Australis the cruise ship operator that runs small expedition ships around Cape Horn has confirmed that its new expedition cruise vessel will take to the water in January 2018.
We sailed in their ship Via Austalis and can heartily recommend the adventure
Our own adventure was described in Invictus Magazine and can be seen here
Named Ventus Australis the new expedition vessel will explore the remoteness of Patagonia encompassing the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.
To be built at the Chilean shipyard – ASENAV – the 210-passenger ship has been designed to navigate some of the world’s most narrow fjords and glacial channels whilst offering the highest standards of service to passengers.
In keeping with the existing fleet, Ventus Australis will boast all the amenities the company already brings to the waters of South America’s most southern tip, the luxury ship will offer spacious cabins.
Each will be fitted with Nobel beds and full size windows to capture the stunning scenery, a stylish sky lounge and a gourmet restaurant from where guests can enjoy international and local cuisines in refined surroundings.
Ventus Australis will offer two four-night itineraries. The ‘Fjords of Tierra del Fuego’ will depart from Punta Arenas in Chile and navigate to Cape Horn before disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina.
The ‘Patagonian Explorer’ will depart from Ushuaia heading to Cape Horn first then onto Punta Arenas.
Both itineraries enable passengers to experience the remoteness of Patagonia through a programme of included excursions including stepping ashore at the fabled Cape Horn.
Other cruise highlights include a trip to Wulaia Bay where Darwin landed in 1833, a stop off at the Pia Glacier – one of the only glaciers in the world which can be seen from the mountain tops to the sea – and the wildlife rich Ainsworth Bay and Tuckers Islet.
The ‘Patagonian Explorer’ voyage will also visit Condor and Aguila Glaciers as well as Magdalena Island – a nature reserve home to Magellan Penguins.