Chilean company Skorpios Sea Cruises passengers are invited to raise glasses in a toast that features well-aged whisky that seems comparatively youthful when compared to the ice in their drinks.

The company – which has sailings off of Chilean Patagonia – has itineraries that include viewings of the San Rafael Lagoon, a nature sanctuary that shelters marine mammals and flanks San Rafael Glacier, which reaches 60 metres above the Pacific Ocean and 230 metres below it and has ice that dates back 30,000 years.

Those sailing on the seven-day cruises are invited to participate in a toast that features 12-year-old whisky containing bits of glacial ice.

And, says Skorpios’ Veronica Visney, whose company offers sailings in northern and southern Patagonia waters, Skorpios clients can view not only glaciers but icebergs, towering Andean mountains and work their way through waters home to the likes of blue whales and sea lions.

“It’s gorgeous,” she says of the dramatic landscapes.

Skorpios’ Classic San Rafael Route leaves every Saturday from September to May from Puerto Montt, found 1,000 kms south of Santiago. Passengers will sail around 1,200 kms visiting villages, the San Rafael Lagoon and thermal springs.

The five-day Kaweskar Explorers Route leaves from Puerto Natales, found 2,500 kms south of Santiago. Passengers will sail around 900 kms, viewing icefields and glaciers and what Skorpios labels as “the most pure and translucent nature, the wildest fauna” and channels in which the likes of Darwin and Magellan once sailed.

Skorpios vessels are smallish, carrying a maximum of 130 passengers, with Visney saying passengers will become acquainted with others because of ship size. “You feel like you’re in your best friend’s house.”

Skorpios vessels feature the likes of low beds, private baths, fridge-bars, bar salons and dining rooms.

Passengers can find both parties and lectures on the region on the sailings.

More information can be found at www.skorpioscruises.com.

Meanwhile, those exploring southern Chile by cruise ship can extend their visit with a visit to the Explora’s Hotel Salto Chico, an upscale retreat found in Torres del Paine National Park, with the lodge’s North American representative Helena Papadelis reporting that the “scenery really is gorgeous.” The scenery is highlighted by Andean Mountains.

All rooms have views of the dramatic landscapes and Papadelis compares stays in the lodge to those found on luxury safaris, with participants able to explore the area during the day and then return to gourmet meals.

Explora also has upscale lodges in northern Chile and Easter Island, which Papadelis says has a “mystique” because of its huge stone monoliths that have long intrigued archeologists.

Explora’s web site is www.explora.com for more.

Princess Cruises has added seven new sailings to its fall 2010 to spring 2011 schedule aboard Sapphire Princess, including two leisurely Pacific crossings between California and Sydney, plus additional Hawaii cruises.

The new Sapphire Princess voyages include: two-day Pacific Coastal (Vancouver to San Francisco) – Sept.20, 2010; 30-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (San Francisco to Sydney) – Sept. 22, 2010; 29-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (Sydney to Los Angeles) – Oct. 23, 2010; 10-day Mexican Riviera (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – Jan. 5, 2011; 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – Jan. 29, 2011; 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – Feb. 26, 2011; 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – March 26, 2011.

The new sailings are currently open for sale. To accommodate the new cruises, which were added as a result of shifting demand in the west coast cruise market, Princess has cancelled 15 previously scheduled Mexican Riviera sailings.

An additional 17 Mexican Riviera sailings are still available during this time period.

Sail on over to www.princess.com for additional information.

Windstar Cruises reports that it will take over its shipboard management next month, ending its management agreement with V.

Ships Leisure. Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance and human resources.

New positions have been created at Windstar’s headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

Visit www.windstarcruises.com for additional information.

New destinations and new itineraries are planned by Cruise West when it sets sail in 2010.

The line has introduced 38 worldwide itineraries, 29 of which are new for the 2010 season, with stops in 75 countries and more than 300 ports worldwide.

The sailings will include 175 departures throughout all seven continents with visits to 92 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cruise West’s small ships (with capacities ranging from 78-148 guests) allow for the company’s trademark “up-close, casual and personal” style of cruising.

Cruises range from four nights/five days to 19 nights/20 days, and start from US$1,199 per person.

Go to www.cruisewest.com for details.