ocean Ship
L'Austral
by Ponant
Built in
2011
Remodeled in
2018
Capacity
264
By
Ponant
Ponant’s L’Austral is a modern expedition yacht that artfully merges refined French design with a spirit of adventure. Purpose-built for exploration in both tropical and polar regions, the ship offers an elegant yet understated ambiance, more akin to a private yacht than a traditional cruise vessel. Accommodating up to 264 guests, L’Austral maintains an intimate atmosphere that allows for attentive, personalized service and access to off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach.
The ship’s interiors are defined by clean lines, warm tones, and luxurious materials—soft leather, brushed metals, and rich woods create a sophisticated, contemporary setting. Throughout the vessel, floor-to-ceiling windows invite in natural light and offer uninterrupted views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Guests can relax in a variety of inviting spaces, including a panoramic lounge, library, spa, and an open-air pool deck. The onboard theatre hosts lectures, film screenings, and cultural performances that complement the destinations visited, enriching the overall experience.
Dining aboard L’Austral is a culinary journey in itself, with two restaurants serving gourmet French and international cuisine. The main dining room offers a refined atmosphere with open-seating and fine wines, while the al fresco grill on the pool deck provides a more casual yet equally thoughtful menu. Suites and staterooms are all ocean-facing, many with private balconies, and include thoughtful amenities such as fine linens, Nespresso machines, and luxury bath products.
As part of Ponant’s commitment to responsible travel, L’Austral is equipped with advanced environmental technologies and operates with a strong focus on sustainability. On expedition sailings, a dedicated team of naturalists and guides lead Zodiac outings and shore excursions, offering insight into the wildlife, geology, and cultural history of each region. Whether navigating the icy channels of Antarctica or exploring the cultural treasures of the Mediterranean, L’Austral offers a seamless blend of style, discovery, and French savoir-faire
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on L'Austral, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
484 sq. feet
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398 sq. feet
-398 sq. feet
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290 sq. feet
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193 sq. feet
-193 sq. feet
-193 sq. feet
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193 sq. feet
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226 sq. feet
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Ponant is a French luxury cruise line known for intimate, small-ship voyages that pair refined French hospitality with real exploration. Founded in 1988, Ponant runs tailor-made voyages to some of the world's most remote and culturally rich destinations. A long-standing focus on sustainability and ship design shapes trips that combine adventure with comfort and a light environmental footprint.
Ponant's fleet of yachts and expedition ships is built for a boutique-style cruise experience. Each ship offers polished accommodations, accomplished dining, and a relaxed but elegant atmosphere, which keeps the voyage intimate even on its larger vessels.
One of Ponant's most significant ships is Le Commandant Charcot. It is the world's first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG, a cleaner-burning marine fuel than heavy fuel oil). The ship lets travelers reach deeper into polar regions with less environmental impact, and reflects how Ponant approaches sustainable cruising across the fleet.
Ponant sails across the globe, from the ice of Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the islands of the South Pacific, and the cultures of Asia and Africa. Each itinerary is built thoughtfully, mixing wildlife, culture, and landscape, with Ponant's French signature carried through the gourmet cuisine and the onboard service.
Ponant has pushed sustainable cruising for years, adding cleaner technologies and conservation work to its operations. It was the first international cruise line to join Green Marine, the maritime environmental certification program, reaching the program's top leadership level on most indicators in 2020. The line works to cut its carbon footprint, remove single-use plastics, and support scientific research in the places it visits.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the best small-ship cruise experiences, holding each one to our standards for luxury, authenticity, and sustainability. After a close look, we include Ponant in our collection for its refined approach to adventure, its environmental record, and its service.
Through our work with Ponant, we offer strong access, personalized itinerary planning, and well-coordinated travel arrangements, so your voyage runs smoothly from the first booking to the final day.
Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you expert recommendations, customized itineraries, and concierge-level service to round out your Ponant voyage. From pre and post-cruise stays to private shore excursions and travel arrangements, we plan every part of the trip with you.
Sail the world in style with Ponant and Small Ship Travel, where luxury meets exploration in some of the most remarkable destinations on the map. Contact us to start planning your next voyage.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.