L'Austral

The 2011-built MS L'Austral cruise ship is the second in a series of four identical, French-owned Ponant superyachts, alongside Le Boreal, Le Soleal, and Le Lyrial. All ships feature ice-strengthened hulls, sleek superstructures, Zodiacs for ship-to-shore landings and coastal cruising, and longer itineraries with overnight port stays and late-evening departures.

The vessel (IMO number 9502518) is currently France-flagged (MMSI 578000700) and registered in Mata-Utu/Wallis and Futuna.

History - construction and ownership

Compagnie du Ponant (CDP) is a French cruise company founded in April 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers. All Ponant ships sail under the French flag. The company specializes in premium adventure cruising, targeting the French-speaking market with all-inclusive packages. Most of CDP’s fleet operates in Antarctica between December and March. These megayachts offer modern comforts, personalized service from highly trained staff and crew, and 5-star hotel-style amenities. Exotic itineraries include the Caribbean, Baltic, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, South America, Australia, and beyond.

The 264-passenger L'Austral joined the Ponant fleet in May 2011. Built by the renowned Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, she was designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel. With 132 cabins, the yacht embodies Ponant’s vision of offering a unique atmosphere that combines luxury, elegance, and intimacy.

Decks and Cabins

Ponant L'Austral staterooms (132 total, across 9 categories) are predominantly Prestige cabins (92), each 205 ft² / 19 m² with step-out balconies of 45 ft² / 4 m². The largest accommodation is the Owner’s Suite (485 ft² / 45 m² plus a 95 ft² / 9 m² terrace). All staterooms were decorated by French designers and feature 5-star amenities such as smart HDTVs, DVD/CD players, minibars, king-size beds, and contemporary furnishings.

The vessel has 7 decks, 6 of which are accessible to passengers, including 4 with cabins (33 suites and 99 cabins in total).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

L’Austral offers a boutique, intimate atmosphere and can access ports too small for larger ships. She has two restaurants: the casual Le Grill and the fine-dining Gastronomic Restaurant (the main dining room serving international and French cuisine).

Dining venues onboard L'Austral include:

• Gastronomic Restaurant (“Le Coromandel”, 268-seat MDR; serves international upscale cuisine with open-seating dining; buffet-style breakfast and lunch; waiter-served dinner)
• Grill Restaurant (“Le Rodrigues”; open-seating buffet breakfast and lunch, waiter-served dinner; features outdoor seating)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

L’Austral embodies French elegance, balancing chic sophistication with casual comfort. The vessel has three lounges with bars and evening entertainment. Le Théâtre hosts lectures and shows. Facilities include a pool, library, internet stations, a spa, beauty center, and fitness area.

Entertainment venues and facilities onboard L’Austral include:

• The Marina (watersports platform, mainly for swimming; used only when the ship is anchored in calm seas)
• L’Austral Atrium (two-deck-high open space featuring a Swarovski crystal chandelier)
• Main Lounge (“Karikal Lounge”; large LED screen, floor-to-ceiling windows; serves early breakfast, specialty teas/coffees, Afternoon Tea with gourmet cookies and chocolates; evening entertainment includes live music and occasional art auctions; outdoor aft terrace is the ship’s designated smoking area)
• Boutique Shop (designer clothing, jewelry, Ponant-branded merchandise, special gifts)
• Theatre (main show lounge for music and dance performances)
• Wellness Centre (Spa, Balneo Room, Hammam, Massage Room, Beauty Corner, Hair Salon, Relaxation Room, terrace)
• Fitness Room (gym with panoramic windows)
• Leisure Area (children’s playroom, Photo Gallery, Image & Photo desk in partnership with Philippe Plisson, internet stations)
• Swimming Pool Sun Deck (with loungers)
• Panoramic Lounge & Bar (with internet corner, library, grand piano, and late-night “disco” on the terrace)
• Sun Deck (loungers, showers, shuffleboard, golf driving net, 9-hole mini-golf, “Le Comptoir” bar)
• Zodiacs (inflatable boats for shore landings)

Itineraries

L'Austral’s itinerary program includes cruises in Alaska and Antarctica, as well as voyages in Asia (departing from Japan and China) and the South Pacific (departing from French Polynesia/Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand).

L'Austral cruise ship is the second in a four-megayacht series commissioned by Compagnie du Ponant, with sisterships Le Boreal (2010), Le Soleal (2013), and Le Lyrial (2015). Compagnie du Ponant, originally French-owned and catering exclusively to the French cruise market, was acquired in 2006 by CMA CGM (a major cargo shipping company) and in 2012 was sold to Bridgepoint Capital (a pan-European equity investor). With the launch of these new ships, Ponant has expanded to the international market, though her product remains strongly influenced by French culture and style.

L’Austral stands out from other luxury cruise vessels with her adventurous itineraries. All three sisters have ice-strengthened hulls, enabling them to sail in the Arctic and Antarctica. Each carries a fleet of Zodiacs for shore excursions and sightseeing. Ponant emphasizes coastal cruising, extended port stays, and late departures.

The vessel is a certified "Cleanship" (like her sisterships) and features a modern marine propulsion system that ensures smooth, quiet navigation with reduced engine noise and minimal vibration. Her advanced positioning system eliminates the need to drop anchor, allowing her to remain stable without disturbing seabeds in environmentally sensitive areas, such as coral reefs.