AUSTRALIS OFFERS FREE AIR FROM SANTIAGO FOR CRUISES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH

SANTIAGO, Chile (01/2014) –Expedition cruise operator Australis announces free air round trip between Santiago, Chile, and the ports of Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina. The airline savings of approximately $900 applies to four-, five-, and seven-night cruises booked for February and March.

For the four-night itinerary fly from Santiago to the departure point for the cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile. The cruise ends in Ushuaia, Argentina, where travelers will fly to Santiago via Buenos Aires. Rates for the cruise start at $2,410 per person sharing, depending on the cabin. Choose from the following departures: February 22 and 26 and March 1, 6, 8, 13 and 29.

The five-night itinerary is a new Tierra del Fuego by Land and Sea launch. Begin and end in Punta Arenas.  Rates for the cruise start at $2,815 per person sharing, depending on the cabin. Choose from the following departures: February 5, March 8, March 23, March 24 and April 7.

The seven night itinerary is a round trip cruise.  The trip will begin and end in Punta Arenas. Ushuaia is the halfway point. Rates for the cruise start at $3,958 per person sharing, depending on the cabin. Choose from the following departures: February 3, March 6, March 8 and March 29.

The cruise is an all-inclusive experience and includes accommodation, all meals, an open bar, shore excursions and on board entertainment. The deal is good as long as supplies last. For more information, visit www.australis.com/landing-enero/ticket-aereo-incluido_en.html.

GAUCHOS, PENGUINS & GLACIERS; PATAGONIA FULL CIRCLE

SANTIAGO, Chile (09/2013) – Meet gauchos in estancias… See an entire penguin colony upclose… Take in looming glaciers and step foot on legendary Cape Horn… These experiences are the keys to a Patagonian adventure, one reflected in Australis’ newest itinerary: 
“Gauchos, Penguins & Glaciers.” This is a roundtrip land and sea experience from Punta Arenas, Chile; see everything Tierra del Fuego has to offer with daily lectures given by experts in the field.

With multiple departures this season, passengers have the option of two itineraries; the onlydifference is the addition of Pia glacier, one of the tallest in South America, for that extra day. From October 2013 to April 2014, the Stella Australis will be part of a five-night program. From November 2013 to March 2014, the Via Australis will be part of a six-night 
program.

After a night in Punta Arenas, cross the Strait of Magellan to debark at Porvenir, capital of the Chilean Province of Tierra del Fuego, near the world’s most accessible colony of king penguins. It is here you will be able to see these penguins up close; they are the second largest species of penguins and one of the most beautiful to capture on film.

Drive on to an estancia (a rural estate) where passengers are able to interact with gauchos, Patagonian cowboys, and see how the locals live. Observe how they handle their dogs for herding sheep, and see what a Patagonian barbeque is like. Usually, the barbeque would consist of lamb, Patagonia’s meat of choice, with a very serious cooking process. The result is a very sweet and tender meal. While with the gauchos, everyone will have the opportunity
to horseback ride with the pros.

Before the journey comes full circle, go ashore at mystical Cape Horn, also known as the “End of the Earth;” and take in the mesmerizing beauty of the Magellan forest, looming glaciers and the Magellan Penguins at Madgalena Island. Many of these places are only accessible using Australis’ small expedition ships.

And finally, end back in charming Punta Arenas, and reflect on your Patagonian adventure.

Rates start at $3,536 per person sharing, depending on the season and itinerary (the larger the group, the lower the rate). This includes accommodation, all meals, an open bar, shore excursions and on board entertainment. For more information, visit www.australis.com/site/en-us/routes-itineraries/punta-arenas-punta-arenas-2.

SHORT AND SWEET, MEET THE REBRANDED FLEET

SANTIAGO, Chile (08/2013) – Expedition cruise line Australis has rebranded its name and logo in order to have a more consistent brand worldwide. Previously, “Cruceros Australis,” the new shorter title will enhance the company profile and resonate with consumers, as the word “Australis” means “South” – and this cruise line explores the southernmost regions of South America.

From Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in the world), Australis follows in the path of Charles Darwin, using Zodiac boats for land excursions and a closer look at the pristine geography. Lectures from experts in their field accompany the sightings of the day. In Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the highlight is a visit to Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth,” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

Australis employs two ships – Via Australis and Stella Australis – each season from September through April. The company’s 2013/2014 season will soon be underway, complete with three-, four- and seven-night itineraries. Keep an eye out for itineraries resulting from new partnerships (e.g. National Geographic photographer Tommy Heinrich and explora).

Rates for an Australis cruise start at $1,389 per person, depending on the season and itinerary. This includes airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. For more information, visit www.australis.com.

PATAGONIA IN A NUTSHELL: INTIMATE ENCOUNTER WITH 7-NIGHT ITINERARY

SANTIAGO, Chile (07/2013) – For the first time ever, Cruceros Australis offers a 7-night itinerary through pristine Patagonia. Noted as the only cruise specialist to take passengers on land at Cape Horn – along with many other high-adrenaline excursions – Cruceros Australis provides an intimate encounter with this region. Bonus: with this itinerary, passengers have a choice of activities to further explore Punta Arenas Chile or the most important city in Tierra del Fuego – Ushuaia, Argentina.

