PONANT L'Austral
A uniquely French approach to luxury cruising
VERIFIED LUXURY
Here are five things to know about us:
1. We verify luxury. Our highly trained inspectors visit every property we rate, evaluating based on up to 900 objective criteria. Our hotel stays span a minimum of two nights.
2. We pay our own way. No one can buy a rating; all ratings are earned through our objective inspection process.
3. Our global team of inspectors are anonymous at all times, so they have the same experience as a typical guest.
4. While we inspect both service and facility, our Star Rating system emphasizes service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks — how it makes you feel is what you will remember most.
5. We started in1958 as Mobil Travel Guide, and we created the original Five-Star rating system for hospitality.
Five-Star
These properties deliver an outstanding experience and consistently offer a highly customized level of service.
Four-Star
These are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.
Recommended
These are excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.
Soon To Be Rated
As our highly trained, incognito inspectors work to assess properties, our editors check them out ahead of time and provide a sneak preview of what to expect.
PONANT L'Austral embodies the essence of a French cruise experience with a chic, understated style. It features a sleek, dark-gray hull and sumptuous interiors, along with two impressive dining venues that offer alfresco options and multi-course dinner menus, all defined by easy, relaxed elegance. With a capacity for just 264 passengers, the ship allows for personalized service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an open bar and are invited to visit the bridge to watch as the captain navigates the ship. The 132 staterooms and suites are comfortably furnished, many of which come with private balconies.
Onboard amenities strike a balance between leisure and wellness, with a fitness center and a tranquil spa equipped with a Davines hair salon, hammam and relaxation area being the centerpiece.