In 2025, the Commandant Charcot, a technological marvel capable of navigating in extreme environments, opens new horizons in unparalleled comfort and will set off to discover the St. Lawrence. This river is not accessible to traditional ships in winter, so these exclusive and unique voyages from Ponant lift the veil on unique wide open spaces, where the waters, once turbulent, freeze into ice, and where the forests are adorned with an immaculate white coat.
Itinerary: The St. Lawrence River in the heart of the boreal winter
The 12-night itineraries of the Commandant Charcot on the St. Lawrence River include extended stopovers with an overnight stay in each port visited. Several activities are planned, some of which, more immersive, are optional and involve an additional cost. The four departures between Saint-Pierre and Quebec City (and vice versa) will take place on January 17, 29 and February 10 and 22. A flight between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Montreal is included before or after the cruise depending on the itinerary.
- Québec: The charms of Old Quebec are even more magnificent in winter. Skating in Old Quebec, visiting Montmorency Falls, ice canoeing, snowshoeing in Jacques-Cartier Park are some of the planned activities.
- La Baie (Saguenay): Here, the legendary welcome of the region’s inhabitants will charm visitors who can, among other things, go dog sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or spend the night in a yurt in Mont Valin National Park.
- Navigation in the Saguenay Fjord
- Sept-Îles: Meet the Innu people to discover their culture and ancestral tradition. An optional excursion will allow travelers to immerse themselves in Innu culture by spending the night under a traditional shaputuan.
- Gaspésie: Percé Rock is the symbol of the region. It will be possible to visit Forillon National Park on snowshoes, discover the Mi’kmaq culture or go Ski Hoc, a hybrid between skiing and snowshoeing.
- Iles de La Madeleine: The archipelago is known for its spectacular landscapes and red cliffs. Excursions on the culinary heritage of the islands will also be offered.
- Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon: This French archipelago in the heart of America has a rich history linked to the fishing industry and alcohol smuggling during prohibition. Whales, rorquals, dolphins, seals, puffins and petrels can be observed there.
An unprecedented winter exploration
The ship will sail among different states and forms of ice – from drifting and fragmented ice floes to solid ice – which will allow you to admire the evolution of this spectacular natural setting from the reassuring cocoon of the Commandant Charcot.
The Commandant Charcot: a ship like no other
Designed with cutting-edge technology and special attention to the environment, the Commandant Charcot is the first hybrid cruise ship with electric propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Commandant Charcot is the world’s first polar exploration passenger ship of the PC2 polar class (icebreaker).
An all-inclusive experience
Cruises aboard the Commandant Charcot include an all-inclusive offer:
- Excursions and activities supervised by experts. (Some excursions are optional)
- Gourmet catering with drinks included.
- WiFi
- Access to wellness areas (spa, sauna, gym).
- Naturalist team services for enriching conferences and workshops.
- Equipment for exploration activities (thermal clothing, boots, etc.).
You can still benefit from reduced prices and single rates on certain departures. If the experience proves successful, Ponant could repeat the experience in 2027.
