From the ice-scattered wilderness of Antarctica, to the tapestry of cultures in South America and the spellbinding wonder of Iguazu Falls, this double-cruise and touring holiday will be one to remember.

With temperatures averaging a pleasant 21°C, you can soak up the best of South America in comfort. This colourful city is full of history, culture and natural beauty. With acres of parks and woods you can relax in, street entertainers and fantastic restaurants, you’ll feel welcome the moment you arrive. Drop into a parrilla and sample some of the finest steak or shop ‘til you drop in Palermo Viejo, a neighbourhood replete in upscale boutiques. Head to one of the city’s parillas for the finest steaks, with a glass of malbec, and finish off with a sweet treat such as the city’s much-loved ice cream flavoured with the delicious caramel dulce de leche.

Having undergone a major refurbishment in 2018, Norwegian Star is one of the most up to date ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. Boasting A-League status, it has fifteen contemporary and traditional dining options on offer along with a new adults-only area and USB sockets in all cabins. NCL’s pioneering Freestyle Cruising concept is still very much in evidence, though – doing away with strict dining times and restaurant schedules, so you can choose how and when you eat before dancing the night away, taking in a Broadway show or enjoying some of the world’s top cabaret artistes.

A full day on the waves of the Pacific provides you with your first chance to start taking your tastebuds on the journey of a lifetime, with endless culinary treats available from all over the world. A great place to start is the Moderno Churrascaria, serving classic and contemporary Latin cuisine. Beef, lamb, pork and chicken figure prominently, along with some must-try treats unique to the region like Brazilian cheese bread, coconut flan, papaya flan and mango rice pudding.

The gateway to the Tombo National Reserve, here you’ll find a vast colony of Magellanic penguins, Patagonian hares, foxes, gulls, dolphins and whales. The city’s Welsh influences are still evident in the old Welsh town of Gaiman, where you’ll find traditional Welsh tea houses that serve torta negra, a rich fruit cake.

The Norwegian Star’s selection of bars allows you to let your hair own in any style that suits you. For an old-fashioned, lively feel the Topsiders pool bar or British themed Red Lion pub have endless beers on tap; at the other end of the spectrum Gatsby’s and the Moderno Bar both have fully-trained mixologists for that perfect evening cocktail. Alternatively, there are endless bottles on offer in the Wine Cellar – a great excuse to try an Argentinian Malbec.

The city’s museums and colonial artefacts tell the story of this important port on the Strait of Magellan that used to welcome ships making the treacherous journey around Cape Horn. Today, Punta Arenas is still a gateway for those seeking adventure, either in Patagonia or Antarctica. During your visit, take a trip to Magdalena Island to see the Magellanic Penguins or take in the surreal beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park.

This morning, gleaming snow-capped mountains will greet you as you cruise through Glacier Alley. With an ethereal mist grazing the surface of the water, witness glaciers shedding huge crumbs of ice and listen to the cascading rumble of ice-melt tumbling into the water. Then you’ll arrive in Ushuaia, replete with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and kayaking. Embark on a boat tour and explore the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the iconic lighthouse that stands at the southern end of the world, on a small islet of lush moss, with a backdrop of the snow-capped Patagonian mountains.

With a day at sea before your next port, you’ll want to tuck into the some of the great cuisine on offer in the ship’s many restaurants. There’s a plethora of Asian dishes to choose from in Ginza, or you could go for hearty pub fare in the friendly O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill. Alternatively, head to the aptly named Versailles for fine-dining.

Some 770 kilometres south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.

Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae can be seen approaching Elephant Island — so named either for its elephant-like appearance or for sightings of elephant seals here. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap Penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year-old moss colonies. Weddell seals and Macaroni Penguins can also be spotted. In 1916, when Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for more than 4 months finding shelter under two upturned lifeboats on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named ‘Point Wild’. The bust of the Chilean captain Luis Pardo has been erected here to commemorate the successful rescue in the tug.

Today you could spend a few hours in the adults-only enclave, Spice H₂O. This section of the ship features a private pool, hot tubs, full bar, and uninterrupted ocean views. During the day, it’s the ideal spot for sunbathing in a lounge chair with a chilled cocktail while at night it transforms into a live entertainment venue with DJs, and fun themed nights.

Despite its legions of penguins, white sandy beaches, superlative lack of pollution and endless wide-open spaces, the Falklands are a wonderfully stolid British settlement with traditional red phone boxes, UK-style traditional buildings and pubs. You can even try genuine British fish and chips if you wish, though don’t expect to be overwhelmed by locals when you disembark your tender boat at the colourful capital of Stanley – as you and your fellow passengers may outnumber the entire population on this infamous, windswept outpost.

With two days on board, you can finally get to fully appreciate everything the Norwegian Star has to offer. Whilst the ship puts its colossal power unit to work, you can choose to let off steam in the Barong Fitness Centre with its state-of-the-art treadmills, ellipticals and spinners – or take a class if you prefer a more structured workout. If you prefer to stay in shape by playing games there’s also basketball, soccer and bowling – along with a ropes course, mini golf and climbing wall.

Known for its beaches and its nightlife, Punta Del Este has so much more to offer. Visit the otherworldly Casa-Pueblo, the fish market and lighthouse at the port, and the lush botanical gardens. There are plenty of amazing restaurants to enjoy, and museums and art galleries to explore too.

