Patagonia Cruising: M/V Stella Australis

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1 M/V STELLA AUSTRALIS Constructed in 2010, the M/V Stella Australis has 100 cabins that can accommodate 210 passengers. The cabins are spacious with plush bedding, storage facilities and a lounge area. The ship has a comfortable Sky Lounge where you can meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a drink whilst gazing out on spectacular views of the ocean and snow-capped peaks. The cuisine on board is exceptional and there is even a gym on the ship allowing you to work out whilst travelling. The route between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas gives you an insight into the stunning natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The comfortable ship combined with its expert crew and guides will ensure that your trip is extraordinary. 1

2 Itinerary 1: Punta Arenas - Ushuaia (4 nights) This scenic maritime route through the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego highlights the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia and several of its most important historical sites. The five-day journey from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Ushuaia (Argentina) includes visits to wildlife rich Ainsworth Bay, massive Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley, as well as mystical Wulaia Bay and the legendary Cape Horn. 2

3 Day 1 - Punta Arenas Check-in at 1385, O Higgins Street (Arturo Prat Port) in Punta Arenas between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm on the day of your cruise departure. Board cruise ship at 6:00 pm. After a welcome cocktail reception hosted by the captain and his crew the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of the earth. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that defines the southern extreme of Patagonia. 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 and begin our voyage to explore Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego - one of the most stunning wilderness regions of the world. Day 2 - Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islet By dawn we will be navigating through Almirantazgo Sound, a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snow-capped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the Sound, while the southern shore is defined by the deep fjords and wide bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, where there is abundant birdlife and a colony of Southern elephant seals that can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Walk 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, 3

4 or alternatively take a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both walks afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountain Range. Marinelli Glacier is a tidewater glacier that calves into Ainsworth Bay and has been in retreat since Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, we sail west along the Sound to the Tucker Islets. After lunch we board the Zodiacs for a close-up view of a colony of Magellanic penguins (endemic to the Southern Hemisphere) that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker Islets as a place to nest, give birth and raise 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 Brookes Bay. Day 3 - Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley Overnight we sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabriel Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the ship tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again and we continue along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord, where disembarkation is scheduled. We board the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier and after landing, we take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint where we can view the spectacular Pia Glacier that extends from the mountain tops down to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we return to the ship and we continue east along the Beagle Channel through the majestic 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 are named after European countries including Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France. 4

5 Day 4 - Wulaia Bay & Cape Horn During the early morning we navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste Islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed there in 1833, during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. The area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. We visit the museum in the old radio station and then walk through a Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. In the afternoon the Stella Australis cruises across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park, where disembarkation is scheduled (weather permitting). The legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos) was discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition. We will go ashore on the windswept island that harbours Cape Horn, a sheer 425-metre (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 Oceans and was often referred to as the End of the Earth. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in The Chilean Navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island and there is a modern Cape Horn Monument as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel. Day 5 - Ushuaia This morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, Argentina s most important city in Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. Disembarkation is scheduled for 8:30 am or 9:30 am depending on the cruise departure date. 5

6 Itinerary 2: Ushuaia Punta Arenas Route, Stella Australis (3 nights) On this 4-day itinerary between Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile), the M/V Stella Australis will take you on an amazing journey through Patagonia and alongside Tierra del Fuego. Experience the splendour of Patagonia and the beauty of its unique scenery and its wildlife as you travel to the uttermost end of the earth. You will travel on one of the industry s most comfortable ships designed to make your trip as enjoyable as possible as you make the spectacular cruise through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to Cape Horn. Capture footage of marine life and view the same incredible beauty that Charles Darwin enjoyed centuries ago. 6

7 Day 1 - Ushuaia Check-in at the Australis Travel Centre at 409, San Martín St. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on the day of your cruise departure. Board the M/V Stella Australis cruise ship at 5:30 pm. After a welcome cocktail reception hosted by the captain and his crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest parts of the planet. Our voyage takes us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most stunning wilderness regions in the world - Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Day 2 - Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay We sail through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where disembarkation is scheduled (weather permitting). The legendary Cape Horn was discovered in 1616 and it is a sheer 425-metre (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and 7

8 Atlantic Oceans and it is often referred to as the End of the Earth. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in In the afternoon we go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region s largest Yámana 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 walk through a Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns and other endemic vegetation to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Day 3 - De Agostini Sound and Aguila Glacier Today we sail through Brecknock, Ocasión, Cockburn and Magdalena Channels to enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range. In this area we can see glaciers descending the mountainside all the way down to the sea. In the afternoon we board Zodiacs to head to Águila Glacier where we will take an easy walk to the base of the glacier. We will experience the beauty of Patagonia s cold rainforest and see how the power of nature has moulded the area s landscape. Day 4 - Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas Early in the morning, weather permitting, we will go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. The island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins that 8

9 we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse. In September and April this excursion is replaced by a ride on Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. Back on the ship we sail into Punta Arenas where disembarkation is scheduled for 11:30 am. NOTE: The excursions described in the itineraries can normally be carried out. Transportes Marítimos Terra Australis S.A., Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., and Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A do, however, reserve the right to reschedule, shorten, or alter all or part of the itineraries and/or excursions without previous notice, in order to safeguard the well-being and safety of passengers, preserve the environment, or due to any extraordinary circumstances, acts of god or force majeure. For the same reasons, the hours of departure and/or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change. There is no guarantee of wildlife sightings because the precise location of these animals cannot be confirmed. M/V STELLA AUSTRALIS 9

