The 10,944-ton, 264-passenger cruise ship L'Austral has been part of the fleet of Compagnie du Ponant since May 2011. The vessel was built with French style in the well known Italian shipyard Fincantieri, the design was made by Jean-Philippe Nuel. The mega-yacht has 132 cabins and represents the view of the company - unique atmosphere, luxury and intimacy.
Cruise itinerary program
L'Austral itinerary program is based on Alaska and Antarctica cruises. The ship also operates in Asia with departures from Japan and China, and in the South Pacific leaving from French Polynesia/Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand.
Cabins
Most L'Austral staterooms are 200-sq.foot Prestige cabins (92). There are a total of 132 staterooms in 9 categories. The largest aboard L'Austral is the Owner’s Suite (485 ft2). All staterooms have been decorated by French designers, offer individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD player, twin beds, minibar and electronic safe.
Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks
L’Austral cruise ship is small enough and provides a truly intimate experience. This special yacht is ideally suited to visit ports of call that bigger ships cannot reach. On board, L’Austral offers two restaurants – the casual Le Grill and the Gastronomic restaurant (the main dining room serving international and French cuisine).
Follows the complete list of L'Austral restaurants and food bars.
- Gastronomic Restaurant (“Le Coromandel”, 268-seat, ship’s MDR; serves International upscale cuisine; offers open-seating dining, with buffet-style breakfast and lunch, waiter served dinner)
- Grill Restaurant (“Le Rodrigues”, offers open-seating buffet breakfast and lunch, served dinner; has an outdoor seating area).
Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport
L’Austral represents indubitably, luxury, the French style, the combination of tradition and innovations. The vessel is elegant and combines a balance between chic and casual. L’Austral has three lounges which offer bars and evening entertainment. Le Théâtre hosts informative lectures. The yacht has one pool, a library and an internet station. Alongside this, L’Austral also boasts a beauty center, spa and fitness equipment.
Follows the complete list of L'Austral lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.
- The Marina (water sports platform; offers mostly swimming; it is used only when L’Austral is anchored and the sea is calm)
- L’Austral Atrium (2-deck high open-floor area; features a chandelier with Swarovski crystals)
- Main Lounge (“Karikal Lounge”, with large-size LED screen and floor-ceiling windows; offers early breakfast, specialty teas and coffees, Afternoon Tea complemented with gourmet cookies and fine chocolates; evening entertainment features live performances by resident singer and pianist and an art auction, once per L’Austral cruise; the outdoor aft terrace is the only one smoking area on board)
- Boutique Shop (esigner clothing, luxury jewelry, Ponant logo merchandise, special occasion gifts)
- Theatre (main show lounge for music and dance shows)
- Wellness Centre (Spa, Balneo Room, Hammam, Massage Room, Beauty Corner, Hair Salon, Shower Room, Relaxation Room, a spacious terrace)
- The Fitness (gym room with panoramic windows)
- Leisure Area (has a small kids playroom, Photo Gallery, Image & Photo desk via partnership with Philippe Plisson, and Internet stations)
- Image and Photo Desk
- Swimming pool’s sunbathing area (with luxury loungers)
- Panoramic Lounge and Bar (with an Internet corner, grand piano, Library, “Panoramic Terrace” - served by the Panoramic Bar, it is the ship’s late-night “disco”)
- Sun Deck (open-air sunbathing area, served by the “Le Comptoir” bar, with luxury loungers, padded chairs, showers, deck games - Shuffleboard, Golf Driving Net, 9-hole Mini-Golf)
- Zodiacs (inflatable boats).
