Le Lyrial, 13 Night Total Solar Eclipse in The Far North ex Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen to Reykjavik, Iceland

Beyond the Arctic Circle, facing landscapes frozen in time by the ice, set off on a fascinating journey to discover the islands of the Far North. For 14 days, from Spitsbergen to Iceland, via Jan Mayen Island and the eastern coast of Greenland, between fjords and glaciers, observe wild and mischievous nature as it wakes itself up, and set off to encounter the communities who live in these parts of the world, guardians of these untamed spaces. In this hushed world, facing completely unobstructed skies, you will seek out a rare phenomenon: the total solar eclipse, and discover its secrets thanks to the exceptional presence of astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré.

From Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost towns, you will weigh anchor, leaving behind the small colourful wooden homes that dot the landscape.

You will set sail to the north-west of Spitsbergen, keeping an eye out for the appearance of the first glaciers and the huge snow-covered peaks that gave the region its name. In this white kingdom, you will sail soothed by the romantic play of the midnight sun upon the icy waters of the fjords. You will observe the slow dance of the colonies of Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes and guillemots nesting on the vertiginous cliffs. On your left, in the distance, bearded seals laze on a piece of ice floe while, on the neighbouring peninsula, mossy tundra offers Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes an ideal playground. You will scan the horizon in the hushed silence of the fjord, hoping to spot the lord of the manor: the polar bear.

Next, your ship will make its way to Jan Mayen Island, which was very dear to Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Located on the threshold of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, this isolated and uninhabited volcanic island was a whale hunting centre and is home to large bird colonies.

As you sail along, you will perhaps see whales, before reaching the region of Ittoqqortoormiit on the east coast of Greenland. In the eponymous village, you will receive a warm welcome from the Inuit community and discover their traditions during special and authentic moments, before entering Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord network. This unique setting, made up of gigantic icebergs, golden brown moorland and sheer walls reddened by the minerals, is home to exceptional fauna: musk oxen, Arctic wolves and foxes, seagulls, barnacle geese and other migratory birds. Aboard Le Lyrial or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvellous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region’s elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Finally, your ship will set sail towards Iceland. From the village of Isafjörður to Westfjords, between lost valleys and sheer cliffs, discover a land of legends, of wild and enchanting beauty. In the total darkness of night and weather conditions permitting*, the Captain will take you along coasts full of mystery, in search of the best place to observe this total eclipse, the 16th to occur in the 21st century. You will be captivated by the unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.

*As we cannot control the weather conditions, we cannot guarantee the observation of this total solar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Captain will have room for manoeuvre and will be able to sail towards the most suitable places on the eclipse’s trajectory.

Itinerary is subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.

Fourth ship in this superb series loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Lyrial like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is PONANT’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 122 staterooms and suites) make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interoir Design:
We have been inspired by the destinations we visit and decided to create a subtle variation around a palette of blues. Ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves, it also includes the blue light of the future pole star.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...