L'Austral
Innovative and sleek, L’Austral is an elegant, smaller-sized ship offering a sophisticated sailing experience with Ponant, and a cruise getaway you truly won’t forget. Overflowing with style and well-equipped with modern amenities, from the sumptuous spa facilities to Le Theatre, this vessel sails to a variety of unique ports with itineraries affording you the opportunity to visit some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Alongside enjoying incredible personalised service, you can indulge in sensational cuisine from refined restaurant venues, lounge in the comfortable common spaces, and relish in an incredible adventure at sea with Ponant.
Top L'Austral Deals
The ship in numbers
- Launched 2011
- Tonnage 10,944
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 3
- Decks 6
- Lifts 4
- Pools 1
- Restaurants 2
- Formal nights Yes
- Maximum capacity 264
- Crew 145
- Refurbished 2018
What's onboard
Dining
Dining aboard L’Austral is always a delight, and you’ll be taken on a culinary adventure during your voyage with Ponant. Of the two restaurants available onboard, you will find refined French and international cuisine in Le Coromandel – a venue big enough to seat everyone onboard at once, if necessary. Meanwhile, Le Rodrigues is a relaxed grill restaurant where you’ll be able to indulge in breakfast, buffet-style lunches, and themed dinner menus. Wherever you decide to dine, you’ll enjoy flavourful foods prepared with the finest, and freshest, ingredients available.
Entertainment
Despite being a smaller ship, L’Austral boasts an impressive array of entertainment options. Onboard, you’ll find a comfortable place to relax in the main lounge – which is home to a bar and entertainment space alongside a small exterior terrace area – and sensational sea views in the panoramic lounge on the upper deck – which also hosts live entertainment on select evenings of your sailing. The spacious theatre, which can fit everyone onboard at once, will also host live entertainment throughout your voyage – from live music to lectures and more. There’s also a bar overlooking the pool area, if you’re looking for refreshments al fresco.
Family
While Ponant voyages and L’Austral are aimed at adults, you will find some family-friendly entertainment and age-appropriate activities onboard. With children’s books and board games available onboard, alongside a selection of guided sessions, children will be well-occupied while at sea aboard this vessel.
Children ages 1 year and older can embark on a Ponant cruise, but children must be at least 4 years old to join the Kid’s Club – when this service is offered – and there is a limit of five children between 1 and 6 years old onboard at any one time.
Things to do
Beyond the entertainment venues outlined, you’ll also find extensive wellness facilities onboard – and indulging in a treatment or two from the spa is one of the most rewarding things to do onboard. However, you’ll also find a well-equipped fitness studio open during the day, if you’re hoping to maintain a workout regime while at sea. This Ponant ship is also home to a watersports Marina platform and a welcoming swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, giving you options when it comes to enjoying the stunning sunshine during your adventure.
L'Austral Image gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on L'Austral?
You can choose from standard Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, alongside a selection of spacious, premium Suites.
Families and Kids
Is L'Austral family-friendly?
Families are permitted, but the ship is primarily designed for adults with no dedicated kids' clubs or youth facilities.
Does L'Austral have waterslides?
No, this ship focuses on a more relaxed, elegant pool deck experience without waterslides.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on L'Austral?
Enjoy complimentary, multi-course meals in the elegant Main Dining Room, or visit the casual buffet for relaxed, flexible dining.
What speciality dining is there on L'Austral?
The ship offers premium dining venues like steakhouses, Italian trattorias, or Asian-fusion restaurants. Cover charges usually apply.
Itineraries
Which ports does L'Austral usually sail out of?
This ship sails from various global ports depending on the season. Please check specific itineraries for exact departure locations.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard L'Austral?
Its excellent service, comfortable accommodations, and the unique destinations it visits.