1300 023 584
Luxury, exploration and meaningful travel aboard Le Lyrial
What makes a luxury cruise truly stand out? For me, it’s about more than beautiful accommodation and exceptional service. It’s about the destinations you can reach, the people you meet along the way and the experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
My recent voyage aboard Le Lyrial with PONANT EXPLORATIONS gave me the opportunity to experience this style of cruising firsthand. Travelling through Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, Newfoundland and Québec, we explored remote coastal communities, dramatic natural landscapes and historic cities, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury small ship.
It also gave me a deeper appreciation for what makes PONANT different.
Cruising through The Saguenay Fjord.
Small ships, extraordinary destinations
One of PONANT’s biggest points of difference is its focus on small ship exploration. Its expedition ships accommodate a maximum of 264 guests, creating a more intimate experience and opening up opportunities to visit destinations that larger cruise ships cannot easily access.
Our St. Lawrence voyage was a perfect example. We visited Harrington Harbour, a tiny fishing village in Québec where there are no cars and wooden walkways connect the homes. We explored remote islands, sailed through the spectacular Saguenay Fjord and discovered parts of eastern Canada that many travellers might otherwise never experience.
For travellers who have already well travelled and have visited classic cruise ports, this style of cruising offers something different. It’s an opportunity to go beyond the familiar and discover the quieter, less accessible corners of the world.
Discovering The Magdalen Islands.
Exploration with a deeper understanding
PONANT isn’t simply about taking you somewhere beautiful. It’s about helping you understand what you’re seeing.
On expedition voyages, naturalist guides, expedition leaders and destination specialists bring the landscapes, wildlife and local cultures to life. From learning about the extraordinary geology of Newfoundland’s Tablelands to spotting whales along the coast, having knowledgeable experts alongside you adds another dimension to the experience.
There are opportunities to join Zodiac outings, explore on foot, attend onboard lectures and learn from people with a genuine passion for the destinations.
I particularly love this approach to travel. You return home not only with beautiful photographs and memories, but with a much greater understanding of the places you’ve visited.
Zodiac excursions aboard Le Lyrial.
Adventure doesn’t have to mean sacrificing luxury
One of the things I appreciated most about PONANT was the balance between exploration and comfort.
I stayed in a Prestige Suite aboard Le Lyrial, giving me extra room to relax after days spent exploring ashore. My suite also included personal butler service, adding another level of personalised attention to the experience. It’s these thoughtful touches that make returning to the ship at the end of a day of exploration feel so special.
Meals, a wide selection of drinks, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and up to two excursions per day are among the inclusions, making it easier to see the value of the experience when comparing cruise options.
PONANT also brings a distinctive French influence to life on board, particularly through its cuisine, hospitality and attention to detail. The atmosphere feels refined without losing the sense of adventure that makes these journeys so special.
Dressed up for gala evening aboard Le Lyrial.
An experience for more than the adventurous few
Expedition cruising can sometimes sound intimidating however, exploration doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
PONANT aims to make its excursions accessible to as many guests as possible, with a range of experiences to suit different interests and abilities. Importantly, wheelchair users and travellers with reduced mobility can also experience PONANT, with accessible facilities available on selected ships.
Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, history, photography, local food or remote landscapes, there are different ways to experience the world with PONANT.
Taking in Montreal’s beautiful autumn colours, one leafy street at a time.
Looking beyond the voyage
Another aspect worth highlighting is PONANT’s investment in the people behind its voyages, including its maritime cadet program. Supporting the next generation of maritime professionals is an important part of the wider story behind a cruise company, beyond what guests see during their time on board.
It’s a reminder that a memorable voyage relies on much more than the ship itself. It takes skilled crews, knowledgeable expedition teams and dedicated people working across a wide range of roles to bring these experiences to life.
PONANT also places an emphasis on responsible exploration, with a focus on learning about the natural environments and communities its voyages visit.
Exploring The Magdalen Islands.
A Different Perspective on Cruising
PONANT offers a different perspective on luxury cruising, one where the destination is just as important as the experience on board.
It’s a style of travel that brings together smaller ships, meaningful cultural encounters, expert-led exploration and the comfort of luxury cruising, creating opportunities to discover places that might otherwise remain off the beaten track.
Looking back on my journey along the St. Lawrence, it’s the combination of experiences that stands out most. From the remote fishing villages and dramatic landscapes to the history of Québec City, every destination offered something unexpected.
For me, PONANT is a reminder that luxury and adventure don’t have to be separate experiences. It’s a way of travelling that allows you to see the world differently, get a little closer to the places you visit and appreciate the journey just as much as the destination.
Written by Kyra Hickson following her exploration of Eastern Canada with Ponant.
Kyra Hickson
Visiting the only orchard and cider house on the Magdalen Islands, a unique stop along our PONANT journey.
Share on
Meet the author
Plan your trip with us
