PONANT Cruise Ships Arrive in Yarmouth: Inaugural Calls This October 2025
Spend any time at all on the waterfronts of Halifax or Sydney this time of year and you’ll be struck by how alive the area is — full of people, activity, and energy. A big part of that vibrancy is the presence of cruise ships bringing visitors to our province from all over the world.
While Yarmouth’s scale is different, the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) has been working hard over the past several years to build the Port of Yarmouth as a destination for smaller, high-end cruise ships. And this October, that effort pays off in a big way: two luxury expedition ships from the French cruise line PONANT will make their inaugural calls to Yarmouth.
The Ships & Dates
- Le Lyrial — Monday, October 6, 2025, 2:00–10:00 PM
- Le Boreal — Thursday, October 16, 2025, 2:00–10:00 PM
These are not massive vessels with thousands of passengers. Instead, they are intimate, upscale ships designed for cultural immersion and discovery. The cruise ship Le Lyrial carries up to 245 guests and 145 crew; Le Boreal carries up to 184 guests and 118 crew.
Why This Matters for Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Bringing cruise ships here isn’t just about adding another attraction — it’s about connecting Yarmouth to the world. PONANT’s French roots make it a natural fit for our Acadian language and culture, Mi’kmaq history, and small-town coastal charm. These visitors are considered “high-yield” travelers, meaning they tend to spend more per visit and, importantly, they often come back again for longer stays.
Because these calls are happening in October, they also help extend our tourism season, supporting restaurants, shops, and experiences beyond the summer months.
What Guests Will Experience
Cruise passengers will get a taste of what makes our region special, with itineraries that include:
- Guided walking tours in Downtown Yarmouth focused on heritage, folklore, and language.
- A bus tour to Cape Forchu Lighthouse, with scenic stops at Fish Point and the famous Buoy Wall.
- Independent exploration of downtown shops, cafés, and restaurants — a chance for guests to meet locals and discover our welcoming community.
How the Community Can Get Involved
This is a community effort, years in the making. YASTA has worked with the Port, Cruise Atlantic Canada, the Cruise Canada New England Alliance, local businesses, volunteers, and all levels of government to make this possible.
Now, the final piece is us — the residents and businesses of Yarmouth. Here’s how you can play a role:
- Residents: A smile or a friendly “Bonjour!” goes a long way in making our guests feel at home.
- Businesses:
- If you have French-speaking staff, please encourage them to identify themselves – many cruise passengers will appreciate it.
- If you plan to stay open after 5 p.m., note that guests and crew will be exploring downtown between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Staying open later may help attract visitors who remain ashore.
- Please email info@yasta.ca with your business hours for October 16th, so YASTA can share with cruise guests.
- Add a warm touch of welcome – signage at your entrance, on a sandwich board, or window display saying, “Welcome Le Boreal Guests!” is encouraged.
- If you’re offering a Cruise Guest or Crew Special for the day, please let us know so we can help spread the word.
A Step Toward the Future
As Neil Mackenzie, CEO of YASTA, puts it: “YASTA has invested over two years building awareness and planning these initial calls to grow cruise in the shoulder season.”
This is just the beginning. These inaugural calls set the stage for future visits, more ships, and more opportunities for our region. Marine tourism is a powerful way to diversify our market and bring international attention to Yarmouth and Acadian Shores.
So, mark your calendars:
- October 6 — Le Lyrial
- October 16 — Le Boreal
Let’s give these guests a warm welcome and show them what makes Yarmouth and Acadian Shores unforgettable.
🚢 Ship Days at a Glance
Le Lyrial — Monday, October 6, 2025
Le Boreal — Thursday, October 16, 2025
🕑 Time in Port: 2:00–10:00 PM
👥 Guests & Crew: ~245 guests / 145 crew (Le Lyrial) | ~184 guests / 118 crew (Le Boreal)
Schedule Highlights:
- 1:30–2:30 PM: Arrival & welcome
- 2:30–7:00 PM: Downtown walking tours + Cape Forchu tours
- 7:30–9:00 PM: Guests shopping, dining, and exploring downtown
- 9:30–10:00 PM: Farewell & ship departure
How You Can Help:
- Residents: Smile and say “Bonjour!” — a small gesture makes a big impact.
- Businesses: Consider staying open until ~9:00 PM; offer specials or quick-serve options. Share your hours with YASTA (info@yasta.ca) so passengers know where to go.