Daily landings and Zodiac excursions are already included when booking a journey on Le Lyrial. A German-speaking lecturer accompanies the trips to Antarctica alongside an expedition team of around 10 to 13 experts. You’ll receive a complimentary PONANT expedition parka for your Antarctic activities. Sea kayaking is available for an additional fee.
Le Lyrial: Ship, Routes & Consulting
Possible expeditions, information about the ship and answers from our experts to all your questions about the cruises of the Le Lyrial
3 Reasons for a an Expedition on the Le Lyrial
- Le Lyrial is the newest of PONANT’s four sister superyachts, placing even greater emphasis on five-star Antarctic voyages with a maximum of 200 passengers.
- Sail aboard this custom-built expedition ship with Ice Class 1C and discover the highlights of Antarctica from one of only 122 cabins and suites.
- An expedition aboard Le Lyrial is a true five-star adventure—combining French gourmet cuisine, an experienced expedition team, and included landings for an unforgettable polar experience.
What Awaits You on an Expedition on the Le Lyrial
Adventure with Luxury
Le Lyrial is the newest of the four sister ships from 2015 designed for Antarctic expeditions in the style of a superyacht. It features a more personal interior layout with fewer cabins. The ship combines cutting-edge technology, an intimate atmosphere, and premium services for one of the last great adventures – a journey to Antarctica.
5-star Travel without a High Price
A voyage aboard Le Lyrial includes one of only 122 cabins or suites, all with ocean views, private balconies, and 5-star service to Antarctica. Passenger numbers are limited to 200 guests and include French cuisine, nearly all landings, and a German-speaking lecturer. And all that without a high price tag.
Included Activities
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Cabins and Suites on the Le Lyrial
All 122 cabins and suites aboard Le Lyrial are styled like a private yacht and inspired by the blue tones of the polar regions. Le Lyrial is the only one of the four sister ships to feature the Grand Deluxe Suite category.
| Owner's Suite | 55 M2 |
| Grand Privilege Suite | 55 M2 |
| Grand Deluxe Suite | 45 M2 |
| Prestige Suite | 37 M2 |
| Deluxe Suite | 36 M2 |
| Superior Cabin | 27 M2 |
| Prestige Cabin | 21 M2 |
| Deluxe Cabin | 18 M2 |
| 18 M2 |
Owner's Suite
- 45 m² Owner's Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Decorated by French designers.
- Panoramic sea view.
- Private 12 m² balcony.
- Separate living area with sofa and armchairs.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hairdryer.
- Large windows.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Butler service.
- Bathroom with Jacuzzi.
Grand Privilege Suite
- 55 m² Grand Privilege Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Decorated by French designers.
- Panoramic sea view.
- Private 12 m² balcony.
- Separate living area with sofa and armchairs.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hairdryer.
- Large windows.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Butler service.
- Bathroom with Jacuzzi.
- Second bedroom with king-size bed or two single beds.
Grand Deluxe Suite
- 45 m² Grand Deluxe Suite on Deck 6 of Le Lyrial.
- King-size bed.
- Private 10 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Separate living area with sofa, table, and chair.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hairdryer.
- Butler service available to guests on Deck 6.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Prestige Suite
- 36 m² Prestige Suite on Decks 4, 5, and 6.
- King-size bed.
- Private 8 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Separate living area with sofa, table, and chair.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Butler service available for guests on Deck 6.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Deluxe Suite
- 27 m² Deluxe Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 6 m² balcony.
- Table with chair.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Butler service.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Superior Cabin
- 21 m² Superior Cabin on Deck 3.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom with shower.
Prestige Cabin
- 18 m² Prestige Cabin on Decks 4, 5, and 6.
- King-size bed.
- Private 4 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Maximum 2 guests per suite.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Deluxe Cabin
- 18 m² Deluxe Cabin on Deck 3.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 4 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- 2 passengers per cabin.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Le Lyrial is a luxurious expedition vessel for polar voyages, designed in the style of a private yacht. I will provide answers to all your questions about the ship and your travel destinations.
Daria Startseva
Polar Travel Expert
Le Lyrial Deck Plan
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Itineraries of the Le Lyrial in Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Lyrial
What makes Le Lyrial special?
Le Lyrial is the most modern of the four sister expedition yachts of the French cruise line PONANT. It was the last ship completed in 2015. With Ice Class 1C, it reaches the highlights of Antarctica safely, just like its sister ships.
Traveling on Le Lyrial combines an expedition to Antarctica with a luxurious cruise experience aboard a vessel designed like a private yacht. Compared to her sister ships, Le Lyrial places an even stronger focus on this concept. Instead of 134, she has only 122 suites and cabins. Deck 6 on Le Lyrial features suites only.
Design and Facilities:
- Every one of the 122 ocean-view cabins and suites aboard Le Lyrial is equipped with either a king-size bed or two twin beds.
- Passenger capacity is limited to a maximum of 200 on Le Lyrial to comply with the strict regulations of the Antarctic Treaty System.
- You will travel to Antarctica with French gourmet cuisine, spacious cabins featuring large windows, and an experienced expedition team, all supported by true 5-star service.
Technical Specifications:
- Enhanced waste-management and water-treatment systems, along with emission-reduction measures, minimize Le Lyrial’s ecological footprint in Antarctica.
