Ponant Unveils Winter Cruises on Saint Lawrence
Ponant is making waves in the winter travel market with its inaugural winter cruises on Canada’s iconic Saint Lawrence River. Over the weekend, the expedition vessel Le Commandant Charcot set sail on the first of five planned winter voyages for this season, marking a significant milestone in expanding the region’s year-round tourism appeal.
Departing from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the Le Commandant Charcot is poised to deliver an unforgettable winter experience that traverses some of the most scenic and culturally rich ports along the Saint Lawrence. The itinerary includes stops at Cap-aux-Meules in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the rugged coastlines of Gaspé, and the charming port of Sept-Îles. The journey also visits La Baie (Saguenay) and culminates in the historic city of Québec, providing passengers with a multifaceted experience that blends natural beauty, cultural diversity, and Indigenous heritage.
“This world premiere event aligns to perfection with our strategy to position the Saint Lawrence as an upmarket winter tourism destination,” explained René Trépanier, Executive Director of Cruise the Saint Lawrence. “We are presenting a superlative blend of snowscapes, culture, and Indigenous offerings—all within a single region.” With this new venture, the Saint Lawrence River is set to evolve from a traditional summer cruise haven into an international four-season destination, opening up new opportunities for ports of call and local businesses.
The winter sailings, scheduled from now through early March, will offer passengers a choice of five voyages that range from 12 to 15 nights. While the ship is built for exploration, each journey is further enriched with specially curated shore excursions. Guests can choose to partake in activities such as e-bike rides to explore picturesque coastal routes, hikes along the dramatic cliffs at Fatima in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and snowshoe treks through the pristine landscapes of Forillon National Park. These experiences are designed to showcase the region’s natural splendor and offer a deeper insight into its cultural and historical context.
Hervé Gastinel, President of Ponant Explorations Group, highlighted the significance of this venture. “We feel a deep connection to the Saint Lawrence region, which our ships have been visiting every summer for many years,” he remarked. “These winter cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot, completely unprecedented in nature, open the door to a new and unique experience, offering exceptional moments for our guests.” Gastinel’s comments underscore Ponant’s commitment to innovation and its desire to extend the cruising season by tapping into the vast potential of the winter market.
The launch of the winter cruises is part of a broader strategic initiative by Cruise the Saint Lawrence. The organization hopes that the presence of Le Commandant Charcot during the colder months will not only attract tourists but also inspire other cruise lines to consider introducing winter voyages in the region. “The presence of Le Commandant Charcot in winter speaks to a key component of our strategic plan to transform the Saint Lawrence into a four-season international cruise destination,” Trépanier said. “In seeking to extend the cruise season, we aim to provide our member ports of call with a year-round revenue stream.”
By establishing a robust winter cruise offering, Ponant is set to redefine travel on the Saint Lawrence. This innovative approach aims to boost the regional economy while providing travelers with an unmatched, immersive experience during one of the most picturesque seasons in Canada. As the winter cruise season gets underway, guests and industry experts alike are eagerly anticipating the diverse adventures that await along the storied waters of the Saint Lawrence River.
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