ventus australis cruise

Ventus Australis

The 210-guest Ventus Australis is a comfortable expedition vessel cruising in Chile’s famed Patagonia region. Similar to her sister ship,  Stella Australis , she features gourmet dining with an all-inclusive bar, three lounges, expansive open top deck and 100 spacious cabins with large windows for admiring the spectacular southern scenery. 

Designed to maneuver Patagonia’s narrow fjords and glacial channels, Ventus Australis—”Southern Wind” in Latin—features the latest regulations regarding safety at sea and protecting the marine environment. These sister ships are two of the very few passenger vessels that can venture through the narrow fjords of Tierra del Fuego and disembark at fabled Cape Horn.

Ventus Australis Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ventus Australis review includes a detailed description of the small ship including a deck plan and photo gallery. AdventureSmith’s Patagonia experts have been aboard nearly every expedition vessel in the region. Please read our review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Ventus Australis with other  small cruise ships  offering  Patagonia cruises .

Choose the Ventus Australis if you seek an exceptional cruise experience in Patagonia aboard a tailor-made small ship in the region. Ventus Australis builds on the success of her sister ship: same size, same number of cabins, same arrangement of lounges, and as expected, the same high levels of service, naturalist guiding, cuisine and safety as travelers have experienced aboard the Stella. The differences are in the decor, with the newer, more contemporary Ventus featuring a more stylish feel including driftwood sculptures and regional artwork.

Common Areas Aboard Ventus Australis

Ventus Australis offers plenty of space to take in the breathtaking beauty of the region, whether it’s from the warmth and comfort of one of the three interior lounges that feature floor-to-ceiling windows or the large panoramic top deck where you can fully appreciate the remarkable natural environment. The Darwin Lounge is the the place to swap adventure stories. Offering nearly 360-degree views with an open bar, the Darwin Lounge is also used for nightly lectures on the next day’s tours. The smaller Sky Lounge offers all-day self-service coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices and pastries while the forward-facing Yamana Lounge is a quiet, intimate space with games, tables and sofas for reading or enjoying the view.

Dining Aboard Ventus Australis

Aboard Ventus Australis enjoy gourmet dining with buffet breakfasts and lunches and four-course dinners that blend continental and Chilean cuisine in the large Patagonia Dining Room. The all-inclusive bar features a wide selection of liquors, local craft beers and exquisite Chilean wines. 

Activities Aboard Ventus Australis

During the cruise there are daily shore excursions from Zodiac boats. Excursions vary by itinerary but typically include walks through trails in the native forests while discussing flora and fauna, visits to glaciers and, when conditions allow, disembarking at Cape Horn National Park. On board, the expedition team hosts daily lectures and slideshows about the flora, fauna, history, geography, glaciology and ethnography of the legendary Patagonia region.

Sustainability Aboard Ventus Australis

The protection and preservation of the environment is an essential focus of Ventus Australis. Specialized processes to prevent damaging the pristine natural area the vessel cruises in were given great consideration, such as the separating and compacting of garbage to deposit at port, an onboard sewage and solid waste treatment plant and excursion boats with more environmentally friendly four-stroke engines. Guides with small groups (20 or fewer travelers) stay on established trails to minimize any impact on local fauna.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Ventus Australis

The 100 Ventus Australis spacious cabins are divided into six categories, all with lower beds, a picture window, private bathroom, heating, closet and safe deposit box. The majority of cabins (96) measure 177 square feet each, while the 4 Superior cabins on the Cabo de Hornos and Tierra del Fuego Decks measure 220 square feet each. Bed configurations include twin or matrimonial, depending on the cabin.

Category B cabins on the Magallanes Deck are 177 sq ft each with standard-size twin beds.

Category A cabins on the Magallanes Deck are 177 sq ft each with standard-size twin beds or a double bed.

Category AA cabins on the Tierra del Fuego Deck are 177 sq ft each with standard-size twin beds or a double bed.

Category AAA cabins on the Cabo de Hornos Deck are 177 sq ft each with standard-size twin beds or a double bed.

Category AA Superior cabins on the Tierra del Fuego Deck are 220 sq ft each with a large double bed (6’x6.5′).

Category AAA Superior cabins on the Cabo de Hornos Deck are 220 sq ft each with a large double bed (6’x6.5′).

Get Aboard Ventus Australis

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise aboard the 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Explore Glacier Alley, Darwin Mountains, Magellanic penguins in Tucker Islet, elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay, plus Wulaia Bay, Cape Horn and more.

