L'Austral

On polar voyages (Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland), every guest receives a complimentary 3-in-1 PONANT polar jacket to keep, plus polar boots issued to your stateroom for the duration. Other voyages: bring weather-appropriate outerwear; rubber boots are provided when shore landings require them.

Smart casual throughout the day. Evening dress is elegant smart casual, with two formal Captain's Cocktail / Gala Dinner evenings on most cruises (a jacket for men, cocktail dress for women). Polar expedition voyages remain smart casual throughout.

All staterooms, restaurants, lounges and indoor public areas are non-smoking. Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated outdoor areas (typically the upper aft deck). E-cigarettes follow the same restrictions.

Staterooms are fitted with 220V AC outlets — European Type C/E (2-pin round) and a US Type A (2-pin flat) socket at each desk. UK and Australian plugs need an adaptor. USB charging is available next to each bed and the desk.

Onboard accounts are settled in Euros (EUR). Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at reception, the boutique, the bar and for spa services. ATMs are not available onboard. Cash transactions are kept to a minimum.

Gratuities for the crew, expedition team and dining staff are included in the cruise fare on PONANT voyages — no additional tipping is expected. If you wish to recognise outstanding service, an envelope can be left at reception at voyage end.

Satellite Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the ship for all guests. Bandwidth is suitable for messaging, email and standard web browsing; high-bandwidth streaming may be throttled in remote regions. Mobile-phone roaming is unavailable in polar regions.

Every guest must complete and submit PONANT's confidential medical form before final payment. A doctor and infirmary are on every voyage with consultation and basic care included. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, evacuation and trip cancellation is mandatory (minimum €150,000 medical / €300,000 for polar voyages).