Journey to the heart of Ireland, a land of wild, untamed beauty with a rich and fascinating history. Here, the sea embraces the land uninhibitedly, offering breathtaking landscapes of vertiginous, windswept cliffs, peaceful, golden beaches, mountains covered in peat bogs, moors and heather, and rolling green hills, made all the more beautiful by the blossoms and light of spring. In this spectacular natural setting, you will discover an ancient and authentic culture, reflected in the remains of castles and age-old abbeys, as well as flower-laden gardens and picturesque villages. An unforgettable immersion in the spirit of Ireland awaits you.
- Cruise around Ireland in spring for spectacular, blossom-filled landscapes, a warm culture and a fascinating heritage.
- Noteworthy landscapes: the craggy mountains, vast peat bogs and sparkling lakes of Connemara, from Galway; the abbey and castle of Donegal, from Killybegs; the dramatic Inishowen Peninsula, from Greencastle, and much more.
- A few of the included excursions: the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, from Galway; a scenic tour of the Ring of Kerry, from Bantry; the legendary lands of the Connemara.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Located on the south-west coast of Ireland, the dynamic yet peaceful university city of Cork will delight you with its countless historical and cultural treasures. In the city centre, do not miss a visit to the Saint Finbarr cathedral, renowned for its impressive neo-gothic architecture, as well as the emblematic English Market, a magnificent covered food market in the Victorian style that will reveal all the richness of Irish produce. This pleasant visit to the second largest city in Ireland will also be the opportunity to visit the old Jameson distillery, where the famous whisky was made for nearly 200 years.
In the hollow of a majestic harbour north of the Durrus Peninsular, in southwestern Ireland, in County Cork, the village of Bantry appears between spectacular cliffs, a fascinating bay and huge expanses of amber-coloured moors. Like a postcard of a wild, preserved and authentic Ireland, this charming small town can be explored via its coastline shredded by the winds and currents, and its small paved streets edged with Georgian- and Victorian-style residences. Fall under the spell of one of the village’s emblematic sites, Bantry House. A majestic 17th-century manor house dominating the bay, it will charm you with its architecture, its enchanting French-style gardens and its captivating panoramas.
The small fishing port of Dingle will plunge you into a warm and lively atmosphere, created by its colourful façades and charming shops, marvellously embodying the Irish soul. Nestling on one of Ireland’s most picturesque peninsulas, it opens the way to breathtaking landscapes featuring steep cliffs, wild beaches of fine sand, secret coves and green mountains.
Built at the mouth of the Corrib on in the West, Galway is one of the liveliest towns in the country. The cobbled streets in its historical centre offer plenty of designer boutiques, artists’ studios and bohemian cafés.
Tucked away and sheltered by a large inlet, this charming fishing port is located on Ireland's most northern extremity, in the heart of the southern coast of County Donegal. As your boat glides into the port, soak up the dazzling colours of the trawlers docked in the harbour. You may well have the opportunity to tour the Donegal Carpets Factory, one of the world's oldest handmade carpet manufacturers. You can also take a tour of the Glenveagh National Park and its castle, after having crossed through the wild, untamed beauty of northern Ireland. Donegal is a rambler's paradise, and the Blue Stack Mountains are sure to have you hooked with their peace, quiet and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
From lush meadows to spectacular cliffs sculpted by the crashing waves, from small houses with thatched roofs to the enigmatic ruins of ageless castles, the Inishowen Peninsula offers a concentration of Ireland’s most beautiful and wildest aspects. From Greencastle, a small port town guarding the entrance to Lough Foyle, set off to explore these breathtaking landscapes and discover the vibrant soul of this territory, through its history, its lively villages and pubs and its famous coastal trail: the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Itineraries are subject to change.
L'Austral
Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.
A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”.
Suites and staterooms
You can expect magnificent ocean views as 124 staterooms and suites have balconies.
Individually-controlled airconditioning • Cabin layout: kingsize bed, or twin beds, communicating cabins available (children welcome) • Minibar • Flat screen satellite TV • IPod™ players • Desk with stationery • Electronic safe • French bath products • Dressing table and hairdryer • Bath robes • Satellite direct line telephone • 110/220 volts • 24hr room service • WiFi • Balcony
Cuisine
Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.
Choose from two restaurants for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.
Life On Board
Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.
Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please.
Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).
Wheelchairs3 specially adapted wheelchair cabins (Deck 3 = Superior cabin no. 307, no balcony, Deck 4 = Prestige Cabin no. 407 - with balcony and Deck 5 = Prestige Cabin no 509, with balcony) and lifts to all decks/areas.
Details
Length: 142 metres. Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica). Built: 2011
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Includes
- accommodation in stateroom,
- the full meal plan,
- the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
- free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
- access to all the common areas:
- fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.