Billy Heaney

Billy In Antarctica With Gentoo Penguins 3281

Saunders Carmichael-Brown

GALLERY

Emblematic Antarctica on Le Lyrial

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Billy Heaney

Saunders Carmichael-Brown

11 day expedition

Class of Ship

Luxury Expedition Yacht

Sustainability

Dynamic Positioning, Clean Ship Certified, Silent Electric Propulsion

Passenger Berths

245

Zodiacs

Ice Class Rating

Class of Ship

Luxury Expedition Yacht

Sustainability

Dynamic Positioning, Clean Ship Certified, Silent Electric Propulsion

Passenger Berths

245

Zodiacs

Ice Class Rating

Emblematic Antarctica on Le Lyrial

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula in the heart of a magnificent natural environment, surrounded by ice floes, icebergs, glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
See spectacular wildlife: humpback whales; Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals; and a variety of seabirds.
Activities: outings and shore visits in a rubber dinghy with an experienced team of naturalist guides, to discover the history and biodiversity of these parts.

If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent.

At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stern of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.

Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists share with you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adelie, chinstrap: these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. During an outing on land or at sea, in a zodiac dinghy or a kayak, you will move through a stunning scenery bathed in polar light.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Ushuaia

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Day 2-3

Drake Passage

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiacoutings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Day 4-9

Antarctic Peninsula

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiacoutings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Day 10-11

Drake Passage

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 12

Ushuaia

Fares & Departure Dates

Thu 18 Feb 27 — Sun 28 Feb 27 (11 days)

View all cabins, from £10,730pp

Sun 28 Feb 27 — Wed 10 Mar 27 (11 days)

View all cabins, from £10,210pp

Window or Porthole Stateroom

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The ideal stateroom choice if you're looking for modern luxury, comfort and ocean views, but without a balcony.

Capacity Up to 3

Beds King-size

Rooms 1 room

Footage 226 sq ft.

Windows Yes*

Balcony No

View Ocean

Location Deck 3

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

Amenities Minibar, Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Individually-controlled air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, Direct line telephone, 24-hour room service, Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand, inclusive Wi-Fi.

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*Window (except cabin 300 : porthole)

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Balcony Stateroom

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The Balcony Stateroom is the perfect choice for those that want their own private outdoor space.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds King-size

Rooms 1 room

Footage 193 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 3,4,5 and 6

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility Three accessible staterooms

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Deluxe Suite

Lyrial Privilege Suite 608 ©Studioponant Alexandre Herbrecht 4582

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The Deluxe Suite is a higher level balcony stateroom with added extras such as butler service and priority embarkation in some ports.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds King-size

Rooms 1 room

Footage 290 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility Three ADA staterooms

Amenities Minibar, Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Individually-controlled air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, telephone, 24-hour room service, Flat screen TV, inclusive Wi-Fi, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), Champagne and fruit basket on arrival, Butler service, fruit basket every day, lounge area with sofa and armchair, bathroom with shower.

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Prestige Suite

Lyrial Cabine Prestige 402 ©Studioponant Alexandre Herbrecht 4590

Lyrial Cabine Prestige 402 ©Studioponant Alexandre Herbrecht 4591

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A larger suite option that can accommodate up to 4 guests, making it ideal for couples, friends and family travelling together.

Capacity Up to 4

Beds King-size

Rooms 2 rooms

Footage 398 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 5

Suitable for Couples, friends and family

Accessibility Three ADA staterooms

Amenities Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products, Bose speaker, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, telephone, 24-hour room service, 2 flat screen TV’s, inclusive Wi-Fi, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), Champagne and fruit basket on arrival, Butler service, fruit basket every day, lounge area with sofa (167 x 70 cm) and armchair, bathroom with shower, minibar.

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Privilege Suite

Lyrial Privilege Suite 608 ©Studioponant Alexandre Herbrecht 4583

Lyrial Privilege Suite 608 ©Studioponant Alexandre Herbrecht 4584

Lyrial Privilege Suite 608 ©Studioponant Alexandre Herbrecht 4586

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The Privilege Suite is one of the larger suites aboard Le Lyrial and is the ideal choice for those looking for extra luxury during their expedition cruise.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds King-size

Rooms 3 rooms

Footage 398 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility Three ADA staterooms

Amenities Diptyque Paris bath products, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Individually-controlled air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, telephone, 24-hour room service, 2 flat screen TV’s, inclusive Wi-Fi, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), Champagne and fruit basket on arrival, Butler service, fruit basket every day, lounge area with sofa and armchair, bathroom with shower, minibar.

