Ponant Explorations celebrated the inaugural journey of Le Commandant Charcot through Canada’s St. Lawrence River during the boreal winter.
This groundbreaking voyage marked the first time a cruise ship has navigated the St. Lawrence during this extraordinary season, highlighting PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ commitment to offering its guests the very best in polar exploration.
From January through early March 2025, Le Commandant Charcot is exploring this historic waterway, a vital trading route for millennia. The ship’s presence in the region highlights the unique beauty of the St. Lawrence in winter, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience its icy landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The inaugural voyage began in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on January 17, with stops at Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands; Gaspé; Sept-Îles; and Saguenay before arriving at the Port of Québec on January 28, where the ship overnighted for the final evening of the cruise. To commemorate this historic occasion, a press conference and plaque exchange ceremony were held onboard the vessel.
During the press conference, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer Hervé Gastinel announced the ship’s return to the region in February 2027 with two new 14-night round-trip Québec St. Lawrence itineraries. These itineraries will provide even more opportunities to explore this remarkable waterway during its most dramatic season.
Key government officials and partners from Québec joined Hervé Gastinel and Captain Patrick Marchesseau, master of the vessel, to mark this momentous occasion. Notable attendees included René Trépanier, Executive Director of Cruise the Saint Lawrence; Mario Girard, CEO of the Port of Québec; L’Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement; Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism; and Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts that made this achievement possible.
"It is with great pride to renew the experience of Le Commandant Charcot on the St. Lawrence River in 2027, an adventure made possible thanks to the support of our government and tourism partners," said Hervé Gastinel. "Winter reveals a unique facet of the St. Lawrence, still little known, and Québec, with its rich heritage as a cultural and commercial crossroads, is the ideal homeport for these unique cruises."
Key OFFICIALS’ Comments
CEO of Port of Québec, Mario Girard
"The arrival of PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Le Commandant Charcot marks a historic milestone for the St. Lawrence and positions Québec as a prime destination, even in winter. This moment is a testament to the passion and collaborative efforts of our team, the St. Lawrence ports, and our partners. By welcoming this innovative vessel, we are realizing our vision of a St. Lawrence that is accessible and attractive year-round, staying true to our ambition of innovation and sustainable development. I warmly thank our partners and the PONANT EXPLORATIONS team for their trust and commitment to our city and our port."
Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx
“The arrival of the very first international winter cruise ship at the Port of Québec is a milestone for Québec tourism. Sailing the St. Lawrence in winter is a spectacular experience that puts both our landscapes and our expertise in the spotlight. This ambitious winter tourism project is the result of a 10-year partnership with PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Cruise the Saint Lawrence. When we invest in unique, sustainable initiatives, we’re strengthening Québec’s position as a must-see destination and maximizing the economic benefits for regions across the province.”
New February 2027 Voyages Announced
“It is now more than conclusive that boreal winter cruises will be part of our landscape over the next decade,” said Executive Director of Cruise the St. Lawrence, René Trépanier.
In 2027, the ship will sail roundtrip from Québec with two 14-night itineraries departing February 13 and February 27, 2027, venturing west through the Gaspé Peninsula, where guests can snowshoe in Forillon National Park, and explore the Magic Forest with its thousands of snow-covered conifers. Further ports of call include Saint Pierre Island and Québec’s Magdalen Islands.
At Sept-Îles, guests will meet the Indigenous Innu people and learn about their ancestral customs and traditions, while in the borough of La Baie in the majestic Saguenay Valley, they can experience dog-sledding, snowshoeing, and ice-fishing adventures, all while enjoying the renowned hospitality of the Saguenayen people.
For more information on these new itineraries, visit the website here.
Le Commandant Charcot is the first high polar exploration ship. Her PC2 hull enables navigation through multi-year ice while reducing her environmental impact, thanks to hybrid electric propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Onboard, the staterooms and common areas are designed as true havens, widely open to the breathtaking landscapes and extreme surrounding environments. As the first opportunity ship for research, she is also equipped with two scientific laboratories (wet and dry).
