You hear the words South America and you think of vine-strewn, steamy jungles - not penguins and glaciers. That's what was so great about a South American cruise: you experienced things you just didn't expect.

Departing from the culturally rich, magnificently memorable city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, you will stop at places that were some of the most picturesque spots you will ever see. Puerto Madryn, Argentina, with a rugged landscape dotted with massive, cobalt blue glaciers, beckons to both the amateur and the avid adventurer. Cape Horn, Chile, where the world's two great oceans meet, put on a wildlife show that includes Magellanic penguins and sea lions. And plying the same body of water as its namesake, your journey through the Straits of Magellan are an unexpectedly emotional moment. In fact, that's a good way to sum a South America cruise: unexpected. You never knew what the next sunrise would bring. But you do end your cruise knowing one very important thing: you will want to see South America again. We hear Rio De Janeiro during Carnival is something you don't want to miss.

For an even more enriching time ashore in South America, consider one of  many guided shore excursions. Take a ride up Corcovado Mountain on a cogwheel train to witness the Christ the Redeemer statue up close. Visit the breeding grounds of the fabled Magellanic penguins in Puerto Madryn, or tour some of Buenos Aires' palatial homes