Ponant Cruises' newbuild will fly the French flag and will sail in the Mediterranean
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri launched Ponant Cruises’ Le Lyrial at its Ancona shipyard on 11 April.
The 11,000gt newbuild will fly the French flag and has been designed as the sister ship of L'Austral, Le Boreal and Le Soleal, which were delivered in May 2010, April 2011 and June 2013, respectively.
Renowned architect Jean-Philippe Nuel collaborated with Veronique Saadé, deputy managing director of Compagnie du Ponant, to design the 142m yacht’s French-themed interior. Inspired by the Vega star, which is part of the Lyra constellation in the northern hemisphere, the yacht will be decorated in various shades of blue and feature expanded suites.
Le Lyrial will have a total of 122 staterooms and a full deck of suites – all with a sea view and 94% with a balcony – and like her sister ships, will feature environmentally friendly technology and an energy-saving LED lighting system, enabling her to be certified as a ‘clean ship’. In addition, certification board Bureau Veritas has awarded Le Lyrial ‘comfort class’ status due to her low vibration and noise levels.
During her inaugural season, Le Lyrial will offer itineraries in the Mediterranean, calling at places such as Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey. She will then sail to Antarctica.