The St. Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter
With featured guest Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo Ambassador.
Le Commandant Charcot, a technological wonder capable of sailing in the most extreme environments, is opening up new horizons in unrivalled comfort and invites you to explore the Saint Lawrence. This river is not accessible to traditional ships in winter, so this exclusive and all-new PONANT journey lifts the veil on unique great open spaces, where the waters, once turbulent, freeze into ice, and where the forests are dressed in an immaculate white coat.
You will sail among different states and forms of ice and will be able to admire the evolution of this spectacular natural scenery from the reassuring cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot. Aboard the ship or on shore, you will seize the opportunities to explore these places where nature and the local communities reign supreme. Set off to discover this enchanting environment, featuring boreal forests of snow-covered conifers, immaculate valleys and drifting ice floe, thanks to winter activities such as hiking, snowshoeing or skiing. You may be lucky enough to see typical animals like caribou and elk in their natural habitat (if weather and ice conditions permit. )
In this region, where souls are filled with deep serenity, the colourful houses and fishing huts stand valiantly. Their sparkling facades, in bright and vibrant colours, defy the harshness of the winter landscape. Here, in one of the "few places where you can experience the cold with so much warmth" (Saguenay proverb), you will receive a hospitable welcome from Quebeckers and the Innu and Micmac peoples in unforgettable get-togethers.
A journey suspended in time, where lives blend with the natural elements and where the wild beauty of nature is revealed in its full splendour.
The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
BEYOND EXPLORATION
Embark on board Le Commandant Charcotthe only passenger ship in the world to have visited both the Geographic North Pole, and the most southerly point on the planet, the edge of the Antarctic.