CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS Chilean and Argentine Patagonia MARE AUSTRALIS, VIA AUSTRALIS Passenger Capacity: 129, 136 Built: 2002, 2005 Length: 233 ft. Officers and Crew: 40. Chilean

• Itinerary: October through April there are cruises between Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel. The ships depart from Punta Arenas and Ushuaia for  three and four-night itineraries. Itineraries can be combined for a seven-night itinerary starting from either city.
• Cabins: 63, 64. All cabins are outside and have air-conditioning and private bath with shower. Cabins have twin or double beds, and some have a foldaway upper berth. 
• Dress: Casual. Bring trekking boots and clothing for wilderness walks in cold weather.
• Facilities and Activities: Each ship has two lounges, a library with books of the region's history and cultures. Each ship has a six-member expedition team for shore expeditions into remote wilderness areas and daily lectures on the flora, fauna, natural and cultural history of the region. There are four zodiac landing craft for shore excursions. Passengers explore glaciers and fjords in southern Patagonia and Cape Horn. Wildlife includes a Magellan Penguin colony in southern Patagonia with over 150,000 penguins, colonies of sea elephant and sea lions, and a large variety of regional birds. There are usually two shore excursions per day. Smoking is only allowed on open decks. There is an open bridge policy. A physician is on board. Segments include Cabo de Hornos National Park.
• Recent Fares Reported to Us: Cruise-only fare for the three-night cruise US$960 to $1,980 depending on the cabin and the season, four-nights $1,110 to $2,290.  Lower rates are in September, October, November, 1st of December, March and April; high season is 2nd half of December, January and February.

  For current fares of these Patagonia cruises, click on this direct link