I recently had the pleasure of sailing on Ponant‘s second series of four sister ships, including L’Austral. Like its sister vessels, L’Austral blends luxury, intimacy, and well-being perfectly.
This elegant ship offers exceptional itineraries across Antarctica, Europe, and the Mediterranean, featuring authentic experiences, cultural encounters, and visits to remote locations inaccessible to larger ships. My own journey on L’Austral took us island-hopping through the enchanting Greek Isles, showcasing the best of Mediterranean charm, starting off in Athens.
About L’Austral
L’Austral, part of the Ponant fleet since 2011, truly stands out with its distinct character. This ship, with 132 suites and a capacity of 260 (often just 200 when heading to Antarctica), excels in providing an intimate, ultra-luxury expedition experience. The French heritage of L’Austral is apparent in every detail, from the French products used on board to the all-French deck crew, which adds a unique cultural touch to your cruise.
Ponant L’Austral in the Mediterranean Sea
Ponant’s partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation underscores their commitment to ocean conservation. The Foundation, which operates in France, focuses on protecting the seas through educational activities for both the younger generation and the general public, supported by scientific partners. Ponant also spearheads the Sea Education programme and has revived the Sea Classes initiative, welcoming children on this itinerary and enriching the cruise experience for all ages.
Accommodations
I was fortunate to be allocated a Prestige Stateroom on deck 4, room 408, which featured a generously-sized balcony and a beautifully designed bathroom. Most suites on L’Austral are uniform in size, except for a few larger ones on deck six. Nearly all feature balconies, and a couple are designed for disabled guests. While the suites on L’Austral may be smaller than other luxury ships, this deliberate choice by Ponant ensures the vessels remain compact, enabling access to smaller ports and unique destinations.
Yet, the smaller size does not detract from their charm. Each suite is elegantly furnished, with a separate toilet, shower room, and ample tabletop space. Depending on your category, some suites even have a coffee machine, perfect for enjoying a morning brew on your balcony as you sail towards distant horizons.
The bathroom, though compact, benefits from a clever design with a glass wall that invites natural light, creating an illusion of spaciousness and offering a stunning ocean view right from the shower.
Exploring Ponant’s L’Austral
During our time aboard Ponant’s L’Austral, we enjoyed discovering various parts of the ship.
There are two primary dining areas on L’Austral. The main dining venue is the first, Le Coromandel, located on Deck 2. This elegant space offers a refined, French-inspired menu featuring gourmet dishes crafted from the finest ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list. The intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for a sophisticated dining experience.
The second dining option is Le Rodrigues on Deck 6. This more casual venue specialises in grilled meats, seafood, and lighter fare, with stunning ocean views. The alfresco setting is ideal for relaxed lunches and dinners, making it a popular spot for a laid-back meal.
On Deck 4, you’ll find The Theatre, designed for entertainment with stepped seating that ensures a great view of the stage. We enjoyed a variety of activities here, including music during afternoon tea, a kids’ club, and a lively dance show.
Above the Theatre, on the same deck, is the Spa and Gym area. Although compact, the gym is well-equipped with aerobic machines positioned by panoramic sea views. The spa also includes a small sauna, steam room, and a hair salon with three treatment rooms. Nearby, there’s a dedicated children’s area with a lounging space, games, a TV, a piano, board games, and a small IT corner.
Moving up another deck to deck 6, at the front of the ship, is the Observation Bar, the only public space on this deck. This airy room features a small book corner, a games room, a telescope, and comfortable lounge seats overlooking the bow. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a cocktail while listening to the pianist and taking in the scenic views.
At the ship’s aft on Deck 6, you’ll discover the casual Buffet Restaurant, pool, and outdoor bar. The buffet provides a laid-back dining experience, with wicker chairs and elegantly set tables creating a relaxed atmosphere. It opens onto an outdoor deck perfect for al fresco dining. Beyond the pool and sun deck offer a charming wake view, despite the pool’s compact size. External stairs lead up to Deck 7, where you’ll find another sun deck and outdoor bar with fantastic pool area views. We even enjoyed a memorable farewell and sunset dinner in this delightful setting.