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Learn More About Ventus Australis & Other Patagonia Ships

Let our experts help you compare the Ventus Australis ship to other small ships cruising Patagonia. Some ships focus on routes just in this region, while others pass through on longer expeditions exploring more of South America and even Antarctica. Contact us today to compare them. Our experts are standing by with unbiased advice, personalized to you.

Contact Us - Ventus Australis

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Ventus Australis Deck Plans & Reviews

Ventus Australis

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Ventus Australis

Launched in January 2018, Ventus Australis is a compact, 292-foot expedition ship, with a shallow draft for navigating the tidal fjords and sounds. She operates four-night and eight-night itineraries in the Southern Hemisphere from September to April, between Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile, exploring the misty sounds and inlets, forested islands and massive glaciers of Tierra del Fuego and Chilean Patagonia.

Life On Board

The expedition team hosts daily lectures and slideshows about the flora, fauna, history, geography, glaciology and ethnography of the legendary Patagonia region. A typical day onboard Ventus Australis Patagonia starts with an early breakfast, a morning hike or Zodiac tour, a presentation and/or slide show; lunch, a second trip ashore, drinks in the bar, dinner and a documentary, and social catchups in the Darwin Lounge.

You will have access to a library with extensive literature on Patagonian flora, fauna and history, as well as board games and other onboard entertainment activities. Deliberately there are no TVs in any of the 100 cabins, nor is there Wi-Fi (nor cell phone signal given your remote route) aboard the Ventus Australis ship, which means you will find yourself immersed in your surroundings without distraction, not least because each cabin has a large picture window with a panoramic view from which to admire the stunning scenery.

Onboard Dining

You can look forward to gourmet dining with buffet breakfasts and lunches, and four-course dinners that blend continental and Chilean cuisine, served in the large Patagonia Dining Room. Special dietary requests are also catered for. The all-inclusive bar features a wide selection of liquors, the signature cocktail Calafate Sour, local craft beers and fine Chilean wines.

Exciting Excursions

Shore excursions are carried out in powerful Zodiac boats that can easily navigate remote bays and shallow water. You can expect walks through trails in the native forests, visits to glaciers and landings at the wind-swept Cape Horn National Park. These excursions involve some reasonably challenging hikes, although there is always an easy option offered. You will be led by English-speaking guides who have intimate knowledge of the ecology.

The ship’s small size allows it to get close to the extraordinary scenery of Patagonia; towering cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, creaking glaciers and the curious ‘lenga’, lichen-draped evergreen beech forests. The protection and preservation of the environment is an essential focus of the Ventus Australis cruise. Guides with small groups of 20 or less stay on established trails to minimize any impact on local fauna.

Perfect for active couples and groups of friends, these short voyages follow in the wake of the great explorers through the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan, retracing their many searches for a passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. You can expect to see penguins, skuas, condors and cormorants, probably sea lions, and possibly whales and dolphins.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

5 Day - Patagonian Explorer USH-PUQ

Embarkation

PM : Check in at the Australis travel center at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 on the day of your cruise departure. Board at 18:00.

After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentine into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Nassau Bay & Cape Horn National Park

AM : By early morning, the ship is cruising across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn. Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

PM : Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

Pia Glacier & Porter Glacier

AM : In the morning we will navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. We will take a short hike to a lookout from where we can see Pia Glacier extending from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea.

PM : In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, we will sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier. We will stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if we are lucky, even witness some calving. We will stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.

Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier & Cóndor Glacier

AM : Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.

PM : In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Disembarkation

AM : After an overnight cruise that takes us back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short sail south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

5 Day - Fjords of Tierra del Fuego PUQ-USH

PM : Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave. (Arturo Prat Port) between 13:00 and 17:00. Board at 18:00.

After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets

AM : By dawn the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound, while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains. Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, we sail west along the sound to the Tucker Islets.

PM : After lunch, we board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April -- when the penguins live elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley

AM : Overnight we sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Stella Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier. No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.

PM : Back onboard the ship, we continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries -- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.

Wulaia Bay & Cape Horn

AM : During the early morning we navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography.

After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

PM : In the afternoon we cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394 foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

AM : The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Australis is scheduled to arrive at 8:30 or 9:30 AM depending on the date of departure.

9 Day - Darwin's Route USH-PUQ-USH

AM - PM: Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 on the day of your cruise departure. Board the Australis at 18:00. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

AM: By early morning, Stella Australis is cruising across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Australis is the only expedition cruise ship company with permission from Chilean authorities to navigate the Murray Channel to Cape Horn, and because of its concession the only travel company allowed to land passengers at Wulaia Bay.

Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition - and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland - Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

PM: Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored small museum in the old radio station - which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area - passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay.

Pía Glacier & Porter Glacier

AM: In the morning we will navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. We will take a short hike to a lookout from where we can see Pia Glacier extending from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea.

PM: In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, we will sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier. We will stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if we are lucky, even witness some calving. We will stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.

AM: Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.

PM: In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Magdalena Island & Punta Arenas

AM: After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions.

PM: During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. *Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island.

9 Day - Darwin's Route PUQ-USH-PUQ

AM: The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Disembarkation is scheduled at 8:00. You have almost a full day to explore Ushuaia which was founded in 1884 and was one of the original points of contact between the indigenous Yámana and European cultures. The city's name derives from the Yámana word for ‘penetrating bay.’ With around 65,000 inhabitants, Ushuaia is the second largest city in Tierra del Fuego (after Rio Grande) and is surrounded by the Southernmost Andes peaks. Among its highlights is the Prison at the End of the World, a former penitentiary that is now a maritime museum that features an Antarctic collection and memorial to those once incarcerated there. The city is also good for shopping (especially locally made chocolate) or hanging out in its many cafes.

PM: Passengers are required to be back onboard Ventus Australis at 17:30. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew to new passengers joining the cruise, the ship departs for more adventures in Tierra del Fuego. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel, cross back into Chilean territorial waters, and turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

AM : After an overnight cruise that takes us back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short sail south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30.

Accommodations

Social areas.

Suites & Cabins

Magellan deck - standard cabin b.

Ventus' three B cabins are located in the front area of our vessels on the second deck, depicting a large panoramic window to enjoy the stunning views as we sail. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Magellan Deck - Standard Cabin A

Ventus' A cabins are located on the second deck. These cabins can be arranged with two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Land of Fire Deck - Standard Cabin AA

Ventus' AA cabins are located on the 3rd deck of the ship. These cabins can be arranged with two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Cape Horn Deck - Standard Cabin AAA

Ventus' AAA cabins are located on the 4th deck of the ship. These cabins offer more oversized panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful landscapes always surrounding us during our voyage with the highest placement on the ship. These cabins can be arranged with two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Land of Fire Deck - Superior Cabin AA

Ventus' two AA Superior cabins are on the 3rd deck of the ship. These cabins provide a panoramic view with floor-to-ceiling windows and are part of the most spacious cabins allowing passengers more room than the standard cabins. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Cape Horn Deck - Superior Cabin AAA

Ventus' two AAA Superior cabins are located on our 4th deck. These cabins are part of our most spacious cabins. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Technical Information

• Lecture room
• Camera room
• Medical staff
• Souvenir shop
• Hot showers
• All inclusive
• Family Room (Triple or Quadruple)
• Charging areas for electronic equipment
• Satellite phone
• Water canteen/bottle

Related Cruises

Skorpios III

Stella Australis

• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
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• All non-charter prices displayed are PER PERSON
• Children under 3 years old cruise for free (sharing a bed with parents). Cribs on availability
• Children 4 - 12 years old receive 50% discount when accompanied by one or two adults in the same cabin
• An extra bed can be added in double cabins (surcharge applies)
• Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners International, as well as bank transfers, Paypal (USD) and Transbank (Chilean pesos) are accepted on board
• Prices are referential, please confirm with your travel agent
• Season 2023-2024 is from September of 2023 to April of 2024
• Low season applies (September 25 to October 27, 2024 and March 27 to April 4, 2024)
• Season 2024-2025 is from September of 2024 to April of 2025
• Low season applies (September 21 to October 31, 2024 and March 20th to April 5, 2025)

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Ventus Australis

Ventus australis: cruise on a first class small ship through patagonia’s waterways.

Days: 5 | From: $2,375 - $6,655/per person

Discover one of the most beautiful and unexplored regions of the world. Australis Cruises let you sail through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to visit some of the remotest destinations on the planet, several of which are accessible only by boat. The excursions combine spectacular scenery and interesting wildlife with first class service on board. Itineraries vary among the 4- and 5-day programs, and include both one-way and round trip options. You can choose to sail round trip from either Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, or you can take a one-way cruise between the two and combine Chilean Patagonia with Tierra del Fuego and other areas in Southern Argentina. Let us know your travel schedule and we will help you find the best option that works with your itinerary.

Our knowledgeable and engaging specialists will help you find the ideal cruise given your interests, tastes and budget.

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

Vessel Information

Accommodations.

