Days 822-826 South American Cruise Day 25-29

Cruise Day 25 -Day 822

Dec 12, 2026

Daylight cruising Glacier Alley

Glacier Alley, or Avenida de los Glaciares, is a breathtaking 150-mile-long stretch of the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego, Chile, featuring a series of hanging and tidewater glaciers flowing from the Cordillera Darwin Icefield. Key glaciers—named Italia, Holanda, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche—descend over 3,000 feet, often seen on cruises between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas

Cruise Day 25 -Day 822

Dec 12, 2026

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia is a resort town in Argentina. It's located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost tip of South America, nicknamed the “End of the World.” The windswept town, perched on a steep hill, is surrounded by the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. It's the gateway to Antarctica cruises and tours to nearby Isla Yécapasela, known as “Penguin Island” for its penguin colonies.

The Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, situated on a rocky islet in the Beagle Channel, is an iconic beacon guiding ships navigating the waters near Ushuaia, Argentina. Built in 1920 by the Argentine Navy, this remote, solar-powered structure is frequently photographed as the famous "Lighthouse at the End of the World

Ushuaia Argentina Dec 11, 2025 Mailed Thomas and Megan post cards from the end of the world….

Let's see how long it takes. Arrived Feb 2, 2026

Cruise Day 26 -Day 823

Dec 13, 2026

Scenic Cruising Cape Horn

Cape Horn is a rocky headland on Hornos Island, in southern Chile's Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It's surrounded by wild seas off the southern tip of South America where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet. The albatross-shaped Cape Horn Monument commemorates the lives of thousands of seafarers who perished attempting to sail around the cape. A secluded lighthouse and the tiny Stella-Maris Chapel are nearby. 

The Cape Horn Monument is a steel sculpture on Hornos Island in Chile. Designed by José Balcells Eyquem and erected in 1992, it features the silhouette of an albatross to honor the thousands of mariners who perished attempting to sail around the treacherous waters of Cape Horn.

The Albatross: The wandering albatross is a maritime symbol for the souls of sailors lost at sea. The sculpture was specifically designed using abstract, angular shapes so it can withstand the legendary, hurricane-force winds of the Southern Ocean.

The Poem: The monument includes a plaque featuring a poem by Sara Vial, which translates to: "I am the albatross that awaits you at the end of the earth... I am the forgotten sailor who died in the raging, untamed sea of the Southern ocean.

Cruise Day 27 -Day 824

Dec 14, 2026

Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas

The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are a remote South Atlantic archipelago. With rugged terrain and cliff-lined coasts, its hundreds of islands and islets are home to sheep farms and abundant birdlife. The capital, Stanley, sits on East Falkland, the largest island. The town's Falkland Islands Museum has themed galleries devoted to maritime exploration, natural history, the 1982 Falklands War and other subjects.

The Whalebone Arch (Stanley)

Located in the grounds of the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley, this famous monument is made from four massive jawbones of two blue whales. Constructed in 1933 to commemorate the centenary of British administration on the islands.The bones were brought over from the South Shetland Islands in 1922 by the Hector Whaling Company.

The Victory Bar, located on Philomel Street in Stanley, Falkland Islands, is a historic, traditional British pub established on October 14, 1946. It holds deep significance for both locals and veterans of the 1982 Falklands War, acting as a celebrated gathering spot for those who liberated the islands

Port Stanley s the capital of the Falkland Islands and was the focal point of the 1982 Falklands War between the United Kingdom and Argentina. 

On April 1, 1982, following weeks of rising diplomatic and territorial tensions, the Argentine military launched an amphibious invasion of the islands. By the morning of April 2, approximately 90 Argentine commandos had landed and engaged in a brief firefight with a small, heavily outnumbered garrison of British Royal Marines defending the capital and Government House. Facing overwhelming force and ordered to prevent unnecessary loss of life, the British governor agreed to a ceasefire, leading to the Argentine occupation of Stanley. 

Following the invasion, the UK dispatched a massive naval task force to reclaim the islands. British troops landed in East Falkland in late May 1982 and began a grueling march toward the capital. By June, they had established strategic positions on the high ground encircling Stanley, setting the stage for a series of bloody nighttime battles.

On June 14, 1982, following the collapse of their defensive ring around Stanley, Argentine commanders realized their positions were untenable and surrendered to British forces. This effectively ended the 74-day war and returned the capital and the archipelago to British control

Margaret Thatcher is deeply revered in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, for her decisive leadership in dispatching a British task force to liberate the territory following the 1982 Argentine invasion

The Cape Pembroke Lighthouse is a historic 60-foot cast-iron tower situated on the most easterly point of the Falkland Islands, just 7 miles east of the capital city of Stanley

Cruise Days 28-29 -Day 825 & Day 826

Dec 15, 2026

Dec 16, 2026

Days At Sea

The staff on Holland America were the best we have ever experienced. We made lifelong friends with our waiters, whose kindness and dedication made our trip so special.

Saur was expecting a baby girl any day during our cruise, and it became a daily joy to ask if she had arrived yet. We were so happy to hear that after we left the ship, his healthy and strong baby girl was finally born.

Oka was heading home the week after us, and now he is expecting as well. These gentlemen were not only hardworking, but incredibly caring and thoughtful. They spend so much time away from their families in hopes of creating better lives for them. Both shared dreams of working for a few years before returning home to pursue trades and opportunities there.

Meeting people like them reminds us how fortunate we are and gave us an even deeper appreciation for the hardworking people who make these journeys so memorable.

