​Australis Cruises - Cape Horn & Tierra del Fuego
​Founded in 1990, and selected for the second consecutive year to be in the Top 3, 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.  Also including 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.  An additional option also offers a Land Route (see map) with a visit to the only King Penguin colony outside of Antarctica, on Tierra del Fuego, and an opportunity to watch gauchos at work on an 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, and opportunities to spot whales, elephant seals and other aquatic life.​
Life aboard the sister ships (both appear the same, and carry the same number of passengers - 210 maximum, but Ventus Australis only commenced operations in January 2018) is very relaxed and full of fun.  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 cuisine and wines are outstanding, as well as being plentiful.  A highlight on the excursions 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.
​For 2018/19, cruises commence on 26 September 2018 running through to 2 April 2019.  Fares start at US$ 1,800/person (Low Season) rising to US$ 4,054/person (Hi Season*) depending on class of cabin (6 classes), with discounts on the promotional ** cruises, and an extra charge*** for the Land Route on the Gaucho, Glaciers and Penguins package (2 ni).
​(* Hi season: 1 Nov - 16 Mar 2019; ** promotional tariffs on 26 & 30 Sep, and 2 Apr)
​(*** Additional US$ 1,173- 2,580/pers depending on numbers in group)
​(**** Deductions available for kids)
​(2019/20 Program & Rates available now on request)