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Grand Suite

Le Lyrial Grand Deluxe Suite ©PONANT N.Matheus 4581

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The Grand Suite is a luxurious choice for your expedition cruise aboard Le Lyrial and features a private 12 m² balcony and two panoramic sliding bay windows.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds King-size or two single beds

Rooms 2 rooms

Footage 484 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

Amenities Diptyque Paris bath products, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Individually-controlled air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, telephone, 24-hour room service, flat screen TV, inclusive Wi-Fi, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), Champagne and fruit basket on arrival, Butler service, fruit basket every day, lounge area with sofa and armchair, bathroom with shower, minibar.

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Grand Privilege Suite

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The Grand Privilege Suite is a luxurious choice for your expedition cruise aboard Le Lyrial and features a private 12 m² balcony and three panoramic sliding bay windows. It's perfect for groups, featuring a bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and TV, and a second bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and a second TV.

Capacity Up to 4

Beds King-size or singles.

Rooms 4 rooms

Footage 592 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6

Suitable for Couples, friends and family.

Accessibility Three ADA staterooms

Amenities Diptyque Paris bath products, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Individually-controlled air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, telephone, 24-hour room service, flat screen TV, inclusive Wi-Fi, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), Champagne and fruit basket on arrival, Butler service, fruit basket every day, lounge area with sofa and armchair, bathroom with shower, minibar.

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Owner Suite

Owner Suite Le Lyrial Ponant ©PONANT N.Matheus 4572

Owner Suite Le Lyrial Ponant ©PONANT N.Matheus 4573

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The Owner Suite is the most luxurious suite aboard Le Lyrial and features a range of benefits and extras that are only available with this accommodation grade.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds King-size or two singles.

Rooms 2 rooms

Footage 592 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

Amenities Diptyque Paris bath products, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Individually-controlled air conditioning, Nespresso coffee maker and boiler, Dressing room with shelves and closet, 110V American / 220V European, Dressing table and hairdryer, telephone, 24-hour room service, flat screen TV, inclusive Wi-Fi, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), Champagne and fruit basket on arrival, Butler service, fruit basket every day, lounge area with sofa and armchair, bathroom with shower, minibar.

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One-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments. Private return transfer, Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar.

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Your Ship

Le Lyrial

Studio Ponant Olivier Blaud

Launched in 2015 as the fourth vessel in Ponant’s Sisterships series, Le Lyrial combines the elegance of a private yacht with the capability of an expedition ship. Designed to offer both refinement and discovery, she represents a new generation of small-scale cruising, where personalised experiences, authentic exploration, and understated luxury come together at sea. With her sleek silhouette and graceful profile, Le Lyrial is purpose-built to navigate remote destinations that larger vessels cannot reach, while still providing the comforts of a world-class boutique hotel. On board, you’ll find spacious staterooms and suites—most with private balconies—creating a bright and intimate atmosphere that connects you to the surrounding landscapes. The ship’s interior draws inspiration from the very regions she sails. A soothing palette of blues and soft greys reflects the shimmering tones of the polar ice, while vibrant turquoise accents evoke the hidden coves and sunlit inlets of the Mediterranean. This harmony of design ensures that every space feels both relaxing and immersive, a gentle reminder of the journey outside your window.

Beyond her aesthetic appeal, Le Lyrial is equipped for true expedition cruising. She carries a fleet of Zodiacs for landings and coastal explorations, and her experienced naturalist guides bring destinations to life with expert knowledge. Whether gliding past Antarctic icebergs, exploring remote islands, or sailing along the cultural coastlines of Europe, every voyage aboard Le Lyrial is crafted for discovery.

Blending the intimacy of a small ship with the thrill of adventure, Le Lyrial invites travellers to explore the world in style, where every journey is as inspiring as the destinations themselves.

A la carte meals are served at the table in the gastro restaurant. At lunch, a selection of dishes inspired by contemporary French brasseries will be offered. At dinner, it is time to sample the grand traditions of French fine dining, with menus to go with one of the best wines from our cellar, as recommended by our sommelier.

To the rear of deck 2 you'll find a gastronomic restaurant big enough to seat all passengers together at one sitting.

Deck 2
3,980 square feet
Capacity: 268
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners, French and international cuisine, elegance and refinement
Wine cellar

La Comète

Deck 6
Enjoy breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners in a relaxed atmosphere at the grill restaurant on Deck 6.
2,530 square feet
Interior capacity: 150
Exterior capacity: 60

Whether you wish to have breakfast in the privacy of your stateroom, savour a snack in the middle of the day or enjoy your dinner in an intimate setting, our Room Service is available for you. Have a gourmet interlude and treat yourself from a varied menu at any time of day or night*.

