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• Buenos Aires to Santiago (Valparaíso)
• Santiago (Valparaíso) to Buenos Aires

South America & the Chilean Fjords

• From $5,999
• 8 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Buenos Aires to Santiago (Valparaíso) Santiago (Valparaíso) to Buenos Aires

South America & the Chilean Fjords Map

Journey to the end of the world

Soak in the eclectic mix of Latin and European influences in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, the birthplace of the tango. Visit Port Stanley, home to more than one million penguins, and explore the scenic surroundings of Ushuaia, the city at the “End of the World.” Sail through the Strait of Magellan, passing rugged mountain peaks and blue-tinted icebergs, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chile’s seafaring capital, Santiago.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

From $3,999 | 4 Nights

Pre: Buenos Aires

From $699 | 2 Nights

Pre: Gateway to Patagonia

From $4,499 | 5 Nights

Post: Santiago

From $799 | 2 Nights

Post: Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands

From $6,799 | 5 Nights

Post: The Best of Peru

From $5,599 | 5 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - History of Argentina
• - History of Chile
• - Age of the Inca
• - Oceans in Context—History & Inspiration
• - Islands in History
• - History of Navigation
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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South America & the Chilean Fjords

• From £6,590
• 8 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: +44 208 780 8564 or request a quote today., onboard gratuities included.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers. Strikeout prices reflect brochure pricing.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

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More features, services and excursions included.

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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Discover an innovative and destination-focused approach to cruising with Viking, named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line in its category by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016 through 2023 World's Best Awards. Immerse yourself in the history, music, art and cuisine of each destination on well-designed itineraries. Culturally immersive shore excursions led by knowledgeable local guides are included in every port of call and are meticulously curated to help you experience the most from your travels. On the ship, an enrichment program including world-class lectures by Viking Resident Historians®, cooking classes and Destination Performances complements your time on shore.

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Viking Oceans South America cruises from $5,999*

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Viking Ocean Cruises South America Cruises

South America has become a popular cruising destination and it’s easy to see why! With Viking Ocean Cruises, you could visit the passionate Buenos Aires – the birthplace of tango. Then head to Port Stanley of the Falkland Islands, which are home to more than one million penguins. Viking Oceans’ smaller ships allow you to experience South America like no one else. Enjoy scenic cruising past the stunning Amalia Glacier, sail past the beautiful Chilean fjords, visit the southernmost city in the world and explore Chile’s eclectic capital city, Santiago. You’ve been wanting to visit South America, or return back, for a long time. When you travel to South America on a Viking Oceans cruise, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery and the amazing cultures. You’ll have the trip of a lifetime and return home cultured with plenty of stories to tell. Find out more about Viking Ocean Cruises to South America by giving The Cruise Web a call today at 1-800-377-9383.

Things to Do on a South America Cruise with Viking Oceans

You are cruising to South America with Viking Ocean Cruises because you are adventurous, love to experience new cultures, and believe life is meant to be lived. If you’re active, try river rafting on the Petrohue River. You’ll be accompanied by an expert and you’ll have the time of your life. Experience a passionate tango performance in Buenos Aires and explore the diverse communities that make up the city. You could even take a day trip to the majestic Iguazu Falls and ride on a zodiac under the falls for an up-close view. Explore Ushuaia – known as the ‘end of the earth’ – and so much more when you sail through South America with Viking Oceans. Please continue below for some of our recommended excursions while cruising to South America with Viking Ocean Cruises:

• Dinner and a Show (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Tango is one of the most passionate and elegant dances. You’ll get to enjoy all the qualities of tango in its different expressions – singers, dancers and a tango orchestra – while enjoying a delicious, freshly-prepared dinner. You’ll be visiting the birthplace of one of the most passionate dances, so experiencing an authentic tango performance is a must.  

• Tour the Varela Zarranz Winery (Montevideo, Uruguay) Calling all wine enthusiasts! Tour one of Montevideo’s most famous wineries and treat your taste buds. On this tour, you’ll get to see where the wine is produced, visit the warehouse where the finished product is kept and see bottles from as far back as 1982, and explore the winery’s collection of French oak barrels where the delicious wines rest and mature. Then enjoy a special selection of their finest wines along with a delicious platter of cheese and cold cuts. Definitely a wine lover’s dream.  

