Friday, January 17, 2025
As winter paints the Saint Lawrence region with icy splendor, PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Le Commandant Charcot is set to embark on an extraordinary journey. This French-registered hybrid electric polar exploration vessel, powered by liquid natural gas, will launch its first winter voyage tomorrow from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Over the course of five sailings, the ship will explore the stunning shores of Québec, including a historic first stop at Cap-aux-Meules in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, before continuing to Gaspé, Sept-Îles, La Baie (Saguenay), and Québec City.
Cruise the Saint Lawrence celebrates this milestone, heralding the event as a significant step in positioning the region as a premier winter tourism destination. The cruises promise a rich blend of Québec’s Nordic culture, breathtaking snowscapes, and unique Indigenous experiences. René Trépanier, Executive Director of Cruise the Saint Lawrence, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the strategy to transform the region into an upmarket winter destination.
Passengers will enjoy curated shore excursions and activities, from electric-assist bike adventures and snowshoe treks to cultural immersions with the Mi’kmaq and Innu communities. Other highlights include ice fishing, electric snowmobile tours, and ice skating in Québec City, ensuring a diverse and memorable winter experience.
Le Commandant Charcot stands at the forefront of sustainable cruising. Its innovative features include using recycled propulsion-based energy for heating, eliminating single-use plastics, and adhering to environmentally respectful disembarkation protocols. The vessel’s battery-powered operation enables silent navigation in protected areas, and its ice-breaking capabilities allow for safe travel while preserving the coastal ice pack.
Hervé Gastinel, President of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, shared the company’s deep connection to the Saint Lawrence region, noting that these unprecedented winter cruises offer guests a unique opportunity to explore its winter wonderland.
The arrival of Le Commandant Charcot aligns with the mission to establish the Saint Lawrence as a sustainable, year-round cruise destination. The extended cruise season aims to provide member ports with year-round economic benefits. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to eco-responsible tourism, as ports of call enhance passenger experiences with sustainable practices.
Le Commandant Charcot will operate five voyages between mid-January and early March, with embarkation and disembarkation alternating between Québec and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Key ports of call include:
Passengers will disembark with lasting memories of an unparalleled winter adventure, setting a new standard for sustainable and experiential cruising in the region.
Tags: Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT winter expeditions, Québec winter voyages, Saint Lawrence winter cruises, sustainable cruising in Québec, Travel News
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025