Stella Australis
Highlights
- Shallow draft and custom design allow navigation through remote fjords and narrow channels unreachable by larger vessels.
- Panoramic lounges and an open-bridge policy ensure nonstop access to spectacular glacier views and wildlife sightings.
- Expert-led daily shore landings in Zodiacs reveal dramatic Patagonian wilderness, from towering ice walls to colonies of Magellanic penguins.
Purpose-built for navigating the wild waterways of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, Stella Australis is a stylish, 100-cabin expedition vessel offering an unforgettable voyage to the southernmost reaches of the Americas. With a capacity of just 200 passengers, this boutique cruise experience strikes the perfect balance between comfort and exploration.
Life On Board
Inside, the décor is warm and contemporary, with her generous cabins—most featuring large picture windows to maximize your connection with the spectacular scenery outside—offering a quiet retreat after active days ashore. Social spaces are relaxed and inviting, including three spacious lounges with wraparound views, a single open-seating dining room serving fine regional cuisine, and a welcoming ambiance where fellow adventurers become fast friends.
Life aboard Stella Australis is built around discovery and immersion. Between excursions, guests can unwind in observation lounges lined with floor-to-ceiling windows or step out onto the open decks to breathe in the raw southern air and keep an eye out for passing whales, dolphins, or soaring condors.
The all-Chilean crew is passionate, professional, and deeply knowledgeable about the region’s ecology and culture. Daily lectures and multimedia briefings enrich the experience, helping guests connect more deeply with the wild lands they’re exploring. With an open bridge policy, you’re invited to engage with the navigation proces...
Specifications
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Guests200
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Staff & Crew64
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Guide & Crew to Guest Ratios1:3.1
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Guest to Space Ratio1:23
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Number of Decks5
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Number of Cabins100
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Zodiacs & Loading Bays6
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Year Built2010
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Ice ClassNo
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Length292.0 ft (89.0 m)
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Beam47.9 ft (14.6 m)
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Draft11.3 ft (3.45 m)
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Cruising Speed12.5 kn
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StabilizersNo
Amenities
About the Stella Australis
Purpose-built for navigating the wild waterways of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, Stella Australis is a stylish, 100-cabin expedition vessel offering an unforgettable voyage to the southernmost reaches of the Americas. With a capacity of just 200 passengers, this boutique cruise experience strikes the perfect balance between comfort and exploration.
Life On Board
Inside, the décor is warm and contemporary, with her generous cabins—most featuring large picture windows to maximize your connection with the spectacular scenery outside—offering a quiet retreat after active days ashore. Social spaces are relaxed and inviting, including three spacious lounges with wraparound views, a single open-seating dining room serving fine regional cuisine, and a welcoming ambiance where fellow adventurers become fast friends.
Life aboard Stella Australis is built around discovery and immersion. Between excursions, guests can unwind in observation lounges lined with floor-to-ceiling windows or step out onto the open decks to breathe in the raw southern air and keep an eye out for passing whales, dolphins, or soaring condors.
The all-Chilean crew is passionate, professional, and deeply knowledgeable about the region’s ecology and culture. Daily lectures and multimedia briefings enrich the experience, helping guests connect more deeply with the wild lands they’re exploring. With an open bridge policy, you’re invited to engage with the navigation process and chat with the Captain—another rarity on modern cruises.
Itineraries & Adventures
Operating exclusively in the southernmost reaches of South America, Stella Australis offers legendary routes between Punta Arenas (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina), tracing the epic path of early explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin. You’ll cruise through glacier-draped fjords, past the remote Beagle Channel, and even set foot on Cape Horn—weather permitting—one of the most storied and wind-battered points on Earth.
All excursions are included and conducted in small, guided groups by expert naturalists, with daily Zodiac landings for up-close exploration of pristine bays, ancient forests, and wildlife colonies. Highlights include the majestic Pia and Águila Glaciers, the penguin-filled Magdalena Island, and Wulaia Bay, where archaeological insights blend with breathtaking scenery.
Sustainability & Unique Features
Stella Australis is one of the few expedition vessels navigating this far south with an eco-conscious philosophy. Its design emphasizes low-impact cruising through some of the most fragile and remote ecosystems on the planet. The ship’s shallow draft allows for environmentally sensitive access to secluded waterways, while careful scheduling ensures minimal disruption to local wildlife. The cruise line supports local conservation initiatives and has eliminated single-use plastics onboard. Educational programming, delivered by onboard experts, underscores the importance of preserving these remarkable landscapes for future generations.
Itineraries
Fjords of Tierra del Fuego
Patagonian Explorer
Darwin's Route From Ushuaia
Darwin's Route From Punta Arenas
Heritage Adventurer
