L’Austral

• L’ Austral is a purpose-built 5-star luxury expedition ship that offers exploration of the polar regions in an intimate setting.
• Choose from a range of itineraries to explore the Arctic and Antarctica.
• The ship features well-appointed suites, comfortable common areas, and outstanding amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, a wellness area, and a spa on deck 5.

Why Choose L’Austral

L’ Austral is one of four sister ships (Le Soleal, Le Boreal, and Le Lyrial) built for luxury expedition cruising, each with a unique style. L’ Austral can accommodate a maximum of 264 guests on world cruises and 200 guests in Antarctica.

The ship offers relaxed luxury, with spacious interiors with panoramic windows. The interiors, created by French designers, feel more like a luxury yacht than a cruise ship. Guests can enjoy French sophistication and dining while exploring the most remote places on Earth. L’Austral is noted for its elegant and refined interior decoration.

L’Austral features a large main lounge with sweeping views, an observation deck, and a panoramic terrace at the top of the ship. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, a relaxation room, swimming in the on-deck pool, or using the gym with the latest fitness equipment.

L’Austral features a world-class expedition team and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs to undertake Zodiac cruises and shore landings in the Arctic and Antarctica.

Dining on L’Austral

L’Austral features two onboard restaurants.

The Elegant main dining room, Le Coromandel, is situated on deck 2 and has seating for all the ship’s guests. At this gastronomic restaurant, indulge in French and international cuisine, serving local specialities at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy themed diners throughout the voyage.

Le Rodrigues is the grill restaurant located on deck 6. It offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Guests can enjoy buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The ship’s lounges serve afternoon tea, which is the perfect time to warm up after exploring the cold.

Cabins On L’Austral

Guests can choose six different suite categories, including Superior Staterooms, Deluxe Staterooms, Prestige Staterooms, Deluxe Suites, and the Owner’s Suite.

The Le Austral ship has 132 cabins spread across four decks. The suites are well-proportioned and similar to those on bigger ships. All suites have ocean views, and the majority have private balconies.

Prestige staterooms are tastefully decorated and have a distinctly French flavour. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV, king-size or twin beds, ensuite bathrooms with a shower, and a private balcony.

The Owner’s suite features a large seating area with butler service. The bathroom features a shower and a balneo bathtub.

All suites have individually controlled air conditioning, coffee machines, concierge service and a safe for valuables.

Onboard Experience

L’ Austral has six decks and a wide range of amenities. Guests can use an outdoor heated pool, a fitness centre with the latest gym equipment, and spa facilities with a range of spa treatments.

On the expedition, guests can participate in lectures and cultural enrichment provided by onboard expedition guides, naturalists, and special guests to help deepen their understanding of the places visited.

During the evenings, each sailing has themed dinners in the ship’s main restaurant and live entertainment and live music in the ship’s lounges.

The ship has a small library and an internet desk in the Panoramic Lounge.

Activities & Excursions

In the polar regions, Zodiac cruises and shore visits with the ship’s expedition team are included as part of the experience. The ship is known for having an outstanding team of polar guides and experts onboard who take guests exploring on a daily basis.

During evenings and sea days, guests can attend lectures by the ship’s expedition team and special guests in the theatre.

Destinations

L’ Austral offers a range of polar expeditions to Antarctica, including visits to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. At the start of the season, it sails from Buenos Aires to Antarctica via the coast of South America.

During the northern summer months, the ship crosses the North Atlantic and visits the Canary Islands, calling at Puerto Del Rosario, Las Palmas, and Gran Canaria. It then explores historic cities on the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts.

Sustainability

L’Austral is built with the latest sustainability features to reduce its impact in sensitive areas. The ship features electric engines to help reduce vibration and underwater noise to wildlife. It is equipped with advanced systems to treat wastewater with onboard recycling. Catalytic converters reduce sulphur emissions by up to 60%. An onboard environmental officer ensures the ship has minimal impact.

L’Austral is certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas for environmentally friendly travel in the polar regions.

L’Austral is stabilised to help reduce movement in heavy seas. It is purpose-built for exploring the polar regions, with a 1C ice class and the latest navigational and safety equipment.