• Visit with Penguins (Puerto Madryn, Argentina) You have probably always wanted to see a penguin in its natural habitat. Your cruise to South America with Viking Ocean Cruises is the perfect chance to see them as they migrate to rest for the winter. You’ll start your tour with a scenic drive of Puerto Madryn to one of the best locations to see Magellan penguins. Then you’ll get to see these fantastic birds up close as they walk the beach and protect their offspring from predators. Be sure to bring your camera and back up batteries for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!  

• Explore Historic Port Stanley (Port Stanley, Falkland Islands) Explore the historic capital of the Falkland Islands. Visit Christ Church Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world, explore the oldest streets in Port Stanley and visit the famous Kay McCullum’s Bed and Breakfast where you’ll enjoy refreshments of tea and cake. Then when you’re fully recharged, continue your tour of historical Port Stanley before returning to the ship.  

• River Rafting on the Petrohue River (Puerto Montt, Chile) If you’re looking for adventure and excitement during your South America cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises, then river rafting on the Petrohue River should be a ‘must do’. After you meet your guide and complete the full safety briefing, you’ll begin your adventure in calm waters until you encounter the first rapids. Your river guide will safely maneuver you through the rapids as you hold on tight, and just enjoy the ride. As you float down one of Chile’s most thrilling and beautiful glacial rivers be sure to take in the spectacular scenery surrounding you.  

• Visit a Living Museum (Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile) Travel back to the past when you visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the coastal colonial village Valparaiso. Visit the Villa Victoria, a 19th century mansion that was converted into a bakery. Today, it has been restored to its former glory and the owners, dressed in traditional outfits, give tours of the mansion. At the end, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a delicious handmade pastry.  

Top 10 Viking Ocean Cruises South America Cruises

• Viking Jupiter 17 Night South America & the Chilean Fjords Departing From Buenos Aires, Argentina (Nov 2024 - Feb 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 17 Night South America & the Chilean Fjords Departing From Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile (Nov 2024 - Feb 2026)

Viking Ocean Cruises South America Departure Ports

Learn more about the possible embarkation ports for a South America cruise with Viking Oceans. Your Viking Oceans South America cruise could depart from any of the following ports:

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile

Valparaiso, the oldest city in Chile, is a beautiful urban town full of old Victorian homes and cobbled stone streets bordered by the Pacific Ocean and steep hills.

Photo Gallery for Viking Ocean Cruises South America Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of South America cruising photos from Viking Oceans. Remember, this is just a teaser of the sights waiting for you on a Viking Oceans South America cruise vacation.

River Rafting in Puerto Montt, Chile

Winery in Montevideo, Uruguay

Tango Performance in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sightseeing in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Magellan Penguin in Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Colorful Houses in Valparaiso, Chile

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South America & the Chilean Fjords

Feb 2022 - Feb 2023 on board on board Viking Longships New Ship PRESIDENT'S CRUISE

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What Does the Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package Cover?

• Offers a value of $55 CAD per day, per cabin

• Includes any drinks up to $15.00

• including premium wines by the glass, cocktails and aperitifs

• The Chef’s Table premium wine pairing (Ocean Specialty Dining Only)

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South America & Chilean Fjords Feedback

By johneb2 , October 7, 2022 in Viking Ocean

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My wife & I will be on the Feb 7th, 2023 cruise to South America & Chilean Fjords.   We are looking for feedback for anyone who has taken this cruise in the January or February time frame.  What was the weather like?  What excursions do you recommend or avoid?  What clothing is suggested?   We appreciate any input offered.

Thanks, JohnEB

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OneSixtyToOne

I am also curious about this. We are looking at this cruise or the Chilean Fjords & Patagonia Explorer expedition cruise. Also, has anyone taken the Patagonia extension?

Add me to the list of folks interested in feedback on the South America & Chilean Fjords cruise.  Which direction might be better (Santiago to BA or BA to Santiago)?  

