English
Expedition Departure · 18 days Available

The Great Austral Loop Le Lyrial Dec 22, 2028 – Jan 8, 2029

Cabin offers

Cabin Occupancy Price (per person) Availability Action
Window or Porthole Stateroom
Window or Porthole Stateroom Best price
21 m² 3 guests

PONANT's Superior Stateroom tier on deck 3. A king-size bed (180 x 190 cm); A bathroom with shower; Window (except cabin 300 : porthole).

In your cabin 16
  • A king-size bed (180 x 190 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • Window (except cabin 300 : porthole)
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$23,680
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Lower deck balcony stateroom
Lower deck balcony stateroom
18 m² 2 guests

Aggregation of PONANT's Deluxe Stateroom tier on deck 3. One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm); A bathroom with shower; A private 4 m² balcony.

In your cabin 17
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A window and panoramic glazed swing door
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$25,280
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Upper decks balcony stateroom
Upper decks balcony stateroom
18 m² 2 guests

Aggregation of PONANT's Prestige Stateroom tiers on decks 4, 5 and 6. One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm); A bathroom with shower; A private 4 m² balcony.

In your cabin 17
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$26,420
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
27 m² 2 guests

Deck 6. One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm); A bathroom with shower; A private 5 m² balcony.

In your cabin 22
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A lounge area with sofa (167 x 70 cm) and armchair
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 5 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$39,050
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Prestige Suite
Prestige Suite
37 m² 4 guests

Deck 5. A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm); A lounge with two armchairs, second TV, sliding courtesy door, and convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm); Two bathrooms with shower.

In your cabin 18
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm)
  • A lounge with two armchairs, second TV, sliding courtesy door, and convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm)
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • A private 8 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$50,290
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Privilege Suite
Privilege Suite
37 m² 2 guests

Deck 6. A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and TV; A bathroom with shower and bath; A private 8 m² balcony.

In your cabin 22
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and TV
  • A living/dining room with sofa, second TV, 4-seater table, and sliding courtesy door
  • A bathroom with shower and bath
  • A private 8 m² balcony
  • Three panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$52,820
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Grand Suite
Grand Suite
45 m² 2 guests

Deck 6. A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm); A bathroom with shower and a Balneo bathtub; A private 12 m² balcony.

In your cabin 22
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A lounge with sofa, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
  • A bathroom with shower and a Balneo bathtub
  • A private 12 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$58,100
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Grand Privilege Suite
Grand Privilege Suite
55 m² 4 guests

Deck 6. A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and TV; A second bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and a second TV; A bathroom with shower and bath.

In your cabin 23
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and TV
  • A second bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and a second TV
  • A lounge with sofa, third TV, two armchairs, and two sliding courtesy doors
  • A bathroom with shower and bath
  • A private 12 m² balcony
  • Three panoramic sliding bay windows
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$59,700
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator
Owner Suite
Owner Suite
55 m² 2 guests

Deck 6. A private 12 m² balcony; Three sliding panoramic windows; A bathroom with shower and whirlpool bath.

In your cabin 25
  • A private 12 m² balcony
  • Three sliding panoramic windows
  • A bathroom with shower and whirlpool bath
  • Butler service
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
  • A private return transfer
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living/dining room with convertible sofa (160 x 190 cm), second TV, 4-seater table and sliding courtesy door
  • Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
  • 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
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet
Double
$75,570
Ponant Bonus -20%
Available View at operator

Prices are captured from operator websites and may change — the operator's site is authoritative. Captured Nov 2, 2026 06:21 UTC.

Lowest price history · USD

Lowest available price

Cheapest cabin across all tracked offers — 1 price change since Jul 23, 2026

▲ $2,420 higher since first tracked
$21,260 ▲ $23,680
Jul 23 Aug 14 today
$23,680 now low $21,260 · high $23,680 Jul 23, 2026 – today

Cheapest per-person price across all cabins and operators, captured over time. Past changes don't predict future prices.

Route 8 waypoints

Itinerary and landing sites are indicative and subject to change based on weather, sea ice, and wildlife conditions.

