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Ponant Cruises

Le Lyrial

Small ship Bliss scored

Le Lyrial, which debuted in April 2015 from the French cruise line Ponant, is one of a handful of vessels that can rightly be called a luxury expedition ship. The intimate yacht , with no more than 264 passengers, visits exquisite ports of call around the…

  • 264guests
  • 10,944gross tons
  • 38cruises now
  • $1,820fares from

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Sail on Le Lyrial to take in the romantic ports of the Adriatic Sea, including Venice.

At a glance

Le Lyrial is a small-size cruise ship operated by Ponant Cruises, in service since 2015. It carries 264 guests and 139 crew (1.9 guests per crew member) at 10,944 gross tons. It ties with 3 other ships as the 2nd largest of 12 Ponant Cruises ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for active and romantic (9/10) and lowest for entertainment, family friendly, party and spa & fitness (5/10). It has 38 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $1,820 to $26,780.

Builder's plate

Specs

Guests
264
Crew
139
Gross tons
10,944
Decks
7
Length
465 ft
Beam
59 ft
Maiden voyage
2015
Space ratio
1.9
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
1.9
Mph
18
IMO
9704130

Bliss scores

What Le Lyrial is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 9.0
  2. Adventure and nature 8.0
  3. Cultural 8.0
  4. Dining 8.0
  5. Entertainment 5.0
  6. Family friendly 5.0
  7. Party 5.0
  8. Romantic 9.0
  9. Spa and fitness 5.0
  10. Staterooms 7.0

Our review

Le Lyrial: Upscale small-ship cruising from Ponant

Le Lyrial, which debuted in April 2015 from the French cruise line Ponant, is one of a handful of vessels that can rightly be called a luxury expedition ship. The intimate yacht, with no more than 264 passengers, visits exquisite ports of call around the world while guests revel in her lean, modern design and welcoming atmosphere.

Like her sister ships — Le Boreal, L'Austral and Le Soleal — Le Lyrial has been built for upscale, yacht-like cruising to exotic destinations around the globe. She also has been specially outfitted for the icy terrain of Antarctica, where she spends several months a year. The ship carries a dozen Zodiacs used to take passengers on expedition-like outings.

Fully 95% of Le Lyrial's 122 staterooms and suites have private balconies. Throughout the ship, you'll find a contemporary decor inspired by the ship's destinations. The experienced crew has a reputation for solicitous, personal service, and you can coordinate excursions in port with the port excursions manager. Socialize in the lounges or on deck, or carve out some quiet time and read in the library or while enjoying the salt air.

Language spoken on board, you ask? English and French. The crew is bilingual, with many of the service staff from Asia.

Having fun on Le Lyrial's sun deck.
Having fun on Le Lyrial's sun deck. Courtesy of Ponant

Where Le Lyrial sails

Le Lyrial offers a wide range of itineraries that stop at small, exotic ports. Cruise from Lisbon to Cadiz, Casablanca , Funchal (on Madeira) and Arerecife (Canary Islands). Or sail from Athens to Katakolo (Greece), Lipari and Salerno (Italy), Bonifacio and Calvi (France), then on to Marseille. Or have the experience of your life and cruise to Antarctica. 

Your take

Have you cruised on Le Lyrial? What was the highlight? We'd love to hear about your experience.

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

If you're interested in a cruise on Le Lyrial, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. You'll get a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

 

SEE ALL LE LYRIAL SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Le Lyrial

  • The Restaurant
    The Restaurant French-inspired & international cuisine · Breakfast, lunch & dinner
    No additional cost

