Le Lyrial

Le Lyrial completed Ponant’s Boréal series in 2015, and as the youngest of the four she brings a few refinements, including more suites and fewer cabins overall, so the ship feels especially uncrowded. Her decor follows the series’ understated French style, updated with a few touches of its own. She has the series’ ice-strengthened hull and Zodiac fleet, which means you might find her in Antarctica one season and the Mediterranean or Asia the next. Her theater doubles as a lecture hall for the expedition team, and her spa and pool deck make sea days restful. She suits travelers who like more space.

Best for: Travelers who want a refined, small French ship with expedition capabilities and a little more elbow room.

Ponant is a French luxury expedition line sailing small, yacht-like ships of 180 to 265 guests everywhere from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the Kimberley and Japan, including the polar icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, which can reach the North Pole. Fares include an open bar, gratuities and Wi-Fi, with French cuisine and a bilingual French-English atmosphere. It suits curious, well-traveled adults who enjoy a European style.