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7-Night Trip on L'Austral

4th Opera Festival at Sea

Cruise, Ocean cruise

Music

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Set out to discover the cultural and artistic treasures of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas with PONANT. During an 8-day cruise, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, L’Austral will take you to Malta, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy for its 4th Opera Festival at Sea. In the presence of Alain Duault, Artistic Director, and an outstanding line-up of musicians, enjoy the greatest lyrical voices of the era, accompanied by the splendour and age-old history of the neighbouring shores. This cruise has been specially designed for a French-speaking audience and lectures will be given in French only.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, enjoy a unique truffle-based experience from Rovinj, discover Croatian culinary traditions from Dubrovnik, or visit the former shipyard in Aci Trezza from Taormina. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your voyage will begin in Italy with an embarkation in Venice. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the sublime city of the Doges, with its many canals, its vaporetti and its mythical gondolas before heading to Croatia and the city of Rovinj. Then, L’Austral will sail towards Hvar. Here, on this charming Dalmatian island, the country’s oldest city Stari Grad nestles between dry-stone rustic estates, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You will now leave the shores of Montenegro for Croatia. You will sail along the coast to reach the mythical city of Dubrovnik. In the aptly named "Pearl of the Adriatic", a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be inspired by its millennia-old history, fascinated by its limestone cliffs sculpted by the wind and marvel at the heritage of its old town.

L’Austral will continue sailing north to the Adriatic SeaThe majestic, grandiose, iconic Bay of Kotor will stretch out before you. There is an air of the Norwegian fjords here in its sparkling blue waters. Nestling in the heart of a bay surrounded by rocky and woody summits, the city of Kotor will surprise you, as you stroll through the narrow little streets of its old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mediaeval architecture.

Next, you will visit the stunning Puglia region in Italy when the ship calls at Otranto. Do not miss a visit to Lecce: Its lavish baroque monuments have earned it the nickname "Florence of the South of Italy".

You will take the sea to discover Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta. 

Interests
  • Luxury
  • Theater, Movies, and Music
7 Nights Starting At
Per Person + $390.00 taxes/fees
September 26, 2025 through October 03, 2025
Book by:
September 22, 2025 7:00 PM
Superior Stateroom Cat.SP3
Inside Outside Balcony Suite
N/A $7,340.00
Cat: SP3
$1,048.57 per night
$7,750.00
Cat: DEL
$1,107.14 per night
$14,910.00
Cat: DS6
$2,130.00 per night
More Pricing Information
Inside Outside
N/A $7,340.00
Cat: SP3
$1,048.57 per night
Balcony Suite
$7,750.00
Cat: DEL
$1,107.14 per night
$14,910.00
Cat: DS6
$2,130.00 per night
More Pricing Information
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Depart: 6:00 PM
Day 2
Arrive: 8:00 AM
Depart: 2:00 PM
Day 3
Arrive: 8:00 AM
Depart: 6:30 PM
Day 4
Arrive: 7:00 AM
Depart: 11:30 PM
Day 5
Arrive: 7:00 AM
Depart: 5:00 PM
Day 6
Otranto
Arrive: 7:30 AM
Depart: 5:00 PM
Day 7
Arrive: 12:00 PM
Depart: 8:00 PM
Day 8
Arrive: 7:00 AM
Loading Itinerary Content...

About L'Austral

Ship Overview
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Ship Details
Ship's Registry
France
Year Entered Service
2011
Ship Length
466 ft
Ship Beam
59 ft
Cruising Speed
14 knots
Gross Tonnage
10700
Total Capacity
264
Crew Size
145
Laundromats
Number of Decks
6
Deck Plan Details
Ship small image
Cabin Categories
SA Owner's Suite $21,230.00 USD
PS6 Prestige Suite $17,020.00 USD
PS5 Prestige Suite $16,590.00 USD
DS6 Deluxe Suite $14,910.00 USD
PR6 Prestige Cabin $9,110.00 USD
PR5 Prestige Cabin $8,600.00 USD
PR4 Prestige Cabin $8,180.00 USD
DEL Deluxe Cabin $7,750.00 USD
SP3 Superior Stateroom $7,340.00 USD
Deck plans are not yet available
The World Leader of Luxury Expeditions

PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. PONANT has been sailing the seas of the world for over 30 years. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of the most remote regions.

Each year PONANT offers more than 400 awe-inspiring cruises onboard its 13 luxury small ships, which are able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships. From Zodiac® landings in Antarctica to hikes in the Arctic, from immersion in Japanese culture and revisiting classic Europe, to the natural beauty of the Seychelles, PONANT presents these destinations—over 450 ports on all seven continents—through a new lens.