We have done this twice, in Dec and Jan.  The weather is very warm in both Santiago/Valparaiso and Buenos Aires.  As we went south, I was comfortable in a LS shirt, sweater and a rain jacket on top.  I wore jeans and waterproof hiking shoes.   We saw the penguins….all the penguins!  We also did a few winery tours, did the train to the end of the world, and planned our own excursion to Iguazu falls at the end.   This cruise is one of my favorites.

ETA:  just be aware that the ship has about a 50% success rate of stopping in the Falklands as it is a tender port.  We hit it once, once we did not.

Shorts and tee shirts weather to gale force winds with everything I brought on.  Just take a lot of layers and you'll be fine.  There were only a couple of us out on the deck after a while at the southern tip of SA. 

TayanaLorna

We did this Viking cruise from Santiago to Buenos Aires in January - February 2020 and LOVED it.  Check out tomko2travel.blogspot.com for my ramblings, our photos etc.  I just published the unfinished Puerto Madryn which is missing the penguin photos and proof reading (sorry).  Never got to writing Montevideo or BA.  We did a lot of private excursions as we were a group of 6 friends.  This is just a personal blog, no advertising and I get no financial benefit from it.   We just cannot decide which cruise we liked more - this one or the Midnight Sun one.

We had temps from the 90's in Santiago to upper 30's for the Amalia Glacier scenic cruising day.  We brought 3 season clothing but then we live in PR so cold is not anything we are used to feeling.

Did not do the Patagonia extension but would go to that area in a heartbeat after seeing what we did.  We are more outdoorsy people then city touring people so tend to choose cruises with more adventure involved.

3 hours ago, johneb2 said: My wife & I will be on the Feb 7th, 2023 cruise to South America & Chilean Fjords.   We are looking for feedback for anyone who has taken this cruise in the January or February time frame.  What was the weather like?  What excursions do you recommend or avoid?  What clothing is suggested?   We appreciate any input offered. Thanks, JohnEB

We are going on this cruise in January. You will be boarding as we finish in BA on the 7th. I Found lots of information on the ports boards as well as trip advisor.   

I may do a live thread depending on interest but if not I’ll be happy to answer questions while on board.

4 hours ago, johneb2 said: My wife & I will be on the Feb 7th, 2023 cruise to South America & Chilean Fjords.   We are looking for feedback for anyone who has taken this cruise in the January or February time frame.  What was the weather like?  What excursions do you recommend or avoid?  What clothing is suggested?   We appreciate any input offered. Thanks, JohnEB

To avoid: Don’t go if you’re going to be interrupted by a pandemic! 🤪 We went Valpo to BA direction, Feb. 28-March 15, 2020. But really the pandemic declaration on March 11 didn’t affect us all that much—we just were not able to stay an extra two days in BA as we had to fly out immediately on March 15 because Argentina was closing the airport!

The weather was warmer than I thought it would be around the Falklands & Cape Horn. We made it into the Falklands and the sea was nearly smooth as glass around the Cape—though overcast skies. For you, I’d be prepared for summery weather and early fall conditions—bring a rain jacket (also for wind) but SA is experiencing drought conditions due to climate change—though I don’t know the forecast for this next year.

As for excursions: We have been to BA before (on our own) so can recommend Viking excursions of Tango & Dinner Show; Historic Eva Peron; or Artistic Buenos Aires. Of course Iguazu Falls is not to be missed in SA, but the Viking excursion is very pricey. We were there on another trip but it’s fantastic!

Tango in Montevideo was fun. We skipped Puerto Madryn due to high winds—unable to make port. The Falklands penguin tour to Volunteer Point was full so we booked with the private tour there with Patrick’s group—this is not to be missed as well! In Ushuaia we booked a private excursion to Tierra Del Fuego National Park but I’d highly recommend trying to get there. Punta Arenas by foot, the included tour, was meh so we struck out on our own. At Puerto Montt, we thoroughly enjoyed the Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls, Puerto Varas excursion with wonderful lunch at a bodega/cantina near PV. At Valparaiso I recommend On the Trail of Pablo Neruda. We found out on boarding in Valpo that this excursion was canceled due to not enough signups (though the previous cruise excursion went). We were able to scramble & got a local tour guide at the last moment to recreate the tour for us—loved it!—including lunch at a winery near Santiago.

