Cruceros Australis Fact Sheet Patagonia Cruising MV Stella Australis The Stella Australis is an awe-inspiring cruise ship. The ship, which was constructed in 2010, consists of 100 total cabins and can hold up to 210 passengers. You won t even miss working out on your Patagonia vacation as the ship contains a gym for passengers. Exploring the Ushuaia Route on your Chile travel allows you to enjoy the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The comfortable ship combined with expert crews and guides will provide you with the best Patagonia tours to make sure your four-day trip is extraordinary. This trip is highlighted by spending a day touring the Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley. You also don t want to miss having an opportunity to tour the Cape Horn National Park during the cruise.
Itinerary 1: Punta Arenas Ushuaia Route (4 nights) Day 1 - Punta Arenas Check in at 990 Magallanes St. from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Board cruise ship at 6:00 pm. After a welcome cocktail reception offered by the Captain and his crew the ship will depart for the uttermost part of the earth. Our trip takes us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2 - Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islet At dawn, we will be navigating through Almirantazgo Sound, arriving at Ainsworth Bay, within Alberto De Agostini National Park. From the distance we will see Marinelli Glacier descending from Darwin Mountain Range, and appreciate how the land comes back to life after ice retreat. We will also take a walk to discover a beaver dam in the stunning sub-polar Magellan forest. On the beach, we might enjoy the view of Southern Elephant Seals, although sighting cannot be guaranteed due to colony s unpredictable location. Later, we will be sailing to Tuckers Islets, and after lunch, onboard Zodiac boats, we will be sailing to get close to a colony of Magellan Penguins (endemic 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 be navigating along the Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord, where disembarking is scheduled. We will take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint from which we can appreciate the spectacular Pia Glacier whose main tongue extends from the mountain tops down to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, our sailing will continue along the Beagle Channel through the majestic Glacier Alley.
Day 4 - Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay We will be sailing through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where disembarking is schedule (weather permitting). The mythical 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 for sailboats between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and it is known as the End of the Earth. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2005. In the afternoon, we will go ashore at historical Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region s largest Yamana aboriginal settlement. 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. Day 5 - Ushuaia Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina s most important city in Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. Disembarking is scheduled at 8:00 a.m.
Itinerary 2: Ushuaia Punta Arenas Route, Stella Australis (3 nights) On the Ushuaia Punta Arenas route, you will enjoy the splendour and beauty of unique natural scenery and wildlife. You will travel on one of the industry s most comfortable ships designed to make your trip as pleasant and remarkable as possible through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel. Day 1 - Ushuaia
Check in at 990 Magallanes St. from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Board cruise ship at 5:30 pm. After a welcome cocktail reception offered by the Captain and his crew the ship will depart for the uttermost part of the earth. Our trip takes us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Day 2 - Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay We will be sailing through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where disembarking is scheduled (weather permitting). The mythical Cape Horn was discovered in 1616 and it is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route for sailboats between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and it is known as the End of the Earth. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2005. In the afternoon, we will go ashore at historical Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region s largest Yamana aboriginal settlement. 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.
Day 3 - De Agostini Sound and Águila Glacier We will be sailing through Brecknock, Ocasión, Cockburn, and Magdalena Channels to enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound, in the heart of Darwin Mountain Range. In this area we can see glaciers descending the mountainside all the way down to the sea. In the afternoon, onboard Zodiac boats, we will route to Águila Glacier where we will take an easy walk all the way the base of the glacier. We will experience the beauty of Patagonia s cold rainforest and see how the power of nature molded the area s landscape. Day 4 - Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas Early in the morning (and 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 Magellan Penguins that we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse. In September and April this excursion is replaced by a ride on Zodiac boat to Marta Island to observe South American Sea Lions. Finally, disembarking at Punta Arenas is scheduled at 11:30 am.
NOTE: The excursions described in the itineraries can normally be carried out. Notwithstanding the above, Transportes Marítimos Terra Australis S.A., Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., and Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A 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 or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change.
Deck Plan
Cabins
Trip Information What type of clothes should I take? We want your stay on our cruise ship to be comfortable, we recommend sports clothing for both women and men. Summer nights and sometimes during the days Patagonia climate may be cold, we recommend sweaters, jackets, pants and rain garments during the excursions. For exploring and walking, gloves and a pair of firm trekking or hiking boots are suitable.
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 starts every Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 hrs. to 16:00 hrs. at 409 San Martín Street. Board cruise ship at 05:00 p.m. during the 2011-2012 season, and at 05:30 p.m. during the 2012-2013 season. Departure is at 20:00 hrs. Passengers must be on board at least one hour before the departure. PUNTA ARENAS: Check-in starts every Saturday and Tuesday from 13:00 hrs. to 17:00 hrs. at 990 Magallanes Street. Boarding time is at 18:00 hrs. Departure is at 20:00 hrs. What will we see during the trip? Navigation through the legendary Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel Navigation through 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, cormorans, exotic flowers, southern dolphins, etc. One of the largest penguin colonies in the Southern Hemisphere The mythical Cape Horn What is seen in the expeditions? Ainsworth Bay Tuckers Islet Ushuaia Cape Horn Wulaia Bay Pia Glacier Magdalena Island Punta Arenas
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 on our ships small souvenir store where you will see exclusive designs in sports wear, souvenirs and different gift items, created exclusively for Cruceros Australis. Should we tip on board? Tips are at the discretion of the passenger, 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 Farenheit degrees). Are pets allowed? We regret not being able to accept pets on board.
Are there safety boxes available? The ships are not responsable for loss of money, travellers checks, jewels 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 passenger s country of origin, 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.) count with 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 ticket, and by the pertinent regulations of the Third Book of Commercial Code of the Republic of Chile. Notwisthstanding, 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 whishes to have assistance in those events, it s recommendable that he/she acquires a special insurance policy risk with the company of his/her preference. 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. What is the official language? Official languages on board are Spanish and English. However, you may find guides who speak French, German and Italian. How can I pay on board? Items purchased at the shop such as souvenirs, videos, sportswear and others can be paid with Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners credit cards, travelers checks, US dollars, Euros, Chilean pesos or Argentinean pesos.
Is there first aid care? We have on board of the vessel 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 handicap. Is smoking allowed on board? Smoking is only allowed in the ship's outer decks due to Chilean law 20.105, 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 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 bookings will be as follows: - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route: US$30, Port Tax and National Parks Fee. - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route: US$30, Port Tax, Exit Fee and National Parks Fee. 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 Is there Internet connection on board? We do not have Internet service on board.