GreatLakesCruises.com is a sales agent for every cruise line that operates on the Great Lakes.
GreatLakesCruises.com is a sales agent for every cruise line that operates on the Great Lakes.
Set sail with one of the most unique traveling opportunities in North America. Ponant Cruises is based in Marseille, France, which serves to lend a European flair to an already fantastic Great Lakes cruise line. Ponant Cruises is known for incredible excursions, innovative and sustainable technologies, and – of course – outstanding French cuisine.
The cruise line has existed for over 30 years, originally sailing in and around Europe. In 2018, Ponant unveiled a new initiative that took luxury small ships – more similar to private yachts than traditional cruise ships – all over the world. Known as the Ponant Explorers Cruise Series, the fleet would elevate the meaning of cruising in a number of ways. Cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and a profound respect for the environment are all hallmarks of the Explorers fleet. Not limited by size, the ships create an intimate atmosphere, where every room features a large picture window or private terrace. Ponant challenges the idea of what a cruise can be, making them an instant staple among the North American cruise industry.
A new-generation of ships, the Ponant Explorers Cruise series was created in 2018. It consists of several luxury small ships, which combine respect for the environment, elegant design and cutting-edge technology. All 88 staterooms have a private balcony while the suites have large picture windows and private terraces. The smaller capacity creates an intimate atmosphere, while 110 crew members provide personal and attentive 5 Star service.
The Ponant Explorers fleet ships are fitted with a movable marina platform, enabling guests to swim and engage in a number of nautical activities, like kayaking and paddle boarding, directly from the ship. Another great new feature, each ship has a multisensory underwater lounge – The Blue Eye Lounge – located in the hull below the water line.
Once onboard you will immediately notice a French touch among the decor. Not limited to Ponant’s design, the service and gastronomy also have a. Everyday on board, you can explore the delights of a refined table and high-end cuisine prepared by talented chefs.
To enhance your trip the majority of the ports of call offer custom designed optional excursions. Whether your interests are cultural or of a sporty nature you will definitely find your activity of interest among the wide selection you will have to choose from. With this tailor-made option, you will be able to enjoy a unique cruise designed to ensure your complete comfort, right down to the very last detail.
Ponant is one of the most unique products we have ever had the opportunity to experience. Ponant’s small ship size and expedition itineraries allows you to rediscover iconic destinations and venture out to little unknown places not accessible by larger ocean vessels.
Faithful to their commitment to spreading the French way of life around the world, PONANT always pays special attention to the meals that are served throughout the day. Talented chefs craft high end menus so you can enjoy the delights of a refined table. They share their passion for premium produce with passengers, enriched with inspiring flavours, locally sourced from the stopovers that we make along the Great Lakes. Lenôtre pastries are baked on board, bread is made fresh daily by French bakers. Organic baguettes, sandwich breads and specialty breads are always available as a buffet option with your breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Ponant’s Explorer Fleet offers two different dining concepts according to your desires. You will find there’s so much to choose from between the two restaurants and the menu, that you will find something different everyday.
The elegant main restaurant, Le Nautilus, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a focus on French and European cuisine. Dining is open seating, and there are outdoor tables available in warmer weather months. Dinner is served in the French Gastronomic tradition along with one of the best wines from our cellar, as recommended by the sommelier.
In the Grill the atmosphere is more relaxed with a buffet option. Open for lunch and dinner, indulge your taste buds with healthy gourmet buffet selections and a daily changing menu of grill options.
Whether you wish to have breakfast in the privacy of your stateroom, savour a snack in the middle of the day or enjoy your dinner in an intimate setting, Room Service is available for you. Have a gourmet interlude and treat yourself from a varied menu at any time of day or night.
So that everyone’s tastes are catered to, special menus are available on request for guests with specific dietary requirements (low-fat, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc).
Each itinerary has been thoughtfully created by PONANT to offer you a complete excursion experience that will enrich your cruise and make your trip unique. Guests will also enjoy onboard lectures and enrichment programs prior to excursions.
Ponant’s Explorer Fleet has easier onboard access than on any other cruise ship visiting the Great Lakes. Located on Deck 2 guests will be able to disembark and embark by Zodiac when participating in expeditions .
During Expedition voyages, Le Champlain’s/Le Bellot’s/ fleet of Zodia make landing ashore in remote, seldom visited destinations safe and enjoyable, and enable guests to get as close as possible to your surroundings. Zodiacs are designed to accommodate small groups of 10 gerts ad are easy to step on to from the
A chic Scandi style pervades the public areas, with plenty of light and airy spaces to relax and socialise. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers or to relax in total tranquillity.
A chic Scandi style pervades the public areas, with plenty of light and airy spaces to relax and socialise. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers or to relax in total tranquillity.
The Main Lounge is the ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy the various activities that have been organised such as dancing classes or theme evenings. The cosy piano bar is a Panorama Lounge with breathtaking views of the horizon.
The Outside Bar is a great space for relaxing that has access to the swimming pool and its solarium.
The Theatre is the largest space on board with a seating capacity of 188. Equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology, a LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos. It plays host to onboard entertainment as well as conferences from our experts, naturalist guides and guests of honors.