10 Cabins 10

11 Deck Plan 11

12 TRIP INFORMATION What type of clothes should I take? We want your stay on our cruise ships to be comfortable and so we recommend sports clothing for both women and men. In the summer, nights and even days may be cold in Patagonia and so we recommend sweaters, jackets, pants and rain garments for the excursions. For exploring and walking, gloves, a warm hat and a pair of firm trekking or hiking boots are suitable. 12

13 What is included in the cruise rate? Breakfast, lunch and dinner Free Bar Daily land excursions as scheduled by the ships Whisky and hot chocolate during the excursions All on board activities When do we embark? USHUAIA: Check-in on cruise departure day between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm at 409, San Martín Street in downtown Ushuaia. Board cruise ship at 5:30 pm. Departure is at 8:00 pm. Passengers must be on board at least one hour before departure. PUNTA ARENAS: Check-in on cruise departure day between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm at 1385, O Higgins Street (Arturo Prat Port) in Punta Arenas. Boarding time is at 6:00 pm. Departure is at 8:00 pm. What will we see during the trip? The legendary Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel as we navigate through them The glaciers and fjords of the Darwin Mountain Range The areas declared by the United Nations as the most virgin ones in the world Flora and Fauna of great beauty - native forests, sea lions, elephant seals, cormorants, exoticflowers, southern dolphins, etc. One of the largest penguin colonies in the Southern Hemisphere The mythical Cape Horn What are the possible landings? Ainsworth Bay Tuckers Islet Cape Horn Wulaia Bay Pia Glacier Aguila Glacier Garibaldi Glacier Piloto and Nena Glaciers Magdalena Island Ushuaia Punta Arenas 13

14 What are the lectures given on the cruise? Navigation routes Flora and fauna of the Magellan region Glaciology The Beagle Channel Marine mammals The Strait of Magellan Magellan penguins Natives of Patagonia Do we always disembark at Cape Horn National Park? Disembarkation at Cape Horn National Park is subject to weather conditions. Disembarkation success rate for this excursion last season was 70%. Are penguins seen throughout the season? No, penguins normally can be seen from early October through early April. Then they migrate to the north. Is there a store on board? You will find a small souvenir store on our ships offering exclusive designs in sportswear, souvenirs and different gift items created exclusively for Cruceros Australis. Should we tip on board? Tips are at the discretion of the passenger, but we suggest US$ 15 per day per passenger, to be settled at the reception lounge on the last day of the cruise. What will the weather be like? During the cruise season, the temperature fluctuates between 5 and 15 degrees centigrade (41 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit). 14

15 Are pets allowed? We regret not being able to accept pets on board. Are there safety boxes available? The ships are not responsible for loss of money, traveller s cheques, jewellery or other valuables. For your comfort and security we have safety boxes in each cabin. Are passports and visas necessary? Visa/Passport requirements vary according to each passenger s country of origin and this must be verified by you at the time of reservation. Each passenger is responsible for carrying the necessary documents to enter Argentinean and Chilean territory. Minors not traveling with both parents must carry an authorization of the absent parent signed before a public notary. Is there any insurance policy? The Cruise lines (Transportes Marítimos Terra Australis S.A.; Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A. and Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A.) have insurance policies that cover civil liability for potential losses or damages that may be suffered by, or caused to passengers and their properties on board of the vessels. Said liability is governed by the conditions of the sea transportation contract of passengers, evidenced in passenger s tickets, and by the pertinent regulations of the Third Book of Commercial Code of the Republic of Chile. Notwithstanding, if the passenger wishes to be covered for health, death or other risk that could take place during the voyage, affecting the passenger or his/her goods, or wishes to have assistance in those events, it is recommended that he/she acquires a special insurance policy risk with the company of his/her preference. PLEASE NOTE that travel insurance is mandatory for all passengers booking through Viva Expeditions. What is the electric voltage on board? Cabins are equipped with 220 volt plugs. Plugs for both 220 volts and for 110 volts are found in the bathroom. 15

16 What is the official language? Official languages on board are Spanish and English. However, there may be guides who also speak French, German and Italian. How can I pay on board? Items purchased at the shop such as souvenirs, videos, sportswear and other items can be paid for using MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners credit cards, traveller s cheques, US dollars, Euros, Chilean pesos or Argentinean pesos. Is there first aid care? We have on board the vessels personnel prepared to provide first aid attention and care to passengers, should this be required. Are there hair dryers on board? All cabins are equipped with hair dryers. Are there elevators on board? The ships do not have elevators or equipment necessary for the handicapped. Is smoking allowed on board? Smoking is only allowed on the ship s outer decks due to Chilean law , which forbids smoking indoors. Are there additional charges? Yes, Taxes & Fees are additional charges and they are detailed below: The total fee per person for bookings will be as follows: - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route: US$40 - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route: US$40 These values may vary depending on the amount determined by the port authorities. These values are not included in the cruise rate and must be paid along with final payment. 16

17 Reciprocity Fees Citizens of Canada who embark with Australis from Punta Arenas and other destinations along the Ushuaia Route need to pay the Reciprocity Fee on-line and in advance. This payment is required to enter Argentina. The proof of payment document must be submitted to us at time of check-in. Fees vary depending on nationality. This fee is mandatory and you cannot embark without it. Is there Internet connection on board? We do not have Internet service on board. 17