Daily schedule
DAY 1 Ushuaia Dec 22

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 At sea Dec 23

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

DAY 3 New Island Dec 24

This island with its distinctive jagged relief is located on the western edge of the Falkland Islands and is home to a tiny village of two families. Step onto the golden sand of its flower-lined beaches, beside which an old stone house still stands, and you'll feel like you've entered a natural paradise. A narrow pathway weaves around typical Falkland moorlands. Follow it and in under 20 minutes you'll find yourself at the heart of a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross and imperial shags. It's the perfect opportunity to watch the albatross swoop down from the cliffs and skim the waves that crash against the rocks on the exposed side of the island.

DAY 3 Grave Cove Dec 24

Make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the beach. As you step off the boat and onto the white-sand beach, you might find yourself escorted by a few hospitable Commerson's dolphins, elegantly adorned in black and white. A stroll along the grassy dunes will lead you to a vast plain of lush green grass, tended by a few sheep. On the other side of the island you'll find one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the area. With some luck, you'll also glimpse a sea lion scouring the waves for his next meal.

DAYS 4–6 At sea Dec 25 – 27

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

DAYS 7–9 South Georgia Dec 28 – 30

Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.

DAYS 10–11 At sea Dec 31 – Jan 1

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

DAYS 12–15 Antarctic Peninsula Jan 2 – 5
DAYS 16–17 Crossing the Drake Passage Jan 6 – 7

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 18 Ushuaia Jan 8

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…

Activities

2

1 included in fare 1 optional add-on

Polar adventure guide
Included

Hiking & snowshoeing

Crunch through pristine snow up glaciated ridges and volcanic vantage points for breathtaking 360° panoramas over iceberg-choked straits and penguin rookeries.

Land & Alpine
Optional add-on

Kayaking & paddling

Paddle in near-silence through mirror-calm glacial bays, drifting alongside iridescent ice sculptures and listening to the deep exhales of surfacing humpback whales.

Water & Ice

Visited Regions

6
Polar destination guide

Expedition Overview

Le Lyrial
Mid-Size Expedition Ship

Le Lyrial

IAATO Category 1 (101–200 guests) — full Category 1 site access via two-group shore & Zodiac rotations

200 guests Ice class 1C Ice Class 1C: Ice-strengthened bow for navigating in light ice conditions (up to 0.4 m). Built 2015 122 cabins
20–24h -1°C to +5°C 52% sea ice
Peak Season · 20h Daylight

December 2028

Long polar days, hatching penguin chicks, and peak summer activity across rookeries and bays.

Hatching Chicks 20h Sunlight First Whales
France
French Luxury

PONANT

PONANT operates dedicated polar expedition voyages to Antarctica with experienced expedition teams.

IAATO Member 5 ships 15 itineraries

Other departure dates for The Great Austral Loop

10

Nov 2026 – Feb 20292 shipsFares from $22,470

View route & upcoming dates
Show all 10 departure dates (+4 more) Show fewer departure dates

Nov 2 – 19, 2028

Le Boréal 18 days

Lowest fare
From
$22,470
Save $1,210

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Wildlife on this route

Penguins

Emperor Penguins

The world's largest penguin breeds only in Antarctica's brutal winter. A rare and unforgettable sight.

Penguins

Gentoo Penguin

A stocky, orange-billed penguin of the genus Pygoscelis, closest kin to the Adélie and Chinstrap. Its loud, trumpeting call, delivered with head thrown back, carries across the shoreline colonies where expedition landings are made.

Whales & Dolphins

Humpback Whale

A 14–17 metre baleen whale known for breaching and long pectoral fins, often seen feeding on krill in loose groups along the ice edge.

Whales & Dolphins

Orca

Black and white apex predator instantly recognizable by its pale eye patches, the orca is the largest of the dolphins and one of the ocean's most capable hunters. Sightings often involve a tight-knit family pod working the ice edge together.

Getting ready for this voyage?

Everything worth bringing on an Antarctic expedition — an interactive checklist you can tick off as you pack, keep as a personal link and download as a PDF.

Open the packing checklist
from $23,680
per person · Window or Porthole Stateroom