Cheap cruises from Buenos Aires include the cabin, all meals on board, entertainment, and use of the ship's common areas . What varies depending on the offer are drinks, excursions, gratuities, and port taxes, which are sometimes charged separately. Two-for-one deals usually reduce the price per person, but they don't eliminate these extras.
If you're looking for cruise trips from Buenos Aires , there are options ranging from 3 days to more than 12, with destinations in Uruguay, Brazil, Patagonia, Chile, the Caribbean, and Antarctica . All depart from the Benito Quinquela Martín Cruise Terminal in the port of Buenos Aires.
In this article we explain what each fare includes, how much they cost, how the 2x1 deals work, where shipping companies like MSC and Costa depart from, and where the ships arrive.
Before boarding, you can take advantage of a day or two in the city. Check out our travel packages, accommodations, and tours in Buenos Aires to plan your stay before and after departure .
Cheap cruises from Buenos Aires: prices and when to book
A cruise is considered inexpensive when the price per person includes the essentials and the fare is below the average for the season . The best deals are usually on short cruises, inside cabins, and departures outside of peak season.
Prices vary depending on the cruise line, the ship, the cabin type, and the departure month. Therefore, it's advisable to compare the final price, including taxes and gratuities, and not just the rate shown in the advertisement.
How much does a cheap cruise from Buenos Aires cost?
For reference, MSC's longer cruises departing from Buenos Aires start at around €600 per person on the MSC Splendida (9 to 10 days) and around €1,070 on the MSC Seaview (8 days). Fifteen-day trips on ships like the Celebrity Equinox start from around €1,100.
Packages that include flights, transfers, hotel, and insurance are more expensive . For example, three all-inclusive 10-day Caribbean packages start at around $2,575 to $2,830 per person. Luxury cruises, like the Explora I, cost considerably more: around €3,700 per person for 8 days.
When is the best time to book a cruise from Buenos Aires?
The cruise season in Buenos Aires runs from November to April , with more departures from December to March. This is the time with the most destinations available, but also the highest prices.
There are two good times to travel without paying the highest fares: September to November and March to June. During these months, the weather is pleasant and there are more frequent promotions. Booking in advance is important, especially if you're traveling with family, because cabins for four people sell out first.
2-for-1 cruises from Buenos Aires: how they work
A 2-for-1 cruise is a promotion where the second passenger in the cabin doesn't pay the cruise fare. Port taxes, onboard service charges, and gratuities, which are charged per passenger, are generally still payable.
Before booking, it's advisable to check three things:
Which dates and ships are included in the offer. It almost never covers the entire season.
What type of cabin is included? Many promotions are only valid for indoor or outdoor cabins.
How much do the taxes and tips add up to? It can change the total price quite a bit.
What do the cheap 2x1 all-inclusive cruises from Buenos Aires include?
An "all-inclusive" cruise can mean different things depending on the cruise line. In all cases, accommodations and meals are included. Drinks and other services depend on the fare you choose.
Cheap cruises from Buenos Aires usually offer a basic fare that includes meals and entertainment. Packages with drinks, Wi-Fi, or excursions are booked separately or at a higher price. It's a good idea to ask exactly what's included before paying.
What's included in a cheap cruise
Almost all cruises from Buenos Aires include the following:
Cabin accommodation with private bathroom.
Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner and, in general, snacks and buffet service during the day.
Onboard entertainment: shows, live music, movies, children's activities.
Use of common areas: swimming pools, solarium, gym and lounges.
Port transfers: the ship takes you from one destination to the other while you sleep.
When the offer is all-inclusive, drinks such as cocktails, sodas, and juices are also included in the package. Flights and transfers are also included in some offers. Cruise-only offers do not include them.
What a cheap cruise doesn't include
These items are usually paid separately:
Port taxes and onboard service charges are levied per person, even with 2-for-1 promotions.
Tips, which are added to the final bill for the trip.
Drinks not included in the package, especially alcohol and specialty drinks.
Shore excursions in each port.
Wifi, spa treatments and specialty restaurants.
Flights to Buenos Aires, if you are coming from another city.
It is recommended not to bring food from outside, as it is generally prohibited on board. You should also factor in expenses on land, such as transportation, meals, and entrance fees.
Cabin types: interior, exterior and balcony
There are three main types, and the price difference is significant:
Interior: without a window. It's the most economical option and is almost always included in 2-for-1 offers.
Exterior: with a window or porthole, to see the sea.
With balcony: It has a private terrace. It's the most expensive.
To minimize the ship's movement, choose a cabin in the center of the ship and on the lower decks. If you want peace and quiet, avoid cabins near theaters, bars, or busy areas.
Short cruises from Buenos Aires: 3-day cruises and mini-cruises
Short cruises from Buenos Aires last between 3 and 6 days and visit nearby ports, especially in Uruguay . They are the best option for experiencing a cruise without spending a lot of money or using up too many vacation days.
They depart from the same terminal as longer cruises and also include accommodation, meals, and entertainment. They usually have lower prices per person, and it's easier to find 2-for-1 deals.
3-day cruises from Buenos Aires
A 3-day cruise from Buenos Aires is a mini-cruise departing from and returning to the port of Buenos Aires. Its most common route goes to Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay . Montevideo is about 200 km from Buenos Aires across the Río de la Plata.
