Cruceros Australis

Hotel Overview
Reviews
Itineraries/Notes
Cabin types

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

This was our first ever cruise so there was a bit of trepidation about the ‘organised’ aspect of it but once we’d got our heads around these aspects we both thoroughly enjoyed it. What we saw and experienced in the 4 days on the Australis cruise was absolutely spectacular and one of the high points of a great trip. The guides were very professional and staff friendly. The food was great – especially the dinners (three high quality choices – some of the best food we had on the trip), activities/expeditions were all good/spectacular, safety issues as you’d expect a high priority so no issues there. - CP&AR (February 2024)

The Australis cruise lived up to expectations. We were the only Brits among the 94 passengers and got paired with a Dutch couple for our meals. We all got on well together. The cabin, food, service, excursions etc. were superb and we would highly recommend this 4 night expedition cruise, especially for people who think they would not like a cruise. We kept meeting other doctors or retired teachers which reflects the clientele, I think. - UM (February 2024)

Wow! An opportunity to see and experience things out of this world. Glaciers galore, penguins, fjords, unusual habitats and Cape Horn itself (though we couldn’t get off because the swell was too great). We enjoyed the trips ashore by zodiacs – quite the adventure! Good informative talks from the crew: biologists, glaciologists and political scientists. Some of the shore visits were quite challenging, but all were worth it. Our only issue was our personal preference to dine on our own, whereas this was allocated tables. In the event it was entertaining and we got on with our table mates. - PW (March 2023)

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.