There was a time when the voyage along the coast of Patagonia to Cape Horn was dreaded by all mariners. You, of course, will be travelling in complete comfort on one of Cruceros Australis’ state-of-the-art expedition vessels.
It’s a universal truth that some of the world’s most forbidding regions are also some of its most spectacular; awesome in their wildness. The coast of Patagonia confirms the truth of the idea by presenting you a series of breath-taking landscapes – and unbelievable seascapes. From the observation decks of MV Stella Australis and MV Ventus Australis you’ll watch a passing parade of rugged mountains and devastatingly beautiful fjords and islands. You’ll visit blue-white glaciers, majestic in their chill grandeur, and encounter comical penguins, perfectly adapted to the harsh environment.
And you’ll be following the routes of some of history’s most intrepid seafarers as they strove to navigate around the world by finding passages through some of its most inhospitable regions. The names given to the destinations you’ll visit celebrate the explorers and reflect their struggles. Sailing between the Chilean port of Punta Arenas and Ushuaia in the far south of Tierra del Fuego, you’ll voyage through the Straits of Magellan, photograph the mighty glaciers of the Beagle Channel and experience the untamed nature of Last Hope Sound and Desolation Island – before reaching the southernmost tip of the continent at Cape Horn.
Cruceros Australis cruises, at a glance
- Two sister ships, the MV Stella Australis and the MV Ventus Australis
- Both are sleek, modern cruise ships purpose-built for sailing in these waters and with an experienced and knowledgeable expedition crew.
- 200 passengers maximum
- 100 comfortable cabins (with choice of double or twin beds) arranged over three decks with large picture windows and en suite shower rooms.
- Choice of lounges and observation decks giving you panoramic seascape views.
- Daily lectures and talks provided by the guides, varying from glaciology and the indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego to ships’ knots.
- Buffet breakfast and lunch and a la carte dinner, with open-bar.
- Daily activities and disembarkations (subject to conditions) including visits to the fjords and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego.
- Shore trip to explore the 425 metre high cliff that is Cape Horn.
- Possibility of seeing Magellanic penguins at Isla Magdalena (not in October or April)
Where will Cruceros Australis cruises take you?
Australis operate four itineraries between Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile, between October and early April each year.
- Fjords of Tierra Del Fuego: 4 nights, Punta Arenas – Ushuaia
- Patagonian Explorer: 4 nights, Ushuaia – Punta Arenas
- Darwin's Route from Ushuaia: 8 nights, round trip
- Darwin's Route from Punta Arenas: 8 nights, round trip
Patagonia specialist Jonny Livingstone sailed with Cruceros Australis at the start of 2020. Read his blog on his experience on board.
