Mare and Via Australis Cruises

Cruise the Southern Argentine waters in comfort and style aboard the expedition ships M/V Mare Australis or M/V Via Australis. Discover the southernmost part of the world in its pristine glory as you glide along the legendary routes of famous South American explorers Hernando de Magellanes and Sir Francis Drake. Built in 2003 and 2005 respectively, these modern cruise ships combine state-of-the-art technology with spacious decks and promontories. Cruises include shore excursions by the ship's own Zodiac vessels (rigid inflatable boats) to land at beaches of particular interest for its wildlife or scenic natural beauty. Take a walking tour through a Magellanic forest during landings or hike to a lookout for a spectacular view of the glaciers surrounding you.

The Mare Australis and Via Australis are nearly identical sister ships with similar itineraries. The Via was built in 2005 to accommodate additional voyages between Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile. The Mare Australis makes 4-night voyages from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia and 3-night voyages from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. The Via Australis makes 3-night voyages from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia and 4-night voyages Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. A sample 4-night itinerary follows:

Australis Cruises Official Website

Itinerary
Day 1:
All aboard! Embark out of Punta Arenas. Welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, then departure through the legendary Strait of Magellan towards Southern Patagonia, including Tierra del Fuego, "The Land of Fire"!

Day 2:
Sail the Almirantazgo Inlet to the majestic Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay. Discover an enchanting Magellanic forest and curious elephant seal colonies. The voyage continues to Tucker Islet to explore colonies of Magellanic penguins and cormorants by zodiac.

Day 3:
Navigate the Beagle Channel towards Pia Fjord. Make landing by zodiak, then join a walking excursion to an unforgettable look-out point. Set sail again through mystical Glacier Alley.

Day 4:
Sail through the Murray Channel and disembark at sprawling Cape Horn National Park, where the Dutch discovered Cape Horn, a sheer 1,275-foot cliff in 1616. By afternoon, reach Port Williams and disembark at the southernmost town in the world. Here, take an optional shore excursion, such as a visit to Martin Guide Museum.

Day 5:
Arrive in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego by early morning, where you will have the opportunity to visit the southernmost city in the world as well as national parks and the rest of Patagonia.