Luxury Cruise Holidays | Caribbean Sea Cruises | Ponant

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Overview

Le Lyrial is one of four sister ships in the fleet of Ponant, a French luxury expedition cruise line. The ship holds just 264 people, but manages to pack a lot into a small space, including a full-service spa, fitness center and a heated swimming pool.

The ship has a wonderfully calm vibe, with a sedate elegance and a marine-inspired decor. We particularly loved the primary atrium sculpture, which mimics whirling columns of fish.

Ponant is a French line and the service, food and entertainment onboard are French. Announcements are made in French first, dinner is served late, the cuisine is French-inspired and entertainment in the theater is cabaret style, while in the lounge the singers channel their inner Edith Piaf.

Le Lyrial sails primarily in Europe, South America and around Africa. When in Europe, it offers culturally rich itineraries throughout the Mediterranean. During the rest of the year, it sails expedition journeys to Antarctica, around the coast of South Africa and to the African islands (Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, etc.). The onboard marina is stocked with kayaks and Zodiacs for use on these more exotic sailings.

Fellow passengers

Most passengers on a Le Lyrial cruise are French, with a smattering of cruisers from English speaking-countries (mostly U.K. and Australia) as well as other European countries and occasionally Asia. You might also find yourself on a sailing in which part of the ship has been chartered by an American tour operator (such as Tauck). Cruises during school holidays will attract young French families, though not in large numbers.

Dress code

During the day and especially on shore excursions, casual, comfortable clothing is the norm. Depending on your itinerary, specific clothing might be recommended (waterproof, wind-resistant pieces, hiking boots, etc.). In the evening, attire is at passengers' discretion, though jeans, T-shirts and flip-flops are not permitted in Le Celeste main dining room. On Gala Nights, cruisers are encouraged to dress up in their finest, but it's not required. Keep in mind, the French do tend to dress nicely for dinner.

Le Lyrial Inclusions

The cruise fare is only slightly inclusive on Le Lyrial with just drinks (soft and alcoholic, but not premium brands) included in the price, as well as Wi-Fi. Shore excursions (with very few exceptions), laundry, tips and the spa are not included. The euro is the onboard currency.

Cabins

Le Lyrial features 122 cabins in nine categories. All are simply-but-tastefully decorated in cream, white and gray, with blue carpets and accent pillows. There is no artwork in most rooms, except for a full-length photo of the sea and sky on the door that slides over the window between the bathroom and bedroom.

All rooms have twin beds that can convert to a king, an armchair or sofa; small drinks table and mini-bar stocked with included drinks (soda, water, beer, wine, spirits); iPod docking station; desk with bench-style seat; flat-screen TV with several channels and a selection of movies on demand; bathrobes, slippers and hair dryer; two golf umbrellas for use during the cruise; and a safe. Each room has three outlets or more; all but one are 220-volt, European style, so you'll need an adapter and possibly a converter (depending on your electronics). There is only one bedside outlet.

Other than suites (and oddly enough the lowest deck Superior cabins), rooms are small; while effort has been made to create storage space, there is hardly enough for two people. Drawers, while deep, are quite narrow -- there are four in the main area in most cabins, and another three (smaller) in the closet. There's plenty of hanging space, though you might need to ask for more hangers, and three shelves.

The layout has cabins feeling tight. Two adults sharing the space have to approach moving from one spot to another in a tag-team effort. You can't open the washroom door if someone is using the closet just outside, as both doors open out. You also can't cross the room if drawers are open. A soffit hangs over the drawer unit, and it's low enough that if you're taller than about 6 feet, you're probably going to smack your head on it at least once.

Bathrooms are configured with the toilet in its own tiny compartment and the shower and sink in another. (Only select suites have bathtubs.) Two glass shelves in the washroom provide space for your belongings; there's virtually no shelf space around the sink. Inside the shower is a small metal ledge for placing toiletries. Small bottles of Hermes shampoo, conditioner and body gel are provided, as are Hermes bars of soap. In a drawer beneath the sink, you'll find shower caps and a mini vanity set.

There are three wheelchair-accessible cabins on the ship.

Superior Stateroom: The eight 226-square-foot Superior cabins are all located on Deck 3. These cabins have no balconies but do have a window. In the sitting area, you'll find a daybed rather than a sofa or armchair.

Deluxe Stateroom: Also located solely on Deck 3, each 194-square-foot deluxe room has a 43-square-foot balcony, a small table and armchair.

