L'Austral cabins and suites

All MS L’Austral staterooms (132 total – 33 suites and 99 cabins) are located forward, while all public areas are aft. The accommodations section is accessible via one aft staircase and a single forward elevator. Passenger capacity varies since many cabins are interconnecting and can be converted into suites. The standard configuration includes 24 suites and 88 cabins. The ship has 3 wheelchair-accessible staterooms (one each on Decks 3, 4, and 5, located near the elevator). In total, there are 9 cabin categories.

Below is a review of Ponant L’Austral staterooms, covering furniture, amenities, and complimentary services:

All L’Austral cabins (regardless of category) feature King-size or convertible twin beds (with bedside tables, luxury mattresses, premium linens, and silk cushions), an en suite bathroom (single-sink vanity, glass-enclosed shower, separate WC, terry bathrobes, luxury bath products), and a lounge/sitting area (long vanity desk, stationery, round table, armchair, mini-bar). Each stateroom also has a dressing room (ample wardrobe and drawer space), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet access, on-demand movies), hairdryer, iPod station, Wi-Fi, electronic safe, lifejackets (in the closet), satellite direct-dial phone, power outlets (110/220V), and individual air conditioning. Bath products in suites are by Sothys, while in standard cabins they are by L’Occitane.

Complimentary 24-hour room service is available for all stateroom categories. The menu includes casual favorites such as burgers and fries, steaks, and salads. Bottled water is also complimentary during shore excursions.

With the exception of the single Owner’s Suite, all staterooms feature bathrooms with a sliding panel in the shower room that reveals a glass wall for unobstructed sea views. The largest accommodation is the Owner’s Suite (Deck 6), a two-room layout with a bedroom (king bed, TV), master bathroom (Balneo bathtub, dual-sink vanity, separate WC and shower), guest bathroom (WC and sink), lounge area (double sofa bed, TV), dining area (four-seat table), and a private balcony with dual access.

Prestige Suites are also two-room accommodations, combining two connecting Prestige Balcony cabins (on Decks 4 and 5 only) with a double-width veranda. They feature two bathrooms (each with WC and sink, one with shower, one with bathtub), two dressing rooms, two TVs, two mini-bars, and a lounge with a double sofa bed.

Deluxe Suites include bathrooms with separate bathtub, sink, WC, and shower. Prestige and Deluxe cabins are identical in design, differing only by deck location and fare.

All L’Austral staterooms, except the Superior category (which has a Picture Window), feature private verandas with luxury lounge furniture (small table and two rattan chairs). Superior staterooms are furnished with a wardrobe, single sofa bed, and dressing table.

Cabin categories with complimentary butler service (included in Ponant cruise fares) are: SA-Owner Suite, DS6-Deluxe Suite, and Prestige Suites (PS5 and PS6). In-room babysitting is available upon request.

Detailed furniture layouts can be viewed on Ponant Cruises L’Austral cabin plans in the above table.

Ponant L’Austral cruise fares are “Open Bar” inclusive, meaning unlimited complimentary beverages throughout the voyage. Included drinks cover fine wines and champagnes, spirits, bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, and the in-cabin mini-bar.

Note: Until summer 2015, Ponant’s all-inclusive beverage policy applied only to the US market. In Europe and the UK, drinks were included only with meals (fine wines and soft drinks), with an optional all-inclusive alcohol package available for GBP 210 per person per week.