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

  • Nightfall at St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy.
    Nightfall at St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy.
  • View of the iconic Acropolis set atop a hilltop in Athens, Greece.
    View of the iconic Acropolis set atop a hilltop in Athens, Greece.
  • La Caleta beach, in the historical center of the port of Cádiz in southwestern Spain, is popular with locals and travelers during the summer months. Cádiz, capital of Cádiz province, boasts a scenic coastline and rich culture.
    La Caleta beach, in the historical center of the port of Cádiz in southwestern Spain, is popular with locals and travelers during the summer months. Cádiz, capital of Cádiz province, boasts a scenic coastline and rich culture.
  • Palácio Nacional de Sintra as seen from Castelo dos Mouros near Lisbon, Portugal.
    Palácio Nacional de Sintra as seen from Castelo dos Mouros near Lisbon, Portugal.
  • See Croatia and other charming destinations from the deck of the Ponant luxury yacht Le Lyrial.
    See Croatia and other charming destinations from the deck of the Ponant luxury yacht Le Lyrial.
  • See the wonders of Antarctica on Ponant's Le Lyrial. Here's Bongrain Point on Pourquoi Pas Island.
    See the wonders of Antarctica on Ponant's Le Lyrial. Here's Bongrain Point on Pourquoi Pas Island.
  • Cruise Ponant to Antarctica and get up close and personal with some king penguins.
    Cruise Ponant to Antarctica and get up close and personal with some king penguins.
  • See whales close up on your Ponant cruise to Antarctica.
    See whales close up on your Ponant cruise to Antarctica.
  • Sail on a Ponant luxury expedition ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica.
    Sail on a Ponant luxury expedition ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica.
  • Sail from Argentina to Antarctice on Ponant's luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial.
    Sail from Argentina to Antarctice on Ponant's luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial.
  • View king penguins on your Ponant cruise from Argentina to Antarctica.
    View king penguins on your Ponant cruise from Argentina to Antarctica.
  • Get up close and personal with king penguins on your Ponant cruise to Antarctica.
    Get up close and personal with king penguins on your Ponant cruise to Antarctica.

Dining 8

  • Enjoy refreshing sea and land views during al fresco dining on your Ponant cruise.
    Enjoy refreshing sea and land views during al fresco dining on your Ponant cruise.
  • The sommelier on Ponant's Le Lyrial can offer suggestions for the perfect wine to accompany your meals.
    The sommelier on Ponant's Le Lyrial can offer suggestions for the perfect wine to accompany your meals.
  • The head chef can assist with menu choices during your luxury cruise on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    The head chef can assist with menu choices during your luxury cruise on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • Dine on French fusion cuisine, such as carpaccio of yellow fin tuna or pan-fried filet steak and finish your meal with panna cotta with red berry fruits on your Ponant sailing.
    Dine on French fusion cuisine, such as carpaccio of yellow fin tuna or pan-fried filet steak and finish your meal with panna cotta with red berry fruits on your Ponant sailing.
  • Dine in a casual, stylish setting aboard Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    Dine in a casual, stylish setting aboard Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • Enjoy exquisite foods and well paired wines when dining al fresco on a Ponant cruise.
    Enjoy exquisite foods and well paired wines when dining al fresco on a Ponant cruise.
  • Dine in style during a luxury expedition cruise on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    Dine in style during a luxury expedition cruise on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • Dining is a gastronomical experience on Ponant voyages.
    Dining is a gastronomical experience on Ponant voyages.

On board 12

  • Sunset and a perfectly chilled glass of champagne make for a perfect vacation escape on a Ponant cruise.
    Sunset and a perfectly chilled glass of champagne make for a perfect vacation escape on a Ponant cruise.
  • View of the sun deck on the luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial.
    View of the sun deck on the luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial.
  • Find your perfect state of bliss on a luxury cruise aboard Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    Find your perfect state of bliss on a luxury cruise aboard Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • Stay fit while exploring new vistas on a Ponant cruise.
    Stay fit while exploring new vistas on a Ponant cruise.
  • Socialize in the main lounge of Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial.
    Socialize in the main lounge of Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial.
  • Enjoy good conversation and a light snack the lounge of Le Lyrial on your Ponant sailing.
    Enjoy good conversation and a light snack the lounge of Le Lyrial on your Ponant sailing.
  • Relax with a cocktail and meet new friends on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    Relax with a cocktail and meet new friends on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • Having fun on Le Lyrial's sun deck.
    Having fun on Le Lyrial's sun deck.
  • Watch the sun go down over a glass of Champagne on the deck of Le Lyrial, a Ponant yacht.
    Watch the sun go down over a glass of Champagne on the deck of Le Lyrial, a Ponant yacht.
  • Have a butler pamper yourself on a Ponant cruise with canapes on deck.
    Have a butler pamper yourself on a Ponant cruise with canapes on deck.
  • A look at a stylishly furnished stateroom on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    A look at a stylishly furnished stateroom on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • The pool deck on Ponant's luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial.
    The pool deck on Ponant's luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial.

