Le Austral

Le Lyrial is a luxury expedition cruise ship offering laid-back comfort, stylish cabins and an epic expedition experience

Introducing Le Austral

L'Austral is a stylish mid-sized expedition cruise ship that embodies a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and exploration. It is perfect for guests looking for an authentic expedition in the polar regions with a high standard of onboard comfort. L'Austral is one of four sister ships with Le Boreal, Le Soleal and Le Lyrial, each nearly identical apart from minor cosmetic differences. 

The ship accommodates 264 guests but takes 200 guests only on Antarctica cruises, offering an uncrowded and spacious feel at all times. L'Austral provides a range of staterooms and upmarket suites, mostly with private balconies.

Whether enjoying a casual meal with panoramic views at the Grill Restaurant or savouring a gourmet dinner at the Gastronomic Restaurant, l'Austral caters to diverse tastes committed to culinary excellence.

Geared around the expedition experience, L'Austral is an ice-strengthened ship with a world-class team of polar guides and a fleet of Zodiacs to allow guests to explore further. From the Arctic to Antarctica, the ship's itineraries are carefully crafted to explore unique ecosystems and natural wonders.

Highlights of Le Austral

1

Medium-sized luxury ship with a relaxed atmosphere

An excellent choice for explorers looking for a 5* luxury expedition cruise with a laid-back atmosphere, excellent dining choices and homely suites on a spacious ship with no more than 200 guests in Antarctica.
2

Outstanding expedition experience

L’ Austral is known for its outstanding expedition experience with a team of expert polar guides and naturalists who take guests exploring by Zodiac daily and offer enriching lectures onboard.
3

Eco-friendly with a commitment to sustainability

With a deep commitment to environmental performance, Le Soleal is a huge advancement in eco cruising with the latest technologies, which include lower emissions and fuel consumption, waste reduction, waste recovery and recycling, an onboard environment officer, and a reduced underwater noise profile to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
4

Outstanding value for money

L'Austral offers outstanding value for money and some of the best prices for luxury expedition cruises on the Antarctic peninsula.
5

Great Option for Solo Travellers

L’ Austral offers a selection of no single supplement cabins on select voyages, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers looking to explore the polar regions in a friendly atmosphere.

Le Austral Features

Exterior

Le Austral pool deck

Pool Deck

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool with large deck spaces on the ship's top.
Le Lyrial

Exterior Bar and Seating Area

Savour the epic polar scenery whilst enjoying your favourite drink in the exterior bar located on deck 6.

Interior

L'Austral Ponant panoramic lounge

Panoramic Lounge

Located on deck 6, this large, bright, airy lounge is the perfect place to take in the sweeping views. Also featuring a bar, library and exterior terrace, this is the ultimate place to unwind.
Le Soleal lounge

Main Lounge

Located on deck 3, this spacious lounge features comfortable sofas, a tearoom, a bar and live music.

Wellness Area & Spa

Tranquil and relaxing spa featuring treatments, massages, L'Oréal Paris hair salon, free access hammam and fitness studio.
Le Soleal Ponant

The Theatre

A large auditorium with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and guest seating is on deck 4.

Dining Options On Le Austral

Le Coromandel Gastronomic Restaurant

Le Coromandel Gastronomic Restaurant

Located at the rear of deck 2, this extensive restaurant seats all guests in one setting. It offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners, French and international cuisine, and elegance with a wine cellar.

The Le Rodrigues Grill Restaurant

Located on deck 6, this restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed diners in a relaxed setting with interior and exterior dining options.

Le Austral Cabins

Superior Stateroom Deck 3
  • 226 ft
  • Up to 3 guests
  • One king-size bed or two single beds (180 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A window (except for stateroom 300: a round porthole only)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
  • 193 ft²
  • 2 guests
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A window and panoramic glazed swing door
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
  • 193 ft²
  • 2 guests
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
  • 193 ft²
  • 2 guests
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
  • 193 ft²
  • 2 guests
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
  • 290 ft²
  • 2 guests
  • Priority boarding
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapĂ©s and a basket of fruit every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • An armchair and a sofa (167 x 70 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 5 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Suite Deck 5
  • 398 ft²
  • Up to 4 guests
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapĂ©s and fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • A private 8 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Suite Deck 6
  • 398 ft²
  • Up to 4 guests
  • Priority boarding
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapĂ©s and fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, a second TV, and a sliding courtesy door
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • A private 8 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Owner's Suite Deck 6
  • 484 ft²
  • Up to 2 guests
  • Concierge Service
  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapĂ©s and fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A living/dining room with a sofa, armchair, second TV, 4-seater table, and sliding courtesy door
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
  • Premium drinks at the bar
  • A private 9 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)

Le Austral Deck plan

Deck-Plan-Austral-Boreal-Soleal-deck-2

Le Austral Destinations

Antarctica

Enjoy an exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula in style and comfort on a range of different voyages onboard L’Austral.

South Georgia

L’Austral offers the option to explore the remote wildlife haven of South Georgia on a longer voyage also featuring Antarctica and the Falkland Islands.

What Makes Le Austral Unique?

Le Austral is one of four purpose built sister ships, along with Le lyrial, Le Boreal and Le Soleal. Le Austal was the the second of the four ships to be launched and is a huge advancement in responsible cruising with electric engines and state- of-the-art waste recovery and recycling.

How To Plan Your Cruise On Le Austral

Choose from Le Austral’s great selection of luxury expedition cruises to explore Antarctica and the Arctic.

Contact our friendly travel experience team to get the best advice on cabins and itineraries and ask any questions you may have.

Please make your reservation with our friendly Travel Experience Team. All bookings made through North Pole Cruises receive 100% financial protection, and we include supplier failure insurance at no charge to you for extra peace of mind.

Before your expedition, we will send you lots of helpful advice about planning your voyage, including the best travel insurance, places to stay before and after your journey, travel requirements and a packing list.

Enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Le Austral Ship Specifications

Length
466 ft
Beam
59 ft
Draft
15.3 ft
Cruising Speed
14 knots
Ice class
1C
Flag
French
Guest decks
6
Guest capacity
264
Zodiacs
11
Gross tonnage
10 944 UMS
Electric motors
2 x 2300 KW
Construction
Italy

Le Austral Cruises

PONANT Antarctica Zodiacs
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Feb 08 2025 - Feb 19 2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£10,400
Seal in Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Jan 29 2025 - Feb 09 2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£10,900
kayak in Antarctica
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Jan 18 2026 - Jan 29 2026
10 Nights

Price from per person

£9,470

Le Austral Ship FAQ

Le Austral has a fleet of 11 Zodiacs used for cruising and shore excursions by the expert polar guide team.

Le Austral was launched in April 2011.

Do you need help planning your expedition cruise?

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