The Great Austral Loop

Le Lyrial is a sleek, stylish luxury yacht in Ponant’s Sistership series, offering a harmonious blend of modern French design, upscale comfort, and immersive exploration. Launched in 2015 and accommodating up to 264 guests, the ship delivers a refined small-ship cruising experience with a strong emphasis on personalized service, cultural enrichment, and environmentally responsible travel. Whether sailing through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, or polar regions, Le Lyrial provides a serene and sophisticated platform for discovering the world in comfort.

The ship’s interiors are inspired by the elegance of the French Riviera, with a color palette dominated by soft blues, creams, and silvers that evoke the calmness of the sea. Public areas are spacious and filled with natural light, including an observation lounge, piano bar, theatre, pool deck, fitness center, and spa offering a full range of treatments and a hammam. The onboard ambiance is quiet, cosmopolitan, and relaxed, appealing to travelers who value discretion and depth of experience over spectacle.

All staterooms and suites aboard Le Lyrial are ocean-facing, and nearly all include private balconies. Designed for rest and relaxation, accommodations feature fine linens, marble-accented bathrooms with rainfall showers, and upscale amenities such as flat-screen entertainment systems, Nespresso machines, and stocked minibars. Suites offer additional space and enhanced service, perfect for longer journeys or travelers seeking an extra level of comfort.

Dining is a key highlight, with two restaurants offering elegant French and international cuisine. The main dining room serves gourmet multi-course dinners in a chic, intimate setting, while the outdoor grill provides a more casual environment with a menu that includes lighter fare, grilled specialties, and fresh salads. Menus rotate to reflect the regions visited, and meals are complemented by a carefully curated wine list with selections from France and beyond.

Le Lyrial is equipped with advanced technology for safety, navigation, and sustainability, including dynamic positioning and a low-emission propulsion system. On expedition cruises, guests benefit from expert-led excursions by naturalists and historians, enriching the onboard experience with deep context and insight into the destinations visited. Whether exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Dalmatian Coast or sailing past glaciers in Antarctica, Le Lyrial offers an elegant, immersive, and memorable way to travel.