MS L'Austral Cruise Ship Maiden Voyage in Philippines (BOHOL first port of call)

March 13, 2015 @ Tagbilaran Seaport, Bohol Philippines
By: Ma. Julie Bee A. Unlayao

After a series of various cruise ship arrivals in the island of Bohol, here comes another one, the MS L'Austral cruise ship operated by the French cruise line company Compagnie Du Ponant carrying 264 passengers mostly French nationals and 150 crews and staffs. The cruise ship dropped anchor from a distance from the city port and ferried its passengers by its water taxis. 

They were hospitably welcomed by the Boholanos with dances and warm lei reception sponsored by the DOT. The Provincial and City government were also there to warmly greet them. The cruisers are having their countryside tour in the island for the entire day.

Welcome to Bohol M/S L'Austral cruise ship! !

(From the Department of Tourism Central Visayas)

                                          (From the Tagbilaran City Tourism Office)

(The It's More Fun In the Philippines Dancers by the CCAD)

(The DOT, ADB-Canada, USAID-COMPETE and the Bohol Tourism Office)

(The 200+ passengers/cruisers of the MS L'Austral Cruise Ship)

(Photos courtesy of DOT Bohol Satellite Office)

Cruise Ship Info:

Launched into service in 2011, L'Austral is the second in a series of three 264-passenger, 10,600-ton cruising yachts commissioned by Compagnie du Ponant. Its identical sister, Le Boreal, 

being the same weight, length and breadth, along with having 132 cabins and suites for 264 passengers and 140 crew members like the other two ships, debuted in 2010, and the third sibling, Le Soleal, which will launch in July 2013.

On board, L'Austral has 6 passenger decks, two restaurants, the Gastronomic restaurant, and the grill restaurant. It also has one pool, an internet station, and a library. Alongside this, it has panoramic lounges and a theatre. It also has a beauty center with fitness equipment and a spa, and a Wii games area.

According to a Cruise Critic contributing editor Mr. Sue Bryant in his review : "L'Austral is, without a doubt, a stunning vessel, with sleek lines and an unusual dark-grey hull that makes it stand out in port. The interiors are like those of a minimalist boutique hotel. Everything is taupe, cream and white, with emphasis on luxurious textures, from leather-fronted white drawers in our cabin to taupe silk cushions on the bed. Black-and-white Philip Plisson photo art lines the corridors. A cascade of glittering Swarovski crystals lights up the small atrium. The whole package is unashamedly French: it's chic, the service is a little arrogant at times, and the passengers are a well-heeled, savvy crowd of experienced travelers."

Restaurants:

Theater:

Pool Area:

The Library (Favorite)

The Information Desk and it's rainfall chandelier (that's what i call it) at the front..

Cruise Ship Bridge Control Area

Lounges

Sports/Fitness and Recreation Center

Other awesome facilities:

I feel so grateful today for being one of the few lucky people who were given the rare chance to set foot and have an onboard tour inside an international cruise ship , the MS L'Austral. The crews are so nice and the cruise ship itself is WOW!...That was a great and memorable experience.. And I am sooo proud being a Boholana, after a series of various cruise ship arrivals in the island Bohol, here comes another one, and probably more to date...Bohol is definitely getting back on its feet...

That's all for now, see yah!

Yours truly,

Julie Bee