A Cruise To Antarctica Aboard The Sapphire Princess: What To Expect
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps me keep the Sick Girl Travels blog running while providing you with high-quality product recommendations and great travel deals. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Thanks for your support!
A 17 Day Antarctica Cruise Aboard Princess Sapphire
It’s been my dream to see Antarctica for as long as I can remember. Foolishly I thought my only option for seeing this amazing continent was to take a very expensive expedition cruise with National Graphic or Quark Expeditions. Imagine my surprise when I was perusing cruises and saw a cruise to Antarctica aboard the Sapphire Princess. Yes, it was still a rather expensive venture, but thousands less than the smaller vessels mentioned.
I then discovered I could use my United Airlines miles to book the cruise and it would be entirely free. New goal unlocked! I scrimped and saved, doing every possible bonus miles offer, hoarding my miles to splurge on this amazing Antarctic adventure. It took me two years, but I finally had the miles I needed to cruise Antarctica.
The Antarctica Cruise Route
It’s a 17-day cruise aboard the Princess Sapphire. The ship departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina with stops in Punta Arenas, Chile, Ushuaia, Argentina, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, and Montevideo, Uruguay. The route offers 5 days of scenic cruising along the Antarctic peninsula and plenty of shore excursions.
Unlike the smaller expedition ships, The Sapphire Princess does not stop in Antarctica. But rest assured you will get plenty of great views from the ship of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands without taking a proper Antarctic expedition trip.
Accommodations on The Sapphire Princess
I had originally selected an ocean-view room, but much to my surprise, we received a free room upgrade to a mini-suite with a balcony! The stateroom was the perfect size for two people and offered stunning views when cruising the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our stateroom was also wheelchair accessible, with a shower bench and plenty of room to navigate. Though I don’t currently use a wheelchair, the shower bench came in handy when crossing the Drake Passage. The choppy seas made it difficult for me to maintain balance, something I already have issues with on solid land due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Beef Wellington
Food Selection Aboard The Sapphire Princess
Cruise ships are notorious for their wide selection of dining options, and the Sapphire Princess was no exception. The buffet offered ample options with well-labeled allergen notifications. Since we were in a suite, we could also order breakfast in the room for free. This was a nice option particularly when we had to be up early for excursions. Options included muffins, croissants, cereals, fresh fruit, and yogurt. They also brought a full carafe of coffee each day.
When it came to dinner, I appreciated the open dining schedule for the main dining rooms. It was easy to book a private table each night, and the meal options were plentiful and varied, including vegetarian and vegan options. Three formal dining nights offered a fun chance to dress up in your finest eveningwear.
The buffet was open each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which was great if you wanted to skip the formal dining nights. I will say that it was often difficult to find seating at the buffet, particularly on at-sea days when the ship was at full capacity. My mom and I found ourselves grabbing seats next to the doors exiting to the exterior of the ship, which was rather uncomfortable once we reached Antarctica and the temperatures dipped. Every time someone walked out to the viewing deck we were treated to a cold arctic blast. After two afternoons getting stuck in this section, we learned to bring a jacket to the buffet.
As you can see there’s no shortage of food onboard the Sapphire Princess. Thank goodness we were doing a lot of walking or I would have ended my cruise 20 pounds heavier.
Theater aboard The Sapphire Princess
Things To Do Onboard The Sapphire Princess
Every night we were delivered a copy of the Princess Patter which detailed all the fun activities and shows happening onboard the ship. We were offered everything from Vegas headliners to quiz competitions and dance lessons. There truly was something for everyone. My mom and I particularly enjoyed the arts and crafts offerings, quiz competitions, enrichment seminars, and high tea.
The enrichment seminars brought various professors and experts to discuss the history of Antarctica, its exploration, and facts about the wildlife we were about to see. These offered excellent tips on what to look for and how best to spot whales, penguins, and more. I highly recommend the enrichment seminars as they give you fantastic context for your trip.