Beyond Green

PONANT’s ships are not only the most elegant and most comfortable small vessels in the world today, they are also the most eco-friendly.

Each of PONANT's Sisterships, Explorer series, and Polar Expedition Yacht, Le Commandant Charcot, are certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s foremost stewards of ecologically sound travel. These state-of-the-art systems and processes ensure that we can:

  • Cut carbon emissions by 40% with a silent electric propulsion system.
  • Keep in a fixed location on the seas without need of an anchor with a sophisticated GPS and propulsion system, called Dynamic Positioning.
  • Conserve, filter, treat, and recycle all water we use.
  • Treat wastewater with advanced filtration systems.
  • Sort, compact, and store all wastes aboard for recycling ashore.
  • Use CFR and LED lighting throughout ships, which uses just 10% of the electrical power of older systems.
  • Keep our distance from marine animals via advanced sonar that provides the bridge with rolling 3D views of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes.
The World of Ponant

From the second you set foot onboard, as your senses ignite and your taste for adventure engages, the “PONANT Difference” is palpable: our expeditions focus outwards, to what is happening beyond the ship. Nature is our entertainer. Discovery is our purpose. While on expedition there is always a larger intention.

That is not to say your comfort aboard the ship is overlooked; quite the contrary. Each of our 13 small expedition ships features understated elegance on board, with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design. We are proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil to bring the highest-quality spa treatments, champagne, and culinary delights to you no matter where in the world we are anchored. The ships also feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés, rounding out your luxury onboard experience.

PONANT’s legacy of over 30 years of excellence at sea is inspiring new alliances as well. PONANT is proud to partner with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, to offer a collection of unique travel experiences focused on culture, history, and the natural world. Each of these special cruises features Smithsonian Journeys Experts onboard, the secret ingredient that can create unforgettable travel experiences. Look for the PONANT | Smithsonian Journeys logo for these curated itineraries that celebrate our instinct to explore.

The Youngest Fleet Afloat

PONANT offers to you chic cruising without the crowds: experience the comfort of a private cruise onboard vessels of an intimate size, exclusive to between 64 to 264 guests.

Each of our cruise ships has elegant and uncluttered interiors, delight in the fun and casual elegance onboard without the formalities. Crew members, all versed in elegant discretion, will see to it that you enjoy a welcome that will make your cruise a unique experience. You will savor an exquisite dining with French and international cuisine, with complimentary wines included at lunch and dinner.

During your cruise aboard one of our ships, discover exceptional sites and come closed to landscapes so often inaccessible to large ships. Enjoy also seminars with international experts, passionate about their subjects, giving a further dimension to the sights you see.

PONANT offers to you an alternative to many other traditional cruise lines: discover the world with French chic and elegance.

Ship Overview
Ship Overview
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Ship Details
Ship's Registry
France
Year Entered Service
2011
Ship Length
466 ft
Ship Beam
59 ft
Cruising Speed
14 knots
Gross Tonnage
10700
Total Capacity
264
Crew Size
145
Laundromats
Number of Decks
6
Deck Plan Details
Ship small image
Cabin Categories
SA Owner's Suite $21,230.00 USD
PS6 Prestige Suite $17,020.00 USD
PS5 Prestige Suite $16,590.00 USD
DS6 Deluxe Suite $14,910.00 USD
PR6 Prestige Cabin $9,110.00 USD
PR5 Prestige Cabin $8,600.00 USD
PR4 Prestige Cabin $8,180.00 USD
DEL Deluxe Cabin $7,750.00 USD
SP3 Superior Stateroom $7,340.00 USD
Deck plans are not yet available

PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. PONANT has been sailing the seas of the world for over 30 years. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of the most remote regions.

Each year PONANT offers more than 400 awe-inspiring cruises onboard its 13 luxury small ships, which are able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships. From Zodiac® landings in Antarctica to hikes in the Arctic, from immersion in Japanese culture and revisiting classic Europe, to the natural beauty of the Seychelles, PONANT presents these destinations—over 450 ports on all seven continents—through a new lens.

PONANT’s ships are not only the most elegant and most comfortable small vessels in the world today, they are also the most eco-friendly.

Each of PONANT's Sisterships, Explorer series, and Polar Expedition Yacht, Le Commandant Charcot, are certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s foremost stewards of ecologically sound travel. These state-of-the-art systems and processes ensure that we can:

  • Cut carbon emissions by 40% with a silent electric propulsion system.
  • Keep in a fixed location on the seas without need of an anchor with a sophisticated GPS and propulsion system, called Dynamic Positioning.
  • Conserve, filter, treat, and recycle all water we use.
  • Treat wastewater with advanced filtration systems.
  • Sort, compact, and store all wastes aboard for recycling ashore.
  • Use CFR and LED lighting throughout ships, which uses just 10% of the electrical power of older systems.
  • Keep our distance from marine animals via advanced sonar that provides the bridge with rolling 3D views of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes.

