An international shipowner will market a cruise on the Saint Lawrence River for the first time in January 2025, making several stopovers in Quebec.
• Also read: Port of Quebec: A 2022 report marked by the end of the pandemic with the return of cruises and the launch of new products
This was announced by the St. Lawrence Cruise Association (ACSL) and the Port of Quebec on Monday, together with representatives of the French cruise line Ponant, which specializes in luxury excursions.
Courtesy of the St. Lawrence Cruise Association
From late January to early March 2025, the polar research vessel Commandant Charcot de Ponant will ensure four 12-night, 200-passenger voyages on the icy waters of the Gulf and St. Lawrence Estuary, and on the Saguenay Fjord. .
“For us, this is the best news we have been able to announce in the last decade. We’ve never had anything so new, so innovative, that I think should have an impact at an international level,” said René Trépanier, General Manager of ACSL.
“World Premiere”
Prior to Ponant, the CTMA cooperative based in the Magdalen Islands had successfully undertaken winter cruises.
“But this is the first international luxury cruise that will be based in Quebec, in the Atlantic regions. This is a world first,” said Mr. Trépanier.
René Trépanier, Director General of the Association des Croisières du Saint-Laurent Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
The boat will depart from the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, south of the island of Newfoundland, and will specifically dock at the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Gaspé, Sept-Îles and Saguenay – where passengers can disembark on the ice in the heart of Baie of the Ha! Ha! – and in Quebec, with the aim of discovering the beauties of winter and the Nordic region.
Meeting an Innu community, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, fat biking on snowy beaches, dog sledding and ice fishing will be part of the program, which will be part of the Slow Cruising movement.
“We stay one night or even two nights in the same place and you should know that with this mentality we reduce our fuel consumption by 30%,” explained José Sarica, director of the experiential expedition at Ponant.
secure
The Commandant Charcot is an electric hybrid powered by LNG and equipped with an icebreaker capability. “This enables us to maneuver in complete safety and in compliance with environmental standards that no ship can match today,” said Mr. Sarica.
“We’re sure of our chance, it’s too good,” said the representative, who said he was utterly charmed by the “cordiality” of Quebecers.
José Sarica, Experiential Expedition Leader for Ponant Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Although the ship will sail in Quebec waters, it will not be in Antarctica, which is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations, said Mr. Trépanier, who hopes “it will snow”.
“It positions us, the Port of Quebec, as a four and multi-year port now. Very few ports in the world can do that [targuer] to have that positioning,” added Marie-Andrée Blanchet, Director of Cruises and Port Ecosystem at the Port.
winter tourism
The Québec Cité destination, which for several years has prioritized the promotion of winter tourism in the capital to expand tourist activity, welcomed the news. For the first time, the tourism association spends more money in winter than in summer to attract customers.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“I think the strategic side is huge. It sends a truly incredible message as we really want to stand out and affirm that we are the winter destination of North America,” commented director Robert Mercure.
“It is a dream come true as we have been working to position Quebec and Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean as a four season destination and winter paradise for more than ten years.” […] It’s going to be magical,” said Priscilla Nemey, General Manager of Promotion Saguenay.
Cities visited
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon*
- Magdalen Islands
- gasping
- Sept-Iles
- Saguenay (2 nights, three days)
- Quebec*
- Four itineraries of 12 nights each, from late January to early March 2025
- 200 passengers per trip
- *Boarding and disembarking is shared between Quebec and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
Source: St Lawrence Cruise Association (ACSL)
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