Prestige Stateroom: Most of the cabins on the ship fall into the 194-square-foot prestige category. Spread over Decks 4 and 5, they have 43-square-foot balconies. Most rooms have an armchair and table.

Suite: There are six categories of suite offered on Le Lyrial; those on Deck 6 all include butler service.

Deluxe Suite: Deluxe suites, all of which are located on Deck 6, are 291 square feet and have 65-square-foot balconies. The bedroom and sitting area are not separated and contain a bed, daybed, table and chair. There's also a small dressing area with two full-sized closets.

Prestige Suite: Prestige Suites are two Prestige Staterooms combined (all on Deck 5), in which Ponant has reconfigured one of the rooms as a sitting room. The 388-square-foot rooms have an 86-square-foot balcony; in the bedroom you'll find an armchair but in the sitting room there's a sofa and chair. Each room has a flat-screen TV, full closet and two bathrooms, each set up exactly as they are in standard cabins. The suite has two entrances.

Privilege Suite: The Privilege Suites, on Deck 6, are the same size as Prestige Suites but have an entirely different layout. In these rooms, there's one large bathroom, located off the bedroom, with a bathtub; the sitting area has a sofa and table, and there's a dressing area with large closet. There's a flat-screen TV in both the bedroom and sitting area.

Grand Deluxe Suite: Room number 604 on Le Lyrial is the ship's 484-square-foot Grand Deluxe Suite. This room features a 108-square-foot balcony, a small bedroom and large sitting area with sofa, small drinks table, dining table with room for four and a desk. Both the bedroom and sitting area have flat-screen TVs. The large bathroom, which is fronted by a dressing area with large closet, has a spa bathtub and double sinks. There's also a guest bathroom with toilet and sink by the entrance. Cruisers staying in this suite get free internet.

Grand Privilege Suite: Another suite comprising two cabins combined is the 581-square-foot Grand Privilege Suite, made up of a Privilege Suite plus a regular stateroom. This room comes with a 129-square-foot balcony and has three separate areas: two bedrooms, one of which has a master bath with spa bathtub, and the second of which has a bathroom set up that's the same as standard cabins (toilet in one compartment, shower and sink in the other). Both bedrooms, as well as the sitting area have flat-screen TVs. The dressing areas with closets can only be found in the sitting room and smaller of the two bedrooms. The sitting area has a table but only two armchairs; the cabin has two entrances, and the balcony can be accessed from any of the three rooms. Passengers staying in this room get free internet.

Owner's Suite: The premier cabin on Le Lyrial is the ship's 581-square-foot Owner's Suite, which features a 129-square-foot balcony, bedroom with master bath featuring a spa bathtub and dual sinks, and enlarged living area with sofa, drinks table, dining table for four, and large dressing area. There's also a guest bath with toilet and another closet. There's just one entrance to the room, but the balcony can be accessed from three spots in the room. Passengers staying in this room get free internet.

Dining

Le Lyrial has two restaurants where breakfast, lunch and dinner are always served. There is also a daily afternoon tea in the late afternoon. Between breakfast and lunch, and lunch and dinner you can order from room service if you get hungry; tea and coffee are always available in the Main Lounge. Hours for meals vary depending on what time the ship arrives in port.

Food at lunch and dinner is French; expect a lot of cream sauces, fish dishes and descriptive language even foodies won't recognize.

The wait staff and chef do try to help diners with special dietary needs, but mostly in the form of explaining what is on the menu and whether it is safe to eat. On our cruise, they didn't seem inclined to make special meals or versions of meals to cater to people with dietary restrictions. However, gluten-free bread is readily available, and there is always a vegetarian dish or two on the menu.

Le Celeste (Deck 2): Like everything else on Le Lyrial, the main dining room is simply but elegantly designed, with white tablecloths and place settings of clear glass with gold and brown accents. (On Gala Night, the glass dishes are replaced with silver so shiny you can see your reflection in it.)

Breakfast is buffet-style with several types of cereal, fruit, baked goods, cold cuts and eggs. You also can order select items, like omelets or poached eggs, off the menu. You'll also find several varieties of juices, plus Champagne if you feel like mixing yourself up a mimosa.