Church along the Tigre Delta
First Stop: Buenos Aires, Argentina
We arrived in Buenos Aires 3 days early to allow ourselves plenty of time for possible flight delays and a little time to explore the city. (Which ended up being a brilliant plan as our flight into Buenos Aires was cancelled due to mechanical issues and we ended up spending a night in Houston.)
Once in Buenos Aires, we stayed at the Loi Suites Hotel Recoleta, which I highly recommend both for its central location and fantastic price. The hotel was also gorgeous and included a daily breakfast buffet. Accessible rooms are available.
During our first two days in Buenos Aires, we visited Recoleta Cemetery and took a Buenos Aires Street Art Tour. I recommend both activities, particularly the street art tour which gives you both a glimpse at some of the city’s amazing murals and a brief lesson in the history, politics, and culture of Argentina.
Once we boarded the ship we had an additional 2 days in Buenos Aires, during which time we took a riverboat tour of Tigre Delta. I will warn that while the first two activities are entirely wheelchair accessible, the tour of Tigre Delta is not. Guests must be able to go up and down approximately 10 steps to get in and out of the boat. On the day we visited the river waters were high so we only needed to go up and down 5 steps. The steps were small, but there was no railing. While the guide does help you get in and out of the boat, it might be difficult for some.
Cruising along Tigre Delta
There were many other excursions offered via Princess including general city tours of Buenos Aires and a gaucho experience where guests are taken to explore the local gaucho, or cowboy, lifestyle. If you’d like to explore on your own you have a ton of options when it comes to things to do in Buenos Aires Argentina.
Dancers in the town square in Punta Arenas, Chile
Stop 2: Punta Arenas, Chile
Punta Arenas, located in the southern region of Chile, is known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Positioned on the northern shore of the Strait of Magellan, it serves as a gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica. The city features a blend of European and Chilean culture, visible in its historic architecture, such as the impressive Magellan Monument and the picturesque Plaza Muñoz Gamero. Its strategic location makes it a key point for tourism and adventure, attracting visitors with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the nearby Torres del Paine National Park.
Love locks at the scenic overlook in Punta Arenas Chile
At this port, we opted for a city tour via Princess where we visited all the major Punta Arenas highlights. This included several museums, city center, and a scenic overlook. It was a nice way to get a taste of Punta Arenas and left us plenty of time to grab an actual taste of some of the amazing seafood in Punta Arenas before heading back to the ship.
This tour was wheelchair accessible.
There are plenty of options for things to do in Punta Arenas. But I highly recommend the city tour or a tour of the nearby Torres del Paine National Park.
Standing at the end of the world
Stop 3: Ushuaia, Argentina
Fin del Mundo, the end of the world, Ushuaia is the southernmost city on the South American continent. By the time we got to Ushuaia my urge to see penguins was overwhelming. So we opted for a wildlife tour along the Beagle Channel. While we did see plenty of wildlife, I will say my one bone to pick with this tour (also arranged through Princess) was the sheer number of people they packed into the boat. Wildlife was plentiful, but so were the passengers, making it difficult to see anything without stumbling into other people.
This boat tour was wheelchair accessible.
Sea Lions In the Beagle Channel
I’ll be posting a more detailed account of Ushuaia and your various tour options in the coming days. It’s also easy enough to wander around the city and explore on your own. However, I would recommend taking an excursion through Princess if you would like to view the local wildlife. You can also book through outside tour companies, but unlike with Princess, there is no guarantee that you will make it back to the ship on time for departure. So be extra careful if you opt to book through an outside company.
My first look at mainland Antarctica
Stop 4: A Scenic Cruise Of Antarctica
Let’s face it, if you’re on this cruise, this is what you came for. It’s the main event and it does not disappoint. There’s no one set path for seeing Antarctica and any cruise line that promises you one is lying. The weather changes so quickly and storms are frequent so routes must be adjusted. Itineraries may vary, but you will get to see plenty of Antarctica.