The Ventus Australis consists of 100 total cabins and can hold up to 210 passengers. There are 3 B cabins, 34 A cabins, 36 AA cabins, 33 AAA cabins, 2 AA Superior Cabins, and 3 AAA Superior Cabins. 96 of the cabins are approximately 16.5 square meters. The superior cabins average 20.5 square meters.

Yacht Specifications

Construction year: 2017 Passenger capacity: 210 Total Cabins: 100 Length: 89 meters Beam: 14.6 meters Gross Tonnage: 4,500 tons Motor: 2 Cummins diesel engines of 1,400 hp each Maximum speed: 13 knots Cruising speed: 12 knots.

Itineraries & Pricing

Fjords of tierra del fuego (4 nights) - punta arenas to ushuaia.

Day 1 Board the vessel in Punta Arenas / Strait of Magellan

Day 2 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islet

Day 3 Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley

Day 4 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

Day 5 Disembark at Ushuaia

Patagonian Explorer (4 nights) - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Day 1 Board the vessel in Ushuaia

Day 2 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

Day 3 Pía Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier

Day 4 Condor Glacier & Aguila Glacier

Day 5 Magdalena Island / Disembark at Punta Arenas

(800) 342-1796

Rates per person – 4 night program 2024/2025

• October and the last week of March

High Season

• November, December, January, February ,and the first three weeks of March

Promotional Departures

• Select September and April cruises

The single rate will be 150% of the per person rate.

Infants between 0 and 3 years old have a 100% discount, sharing the bed with their parents. Children between 4 and 12 years old have a 50% discount, sharing a cabin with an adult.

A combined 8 night program is available, please inquire for rates.

Included: All accommodations and meals on board, open bar at set times (wines, drinks, and spirits are free of charge),  all guided excursions with English-speaking guides

Not Included: Local airfare (about $350), international airfare, gratuities, insurance, port tax and park fees ($95-$110 depending on route, subject to change)

Call us to start planning your journey today:

1 (510) 548-8487

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Home » Destinations » Patagonia » Patagonia Cruise Ships » Ventus Australis

Ventus Australis

When Charles Darwin sailed through Patagonia back in the 1830s, he had to brave harsh winds, cramped cabins, and violent locals. When you follow his route in the Ventus Australis—Latin for “Southern Winds”—you’ll do so enjoying the latest in comfort and style.

That’s because the brand-new Ventus Australis offers a perfect platform from which to observe the gauchos and glaciers of this wild, soul-stirring terrain. First launched in January 2018, this ocean liner offers five decks from which to observe the ice floes, fjords, and Magellanic penguins that typify the Patagonian landscape, as well as the extreme beauty of destinations such as Wulaia Bay and Cape Horn. And with the ship’s fleet of rafts for on-shore excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the wildlife and vegetation of this extreme region up close.

The Ventus Australis features 100 cabins capable of holding up to 210 passengers. Offering a choice of one double or two twin beds, the vessel sports Twin, Matrimonial, and Superior cabins to accommodate any size group. All cabins include private baths with full showers, large picture windows (floor-to-ceiling, in the case of Superior rooms), desks and chairs, individual telephones, and comfortable bedding to keep you warm on cold Patagonia nights.

Common Areas

Each of the Ventus Australis’s five decks contains common areas that allow you to make friends with other passengers and relax in luxury. Whether you opt for the leather banquettes and full-bodied Chilean wines of the Sky and Yamana lounges, or the up-to-date equipment in the Darwin Deck’s gym, you’ll feel at home amidst the attentive service of the ship’s crew. And when you get hungry after your trip on shore, the trained chefs in the ship’s galley can prepare a full range of international delicacies in the ship’s buffet-style dining room.

Ventus Australis Photos

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Ventus australis deck plan.

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Top Patagonia Travel Destinations

Puerto Natales / Punta Arenas / Torres del Paine National Park / Bariloche & the Lake District / El Calafate & Los Glaciares National Park / Ushuia & Tierra del Fuego

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Fjords of Tierra del Fuego: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Discover Ainsworth Bay, home of copious bird life & southern elephant seals
• Visit Pia Glacier and take a short hike to gain a panoramic views
• Go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn
• Wildlife Viewing
• Small Ship Cruises
• South America
• Ainsworth Bay
• Andes Mountains
• Punta Arenas
• Patagonia Fjord
• Pia Glacier
• Port of Ushuaia
• Tierra del Fuego
• Tucker Islet

Full Itinerary

Day 1: punta arenas | embark, day 2: ainsworth bay | tuckers islets.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Pía Glacier | Glacier Alley

Day 4: cape horn | wulaia bay, day 5: ushuaia | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

MV Ventus Australis

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $300, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Ventus Australis - Terms & Conditions - Kallpa Tours

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
• 4 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Open bar when the bartender is on duty on Australis cruise
• Shore excursions during the Australis cruise
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• All National Park and Conservation Area Entrance Fees
• Port transfers

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Fjords of Tierra del Fuego | Ventus Australis

Save up to us $500 per person - 2024/25*.