Front row-John, Monica, Buffy, Tom, Backrow-Saur, Oka, Taking picture- Eka

Day 821- South American Cruise Day 24

Cruise Day 24-Day 821

Dec 11, 2026

Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas is a city near the tip of Chile's southernmost Patagonia region. Located on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it's often used as base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. The Plaza Muñoz Gamero has a memorial to explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and the Museo Nao Victoria features a replica of one of his galleons.

Punta Arenas is a city near the tip of Chile's southernmost Patagonia region. Located on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it's often used as base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. The Plaza Muñoz Gamero has a memorial to explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and the Museo Nao Victoria features a replica of one of his galleons

Fuerte Bulnes (Fort Bulnes) is a historic, reconstructed Chilean fort located along the Strait of Magellan, approximately 52 km (32 miles) south of Punta Arenas. Built in 1843 to establish Chilean sovereignty in Patagonia, it is now a major National Historic Monument

Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Punta Arenas, Chile.

The Statue: A bronze monument to explorer Ferdinand Magellan, featuring native figures at its base.

The Legend: Rubbing the polished toe of the indigenous figure guarantees your return to Punta Arenas

Punta Arena-  As we were looking for a place to eat. We saw several seamen in white hats walking in front of us. The choice was made...ollowed the hats!  The food was EXCELLENT 

La Luna Restaurant, located at O'Higgins 1017 in Punta Arenas, Chile, opened on April 11, 2001. Founded by Marjorie Kusch and Mario Navarro, it is famed for its vibrant, eclectic decor and for serving fresh, regional Patagonian seafood

Cruise Day 24-Day 821

Dec 11, 2026

Cockburn Channel

The Cockburn Channel is a channel that separates the Brecknock Peninsula, which is the westernmost projection of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, from Clarence Island, Capitán Aracena Island and other minor islands in Chile

Cruise Day 24-Day 821

Dec 11, 2026

Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel is a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, on the extreme southern tip of South America between Chile and Argentina.

Day 821- From the Top of the World to the End

 

Who knew we'd visit two poles in just six months, apparently we've mastered the art of opportunities. June we were fishing in Alaska and today we're embracing the adventure in Ushuaia Argentina.  We found the top of the world and the bottom in just a few months…

Days 815-820 South American Cruise Days 18-23

Cruise Day 18 -Day 815

Dec 4, 2026

Days At Sea

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Cruise Day 19 -Day 816

Dec 5, 2026

Puerto Montt, Chile

Puerto Montt is primarily known as the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the Lake District, serving as a major working port, travel hub, and center for the salmon aquaculture industry. Founded by German settlers, it is famous for its dramatic scenery of fjords and volcanoes, the Angelmo fish market, fresh seafood, and German-influenced cuisine

Puerto Montt- Public Rotonda

We joined a Chef for a food tour. Similar to the Lima market, but on a much smaller scale. 

We traveled with the Chef to the small town of Puerto Varas on the shores of Llanquihue Lake. Along the way, we sampled local wines and Pisco while he entertained us with stories and generously fed us throughout the experience.

It was Monica's birthday, the Chef sent a staff member out for a special dessert.

 A special Happy Birthday memory was made.  

Volcano Osorno

Back on ship another round of Birthday Cake....So much food!

Cruise Day 20 -Day 817

Dec 6, 2026

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Puerto Chacabuco is a town in Patagonia, southern Chile, known as a jumping-off point for the Aysén fjords. To the northeast is Lake Los Palos, with views of snowy mountains. The forested Simpson River National Reserve, home to cougars, is southeast. The nearby town of Coyhaique has a craft market selling handmade items. Glacier-fed San Rafael Lagoon and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field are to the southwest.

Tom was able to go on an epic Fly Fishing Trip in Patagonia. 

I went on a bus tour checking out some beautiful sites in Puerto Chacabucco

National Reserve Rio Simpson

Cruise Day 21-Day 818

Dec 7, 2026

Cruising Chilean Fjords

The southern coast of Chile presents a large number of fjords and fjord-like channels from the latitudes of Cape Horn to Reloncaví Estuary. Some fjords and channels are important navigable channels providing access to ports like Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Natales

Cruise Day 22 -Day 819

Dec 8, 2026

Pio XI Glacier (Bruggen Glacier), Chile

Brüggen Glacier, also known as Pío XI Glacier named by Spanish explorers after a Pope, is in southern Chile and is the largest western outflow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Now about 66 km in length, it is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica

Cruise Day 22- Day 819

Dec 9, 2026

Scenic cruising Sarmiento Channel

Sarmiento Channel is a principal Patagonia channel, which extends in a north–south direction. It begins with the Guia Narrows and is located in Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Region. The kawésqar people sailed its waters from around 6,000 years ago until end of 20th century, as they inhabited its coasts

Cruise Day 23 -Day 820

Dec 10, 2026

Strait of Magellan

The Strait of Magellan, also called the Straits of Magellan, is a navigable sea route in southern Chile separating mainland South America to the north and the Tierra del Fuego archipelago to the south.

The Strait of Magellan is a 350-mile (564 km) navigable sea route in southern Chile that separates mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego. It serves as one of the most vital natural passages connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, though it is notoriously challenging to navigate due to treacherous currents, narrow passages, and unpredictable storm

The SS Santa Leonor was an American cargo ship that struck rocks in Chile’s Smyth Channel on March 31, 1968, and was abandoned. Originally built as a WWII Bayfield-class attack transport, the rusting remains of the ship still sit partially submerged on the Adelaide Rocks. Constructed in 1944, the ship originally served as the USS Riverside (APA-102). She transported troops and wounded personnel in the Pacific against Imperial Japan before being decommissioned in 1948