Patagonia cruise specialist Cruceros Australis begins service aboard its new ship, Stella Australis, in December. The vessel was commissioned in celebration of Cruceros Australis' 20th anniversary, the company said.
The Stella accommodates 210 passengers in 100 cabins, each 177 square feet, and will feature a number of first-class comforts. The ship has three lounges -- the Sky Lounge, the Darwin Lounge and the Yamana Lounge -- each equipped with audio-visual equipment for educational presentations throughout the voyages.
There is also an exercise room and a spacious deck that offers unobstructed views of the scenery. Cabin highlights include picture windows, independent climate controls, private bathrooms and a satellite phone.
The ship will explore the southernmost regions of South America including Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. Additional highlights include Ainsworth Bay and Glacier Alley, as well as a number of small-group excursions such as a trip to Magdalena Island to visit the Magellanic penguins.
Expedition leaders prepare and present daily lectures in both English and Spanish to complement the educational component of the expeditions. The talks take place both on the ship (with audio-visual support) and on land during excursions.
Cruceros Australis also operates Via Australis and Mare Australis. Both the Via, built in 2005, and the Mare, built in 2002, have 64 cabins.
From September to May of each year, Australis offers four-night itineraries on each vessel from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, with rates starting at $1,120 per person, per itinerary, and three-night itineraries on each vessel from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, with rates starting at $840 per person, per itinerary.
Cruise fares include all meals and drinks, including Chilean and Argentinean wines.
Retailers can check out the ships and their programs at www.australis.com.
CORRECTION: Prices are per person, per itinerary.