Navimag Ferry Acomodation

Class C is indeed a large domintory but they are arranged in bed of 4 (2 bunk beds) in little alcoves off the corridor. You have your own power outlet, locker, curtain across the bed and light. The bathrooms are never really crowed and there are 4 or 5 showers for each dorm. The whole place is clean and comfortable. Better than any hostel. There might be a small issue of noise as the whole thing is open but people are generally good and usually stay drinking in the bar. I wouldn't spend the extra money on the private cabin.

Previous reports:

I am looking at going on the Navimag ferry Puerto Montt - Puerto Natales in late January. According to their website they only have 'C' class cabins left for that date. Has anyone been on this and what is C class like? Do they have linen and places to store your bags safely? Are there enough other places on board that you can sit during day rather than in the cabin with 20 other people?

We just did the ferry last week (December 2006) and I must say with what we were told we were a little nervous. We also stayed in C class and they are small room wise but the beds are large (I am 6"2) and come with linen, very clean, same with the toilets and the rest of the ship, spotless in fact. They have bag storage in the room with locks. Food is good and more than enough, just take a few snacks for during the day, drinks on board are reasanably priced. And alcohol if you like. There is nowhere to sit in the cabins as such but a bar and restaurant plus all the outdoor decks. We spent almost all of the trip on the bridge and it was amazing, we were surprised how relaxed the crew was with our presence but as much amazed at how many people stayed inside almost oblivious to the beauty outside. You will have a great time and do not believe all the bad stories you hear.

I did the trip a few years ago when they had the Puerto Eden and the cabins then were foursomes, but about like what is described above as well. My point being they will provide good service for you with secure clean rooms. Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales I think is a better direction as the scenery gets better as you go. Some of it is pretty distant at times so you could use a lense larger than the standard 50mm if you want photos. Keep your shutter speeds high as the boat is rocking and rolling as our captain told us. Though I had 4 beautiful days and that made all the difference. Hope you have great weather.

We did the ferry in late November 2006 and would definitely recommend it. It was a tad expensive and some people got sick on the open ocean part of which was pretty rough but all in all in was great... and we stayed in double C class or something (the cheapest)... just remember to take plenty of your own grog as it is a tad expensive on board. Go for it. If the weather is even half good you will not regret it.

We did the Navimag trip a couple of weeks back ( 01-27-07). We were on the replacement ferry which was small and crowded, but I guess we were lucky to be on board at all! The crew were helpful and enthusiastic, the cabins (we were in a 4 berth) adequate, and the three days went quickly enough despite the poor weather. I would recommend it as a good way to travel South to Patagonia.

I did the Navimag trip last November (2006) and enjoyed it very much, mainly because the weather was good. I had one week of non-stop rain in the Lake District, but immediately after the ferry departed from Puerto Montt, we had sunshine all down the way to Natales. There are lots of animals to see: seals, birds, even small whales. Apart from the Golfo de Penas crossing, the sea was very smooth. The alternative would be to take a direct bus to Punta Arenas, which goes along the Argentinian side and takes at least 48 hours. Or you can go along the Carretera Austral, but after O'Higgins you have to cross to Argentina too. It is also a bit tricky to organize, as public transport is rare or non-existent.

With good weather this trip is great but chances to get good weather are small. Most likely you will have very bad weather most of the way. If you have the time I would go along the carretera Austral which is definitely the best way to explore this region but you need time.

The meals were very basic. Breadroll and sphaghetti bog one night ...some fish or something next night ....actually the meals reminded me of hospital food. I definitely cannot rave about the meals. Although I enjoyed the trip I am glad I took my cask of wine on board with me.

The food is nothing to write home about. Usually there was a soup, a salad, a main dish with fish or meat but the trip is wonderful, bear in mind!

This ferry takes 4 days and 3 nights. It costs 355.00, 420.00 or 470.00 US$ depending on the category you take.

Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.