This was one of our best cruises due to length (18 days), lots of sea days, astounding scenery (Cape, Fjiords, Falklands), & and, in our case, an exciting exit! Pretty sure you’ll have a great time!

The Other Tom

It was warm in BA and Santiago when we went in February, but cold and windy in the Falklands.  Layers are best.  We also encountered hurricane force winds (75 mph) and heavy seas after we exited the Beagle channel into the Pacific.  It lasted for about a day.  The captain said it was worse the week before.  We were on the NCL Sun which is a larger ship than Viking.  Although the ship was rocking and rolling, my wife, who normally gets sea sickness in that type of weather, was fine.  Maybe it was because we were excited about the adventure.

Edit:  We did a private excursion to Volunteer Point (Falkland Islands) to see the Penguins.  We used Patrick Watts and it was one of the best excursions we have been on.  Highly recommended.

11 hours ago, Mich3554 said: We have done this twice, in Dec and Jan.  The weather is very warm in both Santiago/Valparaiso and Buenos Aires.  As we went south, I was comfortable in a LS shirt, sweater and a rain jacket on top.  I wore jeans and waterproof hiking shoes.   We saw the penguins….all the penguins!  We also did a few winery tours, did the train to the end of the world, and planned our own excursion to Iguazu falls at the end.   This cruise is one of my favorites.   ETA:  just be aware that the ship has about a 50% success rate of stopping in the Falklands as it is a tender port.  We hit it once, once we did not.

When you did not stop at the Falklands, was another port substituted or was it just a sea day?

Sea day. No time to substitute another port. We made it into the Falklands on our March 2020 cruise, but not to Puerto Madryn where a sea day was our substitute.

Recommend if you really want to see penguins, book an excursion to more then one port.

In Punta Arenas, all water based excursions were cancelled due to 60 mph winds and the ski lift/hike tour was also cancelled.  Fortunately we were able to dock but it was hard walking.

In the Falklands we anchored and the first tender made it to shore.  We started out on the Patrick Watts tour but were called back after a half hour as the Captain cancelled the stop when the second tender could not dock.  Patrick did not charge us but we gave our driver a nice tip.  Do not worry about missing the ship when touring with Patrick.  The lead vehicle carries a radio for communication and we knew immediately when called back to ship.

We finally saw penguins on a private tour to the Penninsula Valdes UNESCO World Heritage site and Estancia San Lorenzo through Sentir Patagonia.  Excellent.

Great questions and also great answers.  We will be on the same cruise, Feb 7, 2022. Had original booked for Feb 2021, but cruise was canceled.

Looking forward to meeting on board.

19 hours ago, johneb2 said: My wife & I will be on the Feb 7th, 2023 cruise to South America & Chilean Fjords.   We are looking for feedback for anyone who has taken this cruise in the January or February time frame.  What was the weather like?  What excursions do you recommend or avoid?  What clothing is suggested?   We appreciate any input offered. Thanks, JohnEB

This is a fantastic trip and the other posters have all provided excellent input.

My key advice is flexibility - in both clothing and expectations. The Southern Ocean is home to the most unpredictable and changeable weather on the planet. In 2013, on a different cruise line, we were forced inshore by a storm bringing 70 knot winds and 40 foot seas - no Punta Arenas, Ushuaia or Cape Horn. Disappointing, but still one of our favourite trips. Here's one teaser from our adjusted route ... 🍺 🥌

10 hours ago, johneb2 said: When you did not stop at the Falklands, was another port substituted or was it just a sea day?

Sea day.  There really isn’t anything close to divert to.  The time we made it, the cruise before and after us did not.  We really lucked out, but we were well aware that the odds of getting into that port are about 50%.  

This is what it was like going around the Horn the last trip.  The first trip, the Captain turned back as it was too ugly out.  

We did this cruise last year starting late February.  Pandemic problems aside it was a GREAT cruise.  Unfortunately the Falklands were cancelled because no ships were allowed. 

Our pre-cruise extension was BAD but it was totally Covid related.  We did get to do a a private wine tour that was fantastic.  Great wine country!

Puerto Montt    Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls & Puerto Varas 

this was a good tour!

Puenta Arenas  we did Magdalena Island & Penguin Reserve by Catamaran..this was our best Penguin Experience ( we could not go to the Falklands) OK boat ride and very knowledgeable guides.

