L'Austral Review
Rating by category
Additional details
First of all, on our many cruises we've never had such a warm and fuzzy crew, we felt like part of an extended family, and it was genuine. The crew actually bids to come back to the same ship because they like being around each other. We never witnessed grouchiness or tension among the staff, in definite contrast to the larger cruise ships we've been on in the past.
The service was hence over the top. Perhaps it was just our L'Austral crew, but e.g. the front desk ladies were amazing, juggling all day in at least 2 languages, and manning the reception 24/7. Always friendly with a smile, and anything we asked for was done, taken care of or checked on with efficiency.
We never felt 'second class' by not being French, and 99% of the French passengers were very friendly once you tried a few words in French.. I think sometimes people get insecure and appear standoffish until you get to know them a little.
Cabin Review
Beautiful cabin! There is a NESPRESSO machine with pods, very good coffee even for these spoiled Peetniks. Student fridge with free mini bar items, Coke products, Perrier.
The bed is a little long, so you have to agree on who's going through first.
Toilet is separate and very well ventilated. Shower is -awesome-, I want to live in it! Bathroom has sliding door outside of the glass so you can look out on the ocean while showering! Lots of bathroom storage. Hairdryer is good. Toiletries are Hermes, which is supposedly a good brand but their conditioner did nothing to untangle my hair.. had to use my own. Bed comfortable with tons of pillows. Chair and table are kind of low. Balcony has good amount of space and furniture comfortable - no lounge chair, however. No plugs at the bedside. Plugs are over counter/console side, and they have 110 and 220V.
TV has Ponant short films about their destinations, documentaries, and then lots of movies. Unfortunately, the movies were reformatted so it's as if you were watching a soap opera. We didn't like that, so we stuck with documentaries. Can't comment on television since we don't watch it.
There is a channel dedicated to the daily onboard activities and navigation map/live. A good resource to keep up if you're going through time zones.
Room stewards are magicians - room always spotless, you never see them but they're always available..!
Port Reviews
Rio de Janeiro
Bundled 2-day excursion incl hotel (Hilton Copacabana), lunch/dinner, train to Corcovado