L'Austral

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.