It's ideal for a long weekend. You sleep on board, spend a day in each port, and return to the city. Itineraries, dates, and ships change each season, so it's best to check availability when booking.
4 to 6 day cruises from Buenos Aires
These trips include more ports of call. In addition to Uruguay, they can reach destinations in Brazil or the Patagonian coast, depending on the departure point . They are a good option if you have a week's vacation and want to see more places without taking a long trip.
The price goes up a little, but the value per day is usually lower than on a short cruise, because meals and accommodation are included in the fare.
Cruises of 7 days or more from Buenos Aires
Cruises lasting 7 to 15 days explore Brazil, Patagonia, Chile, or the Caribbean . There are also trips longer than 12 days, including journeys to Antarctica or around the world. These are the most expensive, but they also offer the most destinations for the same trip.
Where do cruises depart from in Buenos Aires?
The Benito Quinquela Martín Cruise Terminal is where cruises depart from in Buenos Aires. The port is located at the intersection of Ramón S. Castillo Avenue and Avenida de los Inmigrantes, about 3 or 4 km from the historic city center . This is near Jorge Newbery Airport and about 35 km from Ezeiza International Airport.
You can get there by taxi, bus, or private transfer. The terminal can handle up to 12,000 passengers per day, so it's best to arrive early: boarding includes document check, baggage handling, and check-in . Many cruise lines assign a specific time slot to each passenger.
Some ships have a preliminary step, such as a check-in point in another part of the city. Therefore, it's advisable to carefully read the boarding instructions sent by the cruise line.
Where do MSC cruises depart from in Buenos Aires?
MSC Cruises ships depart from the Benito Quinquela Martín Terminal. On certain ships, such as the MSC Musica and MSC Lirica, the cruise line indicated that check-in and baggage drop-off take place first at the Costa Salguero Convention Center, located at Avenida Costanera Rafael Obligado 1221. From there, passengers travel by bus to the terminal.
This procedure may change from season to season. Before traveling, please confirm your booking confirmation with the designated pick-up point.
Where does Costa Cruises depart from in Buenos Aires?
Costa Cruises also operates from the port of Buenos Aires, in the cruise terminal area. Cruise lines may change the check-in point and instructions each season.
The safest thing to do is check the voucher or confirmation email, which shows the terminal, schedule, and boarding instructions.
Where do cruise ships arrive from Buenos Aires?
Cruises departing from Buenos Aires visit four main areas: the ports of the Río de la Plata, southern Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia and Chile , and longer destinations such as Antarctica, the Caribbean, and round-the-world voyages . Routes change each season.
Smaller ships and short voyages go to Uruguay and the Argentine coast. Longer voyages pass through Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan, or cross the Atlantic to other continents.
Cruises to Uruguay and Brazil
The most popular destinations are Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay. In Brazil, ships typically stop in Rio de Janeiro, Búzios, Santos, Ilha Grande, Paraty, and Porto Belo. These are 7- to 10-day trips with stops at beaches and cities.
Cruises to Patagonia and Chile
These routes include Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, and Punta Arenas. Some cross Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan to reach the Chilean fjords, Valparaíso, and Santiago. The season runs from November to April, when the weather is more stable.
Cruises to Antarctica, the Caribbean and around the world
The longest trips go to Antarctica, the Caribbean, and other continents, such as round-the-world cruises. They last between 10 and more than 15 days and are the most expensive. It is recommended to book them several months in advance.
How to travel by cruise ship from Buenos Aires: documents and tips
Before booking, it's advisable to review the required documentation for each port and determine which cabin and fare best suit your budget. Passengers are responsible for having all necessary documents, visas, and vaccinations, and the cruise line may deny boarding if any are missing.
These tips help you avoid surprises with costs and shipping.
Documentation for traveling on a cruise
You need a valid ID or passport, and visas or vaccinations if required by your itinerary. For trips to Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile, Argentinians usually travel with their ID, but it's best to confirm this based on your passport and destination. A passport is required for the Caribbean or Antarctica.
If you are traveling with minors, check the travel permits required by each country.
Tips for saving money on a cruise from Buenos Aires
Compare the final price, including taxes, tips, and drinks.
Choose an inside cabin if you're interested in spending less.
Travel outside of peak season, from September to November or from March to June.
Check the 2x1 promotions and which dates and cabins they cover.
Book in advance if you are traveling as a family.
Arrive in Buenos Aires a day early to avoid missing your flight due to delays.
What do cheap cruises from Buenos Aires include?
Cabin, meals, entertainment, and use of common areas are included. Drinks, excursions, gratuities, and taxes may be extra.
How do 2-for-1 cruises from Buenos Aires work?
The second passenger in the cabin does not pay the cruise fare, but they do pay taxes and gratuities. Dates and cabins are limited.
Where do cruises depart from in Buenos Aires?
From the Benito Quinquela Martín Cruise Terminal, on Ramón S. Castillo Avenue and Immigrants Avenue.
Where do cruise ships from Buenos Aires arrive?
To Uruguay, Brazil, Patagonia, Chile and, on long trips, Antarctica and the Caribbean.
How long does a short cruise from Buenos Aires last?
Between 3 and 6 days. Those taking 3 days usually go to Montevideo and Punta del Este.