Ship exteriors 1

  • Le Lyrial from Ponant offers a wide range of itineraries that stop at small, exotic ports.
    Le Lyrial from Ponant offers a wide range of itineraries that stop at small, exotic ports.

Staterooms 3

  • It's all about comfort, style, and relaxation in the staterooms on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
    It's all about comfort, style, and relaxation in the staterooms on Ponant's Le Lyrial.
  • Relax in the comfort of your suite on Le Lyrial, a Ponant luxury ship.
    Relax in the comfort of your suite on Le Lyrial, a Ponant luxury ship.
  • Your cabin on Ponant's Le Lyrial is light and airy, and designed for comfort and style.
    Your cabin on Ponant's Le Lyrial is light and airy, and designed for comfort and style.

More photos 7

  • Sail on Le Lyrial to take in the romantic ports of the Adriatic Sea, including Venice.
    Sail on Le Lyrial to take in the romantic ports of the Adriatic Sea, including Venice.
  • Le Lyrial during a visit to Cuverville Island in Antarctica.
    Le Lyrial during a visit to Cuverville Island in Antarctica.
  • Relax poolside as your Ponant ship slips into small bays and secluded coves.
    Relax poolside as your Ponant ship slips into small bays and secluded coves.
  • Take in the sweeping views on Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial.
    Take in the sweeping views on Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial.
  • Dine in style on French dishes, cheeses and desserts on Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial.
    Dine in style on French dishes, cheeses and desserts on Ponant's luxury ship Le Lyrial.
  • The Theatre is the main show lounge for small-scale music and dance productions on Ponant's ship Le Lyrial.
    The Theatre is the main show lounge for small-scale music and dance productions on Ponant's ship Le Lyrial.
  • A penguin stands guardian as a Ponant expedition Zodiac passes by in Antarctica.
    A penguin stands guardian as a Ponant expedition Zodiac passes by in Antarctica.