Save US$500 per person or US$1000 per cabin          Discount based on Double Occupancy, Valid on new bookings till 30 Apr 2024.        Only applies to category A, AA, AAA and Superior cabins (category B cabins excluded).          Port taxes not included; Promotion cannot be combined, see details below

5 Days From USD 3,200

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise 

Trip Code: PCTVFTF

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina

SHIP: Ventus Australis

Destination Chile, Patagonia, Argentina

Departure date 21/09/2024, 29/09/2024, 7/10/2024, 15/10/2024, 23/10/2024, 31/10/2024, 08/11/2024, 16/11/2024, 24/11/2024, 02/12/2024, 10/12/2024, 18/12/2024, 26/12/2024, 03/01/2025, 11/01/2025, 19/01/2025, 27/01/2025, 04/02/2025, 12/02/2025, 20/02/2025, 28/02/2025, 08/03/2025, 16/03/2025, 24/03/2025, 01/04/2025, meals all meals while onboard the ship and an open bar while the bartender is on duty. whisky and hot chocolate are including during excursions , transport transfers to/from the port are excluded. please contact your booking agent if you wish to add these., accommodation cabin on board ship.

Included Sightseeing

Excursions and Zodiac Cruising in and around Patagonia, Lectures and Activities onboard the Ship

Whale watching

Zodiac Cruising

 Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites

On Board Lectures

Early penguin promotion - save usd$500*.

This one-of-a-kind cruise allows you to discover a frozen world and marvelous wildlife while enjoying the luxury of the Ventus Australis.

Set sail from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas to the first stop, Ainsworth Bay. Here you will explore the Alberto De Agostini National Park and see the Marinelli Glacier dropping. Spot the majestic Southern Elephant Seals and end the day by being encircled by a state of charming Magellan Penguins. The climbs on the next days will direct you to the most spectacular views of the area. Strand at the shores of the memorable Strait of Magellan and continue this extraordinary journey of revelation through the fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego. Discover Cape Horn and the historic Wulaia Bay, among other attractions along the route.  *** Please note, this itinerary also operates in reverse, from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas *** On this all-encompassing cruise, you will be provided with travel logistics for your travel party for the duration of your journey, plus expert guides for all the major sightseeing as per itinerary. Your all-inclusive cruise-in will take place in the upmarket comfort of the Ventus Australis. 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

*Early Penguin Promotion is available for sale on new bookings until 30 April 2024 unless withdrawn or sold out prior. Save US$500 per person or US$1000 per cabin - based on double occupancy cabins in the 24/25 season only. Only applies to category A, AA, AAA and Superior cabins (category B cabins excluded). Port taxes not included. Promotion cannot be combined with other discounts. Further terms and conditions apply, please contact us for details and availability. 

DAY 1- Punta Arenas

Check in and luggage drop off is at the Cruceros Australis office, between 13:00hrs and 17:00hrs (1pm-5pm) at 1389 Costanera del Estrecho Ave (at Prat Port) on Punta Arena's waterfront. Boarding commences at 18:00hrs (6pm) with departure scheduled at 20:00hrs (8pm). All passengers must be on board the vessel at least one hour before departure. Please note your luggage will be taken to your cabin.

After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the ship will depart for one of the remotest parts of the planet. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

DAY 2- Ainsworth Bay - Tuckers Islets

At dawn, we will navigate our way through Almirantazgo Sound, arriving at Ainsworth Bay which is sited within Alberto De Agostini National Park. It’s the perfect spot from which to see the Marinelli Glacier descending from Darwin Mountain Range in the distance; and to appreciate how the land returns to life after glacial retreat. We will also take a walk to a beaver dam in the stunning sub-polar Magellan Forest. Whether on the beach or the island, there’s a good chance of sighting Southern Elephant Seals. But do bear in mind the fact that sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the colony’s unpredictable movements.Later, we will be sailing to Tuckers Islets, and after lunch, we will board well-equipped Zodiac boats to get close to a colony of Magellan Penguins (indigenous to the Southern Hemisphere) and cormorants.

* In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a nearby glacier at Brookes Bay.

