In 2025, the renowned French cruise line, PONANT, boasting a fleet of 13 small expedition vessels, will introduce an extraordinary opportunity to explore Canada's St Lawrence River during the boreal winter. Four captivating voyages will be offered, making use of the icebreaking cruise ship Le Commandant Charcot, which will become the first of its kind to navigate this far northern region during wintertime.
Saint Lawrence River is typically inaccessible to conventional ships during this season due to challenging conditions. However, Charcot's exceptional design, featuring a massive 492-foot (150-m) ice-breaking hull, allows her to break through ice floes up to 8 ft (2.44 m) thick. It is currently the world's only Polar Class PC2-rated cruise vessel, enabling access to remote locations that other liners cannot reach. Impressively, Charcot operates with relative environmental efficiency, utilizing a combination of liquefied natural gas, low-sulfur diesel, and batteries for full electric mode.
Spanning 13 days, these expeditions promise an array of exhilarating activities such as kayaking, ice fishing, dog sledding, and skijoring. Additionally, the voyages include visits to indigenous communities, wildlife observation, and the chance to witness the enchanting Northern Lights.
Each itinerary presents unique highlights, such as snowshoe walking in Forillon National Park, engaging with the Innu people to learn about their traditions, and delighting in Quebec City's Winter Carnival. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to explore the Magdalen Islands, the exclusive site for observing newborn harp seal pups. To enhance the experience, accomplished British photographers Sue Flood and Ian Dawson will be present during each expedition to assist in capturing perfect wildlife and landscape photographs.
Moreover, the ship itself, functioning as a floating hotel, offers 123 balconied staterooms, a spa with a sauna, a gym, a heated indoor pool, an observation lounge with Swarovski binoculars, a multimedia theater, and several bars and restaurants. Notably, the main restaurant, Nuna, is under the expertise of French chef Alain Ducasse, renowned for his impressive collection of 21 Michelin stars.
The 4 departure dates for these remarkable journeys are set for January 17th, January 29th, February 10th, and February 22nd, 2025, with rates beginning at $24210 per person based on double occupancy.
Two voyages (Jan 17th and Feb 10th) depart from St Pierre Island (Pierre & Miquelon France) visiting Sydney NS, the Magdalen Islands, Gaspe, Sept-Iles, Saguenay River (cruising), and Baie-Comeau, ending in Quebec City. The other two voyages are on the reverse route.