Sailing now

Cruises on Le Lyrial

Plan my cruise
  1. 11 Night Exploration along Saint Lawrence 11 nights · from St Pierre Next Sep 23, 2026 from $14,370
  2. 13 Night From Quebec to the Big Apple Nature and Remarkable Cities 13 nights · from Montreal Next Oct 4, 2026 2 dates from $13,850
  3. 14 Night The Best of Chilean Fjords 14 nights · from Santiago, Cape Verde Next Nov 3, 2026 from $13,070
  4. 17 Night The Great Austral Loop 17 nights · from Ushuaia Next Nov 17, 2026 from $26,780
  5. 17 Night The Great Austral Loop 17 nights · from Ushuaia Next Dec 4, 2026 Fare on request
  6. 10 Night Emblematic Antarctica 10 nights · from Ushuaia Next Jan 19, 2027 16 dates from $14,650
  7. 18 Night Journey to Austral Lands and Valdes Peninsula 18 nights · from Ushuaia Next Mar 10, 2027 from $21,670
  8. 17 Night Ocean Voyage Buenos Aires to Las Palmas 17 nights · from Buenos Aires Next Mar 28, 2027 from $6,090
  9. 10 Night Volcanic Islands and Historic Cities of the North Atlantic 10 nights · from Las Palmas Next Apr 14, 2027 from $5,970
  10. 10 Night The Iberian Peninsula and Fortified Cities of the Atlantic 10 nights · from Lisbon Next Apr 24, 2027 from $6,850
  11. 8 Night British Archipelagos and Celtic Shores 8 nights · from Honfleur Next May 4, 2027 from $5,530
  12. 9 Night Celtic Panoramas 9 nights · from Glasgow Next May 12, 2027 from $8,390
Show 26 more
  1. 9 Night Hebrides and Highlands Lands of Legends 9 nights · from Dublin Next May 21, 2027 from $7,970
  2. 13 Night From Scotland to Spitsbergen 13 nights · from Glasgow Next May 30, 2027 from $13,550
  3. 7 Night Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen 7 nights · from Longyearbyen Next Jun 12, 2027 5 dates from $11,170
  4. 7 Night Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen 7 nights · from Longyearbyen Next Jul 17, 2027 3 dates from $13,840
  5. 13 Night From Svalbard to Iceland A Polar Odyssey 13 nights · from Longyearbyen Next Aug 7, 2027 Fare on request
  6. 13 Night Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet 13 nights · from Reykjavik Next Aug 20, 2027 from $15,450
  7. 7 Night Disko Bay and Inuit Villages 7 nights · from Nuuk Next Sep 2, 2027 2 dates from $12,280
  8. 14 Night Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada 14 nights · from Nuuk Next Sep 9, 2027 from $16,860
  9. 11 Night Exploration along Saint Lawrence 11 nights · from St Pierre Next Sep 23, 2027 from $13,540
  10. 14 Night The Best of Chilean Fjords 14 nights · from Santiago, Cape Verde Next Nov 3, 2027 2 dates from $11,870
  11. 10 Night Antarctica Ocean (Re)Imagined with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 10 nights · from Ushuaia Next Dec 7, 2027 from $15,780
  12. 17 Night The Great Austral Loop 17 nights · from Ushuaia Next Dec 17, 2027 Fare on request
  13. 18 Night Falklands South Georgia and Valdes Peninsula In the Heart of the Wilderness 18 nights · from Ushuaia Next Mar 3, 2028 from $20,770
  14. 8 Night May Joy Endure in Music with Bach Mozart and Liszt 8 nights · from St Malo Next May 5, 2028 from $6,750
  15. 13 Night From Scotland to Spitsbergen 13 nights · from Glasgow Next May 20, 2028 from $12,790
  16. 7 Night Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen 7 nights · from Longyearbyen Next Jun 2, 2028 4 dates from $11,440
  17. 7 Night Unexplored Svalbard 7 nights · from Longyearbyen Next Jun 30, 2028 5 dates from $11,440
  18. 13 Night From Svalbard to Iceland A Polar Odyssey 13 nights · from Longyearbyen Next Aug 4, 2028 from $15,570
  19. 13 Night Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet 13 nights · from Reykjavik Next Aug 17, 2028 from $13,920
  20. 5 Night Ocean Voyage Nuuk to Saint Pierre and Miquelon 5 nights · from Nuuk Next Sep 6, 2028 from $1,820
  21. 11 Night Exploration along Saint Lawrence 11 nights · from St Pierre Next Sep 11, 2028 from $12,360
  22. 17 Night The Great Austral Loop 17 nights · from Ushuaia Next Nov 15, 2028 2 dates from $22,470
  23. 10 Night Antarctica the White Continent with Smithsonian Journeys 10 nights · from Ushuaia Next Jan 28, 2029 from $15,530
  24. 17 Night The Great Austral Loop 17 nights · from Ushuaia Next Feb 17, 2029 from $23,680
  25. 6 Night Ocean Voyage Ushuaia to Buenos Aires 6 nights · from Ushuaia Next Mar 6, 2029 from $2,230
  26. 10 Night Emblematic South American Shores and Cities 10 nights · from Buenos Aires Next Mar 12, 2029 from $7,810

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