Ushuaia Great 4x4 and hiking adventure and fun lunch that we ate outside...the guide made this tour

Puerto Madryn  we were here for 2 days because the Falklands were closed.  We did Punta Tombo Penguin Colony and something to see Elephant Seals much to the seemingly surprised guide both were without much wildlife...the lunch stops were horrific (but remember this was time of Covid)  those who did the included tour of the the Welsh community enjoyed it!

Montivideo  we did the wine tour and it was good!  We also did the included because we were there twice ( we followed SA cruise with the Transatlantic)  This is a walkable fun city to wander about! 

Truly though this trip is all about the scenery!!!  We had excellent naturalists onboard and spent most free time up in the Explorer's lounge watching for birds, dolphins and whales!!  Saw them all!!!  The bar tenders were also the BEST!!!

30 minutes ago, deec said: We did this cruise last year starting late February.  Pandemic problems aside it was a GREAT cruise.  Unfortunately the Falklands were cancelled because no ships were allowed.  Our pre-cruise extension was BAD but it was totally Covid related.  We did get to do a a private wine tour that was fantastic.  Great wine country!   Puerto Montt    Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls & Puerto Varas  this was a good tour!   Puenta Arenas  we did Magdalena Island & Penguin Reserve by Catamaran..this was our best Penguin Experience ( we could not go to the Falklands) OK boat ride and very knowledgeable guides.   Ushuaia Great 4x4 and hiking adventure and fun lunch that we ate outside...the guide made this tour   Puerto Madryn  we were here for 2 days because the Falklands were closed.  We did Punta Tombo Penguin Colony and something to see Elephant Seals much to the seemingly surprised guide both were without much wildlife...the lunch stops were horrific (but remember this was time of Covid)  those who did the included tour of the the Welsh community enjoyed it!   Montivideo  we did the wine tour and it was good!  We also did the included because we were there twice ( we followed SA cruise with the Transatlantic)  This is a walkable fun city to wander about!    Truly though this trip is all about the scenery!!!  We had excellent naturalists onboard and spent most free time up in the Explorer's lounge watching for birds, dolphins and whales!!  Saw them all!!!  The bar tenders were also the BEST!!!            

Thanks for your critique. 

We are hoping to book this late in February of 2024 and then continue onto Barcelona.  It sounds like you enjoyed it even with the issues. We have taken 2 Ocean cruises since 2020. One in December in the Caribbean and to French Polynesia in January. Some things were changed or missed, but we still had a wonderful time on both!

we did the transatlantic to Barcelona and then onto Bergen and a final leg back to Amsterdam...42 days and it was great way way to spend the Spring...

Australia08

7 hours ago, deec said: We did this cruise last year starting late February.  Pandemic problems aside it was a GREAT cruise.  Unfortunately the Falklands were cancelled because no ships were allowed.  Our pre-cruise extension was BAD but it was totally Covid related.  We did get to do a a private wine tour that was fantastic.  Great wine country!  

Was your private wine tour out of Santiago?  If so where did you go and with what tour company?

https://bodegawinetours.cl/

we had a great day!

33 minutes ago, deec said: https://bodegawinetours.cl/ we had a great day!

Which tour option did you choose?

Thanks for all of the great tips for the SA Fjords cruise!  Any comments or suggestions for a Patagonia tour provider?

Thank you everyone with their suggestions and input.  We are looking forward to the Feb 7th cruise and now have ideas on what to expect and what excursions we should look at.   Thanks again.

We are going on this cruise December 1st.  Thank you to all who have contributed a wealth of information that should make our cruise that much better.  I am concerned about our final day in Santiago, however.  Our plane departs at 11:59PM (for all intents and purposes the following day).  I am sure Viking will want us off the ship early morning.  So what are our options for the day?  We will have all our luggage.  I think I read somewhere that Viking arranged for those with late departures to have a room in a hotel for the day -- does anyone know anything about that?  We would love to do a little sight-seeing -- I wouldn't want to stray far, though, since we would have to take the transfer to the airport, I would imagine around 8PM or so, right?  Any advice is appreciated. ☺️

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Investor’s Edge: Two cruise lines that are worth a look

• Updated: Jun. 05, 2024, 10:08 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 05, 2024, 10:05 a.m.

