Introduction
Ventus Australis is the sister ship of the Stella Australis. Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, is their home port, however, each navigates through the thousands of channels in between the southern archipelago of South America.
The largest island in this area is the Tierra del Fuego (the land of fire), and surrounding it are thousands of smaller islands, separated by numerous channels, fiords, inlets and straits, including two, historically significant stretches of water.
It was through the Beagle Channel that Charles Darwin sailed upon his ship HMS Beagle, the narrow stretch of water in front of Ushuaia. And, then there is the Magellan Strait, in front of Punta Arenas, in Chile, named after the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
The Ventus Australis is a moderately-sized vessel, built in 2017. It offers 100, well-appointed cabins, each one with an exterior-facing window. The ship is of a size whereby the on board ambience still retains an element of things being “personal”. This is in contrast to the enormous, impersonal floating hotel cruise liners that dominate the Caribbean.
The objective of the Ventus and Stella ships, is to offer passengers comfortable accommodation, combined with high-level on-board food along with educated guides, who will show you the secrets of Patagonia from the sea.
There are two ways to visit and experience Patagonia. One is to use whatever road network is available, but this is restrictive because there are so few roads; and the other is to penetrate the remotest areas on Earth from the sea. Sailing past uninhabited islands, penetrating into isolated fiords and visiting pristine inlets can only be done by a maritime navigation.
These are the exact same waters where European explorers ventured into and since those times nothing has changed, except for glaciers receding. When aboard the Ventus or Stella Australis ships navigating the waters the experience is just like that of the early explorers and that is a unique experience to be able to enjoy. However, the big difference is that when you go to bed at night you have a comfortable bed, and heated cabin to sleep in.
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Check-In
Check-In Info from Ushuaia
- Darwins Route: 8 Nights Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia
- Fiords of Tierra del Fuego Route: 4 Nights Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
Check-In Times
- Check-in is from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Avenida San Martín 409, Ushuaia.
- Afterwards, the boarding takes place at 6:00 PM.
- Sailing starts at 8:00 PM from Ushuaia.
Check Info from Punta Arenas
- Darwins Route: 8 Nights Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas
- Fiords of Tierra del Fuego Route: 4 Nights Punta Arenas to Ushuaia
Check-In Times
- Check-In starts at 1:00 PM and runs until 5:00 PM, on Av. Costanera del Estrecho 1398 (Muelle Arturo Prat), Punta Arenas.
- The boarding starts at 6:00 PM.
- The sailing is at 8:00 PM from Punta Arenas.
About Ventus Australis
The Ventus Australis was constructed in 2017. The ship offers 100 cabins and can accept a total passenger capacity of 210 people, plus crew.
The Length of the ship measures 89m, with a beam (width) of 14.6m.
Cabin Categories
All cabins have exterior facing windows, heating, en-suite bathrooms with hair dryers and a safe deposit box in the cabin.
Voltage on board is 220 volts.
The cabins are equipped with plugs for 220 volts. The bathrooms have 220- and 110-volt outlets.
Bed Sizes:
- Twin Beds: Each is 1.05mt wide x 1.9m long.
- Matrimonial Bed: 1.6m wide x 1.9m long.
- Matrimonial Bed Superior Cabin: 1.8m wise x 2m long.
The Decks and Cabins
- Cabins are the Following Decks Running Top to Bottom
- Fifth, Top Deck: Darwin – No Cabins
Fourth Deck: Cabo de Hornos
- AAA: 23 Standard Cabins / 16m2 / Bed Configuration: Twin or Matrimonial
- AAA: 2 Superior Cabins / 20m2 / Bed Configuration: Matrimonial
Third Deck: Tierra del Fuego
- AA: 36 Standard Cabins / 16m2 / Bed Configuration: Twin or Matrimonial
- AA: 2 Superior Cabins / 20m2 / Bed Configuration: Matrimonial
Second Deck: Magallanes
- A: 34 Standard Cabins / 16m2 / Bed Configuration: Twin or Matrimonial
- B: 3 Standard Cabins / 16m2 / Bed Configuration: Twin Only
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First Deck: Patagonia
- No Cabins
Ventus Australis Continued Information
Food
Various breakfast, lunch and dinner options, along with a 24/7 cafeteria service, combining the best local ingredients in an international gastronomic proposal that prioritizes variety, quality and excellence.
Spaces
The spectacular landscapes of Patagonia that can be appreciated through panoramic windows are complemented in harmony with careful decoration and ample and cosy spaces. Everything comes together in an intimate and casual atmosphere, so that our guests can share their experiences, read a book from our library, have their favourite appetizer or simply enjoy the view.
All-Inclusive
Once onboard, you will only need your wallet if you want to get yourself a souvenir from the onboard store. At Australis when we say all-inclusive, we mean ALL-INCLUSIVE. Enjoy our unlimited wine, liquor and beverage menu during lunch and dinner or at our bar, open from 10 am to midnight.