At lunch, you'll find a soup of the day (minestrone, chilled gazpacho), along with three starters, a single main course and several sides. Starters might include fresh fish from the destination you're sailing in, marinated pork or grilled beef flank. The main course could be a sole medallion with pepper and tomato condiment or duck confit. Sides always include French fries, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a more specific vegetable dish, such as zucchini and artichoke stew or green beans.

At dinner, there are always two soup choices (cream of cauliflower, chicken or beef consume, cream of turnip), plus three starters and three main courses. Starter choices might be green asparagus mimosa, quinoa-stuffed tomatoes with eggplant, octopus carpaccio, and hot goat cheese with figs and honey. Main courses could include beef filets with spinach and potato cake, pasta with sweet red pepper pesto, codfish rubbed with smoked paprika and served with green vegetables or lamb tenderloin.

There's also always a grilled fish of the day, as well as some permanent menu items, such as grilled chicken breast, a ribeye and a Caesar salad.

For dessert, there's always a selection of ice creams and sorbets, as well as a cheese plate; other options might include raspberry and chocolate cake, apple tart with vanilla ice cream, pineapple carpaccio with lemon sorbet, red berry cheesecake and Earl Grey panna cotta.

House wines are served at lunch and dinner; they're always French and might include a Jardin des Charmes rose, Le Pas de la Beaume red or Le Roujal white.

La Comete (Deck 6): In the ship's buffet you'll find a full range of options at all three meals. Seating is available indoors and out; get there at the start of each meal if the weather is pleasant and you want to dine outside. Breakfast options are identical to what you'll find in the main dining room. At lunch and dinner, the buffet choices are taken from the main dining room menu, but not all of Le Celeste's dishes are available in La Comete. However, there's always an excellent salad bar and a carving station. As in the main dining room, you can always order one of the everyday menu items. Reservations are recommended for dinner in La Comete, though not always necessary.

Room Service: Room service is available, free of charge, 24/7. Breakfast, which is ordered via a door hanger, includes a selection of fruit, cereal, eggs (soft boiled, fried, poached and omelet), yogurt, baked goods and sides (ham, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms). Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juices can also be requested.

The rest of the day the menu comprises a first course (soup of the day, seasonal green salad, Caesar salad, smoked salmon platter), main course (hamburger/cheeseburger, fish of the day, grilled rib eye, chicken club sandwich), garnishes (French fries, white rice, steamed vegetables) and a small selection of desserts.

Entertainment

Shore Excursions

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.

Wildlife Viewing

You'll only get to see wildlife during Le Lyrial's expedition sailings to the Antarctic or Arctic. The best spots for wildlife viewing are on Deck 6, from open decks either at the front or back. Deck 7 also offers great views, though it's also where equipment is stored, so be careful maneuvering around it. If weather is poor, the Panoramic Lounge at the front of Deck 6 is ideal, though fills up quickly.

On Deck 3, just off the guest lounge area, you'll find small spaces for quick wildlife viewing, both port and aft. Make sure to bring binoculars on trips designed for wildlife viewing; Ponant doesn't provide them for use during your cruise.

Daytime and Evening Entertainment

A cruise on Le Lyrial will probably be port intensive so there's not a huge amount of daytime or evening entertainment. However, the ship does have a crew of dancers who perform in the ship's main theater a few times a cruise. Shows that might be offered include "Bijoux," during which the ship's five dancers perform uninspiring dance routines to French and American pop songs, and a classical piano concert with music from Bach, Mozart, Liszt and others. The theater sits about 250 and has excellent sight lines from all angles.

You'll also find live music (think Edith Piaf-style lounge singing), sometimes with dancing, in the Main Lounge and piano melodies in the Panoramic Lounge each night until about 11:30 p.m.

During the day or in the early evening, the ship's dancers will offer dance classes; one time it might be salsa, another day the cha-cha. On days when the ship spends some time at sea, a premium drink tasting might be offered. On our sailing, there was a premium whiskey tasting for 35 euros per person.

Le Lyrial Bars and Lounges

Main Lounge (Deck 3): The ship's main lounge is the central gathering spot before and after dinner, with lots of places to sit, a small stage and a dance floor. It's modern, with lots of white and gray, and a large ceiling mirror, which gives the room a bright feeling -- and prevents the actually low ceilings from feeling low. In the late afternoon and evening you'll find either piano music or a singer (there's usually two who rotate throughout the cruise) doing light music standards. It's also where you'll find the daily tea from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Panoramic Lounge (Deck 6): With floor-to-ceiling windows, this lounge is a great spot for watching the scenery go by, especially on an inclement weather day. As with the rest of the ship, most of the decor is in shades of cream, but many of the armchairs and couches are done in aquamarine, giving it a relaxed feel. There's a small bar, a piano for evening music and a smattering of chairs for reading during the day or socializing at night. Right outside is the Panoramic Terrace, where you'll find lounge chairs. Located at the front of the ship, it's the best spot for picture taking, but it can get windy when the ship is moving at a fair clip.

