L Austral : Our cruise deals 2026 - 2027

1-The Ship

Built in 2011 by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, L’Austral measures 466 ft in length and 59 ft in width, with a gross tonnage of 12,063 US tons. Its compact dimensions and shallow draft allow it to navigate close to shorelines. With 6 decks and 132 cabins and suites, the ship accommodates up to 264 passengers.

A crew of 145 provides a crew-to-guest ratio of 1.8, ensuring exceptionally high levels of service. Ponant delivers a true 5-star experience, including 24/7 room service.

2-Adult Activities and Entertainment

L'Austral offers traditional cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe as well as expedition voyages to the Southern Hemisphere. These expeditions include Zodiac® outings, allowing guests to approach glaciers and wildlife in polar regions. Onboard naturalist guides and expert lecturers add a rich cultural dimension, sharing their knowledge of the geography, nature, and history of the destinations visited.

Wellness and leisure are also central to the onboard experience. Facilities include a spa, hair salon, hammam, fitness center, pool, solarium, leisure lounge, theater, and boutique, enhancing the journey between each iconic stop.

3-Restaurants, Bars, and Lounges

L’Austral features two restaurants. “Le Coromandel,” located at the rear of Deck 2, serves refined French cuisine in partnership with Ducasse Conseil. Menus are approved by Michelin-starred chefs Jérôme Nutile and Patrick Jeffroy, while the wine list is curated by Jean-Robert Pitte, a renowned member of the Institut and the Académie du Vin de France. The second restaurant, “Le Rodrigues,” is a grill located on Deck 6 at the top of the ship.

On Deck 3, the main lounge is the perfect spot for a drink, a dance lesson, or a themed evening organized by the crew. On Deck 6, a piano bar offers panoramic views. Near the solarium and pool, the outdoor bar is ideal for enjoying your favorite drink in the open air.

4-Accommodations

The 132 cabins and suites of L’Austral are spread across Decks 3, 4, 5, and 6. All have ocean views. Cabins measure either 194 or 226 sq. ft., while suites offer 290, 398, or 484 sq. ft. Each cabin is designed around a double bed or two twin beds.

Guests enjoy a very high standard of comfort: individual air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, Bose speaker, desk with stationery, vanity, safe, satellite phone, 220V outlets, and unlimited Wi-Fi. The private bathroom includes a selection of Hermès products and a hairdryer.

5-Environmental Protection

Ponant is strongly committed to protecting the ecosystems visited by its ships. Certified as a “Green Ship,” L’Austral features dynamic positioning (eliminating the need to drop anchor), quiet engines that use low-sulfur fuel, a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, and onboard waste and wastewater treatment systems.