L’Austral was launched in 2011 and is one of four near-identical expedition ships in the Ponant fleet (with two new smaller vessels under construction). These four superb mega-yachts boast just 132 rooms ensuring a sense of intimacy and exclusivity.
The public spaces and staterooms exuded an air of French sophistication, as interpreted by renowned designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Indeed, Ponant have achieved a great balance between chic and casual that makes L’Austral feel like your own private yacht.
The L’Austral balcony rooms are the most popular accommodation type onboard. There are four categories available – from the least expensive Deluxe Stateroom, to Prestige Deck 4, Prestige Deck 5 and Prestige Deck 6. Each is identical in size and layout, but Prestige staterooms are located on the higher decks, from 4 to 6.
Stateroom ratings
| Room | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall size | (4.0) |
| Decor | (5.0) |
| Sitting area | (4.5) |
| Veranda | (4.5) |
| Cleanliness | (5.0) |
| Condition | (4.5) |
| Soundproofing | (4.5) |
| Bed comfort | (5.0) |
| Pillow options | (4.5) |
| Blanket options | (5.0) |
| Closet space | (5.0) |
| Bathroom | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bathroom size | (4.0) |
| Storage space | (5.0) |
| Lighting | (5.0) |
| Shower/bath | (5.0) |
| Water pressure | (4.5) |
| Products | (5.0) |
| Towels | (5.0) |
| Cleanliness | (5.0) |
| Condition | (5.0) |
Position and layout
There are up to 120 balcony rooms available on L’Austral (28 Deluxe rooms and 92 Prestige rooms), making them the most common type of cabin onboard. They span decks 3 to 6 and are located both forward and mid-ship.
Each L’Austral balcony room has 18.5 sp. m. / 200 sq. ft. of designer internal space and a private teak balcony measuring 4 sq. m. / 43 sq. / ft.
A surprisingly wide entry hall runs down one side of each balcony cabin with a large wardrobe and access to a separate toilet and bathroom. In the living space there is ample room for a king-size bed and a small sitting area. Floor to ceiling glass doors lead on to the teak balcony.
A chic and welcoming living space
Each L’Austral Prestige room and L’Austral Deluxe room has a welcoming atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The chic design and gentle curves evoke an unmistakable nautical mood. The space feels bright and airy thanks to the shades of grey, taupe, white and ivory which are enlivened by touches of cinnamon, caramel and tan.
While not as spacious as those on some other luxury lines the living area is undeniably comfortable. Guests may choose either a king or twin bed setup. Either way the bed is framed by a soft leather bedhead and bespoke, wood grained bedside tables.
Every L’Austral Prestige and L’Austral Deluxe room also features tasteful artwork. A small sitting area with a coffee table that converts to a dining table is the ideal place to enjoy breakfast while watching the view outside.
Curvaceous cabinets with deep storage draws and a writing desk run down one side of the living space. A large flat screen TV and iPod docking station complete the beautiful living space.
Your L’Austral balcony
The teak balcony of the L’Austral Prestige room and L’Austral Deluxe room is a private haven at sea, the ideal place to watch spectacular scenery or simply feel the gentle sea breeze as you relax in one of the comfortable, padded armchairs.
At 4 sq. m. / 43 sq. ft. the balcony is wide, but not very deep. However there is enough room to comfortably accommodate the set of chairs and a small table.
Owing to the expedition nature of L’Austral all balconies are partially enclosed i.e. part metal / part open, from floor to teak rail. This does not tend to obstruct the view.
Storage
There is ample storage space in the L’Austral Prestige and L’Austral Deluxe balcony rooms. The attractive leather clad wardrobe is wide enough to fit a range of expedition apparel and a set of 4 deep draws in the living area can accommodate bulky items. Luggage – even the large hard-shell type – fits comfortably underneath the bed.
Designer bathroom
Uniquely among cruise ships, the L’Austral Prestige rooms and L’Austral Deluxe rooms feature a separate bathroom and toilet.
Even more unique is the glass wall in the bathroom that fills the space with natural light and makes it seem significantly larger. Showering as you watch the ocean glide by is quite an experience! For privacy guests can slide a timber partition across the glass wall.
The bathroom boasts a large walk-in shower with glass door and features gleaming Grohe taps. A retractible clothesline can be pulled across the shower to dry clothing after expeditions.
There is plenty of storage space on the glass shelves and in the cleverly designed, deep draws under the vanity. Luxury Hermès bath products are replenished throughout the voyage.
L’Austral Prestige Balcony and L’Austral Deluxe balcony stateroom inclusions
Both the Prestige room and Deluxe room categories come with an enticing array of amenities:
- Private balcony
- Individually-controlled air-conditioning
- King-size bed or twin beds
- Luxurious shower
- Minibar
- Large flat screen TV
- Satellite television (French and English language)
- Video on demand
- Writing desk with stationery
- iPod player
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Bath robes
- Satellite direct line telephone
- 110/220 volts outlet
- French bath products
- 24hr room service
- Internet (at charge)
Our verdict
The L’Austral Prestige balcony room & L’Austral Deluxe balcony rooms are impressively designed. Their casual, chic décor and sophisticated French ambiance is sure to please. We rate them 5.0-stars.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
