One of the fastest growing Cruise Lines in the UK market Princess Cruises, part of their success can be put down to their exotic and unusual destinations and shore excursions offered as British cruisers look for new itineraries and ideas of how best to spend their precious holiday time.

Their list more or less covers any worldwide destination you could think of, the first of which is South America, an area which has always, and remains popular amongst UK travellers. This exotic, mysterious and magical region of the world is a feast for all five senses as the country's colourful cultures and alluring history feed visitors appetite for adventure. This is a corner of the world where cruisers will experience contrasting cities, stunning archeological ruins, icy fjords, lush dense jungles and landscapes so remote that they've rarely been seen by anyone but the most intrepid explorers.

Those who take a cruise to Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan insist it is as breathtaking to visit as Alaska and reviews are filled with mystical glaciers and fjords, forested coastline and wildlife in abundance—from whales and penguins to condors with enormous wingspans.

A further pull from South America is to take an Amazon River cruise with Princess. Enjoy a visual spectacle of images that flow like the waters of this storied river, with each one more amazing and colourful than the last. In the canopy you can hear the chatter of monkeys, as you float past native villages to a city carved into the heart of the jungle. Alternatively, choose to cruise the dramatic coastlines of Chile, Ecuador and Peru. With the stunning Andes are never far from sight, guests are lead to Lima, Quito and Machu Picchu—spectacular destinations which never fail to disappoint. On the opposite coast of the region, travellers can pick a cruise to Brazil into Rio de Janeiro where the city works its magic with one of the most dazzling arrivals in all of cruising.

An Antarctica cruise is an adventure of a lifetime and the search for Antarctica is the subject of much of history's most dramatic seafaring lore. For centuries it stayed uncharted and unexplored with its existence even doubted. However, since the confirmation of its' existence, it has become an attractive region to explore amongst many travellers who desire to visit as uncharted territories as possible.

Today, nearly 100 years after its completion, the Panama Canal remains one of the most vital trade routes in the world. And in addition to Panama's man-made marvel, Princess Cruises voyages in this area include some of nature's most amazing creations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

Today, the massive locks of the Panama Canal control the level of water enabling ships to pass through this 51-mile "water bridge". This entire trip takes about nine hours and then ships are lifted and lowered a total of 170 feet as they pass from the Caribbean to the Pacific, crossing over the Isthmus of Panama and straight through the Continental Divide. The wildlife in the Panama Canal region is as unique and breathtaking as the Canal itself. Tropical rainforests are seen in all their splendour, each one its own unique and delicate ecosystem with the rare wonders of nature. The Tortuguero Canal is known as Costa Rica's Amazon due to its rich and exotic flora and fauna and in Limon, the diversity of the tropical rain forest at La Selva Biological Station is simply amazing. Not forgetting to explore Harrison Cave in Barbados which has world-famous stalactites and stalagmites for cruisers on this itinerary.

From white-sand beaches and coral reefs to snorkeling and shopping - the Panama Canal and its surrounding destinations have it all. And, whether in this region, or whichever Princess Cruise you choose, you won't be disappointed by the shore excursions and ‘off the beaten track' adventures you can choose from. Watch the stingrays of Grand Cayman's Stingray Sandbar, scuba dive to the shipwrecked Antilla off the coast of Aruba, go kayaking at Cabo San Lucas in the Sea of Cortez, or raft Jamaica's Martha Brae River to name but a handful.

If you're considering a cruise to South America, why not go one step further? Explore further south to even more exotic and remote ports of call on a Connoisseur Voyage which is another product offered by Princess Cruises. Visit the most fascinating cultures and unspoiled landscapes for a totally enriching experience as Connoisseur Voyages include an additional number of days to reach these faraway ports. Princess Cruises ensure that they combine the ideal number of days at sea and in port for itineraries that are perfectly balanced and thoroughly enjoyable.

Connoisseur Voyages are available on selected cruise itineraries to the wonders of South America and majestic Antarctic and include Antartica Peninsula (Scenic Cruising), Montevideo, Uruguay, Cape Horn (Scenic Cruising) and Ushuaia, Argentina a one-time whaling station which is the gateway to South America's windswept wilderness, Tierra del Fuego National Park.