​Australis Cruises - Cape Horn & Tierra del Fuego
​Founded in 1990, and often selected to be in the Top 3 of small-ocean- cruise lines in the World*, Australis offers great cruises, in all-inclusive style, to some of the most spectacular waters on the planet!  Now operating two luxury vessels,​ M/V Stella Australis and ​M/V Ventus Australis, they offer a total of 89 sailings between Punta Arenas (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina), each cruise lasting 4 nights/5 days.  (NB. Guests can also opt for a Special Return Cruise of 8 nights from either Punta Arenas or Ushuaia, that operates in December only).  Also featuring exciting shore excursions, both routes take in legendary Cape Horn (landings dependent on weather).  The cruises returning to Punta Arenas offer a few more landing excursions and a chance to see the huge penguin colony on Isla Magdalena/Marta.  Another option occasionally offered, is a Land Route (see map) with a visit to a rare King Penguin colony located on Tierra del Fuego, with an opportunity to also watch gauchos at work on a nearby authentic estancia.
​(* Source:  Travel + Leisure magazine, USA)   
The experiences to enjoy with Australis ​include awe inspiring views of pristine fjords and stunning glaciers.  A particular favourite is "Glacier Alley" in the Beagle Channel, where no less than 5 huge glaciers can be seen, one after the other.  With sights to also enthuse animal lovers, these include close up visits in zodiacs to cormorant and sea-lion colonies, as well as the landing at Isla Magdalena, where over 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguin can be seen (Nov - Mar), and a chance to spot whales, elephant seals and other aquatic life.​
Life aboard the sister ships is very relaxed and full of fun. Whilst both appear the same and carry the same number of passengers (210) in 6 classes, Ventus Australis commenced operations in January 2018.   The public areas are plentiful and comfortable, and always warm whatever the temperatures may be outside, and the ship's crew professional and welcoming.  The all-inclusive cuisine and wines are outstanding, as well as being plentiful.  A highlight on every excursion is to be offered a "millennium whisky" or hot chocolate drink on return!  
Whatever your interests, be it unforgettable Patagonian views, awesome wildlife, great style aboard with delicious cuisine, and even that rare stamp in your passport from Cape Horn, you are sure to enjoy a cruise with Australis in these southern climes.
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For the 2023/4 season, cruises commenced on 24 Sept 2023 and run through to 4 Apr 2024.  Cruises for 2024/25 recommence on 25 Sep 2024 and run through to 1 Apr 2025.  They operate under the WTTC "Safe Travels" promise to optimise maximum heath security.  For the regular 4 night/5 day cruises, fares start at US$ 1,700/person (Low Season) rising to US$ 6,655/person (Hi Season*) depending on class of cabin and date of travel, with extra discounts on some promotional ** cruises.   The December 8-day return cruises typically charge from US$ 8,100 - 12,000/pers, depending on the cabin class. 
​(* Hi season: end Nov 2023 - mid  Mar 2024) 
(** promotional tariffs (- 20%) in Sep 2023, and Apr 2024)
​​(*** Deductions available for kids)