Ponant L'Austal

This intimately sized cruise ship offers outstanding levels of luxury and safety, along with chic French styling, upscale gastronomy, wellness, entertainment, discreet service and full program of activities, excursions, and adventurous itineraries.

One of Ponant’s four sisterships, L’Austral, along with Le Boréal, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, combines small ship luxury cruising with adventurous itineraries. The ship offers the latest in technology-led safety and environmentally friendly sailing, and is ice strengthened for polar expeditions. Onboard, the French-inspired interiors offer sleek and sophisticated public spaces and accommodation, with neutral tones, luxurious textures, and chic artworks. The 145-strong crew deliver a service that is attentive and discreet, while the maximum number of guests is just 264, creating a private yacht vibe.

All 132 staterooms and suites are spacious and well-considered. Guests enjoy 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, climate control, on-demand video, relaxed seating area, ensuite shower with Diptyque bathing products and separate WC. All include a private balcony except the Superior Staterooms, which are the only staterooms sleeping up to three guests. Suites can sleep up to four guests and come with extras that include priority boarding, butler service, welcome drink, and daily snacks. Trade up to the Owner’s Suite for a Balneo therapeutic bathtub, complimentary spa treatment and concierge service offering customized trips and itineraries.

Guests can enjoy fine French dining at Le Coromandel or choose the more relaxed atmosphere of the Le Rodrigues grill restaurant. The facilities onboard are superb, with several lounge areas and bars, terrace, theater, library, recreation area with photo studio for viewing and ordering photographs, and Kid’s area with Wii and PS4. For relaxation, there is a swimming pool, spa, hammam, fitness studio and hair salon. The ship also has 11 Zodiacs to comfortably transport guests for shore excursions and for wildlife and landscape viewing, all enriched by naturalist and destination experts.