Returning to spectacular Buenos Aires, you’ll disembark for a further hotel stay. Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Surrounded by tropical rainforest where colourful toucans reside, you’ll be accompanied by the distant roar of the largest waterfall systems in the world. You’ll get to experience the Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides and get right up close to this magnificent spectacle, comprised of more than 275 falls, the tallest of which towers more than 82 metres high.

Begin your Iguazu Falls tour with a visit to the Argentinian side of the falls during a walking tour. Rising up to 82 metres high, this is one of the great wonders of the natural world with platforms of basalt rock ground away over millions of years resulting in a fascinating, multi-level series of thundering cascades that you’ll want to photograph over and over. Starting at The Devil’s Throat, you’ll stroll along the catwalk through rainforest teeming with colourful toucans to the large balconies located on the edge of falls. The Higher Path offers breath-taking scenery from the clifftops while the Lower Path gives a great view of the rapids and falls lower down.

Today you’ll explore the Brazilian side of the falls. In addition to the thrill of the falls, the whole area is surrounded by stunning rainforest landscapes – home to toucans, jaguars. howler monkeys and more. As you walk along the catwalks, take in incredible panoramic views of all 275 waterfalls – it’s the perfect way to complete your photo collection of this stunning natural wonder.

Following two days touring the incomparable Iguazu falls plummet from both its sides, today is yours to explore and enjoy at your leisure. Revel in your scenic surroundings or make the most of your hotel stay. Today is yours to do with as you please, whether that’s to continue your adventure or take a breath and relax ahead of the rest of your incredible holiday.

For the next part of your adventure, you’ll fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro, the colourful carnival city that moves to an infectious beat. Rio deserves its nickname of the marvellous city, with its spectacular natural setting nestled between the mountains and the sea and fringed with crescent-shaped golden beaches. Today you’ll embark on a fully escorted tour which takes in two of the city’s most iconic sights, you’ll hop aboard a cog train to the top of Corcovado Mountain, through the lush Tijuca rain forest to the foot of the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. From this point you’ll enjoy panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside as your guide points out some of the city’s greatest landmarks.

Norwegian Star’s range of ultra-modern facilities and entertainment makes her the perfect choice for families, while couples seeking a romantic and peaceful time at sea will also find plenty of serene spaces in which to unwind and take it easy. The easy-going pace on-board means choose to eat and drink in any of the on-board restaurants and cafés as and when you care to do so.

Today you could work up a sweat at the Barong Fitness Centre or complete a few laps of the running track while breathing in the sea air. In the evening there’s always a show to enjoy, be it a Parisian-themed dance extravaganza, seventies-themed music acts or tributes to legends of Las Vegas, including the Rat Pack and Cher.

This beautiful architectural city will captivate you from the first step on land to the last step off it. With brightly coloured houses painting you a masterpiece, it will not fail to dazzle. Step through the cobbled streets, soaking up the lively ambiance of delightful Salvador. Make sure you check out the markets and bars on the sunny seafront.

On your next day at sea, you could glam up and try your luck with a game of Blackjack or Roulette at the Star Club Casino Bar. The refined atmosphere of Gatsby’s Champagne Bar is also an ideal place for a sophisticated cocktail party where you can drink premium wines and gorge on lavish snacks including caviar and pâté.

Considering its isolation on the Brazilian map, Fortaleza is a surprisingly large and is one of Brazil’s biggest cities. Fortaleza Is a magnet for tourists who come for the beaches and the electrifying atmosphere. Visit the truly spectacular beaches, rolling dunes and idyllic fishing villages up and down the Ceará coast. Drop in to one of the many Barracas (kiosks) serving crab and beer lining the beach.

The Norwegian Star’s selection of bars allows you to let your hair own in any style that suits you. For an old-fashioned, lively feel the Topsiders pool bar or British themed Red Lion pub have endless beers on tap; at the other end of the spectrum Gatsby’s and the Moderno Bar both have fully-trained mixologists for that perfect evening cocktail. Alternatively, there are endless bottles on offer in the Wine Cellar – a great excuse to try an Argentinian Malbec.

The crescent of volcanic islands which form the Cape Verde archipelago lie 310 miles off the Senegal coast. Despite the name (Green Cape), all the islands are barren, but they offer dramatic mountain scenery and pristine beaches. Porto Grande, the port for Mindelo, is on the windward isle of São Vicente and covers an area of 88 square miles. Over 90% of the island’s inhabitants live in the capital of Mindelo, where the historic centre is characterised by old colonial houses and commemorative monuments.

Today you could spend a few hours in the adults-only enclave, Spice H₂O. This section of the ship features a private pool, hot tubs, full bar, and uninterrupted ocean views. During the day, it’s the ideal spot for sunbathing in a lounge chair with a chilled cocktail while at night it transforms into a live entertainment venue with DJs, and fun themed nights.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is towered over by a dormant volcano, Mount Teide, and its beaches range from golden yellow to black sand as a result of its unique geology. With year-round sunshine, spectacular scenery, rich colonial architecture and abundant marine life, Tenerife has plenty of attractions for visitors. Lanzarote’s César Manrique also designed Lago Martiánez, an attraction that integrates both volcanic rock and humanity in this renowned piece of work with artificial islands, gardens, bars and restaurants with salt water swimming pools.