Open-Air Bar (Deck 7): At the top of the ship, toward the back, is a small open-air lounge with tables, chairs and love seats for two or three people. There's also a bar with high wicker stool seating. Furniture is white and cream with dark blue or cream cushions, so most of it shows wear easily. It's a great spot for catching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. It's also the only shaded spot outside and overlooks the pool. This space is likely to be closed when the ship is sailing cold-weather expedition voyages.

Le Lyrial Outside Recreation

Le Lyrial has a small pool (4-feet deep) on Deck 6 aft, with about 20 loungers arrayed around it. On the same deck, at the front, and on Deck 7, also at the front, you'll find more loungers.

There is a marina on Deck 2. When in use, you can jump directly into the water for snorkeling, or board a kayak or Zodiac.

Le Lyrial Services

The reception and shore excursion desks are located on Deck 3, which is also the main deck for embarking and disembarking the ship in ports. The shop is also on Deck 3; here you'll find designer clothing, Ponant-branded accessories and essentials you might have forgotten at home.

The library is on Deck 6 off to the side of the Panoramic Lounge. About 60 percent of the books are in French; the rest are mostly in English with a few in German or Chinese. You'll also find some board games here in multiple languages.

Along one side of the library are two computer terminals for connecting to the internet, one with a French keyboard, the other with an English keyboard. Internet access, which can be unbearably slow much of the time, does not come cheap. One hundred minutes costs 30 euros; 240 minutes is 60 euros; and 1,000 minutes costs 180 euros.

The photo gallery is on Deck 5; you'll need to scroll through hundreds of pictures on two computer terminals to find photos of yourself.

The ship has three elevators that go from Decks 2 to 6. (If seas are rough, the captain might elect to shut down the elevators for safety reasons.) There is a wheelchair lift on the aft stairs (between Decks 6 and 7) for passengers to reach Deck 7.

There are no self-service launderettes onboard, but a pay laundry service is available.

Fitness recreation

Le Lyrial has a small spa and fitness room on Deck 5.

Spa

The ship's spa has two treatment rooms, but offers a pretty full menu of treatments from massages and facials to scrubs, and aromatherapy baths. The salon offers several Kerastase hair treatments (repair, shine, volume, etc.), as well as cuts and styling, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Prices are high for most treatments.

At the back of the spa, you'll find a hammam (Turkish steam room); bathing suits are required.

Fitness

The ship's fitness center on Deck 5 has three treadmills and three stationary bikes, as well as one recumbent bike, all by Technogym. There's also a resistance Kinesis machine, with picture and video instructions. There are no free weights but there is an exercise ball, as well as mats and a few resistance bands. Most mornings there's an early morning stretch class.

Family

There is no minimum age to sail on Le Lyrial with Ponant, but it is not a ship particularly suited to children. Families bringing children younger than 8 years are required to fill out and sign a "responsibility discharge" form, relieving the cruise line of any responsibility for the safety of the child.

A small game room on Deck 5 has board games and kids' books and a flat-screen TV is hooked up to a Wii gaming system. Kids' menu items are available upon request.

There are no particularly family-friendly accommodations. The Prestige Suites comprise two staterooms, so parents or grandparents could put the kids into one of the rooms and take the other for themselves.

We enjoy smaller ships and this was the smallest we have cruised on other than riverboats. The ship is well appointed and very easy to get around. It is a lovely ship! The staff were all very fr...

The ship, food and staff were fantastic, and there were a couple of extraordinary meals. These were cooked by Rashid from La Mamounia in Marrakesh. However, the overall experience was marred by...

I was fortunate enough to have reserved for this Ponant Cruise among seven Greek islands, departing and returning to Piraeus the last week of September 2023. I had a wonderful trip with no ne...

We chose in 2019 because it included the Falklands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, then South Africa and up to the Seychelles. A brilliant cruise for the history but particularly for the anima...

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