L'Austral
L'Austral: Luxury expedition cruising from Ponant
Snapshot
Launched in 2011, L’Austral from France-based Ponant provides an intimate, luxurious cruise experience. Her small size makes her ideally suited for visiting ports that bigger ships can’t reach. L’Austral sports six decks and 132 sophisticated staterooms decorated by French designers, all of which have ocean views and a majority of which feature private balconies.
On board you'll find a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and opportunities for well-being, starting with a sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light. The design blends tradition and innovation in a way that contributes to an upscale nautical mood, combining to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht.
Languages spoken on board are English and French. The crew is bilingual, with many of the service staff from Asia.
Where L’Austral sails
The 264-passenger L'Austral from Ponant offers comfortable sailings to Antarctica and the Arctic regions. Along the way, you'll encounter unique itineraries with ports inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as refined French cuisine.
In addition to Ponant cruises, L’Austral also sails as part of the Tauck fleet a few weeks a year, to Iceland, Scandinavia, St. Petersburg, the Baltic Sea, Antarctica and Southeast Asia.
An all-inclusive experience
Here is what is included in your fare: all drinks, table wine for lunch and dinner, bottled mineral water, port charges and Zodiac excursions when the ship operates special expedition-style cruises.
Here is what is not included: gratuities, Wi-Fi and spa treatments.
Dining & amenities
- Le Restaurant Gastronomique, the elegant main dining room serving French and international cuisine
- Casual Le Grill Restaurant
- Three lounges offering evening entertainment, bars and access to the open decks
- Le Théâtre hosting informative lectures and entertainment
- Fitness and beauty corner
- Medical center
- Multiple observation areas
Staterooms
- Staterooms range in size from 200 to 210 sq. ft.
- Suites range in size from 301 to 398 sq. ft.
- All suites have ocean views and 95% have private balconies
- Staterooms are decorated by French designers and offer individually controlled air conditioning, twin beds converting to a queen-size bed (or one queen bed)
- DVD/CD player
- Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
- Electronic safe
- Minibar
Your take
Have you cruised on L'Austral? What was the highlight? We'd love to hear about your experience.
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Interested in a cruise on this ship?
Interested in a cruise on Ponant's L'Austral? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email.
Top highlights on this ship
- Three lounges offering evening entertainment, bars and access to the open decks
- Suites featuring ocean views and private balconies
- Multiple observation areas
- French sophistication at every turn
Fast facts
Overheard
“One of three identical sister ships (the others are Le Boreal and Le Soleal) catering to French speakers, L’Austral (“South Wind”) is a gem of contemporary design — chic and uncluttered. With a dark gray hull and sleek white superstructure, it looks like a large private yacht rather than a traditional cruise ship.”