DAY 3- Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley

We will navigate along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel before disembarking at Pia Fjord. From there, we’ll take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint from where we can enjoy spectacular views of the awe-inspiring Pia Glacier whose main tongue extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. After this memorable experience, we will continue our voyage along the Beagle Channel through the majestic Glacier Alley.

DAY 4- Wulaia Bay - Cape Horn

During the morning we will be sailing through Murray Channel, going ashore at historical Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed there in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will take an enchanted walk through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation, to reach a panoramic viewpoint.In the afternoon we will go South through Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where, weather permitting, we shall go ashore. The legendary Cape Horn was discovered in 1616 and is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and is referred to as the ‘End of the Earth’. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005.

DAY 5- Ushuaia

We sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Scheduled arrival between 8:30-9:30am.

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

Experience the wonders of the Patagonian fjords, a visual spectacle where dramatic landscapes and beautiful vistas reign superior. 

Ending in Ushuaia is a perfect launching pad for undertaking the incredible journey to the Frozen White continent, Antarctica. Allowing you to experience the amazing offerings of two of the worlds most unique and indescribably beautiful continents

This itinerary is perfectly combined with other land based tours in South America, allowing you the opportunity to blend incredible landscapes with indescribable cultural encounters. 

Sailing through the Patagonian fjords is a perfect way to combine luxury  and elegance with the dramatic beauty and indescribable landscapes of the region. 

Ventus Australis

The Ventus Australis is a awe-inspiring cruise ship, launched in January 2018. Tailor-made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America, all aspects of the 210 passenger ship including size, length, draft and engine power are designed to give Ventus Australis the extreme maneuverability necessary to navigate narrow fjords and channels where no other cruise ship can venture.  Ventus Australis will feature the latest regulations regarding safety at sea and protecting the marine environment, as all of Australis Patagonia fleet does.  With 110 spacious cabins featuring cozy beds, full bathrooms and panoramic views of the Patagonian nature unfolding outside.  The pampering continues in the dining room with buffet breakfasts and lunches and four-course dinners that blend continental and Chilean cuisine.  The galley also caters to special dietary requests.  The all-inclusive bar features a wide selection of liquors, excellent Chilean wines and local craft beers, as well our the trademark Calafate Sour.  Passengers have access to a library with extensive literature on Patagonian flora, fauna and history, as well as board games and other onboard entertainment activities.  Shore excursions are carried out in zodiac boats that can easily navigate remote bays and shallow water.  During the journey, English speaking guides and guest lectures deliver presentations and slide shows on various aspects of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.  Please note this vessel does not have elevators nor WiFi or internet.  Currency accepted onboard is US dollars, Euros, Chilean Pesos and Argentinean pesos.  Credit Cards accept onboard are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners. 

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Important information, inclusions & exclusions.

Inclusions 

Cabin accommodation on board Ventus Australis  All meals whilst on board Port taxes (subject to change*) All scheduled landings and excursions (subject to weather conditions) Open bar (when bartender on duty) All on board entertainment & lectures 

Exclusions 

Airfares to/from embarkation and disembarkation city  Visa fees (if applicable) Any additional activities not mentioned in itinerary  Gratuities for staff/crew *Transfers to/from pier 

Difficulty Rating

• 2 (light adventure)

Single Surcharge

A single supplement applies. Please contact us for more information and pricing. 

Transfers to/from the port in both cities are not included and can be added by your Booking agent Prices per person are based on twin share unless otherwise specified 

Price Dependent Upon

Departure date, season and availability. 

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• CruiseMapper

MV Ventus Australis cabins and suites

Mv ventus australis staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

MV Ventus Australis cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Australis Cruises Patagonia (Small Cruise Lines) en-suite amenities and services.

The MV Ventus Australis cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Superior Cabin

Layout (floor plan).

Each Superior Cabin offers the following complimentary amenities and services:

• 1 large Panoramic Window (floor-ceiling, non-opening)
• 1 double bed (non-convertible to twins), underbed storage space
• 3rd (single) bed available upon request
• 2 bedside tables (phone, 2 wall lamps / fixed reading lights)
• writing desk, wardrobe (lifejackets), closet (electronic safe, shelves, full-length mirror)
• 1 coffee table (round-shaped) with 2 chairs
• bottled water (2 bottles), 2 glasses
• two 3-pin plug sockets (220 V, by the desk and the bed)
• en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, 1-sink vanity, hairdryer / wall-affixed, French brand bath products / replenished daily)
• no room service

Standard Cabin

Each Standard Cabin offers the following complimentary amenities and services:

• 1 double or 2 twin beds (convertible to queen on request), underbed storage space
• 1 bedside table (phone, 2 wall lamps / fixed reading lights)
• 1 chair (no table)
• Magallanes Deck cabins (deck 2, categories A, B) are located above waterline. Their windows are smaller and get splashed constantly. Category B cabins (deck 2 forward) are with 1 small Porthole Window (round-shaped) and due to their location - with curved walls and slightly smaller. These 3 rooms (numbers 202, 203, 204) are also near the ship's anchor, so noise from the anchor could be an issue.