From the second you set foot onboard, as your senses ignite and your taste for adventure engages, the “PONANT Difference” is palpable: our expeditions focus outwards, to what is happening beyond the ship. Nature is our entertainer. Discovery is our purpose. While on expedition there is always a larger intention.

That is not to say your comfort aboard the ship is overlooked; quite the contrary. Each of our 13 small expedition ships features understated elegance on board, with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design. We are proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil to bring the highest-quality spa treatments, champagne, and culinary delights to you no matter where in the world we are anchored. The ships also feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés, rounding out your luxury onboard experience.

PONANT’s legacy of over 30 years of excellence at sea is inspiring new alliances as well. PONANT is proud to partner with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, to offer a collection of unique travel experiences focused on culture, history, and the natural world. Each of these special cruises features Smithsonian Journeys Experts onboard, the secret ingredient that can create unforgettable travel experiences. Look for the PONANT | Smithsonian Journeys logo for these curated itineraries that celebrate our instinct to explore.

PONANT offers to you chic cruising without the crowds: experience the comfort of a private cruise onboard vessels of an intimate size, exclusive to between 64 to 264 guests.

Each of our cruise ships has elegant and uncluttered interiors, delight in the fun and casual elegance onboard without the formalities. Crew members, all versed in elegant discretion, will see to it that you enjoy a welcome that will make your cruise a unique experience. You will savor an exquisite dining with French and international cuisine, with complimentary wines included at lunch and dinner.

During your cruise aboard one of our ships, discover exceptional sites and come closed to landscapes so often inaccessible to large ships. Enjoy also seminars with international experts, passionate about their subjects, giving a further dimension to the sights you see.

PONANT offers to you an alternative to many other traditional cruise lines: discover the world with French chic and elegance.

About Ponant
Ponant logo

PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of extreme landscapes.

Why cruise with PONANT?

• 13 luxury small ships, able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships.

Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration yacht, sails further into the polar regions (including the Geographic North Pole).

• The youngest expedition fleet afloat.

• The leader in luxury polar expeditions for over 20 years and cultural cruising for over 30 years.

• Over 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents.

• Experts on board our voyages of discovery and learning to enrich guests’ understanding of the destinations.

• An exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.

• Understated elegance on board with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design.

• Proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil. Ships feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés.

• 100% of our staterooms have a sea view and 95% have a balcony (100% on the PONANT EXPLORERS).

• Attentive yet discreet service from an experienced, multilingual onboard staff and crew.

• Open bridge access (requires approval from Captain).

• “Clean Ship” certification for the fleet in recognition of their eco-friendly features.

• All-inclusive pricing with open bar, gratuities, port fees, and taxes (including Zodiac explorations/landings on expeditions).

• The world’s first underwater passenger lounge, the Blue Eye, featured exclusively on the PONANT EXPLORER ships.

Read More

About Ponant

PONANT is the World Leader in Luxury Expeditions with ultra-modern, intimate ships, offering attentive service and well-designed itineraries that touch all corners of the globe. Every cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery—all experienced in luxurious comfort, even in the heart of extreme landscapes.

Why cruise with PONANT?

• 13 luxury small ships, able to easily navigate small waterways and visit remote destinations not accessible by large cruise ships.

Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration yacht, sails further into the polar regions (including the Geographic North Pole).

• The youngest expedition fleet afloat.

• The leader in luxury polar expeditions for over 20 years and cultural cruising for over 30 years.

• Over 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents.

• Experts on board our voyages of discovery and learning to enrich guests’ understanding of the destinations.

• An exclusive partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, the the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.

• Understated elegance on board with French-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and chic design.

• Proud to partner with Sothys, Veuve Clicquot, and Ducasse Conseil. Ships feature fabrics by Pierre Frey, beauty products from Hermès, macarons by Ladurée, and tea from Palais des Thés.

• 100% of our staterooms have a sea view and 95% have a balcony (100% on the PONANT EXPLORERS).

• Attentive yet discreet service from an experienced, multilingual onboard staff and crew.

• Open bridge access (requires approval from Captain).

• “Clean Ship” certification for the fleet in recognition of their eco-friendly features.

• All-inclusive pricing with open bar, gratuities, port fees, and taxes (including Zodiac explorations/landings on expeditions).

• The world’s first underwater passenger lounge, the Blue Eye, featured exclusively on the PONANT EXPLORER ships.

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.