Stella Australis

Next day dawned fine, so with huge anticipation, we checked out and hauled our luggage to the Australis registration centre along the road. We couldn’t board until 5.30pm, but had to check-in by 1pm, so once sorted and luggage deposited, we mooched around the town, swigging coffee and sorting photos, blog etc. It was thrilling walking along the pier (at last!) to the splendid sister ships, Via Australis and Stella Australis (ours)

Mick had chosen the cabins with the biggest window, and we were very impressed with not only our large cabin with ensuite shower and loo, but also all the common areas and deck space. We had chosen to join a mixed Spanish/English table of 6 and were lucky to have good dinner partners, as we were to eat together at all subsequent meals too!!  We aren’t used to travelling en masse, so were not looking forward to being 2 out of 190 on board, but have to say there was plenty of space everywhere, so we could usually find a quiet spot. First event was Captain’s drinks in the Top Bar, where we reconfirmed our liking for Pisco Sours,  Chilean cocktail comprising a Muscatel schnapps/brandy, lemon and whipped egg white, yummy!!!


 

In fact, it turned out we would have precious little time to just watch the waves, as we were kept busy with excursions and talks on all aspects of Patagonian life and history, superbly presented with the right mix of interesting info and some humour.  The one thing we didn’t join in on was the bingo/karaoke night!!!  Ah well. Most of our fellow passengers were the outdoorsy sort, with about 16 different nationalities represented.

The first night we turned in early, as we wanted to be on deck for the approach to our first expedition next morning………