MV Ventus Australis cabins review

MV Ventus Australis cruise ship staterooms are all outside/oceanview (no balconies), spread across 3 decks, in 2 types (Standard and Superior) and in all 6 cabin categories. All cabins feature contemporary decor (nautically-themed), dark wood furniture.

Each cabin is fitted with either 1 double or 2 twin beds (convertible to a Queen-size on request), under-bed storage space, bedside tables (phone, alarm clock, wall lamps / fixed reading lights), 1 writing desk, wardrobe (lifejackets), closet (electronic safe, shelves, full-length mirror), bottled water (2 bottles), two 3-pin plug sockets (220 V, by the desk and the bed), en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, 1-sink vanity, hairdryer / wall-affixed, French brand bath products / replenished daily).

Superior Cabins have 1 coffee table (round-shaped) with 2 chairs. Standard rooms are with 1 chair only. "Superior" is a family cabin category with optional triple occupancy (3rd bed/single is available upon request).

Most staterooms are with large picture windows (almost floor-ceiling, non-opening). Magallanes Deck 2 cabins (categories A, B) are above the waterline and get splashed constantly. Their windows are also smaller. Category B cabins (deck 2 forward) are with 1 small Porthole Window (round-shaped) and due to their location - with curved walls and slightly smaller. These 3 cabins (numbers 202, 203, 204) are also near the ship's anchor, so noise from the anchor (when is lowered and raised) could be an issue.

All cabins are without TVs.

Filtered water dispensers are available on each deck.

MV Ventus Australis cabin and suite plans are property of Australis Cruises Patagonia (Small Cruise Lines) . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Australis Patagonia Cruises Rates & Departures

M/v stella and ventus australis: departure times and rates. .

By downloading our " Rates & Departures " document you will have practical information regarding Stella and Ventus Australis Cruises. 

It includes:

A map of the Patagonia area containing: Our embarkation points

Excursion sites

Other highlights of Patagonia

Cabin Types and Rates.

Departure days for each of our routes. 

Traveling details and conditions.

Download our Rates & Departures document by filling the form on this page. 

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• Northern Territory
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4 Day Cape to Cape Walk

4 night kimberley walk, 3 day lake st clair walk, 4 day blanket bay walk.

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4 Night Australis Patagonia Fjords Cruise

Experience the majestic glaciers and unique wildlife of southern Patagonia on this all-inclusive four-night cruise through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego

Explore the natural and geographic wonders of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago on this luxury small-ship expedition cruise aboard sister ships Stella Australis and Ventus Australis. Your adventure commences in the southern Chilean port city of Punta Arenas, passing massive blue glaciers, dramatic waterfalls and subpolar forests before reaching the renowned Beagle Channel and Cape Horn. With a range of guided shore excursions on the ship's fleet of Zodiacs, discover breathtaking outlooks, secluded islands and beaches, hidden waterfalls and the region's unique marine and bird life including elephant and leopard seals, Andean condors, cormorants and penguins.

Australis cruises operate between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia sailing in either direction; please enquire for departure dates and embarkation port for your preferred dates

Majestic glaciers

Unique marine and bird life

Shore excursions and guided hikes

All-inclusive luxury small ship expedition cruise

• Four nights' accommodation aboard Ventus Australis, or sister ship Stella Australis
• All onboard meals
• Open bar including wines, drinks and spirits at set times
• Guided shore excursions led by expert guides
• Available onboard activities

Please note cruise pricing varies per departure date and cabin type, and all pricing excludes a boarding fee (estimated to be USD$105-120 pp, direction dependant)

The cruise commences in Punta Arenas, southern Chile and concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina, or travels in the reverse direction. Walk into Luxury will be happy to arrange accommodation, transfers and extension options into Patagonia pre and post cruise.

