Our Honest Ponant L'Austral Review: The Luxury Cruise Where the Captain Stopped for Orcas

When people think of luxury cruising, they often imagine fine dining, elegant cabins and exceptional service. While Ponant's L'Austral certainly delivers all of those things, there was one moment that completely changed our perception of what an expedition cruise could be.

The captain stopped the ship.

Not because of an emergency, but because a pod of wild orcas had appeared alongside us.

That single experience perfectly summed up what makes Ponant so different from traditional cruise lines.

A Luxury Expedition Cruise Unlike Any Other

Before boarding L'Austral, we knew we were choosing a smaller ship. With just around 260 guests onboard, we weren't expecting Broadway-style productions or bustling promenades.

Instead, we discovered a completely different style of cruising.

Everything felt calm.

There were no queues for drinks, no crowds fighting for sun loungers, and no rush to secure the best seat. Within a couple of days, the bar staff already knew our favourite drinks, and crew members greeted us by name throughout the ship.

Even the captain regularly walked around chatting with guests.

It's a level of personal service that's difficult to experience on larger cruise ships.

The Day the Captain Stopped the Ship

The highlight of our voyage came while sailing along Iceland's dramatic coastline.

An announcement came over the ship's speakers:

There were orcas nearby.

Instead of simply pointing them out while continuing the journey, the captain slowed the ship to a complete stop, giving everyone plenty of time to head out on deck with cameras in hand.

For almost an hour, passengers and crew quietly watched the pod swimming around the ship.

The entertainment paused.

The engines fell silent.

Even members of the crew came outside to enjoy the moment.

It wasn't something scheduled.

It wasn't an excursion.

It was simply nature taking priority.

For us, it became one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences we've ever had.

Included Excursions That Actually Feel Premium

One thing that really impressed us was the organisation of Ponant's included excursions.

Every evening, tickets were delivered directly to our cabin with clear instructions about where to meet and what time to leave.

The guides were exceptional.

Many were local Icelanders who shared stories and experiences we'd never have discovered on our own, from hidden viewpoints to unexpected stops to meet Icelandic horses.

Even when we wanted to join our new cruise friends on the same excursions, the team did everything possible to accommodate us.

It genuinely felt like nothing was too much trouble.

Life On Board L'Austral

Although the ship is smaller than mainstream cruise ships, it never felt lacking.

The entertainment team created a warm, welcoming atmosphere with quizzes, live performances and musical bingo that catered for both English and French-speaking guests.

Cruise Director Antoine deserves a special mention.

From embarkation day onwards, his energy, humour and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire voyage. He wasn't hidden away behind a desk. He was everywhere, welcoming guests, hosting activities and joining excursions.

It made the experience feel incredibly personal.

Food Onboard

Before sailing, we'd heard mixed opinions about French cuisine, especially as one of us is a fairly picky vegetarian.

Thankfully, we had nothing to worry about.

The buffet offered plenty of choice, while the à la carte restaurant delivered beautifully presented meals throughout the cruise.

One thing we did notice was that buffet opening hours varied depending on the day's itinerary. A couple of times we returned from excursions to find lunch service had already finished.

Thankfully, complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day, so there was always another option if we'd missed the buffet.

Iceland's Surprising Spa Tradition

One of our excursions introduced us to a tradition we definitely weren't expecting.

Before entering one of Iceland's geothermal bathing facilities, guests were required to shower completely naked in communal changing areas.

For many Icelanders, this is simply part of everyday life.

For us, as rather reserved Brits, it came as a bit of a culture shock!

It's these unexpected cultural moments that made the trip so memorable.

Is Ponant Right For You?

Ponant isn't trying to compete with giant cruise ships.

If you're looking for water parks, huge theatres and endless nightlife, you may find the onboard experience quieter than you're used to.

However, if your priority is incredible destinations, intimate luxury and unforgettable wildlife encounters, L'Austral offers something genuinely special.

The ship isn't the destination.

The destination is the destination.

The ship simply allows you to experience it in comfort and style.

Our Verdict

Our week aboard Ponant L'Austral exceeded our expectations.

From stopping to watch orcas in the wild, to outstanding service, exceptional excursions and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, this cruise reminded us why smaller expedition ships can create some of the biggest travel memories.

If you're considering a luxury expedition cruise around Iceland, Ponant deserves a place at the top of your shortlist.

Watch our full YouTube review

Want to see the captain stop the ship for orcas and experience our entire journey around Iceland?

Watch our full video on the Sailmates YouTube channel, where we share honest cruise reviews, ship tours and real onboard experiences.