MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New incorporation to regional cruise industry

Via Australis the latest Chilean incorporation to the regional cruise industry was in Punta Arenas over the weekend preparing for her inaugural trip March 4.

Built in the Valdivia yards, delivered last December, Via Australis belongs to Cruceros Australis and is a sister vessel of Mare Australis which is already operating in the Cape Horn, Chilean fiords and Antarctica area.

"We're preparing for our first commercial trip with passengers. There are some decoration details pending and finalizing the crew's training", said Branko Ivelic, head of Crucerso Australis operations.

She has a passenger capacity of 140, with a crew of 45 and cost approximately 13 million US dollars.

Via Australis has 16 trips scheduled for the rest of the season, leaving every Wednesday from Punta Arenas, arriving in Ushuaia on Saturdays, alter visiting channels and fiords.

The same Saturday she will be returning for Punta Arenas but sailing through Cape Horn.

"We're very enthusiastic with the new vessel since she's almost fully booked, which means greater activity for Punta Arenas and the region", said Mr. Ivelic.

Via Australis is 72 metres long with a registered tonnage of 2.716. She's powered with two Cummings 850 HP engines and has improved navigation and communications equipments.