Boarding commences in the afternoon at the Muelle Arturo Prat in Punta Arenas, in time for embarkation at 6 pm. Once onboard, enjoy a welcome toast introducing the Captain and the crew. Meet new friends over a delicious dinner with wine and rest peacefully in your private ensuite cabin as the ship heads south to begin the journey through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Included: D

Note: Please enquire for itinerary details for Australis cruises travelling in the opposite direction from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Beginning in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay, learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted with a guided hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. Later, visit a secluded location in the windswept Tuckers Islets, where you will observe colonies of Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the comfort of your Zodiac. Please note, in September and April, the Tucker Islets excursion is replaced by a hike near a glacier in Brookes Bay.

Included: B - L - D

Today's journey follows the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. Experience the majesty of its namesake, the impressive Pia Glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, the journey continues under the imposing gaze of “Glacier Alley”.

Cape Horn, one of the southernmost points of the world, is surrounded by charm and legends. A striking seven-metre monument marks its history as an important yet perilous shipping route since its discovery in 1616. Cape Horn National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005, comprising marine areas, islands, fjords, channels, forests and moorland. In the afternoon, disembark at Wulaia Bay, which was once one of the largest settlements of the original canoeing inhabitants of the region, the Yaman. A guided hike takes you through the pristine Magellanic forest in which many endemic species grow, passing spectacular viewpoints so you can appreciate the nature and geography of this special place.

Back on board enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark your final evening.

Welcome to the Port of Ushuaia, Argentina, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. Disembarking in the morning after an early breakfast, it's time to bid the crew and your new friends farewell.

Available late September to April, with regular departures in season

Some excursions are subject to weather and safety considerations and may be changed at the crew's discretion

Combine with

Accommodation

Perched on a hillside above Ushuaia, Arakur is the ideal staging point for your Antarctic cruise or luxury adventure in southern Patagonia

7 Day Luxury Journey

Combine the best of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks with exclusive lodge accommodation and experiences such as hiking the famous W-Trek, cruising among glaciers near El Calafate and visiting an Estancia

Explora Torres Del Paine is a luxury eco-lodge overlooking scenic Lake Pehoé and the Paine Mountain Range in the heart of Chilean Patagonia

Hotel Magnolia in Santiago is a boutique luxury hotel that blends modern style with beautifully restored heritage features in the heart of Chile's capital

10 Day Private Journey

Commencing in Santiago, discover the best of Chilean Patagonia and the Atacama Desert on this all-inclusive 10 day private active journey based at Tierra luxury lodges

Surrounded by rainforest, experience the ultimate Iguazu Falls adventure at all-inclusive luxury lodge Awasi, in northern Argentina

4 Night Guided Walk

Discover the best of the W-Trek on this guided hike returning each day to your luxury lodge base overlooking Torres del Paine National Park

Set within a 10,000-acre private Estancia, EOLO Patagonia, a Relais and Chateau hotel, is a 17-room luxury lodge perfectly positioned between El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier

4 Day Private Guided Walk

This four day El Chalten hiking extension covers the best day hikes in Argentina's trekking capital - including Laguna Torre, Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres - with a private guide and luxe glamping accommodation

The Singular Santiago is an elegant boutique hotel centrally located in Santiago's cultural hub, surrounded by great dining and historic sites

4 Day Private Journey

Hike the Andes with a private guide and enjoy the food and wine of Mendoza’s Uco Valley on this four day luxury adventure in Argentina

Awasi Patagonia features just 14 luxury villas on private conservation land overlooking Torres del Paine National Park; a dedicated guide is assigned to each villa to help you explore the remote landscape away from the crowds

Discover the salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and moon-like landscape of the the world's most arid desert at Explora Atacama in northern Chile

Set on a private estate within a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Estancia Rincon Chico offers guests exclusive nature-based experiences on Argentina's wildlife-rich Valdés Peninsula

Fall asleep under the stars and wake to panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy from your cosy dome at Camp Chalten, in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park

The ultimate Chilean Lakes adventure, discover Osorno Volcano, Lake Llanquihue and Petrohue Falls with a private host on this four day journey based at modern architectural gem, Hotel AWA

Discover Chile's diverse natural landscape from Patagonia in the south to the Atacama Desert in the north staying in luxury at Explora lodges

2 Day Expedition Cruise with overnight accommodation

Experience the ultimate Patagonia border-crossing journey, sailing four beautiful lakes from Argentina to Chile with an overnight boutique lodge stay at Hotel Puerto Blest

Expedition Cruise & Land Journey

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of the world's southernmost continent and Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park

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Best luxury cruises in patagonia and antarctica.

Our essential guide to Patagonia and Antarctica's best cruises, discover the best luxury small ships and expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula and Patagonia's fiords and glaciers.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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