Discover the World with PONANT Yacht and Luxury Expeditions

Book your dream cruise on a luxury cruise with PONANT. The Ponant Explorers fleet will total six ships.


Discover the world in luxury with PONANT

For more than 30 years now, PONANT luxury cruise ships have been stopping at famous, well-known ports of call and secret, hidden-away anchorages accessible only to small ships. The world’s number one polar cruises, we offer a range of discovery expeditions to the majestic landscapes of the Far North and the Arctic, sunny excursions to the heart of the Mediterranean, sea voyages along Celtic coasts and beautiful getaways to the secret islands of the Pacific.

Sailing onboard the youngest and most modern luxury small fleet in the world, PONANT’s signature is a unique combination of curated itineraries, luxurious amenities and personalized service. From Antarctica to Australia’s Kimberley coast, our exceptional voyages have been designed and conceived to deliver quality and excellence through an unprecedented sailing experience founded on the key concepts of discretion, refinement, and the simple art of living à la française.

What is included on Ponant Cruises?

When you book a Ponant cruise, the price you pay at the time of booking includes the following:

  • Dining in all venues.
  • Beverages (excluding premium brands)
  • Mini-bar stocked with your preferences.
  • WiFi throughout the ship.
  • Use of the ships water-sports toys (weather/itinerary permitting)
  • 24-hour room service.

Are shore excursions included on Ponant?

Shore excursions are not included in the fare of a Le Lyrial sailing with Ponant. Depending on the port you'll usually have a choice of three to four excursions, though some have only one option. Many of the options are active, including biking, kayaking and hiking, but you'll also find traditional city tours.


Ponant is a French cruise ship operator. It was founded in April 1988 by Philippe Videau, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvé, and other officers of the French Merchant Navy and launched the first French cruise ship. The company operates five ships, all of which operate under the French flag.

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Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

You will visit the following 3 places:

Nice

Nice

Nice is the fifth most populous city in France, after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Tolouse, with a population of 348,721 within its administrative limits on a land area of 71.92 km2 (28 sq mi). The urban area of Nice extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of over 955,000 on an area of 721 km2 (278 sq mi). Located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranian Sea , Nice is second largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. The natural beauty of the Nice area and its mild Mediterranean climate came to the attention of the English upper classes in the second half of the 18th century, when an increasing number of aristocratic families took to spending their winter there. The city's main seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ("Walkway of the English'') owes its name to visitors to the resort. For decades now, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of relaxation, but also those seeking inspiration. Nice has the second largest hotel capacity in the country and it is one of its most visited cities, receiving 4 million tourists every year. It also has the third busiest airport in France, after the two main Parisian ones. It is the historical capital city of the County of Nice (Comté de Nice). With vibrant markets and diverse restaurants, it's also renowned for its food.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwest France, with an estimated (2008) population of 250,082. The Bordeaux-Arcachon-Libourne metropolitan area, has a population of 1,010,000 and constitutes the sixth-largest urban area in France. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture of the Gironde department. Its inhabitants are called Bordelais. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital. It is home to the world's main wine fair, Vinexpo, while the wine economy in the metro area moves 14.5 billion euros each year. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the eighth century. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.

Marseille

Marseille

Marseille, known in antiquity as Massalia, is the second largest city in France, after Paris, with a population of 852,395 within its administrative limits on a land area of 240.62 km2. The urban area of Marseille extends beyond the city limits with a population of over 1,420,000 on an area of 1,204 km2. 1,530,000 or 1,601,095 people live in the Marseille metropolitan area. Located on the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is France's largest commercial port and largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Its inhabitants are called Marseillais.

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