Deck 7 midships houses twelve zodiacs, easily lowered for shore expeditions. Each zodiac accommodates ten guests and an expedition leader. Thanks to Ponant’s partnership with National Geographic, a photographer is on board to capture stunning images and an expert gives insightful talks about the destinations. The zodiacs are launched from the marina deck on Deck 2, making boarding and disembarkation straightforward, a design feature increasingly adopted by new expedition ships.
Finally, the Main Lounge on Deck 3, just above the marina, is a central gathering spot with ample seating, a bar, and a self-service tea and coffee station. A grand piano adds to the ambience, offering live music for guests enjoying cocktails before dinner. The lounge opens onto a small deck with comfortable outdoor sofas and chairs, serving as a designated smoking area.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Bridge, thanks to Ponant’s open bridge policy. We could analyse this compact but fascinating space with the captain’s permission and a green flag on the bridge door. It’s a rare treat, as many larger ships now charge guests for bridge visits.
L’Austral’s Itinerary: A Greek Island Adventure
Our journey aboard L’Austral took us on a captivating exploration of Greece’s lesser-known island treasures. Our adventure began in Patmos, a serene destination renowned for the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John is said to have received the visions that inspired the Book of Revelation. Stepping onto the island, the air felt steeped in history and spirituality.
Patmos
Next, we sailed to Symi, a hidden gem in the Dodecanese, located northwest of Rhodes. Once a prosperous hub thanks to its thriving sponge-diving industry, Symi now enchants visitors with its neoclassical mansions and vividly painted houses. We wandered through the village’s narrow streets, soaking up the charm and learning about its past through a fascinating walking tour. Our guides led us through local sponge and spice shops, offering a glimpse into the island’s unique heritage.
Our voyage brought us to Amorgos, an island famous for its role in the 1988 film The Big Blue. The film showcased Amorgos’s crystal-clear waters and breathtaking underwater visibility. We explored Chora, one of the Cyclades’ most picturesque villages, where its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses set against a historic castle made for an enchanting visit.
The following day, we arrived at Milos, celebrated for the Venus de Milo statue discovered here in 1820 by a local farmer. With the iconic statue now housed in the Louvre, Milos’s stunning beaches and inviting waters provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day of sun and swimming. We basked in the Greek sunshine, making the most of our time on this beautiful island.
Our next stop was Delos, a place of ancient reverence as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This UNESCO World Heritage site was so sacred in antiquity that no one was allowed to be born or die there. We explored the Sacred Harbour and the Terrace of Lions, where marble lion statues once stood guard over the Sacred Lake. Walking through these historical ruins, we marvelled at the island’s significance in ancient religious and political life.
Our final destination was Hydra, a car-free island where donkeys are the primary mode of transport. This unique status has preserved Hydra’s traditional charm, making it a beloved retreat for artists and writers. We strolled through its narrow, cobblestone streets, taking in the picturesque stone mansions and the crystal-clear waters of the harbour. The island’s tranquil atmosphere and the inviting cafes, boutiques, and restaurants offered the perfect ending to our Greek island odyssey.
FAQs
What is the dress code on Ponant?
On Ponant, the dress code is casual during the day. Feel free to wear swimwear with a cover-up around the ship or to your stateroom, along with t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses (weather permitting). For Gala evenings, ladies should wear cocktail dresses, and gentlemen should go for a shirt and tie. On Officer’s evenings, white or black-and-white attire is preferred.
Are drinks free on Ponant cruises?
Standard drinks are included in your fare, but you’ll need to pay extra for premium beers, wines, and cocktails. The premium beverage package costs €25 per person per day.
What is the average age on a Ponant Cruise?
On Ponant cruises, the typical passenger is in their early 60s, though the line also attracts multi-generational groups, including young couples.
Does Ponant include gratuities?
Ponant does not include gratuities in the cruise price, and tipping is not mandatory. Gratuities are entirely at the discretion of the guests.
