L'Austral

L'Austral is the second of the four Le Boreal class ships built by Fincantieri for PONANT. Noteworthy features of the Le Boreal class are the astern marina platform and the main restaurant featuring large windows close to the waterline. When introduced, Le Boreal and her sisters were praised for the tasteful, modern interior that broke with a decades lasting spell on passenger ship interior design. However, there could be more open deck space, embarking Zodiacs from the astern platform is not always preferable, ice class 1C is low for an expedition cruise ship and the view from the observation lounge is obstructed.

More information on L'Austral is found at ship-technology.com, Mike Louagie's webpage features excellent pictures. In 2017 L'Austral ran aground in Milford Sound, New Zealand - TAIC accident report.

L'Austral IMO: 9502518