Deck 3
2,740 square feet
Interior capacity: 110
Exterior capacity: 30
Tea rooms, bar, programme of live musical entertainment, dance floor
Access to the exterior terrace

The Panoramic Lounge

Deck 6
1,185 square feet
Library, internet space, bar, live entertainment on certain evenings
Direct access to the panoramic terrace

Deck 6
Lounge area with seating for 50
Overlooking the pool deck

Excursion Reception and Office

On board the sisterships (Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and PONANT EXPLORERS, the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests.

Reception: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day on all our ships (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Le Ponant) to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc.

The excursion office: the excursion team is available at all times to tell you about the onshore programmes, organise group or private excursions and to manage transfers at the start or end of the cruise.

On Le Ponant, the receptionist will answer all your questions about excursions.

The Theatre

The Theatre* is the most unique meeting space on board. It's the largest space on the ship and regularly accommodates all the passengers. It plays host to shows and entertainment as well as conferences from our experts, naturalist guides and guests of honours. The Theatre makes every cruise unique and enriching thanks to its constant and very accessible events.

Deck 4
2,690 square feet
Capacity: 250
Conference room, concert hall/multi-purpose auditorium
Audiovisual equipment

Recreation Area

Deck 5
Studio Ponant: Special area for viewing and ordering photos/videos
Kids Club (games area + Wii and PS4)

On board all our ships, a shop is open during sailing. It offers a selection of presents and souvenirs: clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and accessories.

Marvel at the sun rising over the pristine glaciers of Spitsbergen, set out to discover the mysteries of Scotland, enjoy enriching encounters in Alaska∘ or just relax, take your time, and choose a sun kissed journey through the Mediterranean.The trip of a lifetime, a romantic getaway or a family holiday: cruising the PONANT way allows∘ you the freedom to organise your Odyssey∘ as a unique experience and tailor it according to your desires. Whether you have the spirit of a refined adventurer, a meditative mind or you love the great outdoors, Ponant will fulfil all your travel desires.Take the time to extend the pleasure of a stay in a country before boarding your yacht, get to the heart of a culture or simply have fun for a while: the guides, lecturers and travel advisers are there to assist you. Music, golf, gastronomy; from port to port, the themed cruises allow passengers∘ to live their hobby to the full - or to discover a new one.Carefully designed itineraries, quality guest speakers, attentive service: for more than 25 years, on land and at sea, or teams and their crews have been there to help you get the most out of your cruise.

Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions Excursions 1 (1)

Excursions & land itineraries

Each itinerary has been thoughtfully created by our teams to offer you a complete excursion experience. You can discover the hidden gems of the regions you visit in line with your interests.

Hidden creeks, ancient cities, UNESCO world heritage sites... the world reveals its hidden gems as you journey along the routes taken by travellers. In keeping with our ethos “Accessing the worlds treasures by sea”, we offer a wide choice of land excursions during all our cruises (except for expeditions). Chosen by our PONANT experts for their cultural value and historic interest, these excursions can last a few hours or a few days. If you need to stay on land overnight, we take care of your stay from start to finish, until you rejoin your ship. These longer excursions mean you can discover the unmissable sites of the region you are visiting, like Cuzco in Peru for example or the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

You can access these trips by pre-booking two months before your departure date.

Leisure and well-beingOur ships* have many spaces designed to offer guests privileged moments of relaxation and comfort.Because a cruise offers the ideal environment in which to take time for yourself, our ships offer special spaces dedicated to wellness and relaxation.*As Le Ponant has a different layout due to its smaller size, it cannot accommodate certain equipment.The Wellness Area - Deck 5Spa in partnership with SOTHYS™: massage and treatment cubicles, beauty salon cubicle, balneotherapy cubicleKÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris hair salonFree access hammam (open during the day)Fitness studio (open during the day)

All our ships feature an onboard spa. Equipped with massage cabins and a Turkish bath (Sister ships) or a sauna (Explorers), the spa offers a wide choice of top-of-the-range treatments provided in association with SOTHYS™ or CLARINS (Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier only), leading French spa and wellness centre brands.

Discover a range of facial treatments, aromatic baths, exfoliation and body massage treatments designed to provide moments of complete relaxation. You can also supplement your beauty ritual with additional services such as hair-removal, makeovers, manicures and pedicures.

Prices and details of services in the PONANT Yacht Spa menu.

The Gym

The gyms on our ships are equipped with the very latest Technogym© equipment and machines. Treadmills, exercise bikes, Kinesis Wall© strength training machines and many other types of equipment are all provided in a laid-back relaxing environment. The wide floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sea add undeniable charm to the exercise sessions.

Each day also begins with organised morning workout sessions, either out in the open air or in the theatre. These are supplemented by water aerobics in the pool, or in the sea off the beach for PONANT passengers, when the situation allows it.

Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.