Dedicated to leisure and relaxation, The Library is stocked with a wide range of books and board games. On the deck below, you will find the PONANT Studio, an image and photo corner. A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return.
All Ponant Explores have a special area for children onboard known as the Le Kids Club. Books, television, board games and consoles (PS4 or Wii™) are all provided for their use and enjoyment. (All staterooms have direct access to On-Demand Videos.)
Ponant Explorer’s offers the ideal environment in which to take time for yourself, our ships offer special spaces dedicated to wellness and relaxation.
Le Champlain, Le Bellot and the Le Dumont-d’urville feature an onboard spa, equipped with massage and a sauna. The spa offers a wide choice of top-of-the-range treatments, discover a range of facial treatments, aromatic baths, exfoliation and body massage treatments designed to provide moments of complete relaxation. You can also supplement your beauty ritual with additional services such as hair-removal, makeovers, manicures and pedicures. See a sample of the Spa Menu here. (Note: Spa treatments are an additional fee.)
Ponant’s Explore Fleet have intimate gyms is equipped with the latest Technogym© equipment and machines. Treadmills, exercise bikes, Kinesis Wall© strength training machines, weights and many other types of equipment are all provided in a laid-back relaxing environment. The wide floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sea add undeniable charm to the exercise sessions. Each day also begins with organised morning workout sessions, either out in the open air or in the theatre. These are supplemented by water aerobics in the heated pool, when the situation allows it.
Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair’s shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.
The spacious, comfortable outdoor areas offers superb ocean panoramas. There is a solarium and heated seawater infinity pool with a counter-current system featuring its own exterior bar and sun lounge, equipped with armchairs and sofa.
On board Le Champlain, Le Bellot or the Le Dumont-d’urville – you will find a Duty-Free Boutique that is open while at sea. It offers a selection of ready-to-wear clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, beauty products, postcards and accessories. By ordering on PONANT”S Exclusive Online Store you can insure the articles you want are delivered directly to your stateroom before sailing.
Whatever your tastes, our attentive and professional staff are at your service to ensure your cruise will be one to be remembered. Even under the most extreme climatic conditions, you can be sure of great comfort and an exceptional service which are the hallmark of the PONANT cruise line.
On board the Le Champlain & Le Bellot the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests. The Reception Office: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc. The Excursion Office: the excursion team is available at all times to tell you about the onshore programmes, organise group or private excursions and to manage transfers at the start or end of the cruise.
* Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
In order to participate in a Ponant Explorer cruise, PONANT Travel Protection is recommended but not required.
Over the years, the Great Lakes region has come to feel like a close personal friend to us, and we’re happy to introduce you.
Departing From:
Ports of Call:
Milwaukee, WI • Sturgeon Bay, ON • Mackinac Island, MI • Bayfield & Apostle Islands • Duluth, WI • Silver Islet • Slate Islands • Thunder Bay, ON
Rate starts at
Day 1 | Milwaukee, WI
Day 2 | Sturgeon Bay, WI
Day 3 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 4 | Sail along Lake Superior
Day 5 | Sail through Keweenaw Waterway
Day 6 | Bayfield & Apostle Islands, WI
Day 7 | Duluth, WI
Day 8 | Silver Islet, Lake Superior
Day 9 | North Shore Inside Passage
Day 10 | Slate Islands. ON
Day 11 | Disembark From Thunder Bay Early Morning
Sailing from Milwaukee Sep 4 Le Champlain
Sailing from Thunder Bay Sep 14 Le Champlain
Departing From:
Ports of Call:
Milwaukee, WI • Mackinac Island, MI • Sault Sainte Marie, MI • Killarney, ON • Parry Sound, ON • Midland, ON • Pelee National Park • Colborne, ON • Toronto, ON
Rate starts at
Day 1 | Milwaukee, WI
Day 2 | Sail Lake Michigan · Mackinac Island, MI
Day 3 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Day 4 | Killarney, ON
Day 5 | Parry Sound, ON
Day 6 | Midland, ON
Day 7 | Sail along Flowerpot Island & Lake Huron
Day 8 | Sail St. Clair River through Detroit, MI
Day 9 | Point Pelee National Park
Day 10 | Sail Lake Erie to Port Colborne
Day 11 | Depart from Toronto Early Morning
Sep 24 – Oct 4 Le Champlain
Departing From:
Ports of Call:
Toronto, ON · Port Colborne, ON · Parry Sound, ON · Little Current, ON · Sault Ste. Marie, MI · Mackinac Island, MI · Milwaukee, WI
Rate starts at
Day 1 | Toronto, ON
Day 2 | Port Colborne, ON · Sail Lake Erie
Day 3 | Sail through Detroit, MI & St. Clair River
Day 4 | Sail Lake Huron · Parry Sound, ON
Day 5 | Little Current, ON
Day 6 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Day 7 | Mackinac Island, MI · Sail Lake Michigan
Day 8 | Milwaukee, WI
Reverse Itinerary also available.
Departing from Toronto Aug 28 Le Champlain
Departing from Milwaukee Oct 11 Le Champlain
Answer to question 1
