Thursday, June 19, 2025
Australis Cruises is marking its 35th anniversary in 2025, reflecting on its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent name in the world of expedition travel. Founded in 1990 in Chile, the company has spent over three decades establishing itself as a leader in the expedition cruising sector, offering guests unforgettable voyages through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. As it celebrates this significant milestone, Australis Cruises highlights its evolution and growth, which began with little more than a map, a dream, and a large thermos of coffee.
What started as a small operation has now grown into a global standard-bearer for expedition travel. Australis Cruises has built a reputation for providing unique and transformative travel experiences that take guests to some of the most remote and unspoiled places on Earth. The fleet, consisting of two purpose-built vessels, the Stella Australis and the Ventus Australis, is designed for exploration, providing passengers with an immersive journey through the Beagle Channel and its surrounding areas, which are among the most untouched and natural wilderness regions on Earth.
These ships are not just designed for cruising; they are tailored to offer a fully engaging experience, both onboard and ashore. The ships, which each accommodate up to 200 guests, combine elegance with a focus on exploration, offering a more intimate atmosphere than many larger cruise lines. Passengers are invited to enjoy expert-led excursions, which delve into the region’s history, geography, and wildlife. Onboard, guests are treated to meals that feature local ingredients and authentic Chilean beverages, ensuring a true taste of the region.
Australis Cruises has intentionally created a more traditional cruising experience, one that is far removed from the distractions typically found on large resort-style ships. There are no conga lines, no gyms, and no Wi-Fi to keep guests tethered to their devices. Instead, the focus is on connection—both with the natural world around them and with fellow travelers. The ships are designed to promote camaraderie and curiosity, offering a unique and personal approach to exploration.
The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, adhering to strict environmental protocols to minimize the impact of its operations on the fragile ecosystems it visits. Australis Cruises has long been a leader in sustainable travel practices, ensuring that each voyage is conducted with respect for the natural environment. In line with this commitment, Australis is the only cruise line that has received special permission to disembark guests at Cape Horn. This iconic and notoriously challenging location is where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, a place known for its raw beauty and unpredictable weather. Visitors to Cape Horn are given the rare opportunity to experience a landmark that holds great significance in the world of exploration.
Australis Cruises’ dedication to providing exceptional and sustainable travel experiences has made it a standout in the expedition cruise industry. Its voyages through the Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego regions are designed to provide guests with a deeper understanding of these remote landscapes, encouraging slow travel and thoughtful exploration. By embracing the philosophy of “moving slowly, looking closely, and understanding deeply,” Australis has carved out a niche for travelers who seek more than just a vacation—they seek an authentic, transformative journey.
Looking to the future, the company is well-positioned for ongoing growth and success. Following the end of its 2024-25 season, Australis Cruises will reopen its voyages in October 2025, welcoming guests aboard for the start of the new season. Between September 2025 and April 2026, the Stella Australis and Ventus Australis will run a selection of four- to eight-night expedition cruises, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile. These voyages will provide guests with the chance to experience the spectacular landscapes of southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, as well as the rugged beauty of Cape Horn.
Australis Cruises has truly come a long way since its founding in 1990, and the company’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, sustainable, and immersive travel experiences. With its anniversary marking an important milestone, Australis is looking forward to the future, continuing to offer guests once-in-a-lifetime adventures in one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses.