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• Jim Burns, CFA

In my lifetime, I’ve been on just a few cruises, the worst actually being on my honeymoon. It was two weeks of tedium in August of 1999, when the weather in Syracuse was great, but my cruise ship was — literally — passing icebergs in the North Atlantic. We were also the youngest cruisers by about 40 years.

The boredom over those two weeks became so bad, I was hoping, somewhat seriously, that we would hit one of the icebergs, a la the Titanic. The only difference being my desire that everyone would be safely rescued. Unfortunately, no luck there.

Needless to say, my view of cruises became quite jaded.

Modern cruises, however, are nothing like what I experienced 25 years ago. The cruise ships of today are essentially floating mega resorts complete with gourmet dining, casinos, theaters, laser tag, live music, and even roller coaster rides.

In fact, cruises are more popular than ever. According to Expedia, 2024 is projected to see a record 36 million global cruise passengers — a number that is expected to grow to nearly 40 million by 2027.

Recently I had a client rave about a Viking cruise that she and her husband experienced that went from Antwerp, Belgium to Amsterdam. As Viking Cruises just went public on May 1, I think it is a good time to look at this growing industry.

I will focus on only the two top players in the industry that local investors should consider embarking on.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN (TICKER: RCL)

Miami based Royal Caribbean International is the world’s largest cruise line by revenue and accounts for nearly 20% of all cruises taken around the globe.

Royal Caribbean vessels are the essence of the floating “mega resorts” I mentioned above, which center around offering just about every type of entertainment imaginable from rock climbing walls and water slides to ice skating rinks and Broadway shows. With a focus on luxury and top-tier service, Royal Caribbean is considered by many to be the gold standard in the mega-cruising industry.

The company is currently firing on all cylinders with record booking levels, ship capacity, and profit margins. In fact, after three years of losses during the pandemic from 2020-2022, Royal Caribbean’s earnings per share skyrocketed back to $6.69 in 2023 and are projected to crest $10 per share in 2024. Despite the stock being up more than 90% in the past year, the stock still sells at a very reasonable 19 times earnings — far lower than its top competitors.

I believe Royal Caribbean is a solid buy within the cruise industry.

VIKING (TICKER: VIK)

While most cruise brands try to offer a large variety of experiences and entertainment that appeal to everyone, Viking unapologetically does not. Viking offers high-end adults-only cruises for the affluent and intellectually curious.

Viking sails across 88 countries in all seven continents. The hallmark of a Viking cruise is world-class accommodations, food, and curated cultural experiences both on and off the ship.

The company’s “secret sauce” is its niche position and fiercely loyal customer base. In fact, more than 50% of patrons return for another Viking cruise and Viking’s total revenue per passenger is more than four times larger than a standard cruise line.

According to Bank of America, Viking’s average cruise is booked 11 months ahead of time, providing meaningful earnings visibility.

Furthermore, while most cruise lines focus mainly on the Caribbean, more than 60% of Viking’s excursions take place on European rivers, allowing it to carve out a niche with little competition.

Viking is undergoing an aggressive expansion strategy to keep up with rising demand. The company plans to build 14 river cruise ships and 10 ocean ships by 2030.

The company just went public on May 1 and already the stock has risen more than 12%. With only a $13 billion market cap, Viking has a lot of room to grow.

The risks involved with these stocks is a steep economic downturn or, as in what happened in 2020, a worldwide crisis like a pandemic. Barring that, however, the cruise lines in general have been very good investments.

To note, I don’t personally own either of these stocks. I prefer owning meaningful positions in a lesser number of businesses. That said, I am currently looking into a Viking cruise later this year and I think this the cruise line stock with the most runway.

Viking and Royal Caribbean are two very different, but still best in breed cruise players that are growing rapidly. For growth-oriented investors, either is an excellent stock to consider setting sail on.

Jim Burns is a chartered financial analyst, is president of J.W. Burns & Co. The opinions expressed here are his and do not necessarily reflect those of The Post-Standard. Readers should do research before deciding on an investment. Contact him at [email protected]

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