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

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.

The cruise Ship Le Lyrial - PONANT cruise ships Yarmouth 2025
Le Lyrial
Le Boreal - PONANT cruise ships Yarmouth 2025
Le Boreal

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:

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:

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:

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:

How You Can Help:

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