- Modern stabilizers ensure smoother sailing in rough seas.
- Le Lyrial’s advanced propulsion system provides excellent maneuverability and efficiency, allowing the ship to reach small bays and remote areas in Antarctica.
On-Board Experience:
- French dining in two onboard restaurants at a 5-star level, including wine and beverages.
- Wellness areas featuring a spa, hammam, and fitness room.
- Panorama lounge, panoramic terrace, and lecture theater.
Expedition Team:
- A German-speaking lecturer joins Le Lyrial in Antarctica for presentations and shore landings.
- An experienced expedition team of around 10 to 13 experts leads shore excursions, Zodiac rides, and lectures.
- Optional sea kayaking is available for an additional charge.
Expedition Equipment:
- Zodiacs for shore landings.
- Complimentary expedition parka.
- Complimentary rubber boots to borrow for landings.
What are the technical specifications of Le Lyrial?
- Passengers: maximum 200 in Antarctica.
- Year built: 2015.
- Crew: approx. 145 crew members in Antarctica.
- Expedition team: approx. 10 to 13 in Antarctica.
- Ice class: 1C for polar regions.
- Size: length 142 m, width 18 m.
- Decks: 7.
- Speed: 14 knots.
- Stabilizers: yes.
- Expedition equipment: Zodiacs, sea kayaks, and shore gear.
What is included and excluded on Le Lyrial?
Included:
- Domestic transfers to Le Lyrial — for example, a round-trip economy flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia including airport transfers.
- Pre-night stays where necessary, usually in a 5-star hotel.
- Antarctica cruise in a 5-star cabin or suite aboard Le Lyrial.
- Two restaurants serving food, wine, and beverages.
- Daily included landings and activities.
- Complimentary expedition parka (issued onboard).
- Rubber boots on loan for shore excursions.
- Experienced expedition crew.
- Wi-Fi access, when available.
Excluded:
- International flights: optional upon request during booking.
- Premium wines and similar beverages.
- Personal expenses, for example purchases in the onboard boutique.
- Spa services such as massages and salon treatments.
- Personal travel insurance.
Which activities are possible with Le Lyrial in Antarctica?
Le Lyrial is a modern expedition ship for Antarctic cruises, offering a wide range of activities. Most are already included in the trip price. These include:
- Shore landings: Daily landings are included with your cabin or suite booking on Le Lyrial. All required equipment is provided onboard, including complimentary rubber boots, snowshoes, and trekking poles.
- Polar Plunge: Those who are brave enough can take a jump into the icy Antarctic waters.
- Zodiac rides: Zodiac excursions for whale-watching, iceberg viewing, and more are included in the cruise fare.
- Expert talks: Hosted by the expedition team or polar researchers accompanying the voyage.
- Sea kayaking: Requires advance reservation. Full equipment is provided onboard, from kayaks to dry suits.
What is the internet connection and accessibility like on Le Lyrial?
Thanks to satellite technology, Wi-Fi access is available free of charge during Antarctic sailings with Le Lyrial. However, there may be limitations. Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth. Speeds are often not high enough for video calls, and websites may take several minutes to load. Satellite phone calls are available at an extra cost.
How is the food on Le Lyrial?
There are two restaurants aboard Le Lyrial: the gourmet restaurant Le Céleste on Deck 2 and the casual grill restaurant La Comète on Deck 6. Both offer open seating and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
PONANT takes French cuisine seriously, and this is reflected in the dining experience on Le Lyrial. Classic French gourmet dishes are featured on the menu — examples include foie gras, wild boar in a rich sauce, duck confit, and similar specialties.
Comfort dishes are also available, such as burgers, club sandwiches, chicken, and other international options.
Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are always available.
Gourmet restaurant Le Céleste (Deck 2):
The restaurant accommodates all passengers with tables for four, six, or eight — sometimes a table for four may be set for two. You may request to sit with others who speak your language.
Breakfast includes a wide selection of hot dishes, an omelet station, a daily specialty, and French pastries.
Lunch is served as a buffet with hot dishes leaning toward comfort cuisine, such as lasagna, casseroles, meat, or fish.
Red, white, and rosé wines of good quality are served with lunch and dinner, while an upgraded wine list features premium French labels.
Dinner focuses on classic French cuisine, such as wild boar with rich sauce, duck confit, or similar dishes.
Grill restaurant La Comète (Deck 6):
The buffet selection is the same as in Le Céleste, with the added bonus of outdoor seating when the weather is pleasant. Occasionally there are barbecues or a moules marinières station.
Main lounge (Deck 3):
Tea, coffee, fruit, cookies, and an early continental breakfast are offered here, along with afternoon tea and cakes.
Room service:
Included comfort-style items are available from the menu, such as burgers, steaks, and salads.
Is my international flight included with Le Lyrial?
When booking an Antarctic expedition with Le Lyrial, a regional arrival package to the ship is included. For departures from Ushuaia, this usually includes a pre-night stay at a 5-star hotel with transfer in Buenos Aires, round-trip domestic flights to Ushuaia, and the ship transfer. International flights are not included. When booking with Arctic Desire, we will gladly provide an offer for international flights and optional pre- or post-programs.