We were blessed with incredible weather during our trip and the Captain was constantly reminding us that they never get such blue skies and smooth sailing on these Antarctic excursions. But we did need to adjust the original route which called for us to visit Elephant Island first. A big storm was moving in so the Captain instead decided we would head directly to the Antarctic Peninsula and do Elephant Island on our final scenic cruising day.
Again, I highly recommend attending as many of the enrichment seminars as possible as they really help you understand and appreciate what it is you’re seeing. The captain and enrichment speakers also serve as guides during the scenic cruising and from about 7 am to 6 pm daily they will come over the loudspeaker on all viewing decks to point out the various sites and wildlife. This broadcast is also available on the TV in your cabin. This is particularly helpful if you have a balcony room like we did.
The view from the ship’s observation deck
In our five days spend cruising around Antarctica we saw plenty of wildlife. From chinstrap penguins to killer whales, to sea lions, it’s relatively easy to spot a variety of animals, though binoculars are helpful. If you don’t bring a pair, you will have ample opportunity to purchase them onboard.
ice formations in Antarctica
The ship is also great about supplying free hot cocoa on scenic cruising days which helps you stay warm and toasty in those below freezing temps while you stand in awe of nature. Temperatures reached about 30 degrees during our trip, though the winds made it seem much cooler. Make sure you dress accordingly.
Summer also brings nearly 24 hours of sunshine. Which is fantastic for viewing the scenery, and not so great for sleeping. Thank goodness for blackout curtains.
Chinstrap penguins swimming near South Georgia
Of course, if you’re brave you could always stay warm in the hottub. The pool areas are closed while cruising Antarctica, but the hot tubs remain open if you’d like to take a scenic dip.
View from the hottub aboard the Sapphire Princess
While you will see plenty of wildlife, if you’re expecting to see penguins close up, you’ll have to wait until you get to The Falkland Islands. The Islands provide a much better opportunity to interact with penguins, including chinstrap and king penguins. Though at the time of our visit bird flu was a major concern and we were warned not to sit down on the ground or come within 2 feet of the birds inside the penguin rookery. They also sprayed down our shoes before and after our visit.
Chinstrap penguins on an iceberg
Aboard the cruise, you will see birds from Elephant Island to the Peninsula. But you have to look closely. I didn’t expect many of the birds to be so small or for them to be so quick in the water. The first chinstrap penguins I spotted I believed to be some kind of flying fish. It was only when I zoomed in on my camera that I saw they were tiny penguins hunting for fish.
A beautiful iceberg inside the Antarctic Circle
5 days of scenic cruising felt like it went by in a flash. I’ve never been on a cruise before so jumping off with a 17-day epic Antarctic adventure was a heck of a leap. But I’m so glad I did it. I cannot recommend this cruise enough. I’m not even a “cruise person’ and I loved being on this ship. The views were out of this world stunning. I literally have thousands of photos from Antarctica alone. In fact, I’m thinking of doing a separate post just to share my photos of the continent.
So called “Kodak Crack” Antarctica
When you finish your scenic cruising in Antarctica the Captain will issue you a map detailing the exact path you’ve taken along the coast. As a map lover, I was particularly happy to procure this souvenir. The one downside is they only provide one map per cabin. Luckily, my mom agreed to surrender the map to me.
The Antarctica Peninsula
It was sad to leave Antarctica behind, but I knew that penguin adventures awaited. That’s the thing about cruising on the Sapphire Princess, each stop is filled with excitement and adventure. There is no bad port.
King penguins on The Falkland Islands
Stop 5: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands, an archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean, are known for their rugged terrain, striking landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Comprising over 700 islands, the main two islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, host the majority of the 3,600-person population. The islands have a unique mix of British and local influences.