With Zodiac boat excursions one to two times a day and complementing lectures from expedition leaders, passengers receive the full impact of the region. (Keep cameras at the ready to capture the photogenic Magellanic penguin along the way and perhaps the unpredictable elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay.)

Should the halfway point be Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world – passengers choose between a four-hour Tierra del Fuego National Park visit and a two-hour Prison/Yamana Museum visit (explore, explore, explore). If the halfway point is Punta Arenas, Chile, passengers can visit two museums and/or the public cemetery, which tells the story of the city in silence. Of course, the pinnacle of the trip is sailing to Cape Horn National Park, 
known as the “End of the Earth” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

A sample itinerary can look like this:

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2: Disembarkation at Aguila Glacier and Condor GlacierDay 3: Disembarkation at Garibaldi Fjord and Pia Glacier, then sail through Glacier Alley
Day 4: Disembarkation at Ushuaia
Day 5: Disembarkation at Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay
Day 6: Disembarkation in Chico Sound
Day 7: Disembarkation at Brookes Glacier and Ainsworth Bay
Day 8: Disembarkation at Magdalena Island and arrive at Punta Arenas

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience. Rates start at $2,765 and include airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare.

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

PATAGONIA IN A NUTSHELL: INTIMATE ENCOUNTER WITH 7-NIGHT ITINERARY

 SANTIAGO, Chile – For the first time ever, Cruceros Australis will offer a 7-night itinerary through pristine Patagonia. Noted as the only cruise specialist to take passengers on land at Cape Horn – along with many other high-adrenaline excursions – Cruceros Australis provides an intimate encounter with this region. Bonus: with this itinerary, passengers have a choice of activities to further explore the most important city in Tierra del Fuego – Ushuaia, Argentina.

The five set departures on board the Via Australis begin November 7, 2013 from Punta Arenas. With Zodiac boat excursions one to two times a day and complementing lectures from expedition leaders, passengers receive the full impact of the region. (Keep cameras at the ready to capture the photogenic Magellanic penguin along the way and perhaps the unpredictable elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay.)

The in-depth cruise continues to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where passengers choose between a four-hour Tierra del Fuego National Park visit and a two-hour Prison/Yamana Museum visit (explore, explore, explore). The pinnacle of the trip is sailing to Cape Horn National Park, known as the “End of the Earth” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 2: Disembarkation at Aguila Glacier and Condor Glacier

Day 3: Disembarkation at Garibaldi Fjord and Pia Glacier, then sail through Glacier Alley

Day 4: Disembarkation at Ushuaia

Day 5: Disembarkation at Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay

Day 6: Disembarkation in Chico Sound

Day 7: Disembarkation at Brookes Glacier and Ainsworth Bay

Day 8: Disembarkation at Magdalena Island and arrive at Punta Arenas

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience. Rates start at $3,847 and include airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare.

                                                                                                                                                                              For more information, visit www.australis.com.

CHRISTMAS IN PATAGONIA: CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS OFFERS DEALS FOR THE SEASON

While there won’t be reindeer, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to a Christmas with Santa Claus and penguins this winter. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis conveys peace on earth with the natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. A big bonus for families looking for quality time together: kids cruise free.

These two four-night expedition cruises depart December 21, 2012 and December 22, 2012 with your choice of Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Either way, the route involves Patagonia’s signature wildlife and environment: fjords, canals and glaciers.

While on board, revel in the season as you pass by the raised Christmas tree, enjoy a special Christmas dinner and meet with Santa who will make an appearance with gifts for the children.

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $2,187 per adult for these departures, and children 15 and under will sail free (one child per adult).

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS COMMEMORATES WHALE CONSERVATION WITH SPECIAL DEPARTURES

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the vote to end whaling. To show future generations the importance of the conservation of whales and dolphins, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to come to Patagonia and join one of four special departures that will take place early 2013. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis displays both the beauty and history of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego at the bottom of the world.

These four-night expedition cruises include special programs that incorporate the observation of humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan to effectively demonstrate that education is part of conservation. Guests are taken to Francisco Coloane Park, Chile’s first marine park. In this protected area, they will be on the lookout for humpback whales and will be able to speak with a leading scientist while surrounded by the typical landscape encountered in Patagonia: fjords, canals and glaciers.

The newest ship, Stella Australis, will host the first departure on January 12, 2013. The Via Australis will then take over for February 4, February 20 and March 8, 2013 departures.

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 2: Humpback whale watching around Carlos III Island

Day 3: Disembarkation at the bays of Garibaldi and Pia Glaciers

Day 4: Disembarkation on Hornos Island and Wulaia Bay

Day 5: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina. Check-out is 8am

(Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed due to their natural habits and constant movement.)

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $1,989 for these departures.

For more information, visit www.australis.com.