Cruceros Australis, Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams

Location

Punta Arenas/Ushuaia (Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams, Chile)

Description

Stella and Ventus Australis are luxury cruisers that operate from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (and vice versa). Cruises run from October to April through the fjords and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego, and include a stop at Cape Horn (subject to weather).

Capacity

210 passengers

Activities

Educational lectures on fauna, flora and history of the region, landings by zodiac at sites of interest (at least one per day, weather permitting) and wildlife watching.

Accommodation

There are 6 categories of spacious ensuite cabins on 3 decks. Four categories (from B to AAA) are identical in size (16.5 square metres) but on different decks, while AA Superior and AAA Superior cabins are larger (20.5 square metres).

Our comments

Excellent service, knowledgeable and interesting guides, good food and spacious, comfortable cabins. The cruises predominantly focus on the spectacular glaciers of the Darwin range.

When to go

Only operates October to April.

Client comments and reviews

Everything we expected and more! Starting with the sighting of a whale near Punta Arenas, penguins, dolphins, albatrosses, seals and spectacular scenery. We landed on Cape Horn and the crew were genuinely pleased that we were able to do so. That day was topped off in Wulaia Bay in sunshine with the zodiacs playing with dolphins as we journeyed to and from the shore. The cruise was fantastic and everyone went out of their way to make sure we had the trip of a lifetime. We couldn?t choose a member of the crew who stood out above the others. All from waiters to guides and cleaners were friendly and gave of their best. - PH (February 2015)

The Stella Australis was utterly and completely amazing and the service was second to none. I was under the impression that we could just relax after 19 days or so on the Carretera Austral, BUT we could not relax once on board as it involved a lot of clock watching if you didn't want to miss anything. There were briefings before we went ashore in the zodiacs, the visits ashore, talks and films on board; all fantastic. So much to do! It was an absolutely amazing experience, would do it again tomorrow. - WH (February 2013)

Stella Australis and Ventus Australis usually operate 4 night programmes, which can be combined to create an 8 night programme.    

Fjords of Tierra del Fuego (4 nights)

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Day 2: Ainsworth Bay, Tuckers Islet*

Day 3: Pía Glacier, Glacier Alley

Day 4: Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay

Day 5: Ushuaia

_{* In April this excursion is replaced with Brookes Glacier}

Patagonian Explorer (4 nights)

Day 1: Ushuaia

Day 2: Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay

Day 3: Pía Glacier, Garibaldi Glacier

Day 4: Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier, Cóndor Glacier

Day 5: Magdalena Island*, Punta Arenas

_{* In April this excursion is replaced with Marta Island}

Special round trip itinerary from Punta Arenas for season 30 December 2021 - 15 March 2022 on Ventus Australis

Glaciers at the End of the World (5 nights)

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Day 2: Pia Glacier, Glacier Alley*

Day 3: Cape Horn

Day 4: Aguila Glacier

Day 5: Parry Fjord, Ainsworth Bay

Day 6: Punta Arenas

_{* Not an excursion}

A Cabin

There are 34 A cabins on the Magallanes deck, the lowest with passenger cabins. All have windows and a double or twin beds.

AA Cabin

There are 36 AA cabins on the Tierra del Fuego deck (the middle passenger deck). All have windows and a double or twin beds.

AAA Cabin

There are 23 AAA cabins on the Cabo de Hornos deck (the highest deck with passenger cabins). All have windows and a double or twin beds.

B Cabin

There are 3 B cabins on the Magallanes deck, all with windows and twin beds. These cabins are nearest the bow of the ship.