorporates South America into its grand world voyages and regional segments.

• Unique Destinations: Explore stops like the Chilean Fjords, Rio de Janeiro, and the "End of the World" in Ushuaia.

• The Cunard Difference: Understand why a ship built for the open ocean is the perfect choice for the rugged South American coastline.

When most people think of Cunard, the image that immediately springs to mind is a "Queen" cutting through the North Atlantic swell on her way to New York.

It’s a world of afternoon tea, gala balls, and timeless British tradition. However, the famous red-and-black funnels are also a regular fixture in the vibrant waters of Latin America.

Currently, Queen Elizabeth and the newest addition to the fleet, Queen Anne, are the stars of the show in the South.

If you have ever wanted to combine the refined elegance of a Cunard voyage with the fiery passion of a South American adventure, there has never been a better time to step aboard.

Navigating the Continent

Cunard’s presence in South America is typically featured as part of their legendary World Voyages or Grand Voyages.

Because these ships are designed as true ocean liners, they are perfectly suited for the vast distances and varied sea conditions found around the southern continent.

Queen Anne: The Newest Icon

As the latest ship to join the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne brings a fresh, contemporary touch to the classic Cunard experience.

Sailing South America on this ship means enjoying modern luxury, reimagined dining venues, and the stunning Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa—the perfect sanctuary after a busy day exploring the streets of Buenos Aires or Lima.

Queen Elizabeth: Classic Elegance

Queen Elizabeth is often the ship of choice for those who love the Art Deco glamour of the golden age of travel.

She is perfectly sized to navigate the winding Chilean Fjords while providing enough space for the grand balls and theatre productions that define a Cunard holiday.

Destinations That Stir the Soul

South America is not just a place you visit; it is a place you feel. On a Cunard voyage, the destination begins long before you step off the gangway, as the ship’s decks provide the ultimate vantage point for some of the world's most spectacular scenery.

Rio de Janeiro: The Greatest Sail-In on Earth

There is no arrival quite like sailing into Rio. As your Queen glides into Guanabara Bay, you’ll see the morning mist clinging to the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer welcoming you from the summit of Corcovado.

Ashore, the city is a sensory explosion. You can wander the mosaic sidewalks of Copacabana, listen to the haunting notes of a bossa nova in an Ipanema café, or take the historic tram up to the bohemian hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.

Buenos Aires: The Paris of the South

Buenos Aires is a city of grand proportions and intimate moments. Broad, tree-lined boulevards and European-style architecture give the city an air of timeless sophistication.

Spend your morning exploring the colourful, corrugated houses of La Boca, then spend your afternoon in San Telmo, where the cobblestone streets are filled with antique markets and spontaneous tango performances.

To finish the day? An authentic Argentine steakhouse where the Malbec flows as freely as the conversation.

The Chilean Fjords: A World of Blue and Ice

For many, the highlight of a South American voyage is the transition from the heat of the tropics to the ethereal beauty of the Chilean Fjords. Here, the world turns silent.

Queen Elizabeth or Queen Anne will navigate through narrow channels flanked by emerald-green forests and towering, snow-capped peaks.

You’ll witness the staggering sight of the Amalia Glacier, where the ice glows with an otherworldly sapphire blue, and tiny icebergs—known as "bergy bits"—bob peacefully in the wake of the ship.

The Amazon: Into the Green Heart

On select itineraries, Cunard ventures into the lungs of the planet. Sailing the Amazon River is a surreal experience; the "meeting of the waters"—where the dark Rio Negro joins the sandy Solimões—is a natural phenomenon best viewed from the high decks of a Cunard ship.

In Manaus, you can visit the opulent Amazon Theatre, a grand opera house built during the rubber boom that stands as a testament to the continent's incredible history.

The Antarctic Peninsula: The Final Frontier

On grander voyages, the ship may head even further south toward the pristine white wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is a land of giants—from massive tabular icebergs to breaching humpback whales.

Crossing the Drake Passage on a ship built with Cunard’s legendary sea-keeping abilities ensures that you reach this untouched frontier in the greatest possible comfort.

Why Choose Cunard for South America?

The White Star Service

The beauty of a Cunard South America cruise is the "reset" you get every evening. After a day spent in the humid heat of the Amazon or the bustling energy of a Chilean port, you return to a ship that is calm, sophisticated, and familiar.

You can swap your hiking boots for evening dress, enjoy a world-class three-course dinner, and end the night with a theatrical production that would feel at home in London’s West End.

Elevated Enrichment

Cunard’s Insights programme features guest speakers ranging from maritime historians to wildlife experts. On these routes, you can expect deep dives into the unique biology of the region or the fascinating history of the Incan and Mayan civilisations, ensuring you return home with more than just photographs.

Practical Tips for Your Voyage

• The Segment Strategy: You don’t have to book a full 100-day world cruise. Look for "segments" that allow you to join Queen Anne or Queen Elizabeth specifically for the South American portion of their journey.

• Packing for Contrast: Your suitcase needs to handle everything from the tropical sun of Brazil to the icy winds of Cape Horn. Layers are your best friend, along with that essential formal wear for Cunard’s famous Gala Nights.

• Booking Early: These unique itineraries are among the most sought-after in the Cunard calendar. The most popular staterooms often sell out over a year in advance.

Cunard in South America offers a unique travel fusion. It is for the explorer who wants to witness the glaciers and rainforests of the southern hemisphere, but who also wants to be back in time for a world-class three-course dinner and a show in the Royal Court Theatre.