When I saw that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was unveiling its new Amazon & Antarctica Grand Voyage, my first thought wasn't that it was just another cruise launch. It was simply; that's a voyage I'd book in a heartbeat.

This epic 87-night voyage visits 17 countries, bringing together so many places I've always wanted to experience into one incredible journey.

I've sailed on Borealis before and have always thought of her as a ship that really suits this type of immersive itinerary perfectly. 87 nights exploring everything from tropical rainforest and Caribbean islands to glaciers, Antarctica and some of the most wildlife-rich places on the planet. It isn't often an itinerary genuinely stops me in my tracks, but this one certainly did.

I've been fortunate enough to experience Antarctica already, and it remains one of the most extraordinary places I've ever visited. Watching glaciers stretch endlessly into the distance, seeing penguins going about their day and witnessing wildlife in such a remote environment is something that's difficult to put into words. It completely exceeded my expectations, which is why my eyes were immediately drawn to the other half of this itinerary. The Amazon has been sitting on my travel wish list for years, and the thought of finally experiencing it alongside everything else this voyage has to offer is incredibly tempting.

What makes this voyage so special isn't just that it combines the Amazon and Antarctica. It's everything in between. From the rainforests of Costa Rica and the wildlife-rich Caribbean to Patagonia, Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands.

South America has always fascinated me, but it's a part of the world that's difficult to piece together independently. Distances are huge and trying to combine places such as the Amazon, Patagonia, Cape Horn and Antarctica into one seamless trip would take months of planning. Sailing there from Southampton removes all of that complexity and allows you to simply enjoy the journey.

For me, though, this voyage isn't really about the number of countries or ports you'll visit. It's about experiencing nature at its very best.

Cruising deep into the Amazon in search of pink river dolphins, colourful birdlife and an ecosystem unlike anywhere else on Earth is what first caught my attention. Costa Rica's lush rainforests, the whale-rich waters around Samaná Bay and Dominica, the Falkland Islands and the dramatic scenery around Cape Horn all add to a voyage that feels completely immersed in the natural world from beginning to end.

Of course, the cities along the way are just as impressive. Overnight stays in both Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires give you time to properly explore two of South America's most iconic cities, while ports including Cartagena, Curaçao, Barbados and Grenada add another dimension to the journey. 

Then come those legendary moments every traveller dreams about, rounding Cape Horn, crossing the Drake Passage and spending three days weaving through Antarctica's ice-filled waters, surrounded by glaciers, towering peaks and unforgettable scenery. It feels like one continuous adventure across an incredible part of the world.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ smaller ships create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the crew have a friendliness that's hard to replicate and the enrichment programme perfectly complements an itinerary built around nature, culture and discovery.

On a journey lasting nearly three months, those qualities become far more important than flashy attractions or headline entertainment. This is the sort of cruise where you'll spend hours out on deck with your camera, hoping the next iceberg reveals a colony of penguins or the next stretch of river brings a glimpse of a pink river dolphin. You'll chat with fellow guests after an inspiring destination talk, spend evenings reliving the day's sightings and wake up wondering what tomorrow might bring. That's exactly the kind of cruising Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines does so well.

And if there's one thing this itinerary has done, it's move the Amazon much higher up my own travel wish list.

Cruise Collective member offer

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' 87-night Amazon & Antarctica Grand Voyage departs Southampton on 5 January 2028, with fares starting from £10,999 per person.

The itinerary visits 28 ports across 17 countries and five continents, including the Amazon River, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires and three unforgettable days exploring the spectacular scenery of Antarctica.

As a Cruise Collective member, you'll also receive up to £200 per person onboard spending credit on selected Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sailings through our exclusive partnership, giving you even more value when you book your next adventure.