MV Stella Australis

MV Stella Australis is a 2010-built expedition cruise ship owned and operated by the Chilean travel company Australis Cruises Patagonia. Purpose-built for Australis, she shares her design with sister ship MV Ventus Australis. She is a small ship carrying 210 passengers, built for the remote waters of southern Patagonia.

The ship features a yacht-like design and is fully capable of navigating the Chilean Fjords and Patagonia's narrow channels, shallow bays, and rugged waterways at the southern tip of South America. Australis is among the few cruise operators permitted to land passengers at Cape Horn National Park, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, an access that sets the ship apart and allows guests to explore one of the world's most remote and dramatic coastlines in a way few cruise vessels can match.

Aboard Stella Australis, the 100 staterooms run relatively spacious for an expedition ship, equipped with either a double bed or two twins, finished in modern nautical decor of white and blue tones, with shower-only bathrooms and picture windows, and the highest deck accommodations featuring near floor-to-ceiling views. Though the ship lists six cabin categories, there are really only two layouts: Standard Cabins at 16 square metres, and Superior Cabins at 20 square metres with larger double beds. All cabins are television-free, encouraging guests to spend time in shared spaces or simply watching the landscape outside.

The Patagonia Dining Room, on the ship's lowest deck, is lined with picture windows, with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style, while dinner brings a mix of international and regional specialties designed by Peruvian chef Emilio Peschiera. Australis fares include all shore excursions with guided Zodiac landings, meals and beverages, including wines at lunch and dinner.

The ship suits expedition cruisers and adventure travelers seeking an intimate voyage to the icy fjords, glaciers and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego, with a focus on exploration over onboard entertainment.

Been on a voyage aboard this Patagonian fjord explorer? Log this expedition cruise on your account at The Cruise Globe to relive the actual route of your specific cruise.