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Can you sail from the UK to South America?

Punta del Este and Montevideo can also be visited on a cruise from the UK to South America. Punta del Este in Uruguay is arguably one of South America's most glamorous resorts and known for its casino. The main avenue has a real buzz and is lined with galleries, restaurants and shops.



Yes, you can absolutely sail from the UK to South America, though it is a journey for those who prefer the "long way round." There are two primary ways to do this: via a "Transatlantic" repositioning cruise or as a passenger on a cargo ship. Major cruise lines like Cunard, P&O, and Princess often offer seasonal routes that depart from Southampton, stopping in the Canary Islands or Cape Verde before crossing the Atlantic to reach Brazilian ports like Rio de Janeiro or Santos. These voyages typically take 12 to 21 days. For a more rugged experience, specialized agencies allow travelers to book cabins on freighter vessels, though these are rarer and require significant lead time. Additionally, experienced sailors often join private yacht deliveries or rallies, departing from the South Coast of England in late autumn. While flying takes only 12 hours, sailing offers a unique perspective on the sheer scale of the ocean and the dramatic transition from the chilly North Atlantic to the tropical warmth of the Southern Hemisphere.

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A transatlantic cruise is one of life's experiences that is truly about the journey and not the destination. With Cunard, this means taking seven days to sail from Southampton to New York, or vice-versa, during which you're invited to spend your time in any way you like.

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Transatlantic cruises, which usually involve a one-way cruise between the UK and the USA and a flight, can offer unbelievable value for money.

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Ports in England
  • Dover. The Port of Dover is the second-largest cruise port in the UK. ...
  • Harwich. Hutchison Ports Harwich International is a multi-purpose freight and passenger port. ...
  • Liverpool. ...
  • London (Tilbury) ...
  • Newcastle. ...
  • Portsmouth. ...
  • Southampton. ...
  • Belfast.


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Cargo ships This is a non-sailing ship option that can take you across. Cargo ships usually rent out a few cabins to passengers. This costs a few thousand euros. Travelling with a cargo vessel can be a good alternative if you want to cross the ocean, don't like sailing, and do not want to fly.

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Whether you choose an oceanview or balcony cabin should come down to two primary considerations: price and itinerary. Can you afford the extra money you'll pay for a balcony? Or, even if you can afford it, would you prefer to spend that extra money on some other cruise experience (drinks, shore excursions, the spa)?

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Best Cruise Ship Cabins for Motion Sensitivity Cruisers with a sensitivity to motion and/or are prone to seasickness will do best midship (midway between front and back) and on a low deck. Picture the ship balancing on a fulcrum. You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement.

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