I’m thrilled to share my exciting adventure aboard the Celebrity Eclipse. For the next two weeks, I’ll be exploring the stunning beauty of South America’s coasts. Our journey begins in Valparaíso, Chile, and takes us through breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities.
We set sail just before Christmas, kicking off the trip with festive celebrations at sea. Our first stop was Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. Here, I visited Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, marveling at the Petrohué Falls and Todos Los Santos Lake. The views were simply incredible, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic peaks around us.
Key Takeaways
- Our cruise explores South America’s coastal wonders from Chile to Argentina
- The journey includes scenic fjords, national parks, and unique wildlife encounters
- Onboard activities and shows keep passengers entertained during sea days
Journey Through South America’s Coast
Setting Sail from Chile’s Shores
I boarded the Celebrity Eclipse on December 23rd for a 14-day cruise along South America’s coast. We left from Valparaíso, Chile, ready for an exciting adventure.
First Stop: Puerto Montt
After two days at sea, we reached Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. I took a tour to Vincent Pérez Rosales National Park. We saw Mount Osorno, a stunning volcano, and the powerful Petrohué Falls. The trip ended at Todos Los Santos Lake, with its clear waters and mountain views.
Sailing Through Chilean Waters
For the next few days, we cruised through Chile’s fjords and the Strait of Magellan. The views were amazing – cliffs, forests, and waterfalls everywhere. Did you know the Chilean fjords stretch over 1,000 miles? At night, we passed through the historic Strait of Magellan.
Exploring Punta Arenas
We docked in Punta Arenas, at Chile’s southern tip. I went on a day-long hike in the Magellanic Forest Reserve. While it wasn’t my favorite part of the trip, it was nice to stretch my legs after days at sea.
Heading to the “World’s End”
As we left Punta Arenas, our ship turned towards Ushuaia and Cape Horn – known as the “end of the world.” This part of the journey promised more amazing sights and experiences.
Cruising the Argentinian Coast
The next leg of our trip took us along Argentina’s coast. We looked forward to New Year’s celebrations and seeing a huge colony of Magellanic penguins.
Final Destination: Buenos Aires
Our cruise was set to end in Buenos Aires, with a quick stop in Uruguay on the way. It was shaping up to be an unforgettable journey through some of South America’s most beautiful places.
My Time on the Celebrity Eclipse
Fun Festive Vibe
The Celebrity Eclipse was decked out for the holidays when I boarded on December 23rd. The first two days at sea had a merry mood with lots of food and festivities. It was nice to relax and celebrate before our busy port days started.
Tons to Do On Board
Even though the Celebrity Eclipse isn’t the newest or biggest ship, there was always something going on. I enjoyed game shows, specialty restaurants, and nightly theater performances. The ship has room for about 2,800 people and offers plenty of options to keep everyone entertained.
Fascinating Talks and Amazing Shows
My favorite activities were the presentations by Milos, the ship’s naturalist. He gave interesting talks about sea life, geology, and other topics related to our cruise route. The production shows were also fantastic – some of the best I’ve seen on a cruise. Both the main cast and guest performers put on great shows every night.
Breathtaking Spots
Puerto Montt: Gateway to Chilean Patagonia
Puerto Montt is our first stop on this amazing cruise. We use tender boats to reach the shore, which takes a bit longer but adds to the adventure. The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the region.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: A Natural Wonder
Our journey takes us to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, one of Chile’s oldest protected areas. On the way, we stop at Mount Osorno. The timing is perfect – the weather clears up, giving us a great view of the volcano with a bit of fog at its base.
Petrohué Falls: Nature’s Power on Display
Petrohué Falls is a highlight of the national park. The emerald-green water crashes over volcanic rocks, creating a spectacular sight. Lush greenery surrounds the falls, making for a picture-perfect scene. It’s a place where you can really feel the force of nature.
Todos los Santos Lake: Mirror of the Mountains
Our last stop is Todos los Santos Lake, also known as All Saints Lake. It’s a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water that reflects the nearby mountains. The mix of blues and greens is really something special. It’s a peaceful place that lets you take in the beauty of the area.
Waterway Wonders
Chile’s Amazing Fjords
I sailed through Chile’s stunning fjords on the Celebrity Eclipse. These waterways, carved by glaciers long ago, stretch over 1,000 miles along Chile’s coast. As we cruised, I saw towering cliffs, thick forests, and beautiful waterfalls. The views kept changing, showing how nature shaped this area over time.
The ship’s expert, Milos, gave talks about the region. He taught us about local sea life and how the land formed. It helped me understand what I was seeing outside my window.
Magellan’s Famous Strait
Our ship then entered the Strait of Magellan. This famous waterway links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at South America’s southern tip. It cuts through an area called Tierra del Fuego.
The strait is named after Ferdinand Magellan, who first sailed through it in the 1500s. It’s an important place in the history of sea travel and discovery.
We mostly sailed the strait at night, so I didn’t get many photos. But knowing we were following in Magellan’s wake made it exciting.
Adventures and Explorations
Day Trip in Punta Arenas
I arrived in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile. I booked a full-day tour with the ship’s team. We set out early, ready for some hiking in the Magellanic forest.
The excursion lasted about 7-8 hours. Before we left, I made sure to grab my morning coffee to start the day right.
We trekked through the Magellanic Forest Reserve. The trails wound through old forests, showing off the plants and animals that call this area home.
I have to be honest – this hike wasn’t my favorite part of the trip. It was nice, but not as amazing as I’d hoped. That’s okay though. Not every day can be perfect when you’re traveling.
Magellanic Forest Walk
The Magellanic Forest Reserve had lots of paths to explore. We walked through ancient woodlands and saw many local plants and creatures.
Here are some things we saw on our hike:
- Old-growth trees
- Local birds
- Small forest animals
- Native plants
The forest was pretty, but it didn’t wow me like other parts of the trip. Still, it was good to stretch my legs after being on the ship.
After our hike, we headed back to the Eclipse. This wrapped up our first week on board. As we sailed away from Punta Arenas, we started moving toward what some people call “the end of the world.”
Finishing Up Our First Week
I’ve had an incredible start to my South American cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse. We left Valparaiso and spent our first days at sea, enjoying Christmas festivities and relaxing before our adventures began.
Our first stop was Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. We took tender boats to shore and joined a tour to explore the area’s natural wonders.
At Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, we visited two amazing sights. First was Petrohué Falls, where emerald waters rush over volcanic rocks surrounded by lush greenery. Then we saw Todos Los Santos Lake, its clear waters reflecting the majestic mountains around it.
Back on the ship, we sailed through the Chilean fjords and Strait of Magellan. The views were breathtaking – cliffs, forests, and waterfalls everywhere I looked. Even though we had several sea days, I never felt bored. There were tons of activities on board, from shows to lectures by the ship’s naturalist.
Our next port was Punta Arenas, where I went on a hike in the Magellanic forest. While it wasn’t my favorite part of the trip so far, it was still nice to stretch my legs on land.
I’m excited for what’s coming up next week as we head towards Ushuaia and Cape Horn!
What’s Next on My South American Cruise Adventure?
Get ready for an exciting week as I continue my journey on the Celebrity Eclipse! We’re sailing towards the “world’s end” at Cape Horn. I’ll be exploring Argentina’s amazing sights and meeting some cute new friends.
I can’t wait to visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America. We’ll also celebrate New Year’s on board and stop at the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colony.
Our cruise will make a quick visit to Uruguay before ending in Buenos Aires. Stay tuned for more stunning views, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences as we wrap up this 14-day South American adventure!