Guides and Crew
The passion of our Expedition Guides and the warmth and friendliness of our crew, give the voyage a unique atmosphere that stands out as one of the great hallmarks of the Australis Experience. Our passengers often say goodbye, heartfeltly thanking the professionalism of all our team on board, who made them feel at home.
Educational Experience
Our guides will pass on their knowledge of glaciology, flora and fauna, geography, history, and the evolution of the landscapes we travel through. Daily, they will share this knowledge with our passengers on board through thematic lectures that complement and deepen what is discovered and experienced during the expeditions.
Offline
Deep in Patagonia, between fjords and glaciers, connectivity disappears, and the Digital Detox begins. Far from civilization, the most unspoiled landscapes of the planet invite you to take your eyes off your phones, replace screens with windows, and discover the colours and contrasts of nature without a filter.
Safety
The safety on board and during excursions is a priority at every moment of our operation. That is why we are governed by the highest standards in terms of infrastructure and equipment, as well as implementing strict protocols that safeguard the safety of passengers and crew members. To ensure that all these protocols are properly complied with, we carry out periodic audits and training of our guides and crew, as well as deploy different information systems on board to ensure that all our passengers are properly informed and understand the measures and conduct, they must adhere to.
Sustainability
Australis understands that the charm of the routes depends on its preservation. Knowing landscapes that have remained intact for centuries is a luxury, and their commitment is to make every effort to keep them that way. Guided by international standards and motivated by a deep conviction of respect for the environment, the company implements and promotes a series of measures, and behaviours on board, to care for the environment in which the ships navigate through.
FAQ's
- Breakfasts, lunches, and meals.
- Open bar when the bartender is on duty.
- Daily shore excursions, as scheduled by the Company.
- Whiskey and hot chocolate during excursions.
- Activities inside the ship.
We do not have internet service onboard. However, on our cruises, you can connect from electronic devices to a digital information system called AustralisNet, with exciting content about Patagonia and everything you need to know to enjoy your trip.
No, it depends on the local weather conditions. However, historically there is a 75% likelihood of a landing on the Cape.
- The legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel.
- Glaciers and fjords of the Darwin Range.
- Flora and fauna of great beauty: sub-Antarctic forests, sea lions, southern dolphins, albatrosses, and cormorants, among a great diversity of seabirds.
- One of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The mythical Cape Horn.
- Ainsworth Bay
- Tuckers Islets
- Cape Horn
- Wulaia Bay
- Pia Glacier
- Aguila Glacier
- Condor Glacier
- Porter Glacier
- Magdalena Island
- Punta Arenas
- Ushuaia
- Smoking is only allowed on the outside decks of the ship. Smoking is prohibited in any enclosed space inside the ship.
No, the ships do not have elevators.
Yes
Yes. There are staff prepared to provide first aid care to passengers on board if required.
- Yes. During the voyage, the following types of presentations are given:
- Geography and navigation route.
- Flora.
- Birds in Patagonia.
- Beagle Channel.
- Strait of Magellan.
- Glaciology.
- Marine Mammals.
- Aborigines of Patagonia.
- Penguins.
- Terra Incognita.
- Cape Horn.
No. Penguins are migratory birds and are usually found in the region between the months of October to March.
Yes, you will find sportswear, as well as souvenirs, gift items and personal use.
Each passenger is free to decide how much to tip. Those who wish to reimburse the service onboard must deliver the gratuity at the ship's reception desk on the last day of the voyage. We suggest US $15 per person in your party, per day, which will be distributed equally among all the crew that has made the trip an unforgettable experience.
In the cruise months, the temperature fluctuates between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius (equivalent to 41- and 59-degrees Fahrenheit). It is important to note that weather conditions are very unpredictable and could change constantly during the day.
No, pets are not allowed on board.
Yes, each cabin has a safe deposit box to store items.
The Australis company has civil liability insurance to respond to losses or damages that passengers and/or their property may experience onboard the ship. This liability is governed by the conditions of the passenger contract and the relevant rules of Book Three of the Chilean Commercial Code. If the passenger wishes to have additional coverage for health risks, death, travel assistance, or other events or contingencies that he/she and/or his/her luggage may experience during the trip, he/she must purchase travel assistance insurance at the insurance company of his/her choice.
- Voltage on board is 220volts
- The cabins are equipped with plugs for 220 volts. The bathrooms have 220- and 110-volt outlets.
The official languages on board are Spanish and English, but it is also possible to find guides who speak French, German, Italian or Portuguese.
Voluntary gratuities (suggested US$15 per passenger in your group, per night) and personal expenses at the onboard store, such as souvenirs, sportswear or other items, may be paid with Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners, US dollars, Euros, Chilean pesos or Argentine pesos.
No! For the safety of our passengers and the environment, no swimming in the sea is allowed at any time during the voyage.
