Set off with PONANT aboard Le Champlain on an all-new 11-day expedition cruise discovering Lake Superior, an exceptional exploration amidst flamboyant nature and the cultural riches of the Indigenous communities.
Leaving from Milwaukee, you will enjoy sailing on Lake Michigan, a real inland sea and a perfect introduction to this region following in the footsteps of the first settlers, trappers and Indigenous communities.
Door County and the small town of Sturgeon Bay will welcome you for an exceptional port of call. Its landscapes, its jagged coastline to which historic lighthouses cling, and its vineyards and fruit trees as far as the eye can see compose a lovely postcard of this territory, known as the orchard of the Midwest.
You will continue your exploration towards Mackinac Island, only accessible by boat. This preserved and car-free haven will reveal itself to the sound of horse-drawn carriages and the noise of hooves hitting the paved streets. The Victorian charm of past-times works its spell here and the impressive Mackinac Bridge spans the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
You will arrive back in Canada in Sault Ste Marie, located on the banks of St. Marys River, a natural border with the United States. Indigenous, French and British influences have endowed the city with a wealth of historical treasures, and it is also renowned for its locks where the shipping traffic is one of the highest in the world.
Then, Lake Superior, designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve, will open the path to some fine exploring along the northern ‘Inside Passage’. Its sparkling waters are home to rich fauna, primary forest and communities descending from the First Nations, among the oldest indigenous peoples before colonisation.
You will finally set sail for Thunder Bay, your di
- An all-new expedition cruise to discover natural and cultural riches from Lake Michigan to Lake Superior.
- Outings and shore visits with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Hiking and kayak opportunities.
- Discovery of the culture of peoples descending from the First Nations.
- Sailing on three of the five Great Lakes of North America: Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior.
- An all-new port of call in Sturgeon Bay, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
- Scenery: jagged coasts, cliffs, vineyards, orchards, primary forest, islands, lake landscapes…
- Wildlife: brown bears, raccoons, reindeer, elk, birds…
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Le Champlain
| Built | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Length | 131 metres |
| Lifts/elevators | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
As the first ship in a new series, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
RESTAURANTS
As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Champlain will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.
In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.
To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.
PUBLIC AREAS
Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Champlain has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.
A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.
A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.
A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.
Lastly, a theatre that seats 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.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
