French expedition luxury · Since 2011
L'Austral
Intimate at 264 guests, refined in every detail, she is the ship that proves going far and living beautifully are the same journey.
The Ship That Brings You Closer
Closer to the places. Closer to the people you travel with. At 264 guests, L'Austral creates the conditions for something rare a journey where strangers become companions, where shared landings on remote shores become stories that last. PONANT's French spirit runs through it all: the care at the table, the warmth of the crew, the sense that every detail was placed there for you. This is not travel at a distance. It is travel that reaches you.
Celebrating the treasures of nature
Open to the horizon
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Refined and elegant furnishings
Life on board
An essential component of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.
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Where the Journey Lives
Life on board L'Austral has its own rhythm. Mornings begin with the light changing over the water, breakfast before a Zodiac landing on Antarctic shores that few people will ever touch. Afternoons belong to you: the spa and hammam to warm what the ice cooled, the hairdresser for those who want to feel their best at the far end of the world, the library for the hours between. Evenings in the gastronomic restaurant, then the panoramic lounge where the conversation outlasts the sunset. Antarctica is extraordinary outside. Inside, life is simply good.
Elegance and intimacy
Staterooms and suites
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Balcony Stateroom
A private 43 ft² balcony A sliding panoramic window One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) Bathroom with shower
Balcony Stateroom
A private 43 ft² balcony A sliding panoramic window One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) Bathroom with shower
Experience L'Austral
A day on board
Whether on board or on land, every moment transports you to a unique universe, where refinement and wonder punctuate your day.
Start your day at the restaurant or in the cabin with a sweet or savory breakfast: freshly baked pastries, golden breads of the day, homemade pastry creations, freshly squeezed juices.
commitments
Responsible exploration
Modern ships, advanced technologies, strict landing protocols, environmental impact studies, crew training, and guest awareness: Ponant is committed every day to better respect marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Learn more about PonantLess than 60% of fine particles thanks to 100% LS MGO propulsion with 0.05% sulphur content, the continuous use of catalytic converters on all navigation areas by 2025, and shore power connection in equipped ports.
Talk with a specialists
A conversation, not a commitment
The ship, the season, the route: one call will confirm this is the voyage for you and secure the cabin you want.
A Fantastic Experience
This bucket list of mine has well and truly been ticked off…thanks to the great work of Alicia James and her team for making it possible. It didn’t matter what time of the day or night, if I had a problem or question Alicia would handle it with professionalism and good humour. Thanks for all your support…it was a fantastic experience for me to step on my 7th continent…let us all preserve this wonderland.
William H
Going above and beyond
Samantha was very helpful in assisting us to make the right choices in taking a cruise with Ponant to Antarctica and then afterwards on a Peru Tour which included Machu Picchu. Once our tours were confirmed, we were then assisted by Alicia who made sure our new experiences to come were as seamless as possible. The friendly enthusiasm from both Samantha and Alicia gave us the confidence that we had made the right choices. Going above and beyond, it was certainly appreciated by us when Alicia reached out to advise we may be facing a cancelled flight the next day due to an airline strike. We did have a cancelled flight and Alicia's assistance was second to none. For my husband and I, it was a trip of a lifetime and we feel very blessed that we had the opportunity. Thank you Samantha, Alicia and team for helping to make it all possible.
Jane T
Antarctica Cruise Company is the way to go
If you're looking for a travel company that genuinely understands and caters to your unique travel needs, Antarctica Cruise Company is the way to go. From my first inquiry about options for solo travelers to just days before embarking on what promises to be the trip of a lifetime, their service has been exceptional. They’ve been incredibly responsive, always ready to answer my questions, connect me with other travel opportunities, and keep me informed about any updates. Their support has truly enhanced what is set to be an unforgettable holiday.
Jillian R
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising a cruise for my father and I to Antarctica - Nico was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, listened to what we were looking for and proposed an excellent cruise with options to choose from - and since he has extensive experience in this area we knew we were in good hands - the cruise was special to share with my father - words cannot describe how incredible this experience was - and something I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Dan L
A Fantastic Experience
This bucket list of mine has well and truly been ticked off…thanks to the great work of Alicia James and her team for making it possible. It didn’t matter what time of the day or night, if I had a problem or question Alicia would handle it with professionalism and good humour. Thanks for all your support…it was a fantastic experience for me to step on my 7th continent…let us all preserve this wonderland.
William H
Going above and beyond
Samantha was very helpful in assisting us to make the right choices in taking a cruise with Ponant to Antarctica and then afterwards on a Peru Tour which included Machu Picchu. Once our tours were confirmed, we were then assisted by Alicia who made sure our new experiences to come were as seamless as possible. The friendly enthusiasm from both Samantha and Alicia gave us the confidence that we had made the right choices. Going above and beyond, it was certainly appreciated by us when Alicia reached out to advise we may be facing a cancelled flight the next day due to an airline strike. We did have a cancelled flight and Alicia's assistance was second to none. For my husband and I, it was a trip of a lifetime and we feel very blessed that we had the opportunity. Thank you Samantha, Alicia and team for helping to make it all possible.
Jane T
Antarctica Cruise Company is the way to go
If you're looking for a travel company that genuinely understands and caters to your unique travel needs, Antarctica Cruise Company is the way to go. From my first inquiry about options for solo travelers to just days before embarking on what promises to be the trip of a lifetime, their service has been exceptional. They’ve been incredibly responsive, always ready to answer my questions, connect me with other travel opportunities, and keep me informed about any updates. Their support has truly enhanced what is set to be an unforgettable holiday.
Jillian R
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising a cruise for my father and I to Antarctica - Nico was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, listened to what we were looking for and proposed an excellent cruise with options to choose from - and since he has extensive experience in this area we knew we were in good hands - the cruise was special to share with my father - words cannot describe how incredible this experience was - and something I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Dan L
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