L’Austral: Ship, Routes & Consulting
3 Reasons for a an Expedition on the L’Austral
- L’Austral is the second of four five-star sister superyachts from PONANT, carrying a maximum of 200 passengers in Antarctica.
- This custom-built expedition ship features Ice Class 1C, allowing for deeper exploration into Antarctic waters.
- It perfectly combines adventure and luxury with a distinct French flair, exceptional cuisine, and an experienced expedition team, with all landings and Zodiac excursions included.
What Awaits You on an Expedition on the L’Austral
Adventure with Luxury
L’Austral is the second of PONANT’s four sister ships, designed in the style of a private yacht for expedition cruises to Antarctica. The vessel combines cutting-edge technology, an intimate atmosphere, and exceptional service — creating adventurous Antarctic journeys with a touch of luxury.
Accessible Five-Star Travel
On L’Austral, you travel as one of just 200 guests, accommodated in one of 132 cabins and suites styled like a private yacht, with French gourmet cuisine and nearly all shore excursions already included. A German-speaking lecturer accompanies the voyage.
Activities Included
Daily shore landings and Zodiac outings are part of every itinerary aboard L’Austral. You’ll receive a complimentary expedition parka from PONANT. In Antarctica, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced expedition team of around 10 to 13 specialists. Sea kayaking is available at an additional cost.
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Cabins and Suites on the L’Austral
| Owner's Suite | 45 M2 |
| Prestige Suite | 36 M2 |
| Deluxe Suite | 27 M2 |
| Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom | 21 M2 |
| Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom | 18 M2 |
| Window or Porthole Stateroom | 18 M2 |
Owner's Suite
- 45 m² Owner's Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Decorated by French designers.
- Panoramic sea view.
- Private 12 m² balcony.
- Separate living area with sofa and armchairs.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Large windows.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Butler service.
- Bathroom with Jacuzzi.
Prestige Suite
- 36 m² Prestige Suite on Decks 4, 5, and 6.
- King-size bed.
- Private 8 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Separate living area with sofa, table, and chair.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Butler service available for guests on Deck 6.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Deluxe Suite
- 27 m² Deluxe Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 6 m² balcony.
- Table with chair.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Butler service.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom
- 21 m² Superior Cabin on Deck 3.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom with shower.
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom
- 18 m² Prestige Cabin on Decks 4, 5, and 6.
- King-size bed.
- Private 4 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Maximum 2 guests per suite.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Window or Porthole Stateroom
- 18 m² Deluxe Cabin on Deck 3.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 4 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- 2 passengers per cabin.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
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L’Austral Deck Plan
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Itineraries of the L’Austral in Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions about L’Austral
L’Austral is the second of four sister expedition ships operated by the French cruise line PONANT. With Ice Class 1C and a launch year of 2011, the ship reaches the main highlights of Antarctica.
A journey aboard L’Austral combines adventure with luxury. The ship offers true five-star comfort in Antarctica, paired with an experienced expedition team and surprisingly accessible pricing.
Design and Features:
- All 132 staterooms and suites include either a king-size bed or two single beds. 95% feature a private balcony.
- Passenger numbers in Antarctica are limited to a maximum of 200 guests to comply with strict Antarctic Treaty landing regulations.
- You travel with French gourmet cuisine, spacious cabins with large windows, and an experienced expedition team.
Technical Specifications:
- Enhanced waste-water treatment and emission-reduction systems lower the environmental footprint.
- Modern stabilizers help improve comfort in rough seas.
- An advanced propulsion and maneuvering system ensures safe navigation in challenging polar waters.
On-Board Experience:
- Two fine-dining restaurants serving five-star French-inspired cuisine.
- Wellness area with spa, hammam, and fitness center.
- Panoramic lounge, outdoor observation deck, and dedicated lecture theater.
Expedition Team:
- A German-speaking lecturer joins Antarctic sailings for talks and shore excursions.
- A team of around 10–13 expedition specialists accompanies landings, Zodiac cruises, and learning programs.
- Optional sea kayaking is available at an additional cost.
Expedition Equipment:
- Zodiacs for landings and exploration.
- Complimentary expedition parka to keep.
- Rubber boots provided on loan for shore activities.
- Passengers: maximum 200 in Antarctica
- Built: 2011
- Crew: approx. 145
- Expedition team: approx. 10–13
- Ice Class: 1C
- Length: 142 m — Beam: 18 m
- Decks: 7
- Cruising speed: 14 knots
- Designed for expeditions: Zodiacs, sea kayaks, landing gear
Included:
• Domestic transfers to L’Austral — for example Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, including economy flights and airport transfers
• Pre-cruise hotel stay if required (usually in a 5-star hotel)
• Your Antarctica voyage in your selected stateroom or suite
• Two restaurants with included beverages and gourmet dining
• Daily shore landings and Zodiac excursions
• Expedition parka to keep
• Rubber boots provided on loan
• Experienced expedition team
• Wi-Fi access when available
Not Included:
• International flights (available on request)
• Premium and vintage wines and spirits
• Personal expenses such as boutique purchases
• Spa treatments, hair salon, and similar services
• Personal travel insurance
Activities:
L’Austral offers a broad range of experiences in Antarctica, many of which are already included. Examples:
• Shore landings
• Zodiac cruises for wildlife viewing, iceberg exploration, and photography
• Polar Plunge
• Expert lectures and scientific education programs
• Sea kayaking (advance reservation required; equipment provided)
Internet: A satellite-based internet connection is available, allowing you to log in one device per guest at no extra cost. Because Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth, the connection may vary — sometimes a webpage loads slowly, and moments later a video call may work perfectly. The connection generally supports light browsing, emails, and messaging. Satellite phone service is available for an additional fee.
Dining:
L’Austral has two restaurants:
• Le Coromandel (Deck 2) — main dining room
• Le Rodrigues (Deck 6) — casual indoor/outdoor grill dining
Both offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner with open seating.
PONANT embraces its French heritage, and that is reflected in the cuisine. Guests will also find simpler options such as club sandwiches, burgers, and chicken dishes. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available.
Highlights include:
• Fresh pastries and an omelette station at breakfast
• Buffet lunch with comforting warm dishes such as lasagna, roasts, and baked fish
• Quality French wines poured generously at lunch and dinner, with premium labels available for purchase
• Classic French dishes like foie gras, wild boar, duck confit and more served at dinner
Additional options include:
• Outdoor seating in good weather
• Afternoon tea service
• Room service menu focused on comfort foods
International Flights: International airfare is usually not included. However, a pre-arranged travel package with domestic flights, hotel stays, and transfers is included from Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile.
When booking through Arctic Desire, you may request a complete tailor-made travel package including your entire international journey.