Wildlife enthusiasts flock to the Falklands to observe diverse marine life, including penguins, seals, and numerous seabird species. The islands also have a complex history, particularly due to the conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982, which has shaped their present-day political and social landscape.
Penguin selfie
There are several excursions offered by Princess. Of course, I recommend the trip to the penguin rookery. But you can also go on a tour that details the Island’s war history, or choose to take the 8-stop hop-on-hop-off bus and explore on your own. It’s easy to get around Port Stanley and the locals are warm and welcoming. Plus the local language is English, so it will give you a nice respite from trying to break out your Spanish skills.
Welcome to Montevideo
Stop 6: Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning waterfront. The city boasts a mix of colonial and modern architecture, offering you a glimpse into its history through sites like the Ciudad Vieja, the historic old town.
The Rambla, a picturesque promenade, stretches along the coastline, providing a perfect setting for leisurely walks and breathtaking sunsets. Montevideo's lively cultural scene includes numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues, showcasing tango, candombe, and other local art forms. You’ll have the choice of seeing some of these sites through Princess shore excursions.
Fountain in Montevideo
We chose to take a best of Montevideo city highlights tour and were not disappointed. Despite the grey skies when we visited, Montevideo’s beauty showed through. I will be doing a separate post on Montevideo and what to see, but I will say one day is enough to get a taste of this small-ish city.
Aboard my balcony on The Sapphire Princess
The Return To Buenos Aires
I had the luxury of adding another day to my trip to see more of Buenos Aires before having to fly home. I highly recommend doing this if you have the time. It’s nice to get back on solid ground and walk around a bit before you have to get on a cramped flight back home.
We took a food tour with our extra day in Buenos Aires. It was a great way to see the city and sample some of its best cuisine, including the famous steak, chocolates, empanadas, ice cream, and pizza.
My last glimpse at Antarctica
FAQS About Taking A Cruise From Antarctica From Argentina
How Bad Is The Drake Passage?
While I heard plenty of horror stories I’m here to say our two crossings through the Drake Passage were entirely uneventful. This is not always the case. You can find plenty of videos on YouTube where 15-foot waves come crashing into the ship tossing deck furniture about. But that was not the case on our crossings. Ship captains also do everything possible to time the crossing for smooth seas. If there is a storm or the sea is too rough, they will not attempt crossing. This goes back to my earlier statement about being flexible with the itinerary. You may have to leave Ushuaia early in order to avoid storms.
That said, even a smooth Drake Passage will have you walking the halls like a drunken sailor. You definitely feel the ship moving. If you travel with a mobility aid, bring it. I brought my folding cane which is excellent for helping maintain balance.
How Many At Sea Days Are There?
There were 7 at sea days. But rest assured, there’s always something to do aboard the Sapphire Princess. Whether you like gambling in the casino, learning origami with the arts and crafts crew, or sipping some Earl Grey at high tea, the cruise directors make sure to keep you entertained.
When Does The Antarctica Cruise Run?
The cruise runs from November to March during Antarctica’s summer months.
Is The Cruise Wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There were numerous passengers aboard in manual and electric wheelchairs. There were also plenty of passengers who had rented scooters for the trip. Sapphire Princess does an excellent job when it comes to accessibility and offering shore excursions to suit most mobility levels.
Where Can I learn more?
You can learn more on the Princess website.
How Much Does The Cruise Cost?
I paid with United miles, but if you’re paying in cash interior rooms start at $3,500 per person.
Deeply enjoying my time in Antarctica
Final Thoughts On Taking A Cruise To Antarctica Aboard The Sapphire Princess
This was hands down the best trip I’ve ever taken. I highly recommend taking a cruise to Antarctica aboard the Sapphire Princess. Whether you pay in miles or cash, it’s worth every moment of saving to have these amazing memories.
If you decide to take the plunge, be sure to visit my cruise ship essentials post for everything you’ll need for your trip.
Have you been to Antarctica? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
