Polar Expedition 
Free solo supplement 
35-year offer 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- New
Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition
Thunder Bay - Milwaukee
Dates:
14/9/2024
to
24/9/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Set off with PONANT aboard Le Champlain, on a brand-new 11-day expedition cruise to discover Lake Superior and enjoy an exceptional exploration of flamboyant nature in the Indian summer, and of the cultural riches of the Indigenous communities and colonies that have lived in the region.
Departing from Thunder Bay, explore the world’s largest freshwater lake, designated as a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. It is split between the United States, in the south, and Canada, in the north. Its rocky shoreline covered in boreal forest rises from the shimmering waters and reveals stunning panoramas.
Le Champlain will first set a course for the Slate Islands, known for their Provincial Park and abundant nature, before continuing its voyage toward the lake’s North Shore Inside Passage taking time to explore this mineral and wooded region from the water or on land. From lighthouses dotting the shorelines decked in autumnal colours to an ecosystem with exceptional riches in Terrace Bay, Rossport and Red Rock, this larger-than-life corner of the world offers its enchanted visitors, precious moments filled with warm encounters with the local communities and historical sites discovery.
Next, your ship will take you to visit the community of Silver Islet, established on an old silver mine in an enchanting setting. Delight in the splendour of this lacustrine environment surrounded by blue, and meet the people who live there.
You will then make your way to the southern end of the lake where, upon arriving in the charming city of Bayfield, you will be greeted with a performance by members of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) tribe. After sailing along the Keweenaw Waterway, you will discover the Apostle Islands. This archipelago of 21 islands is a biodiversity sanctuary home to some 800 botanical species and invaluable treasures including its sea caves, remarkable geological formations carved out of red sandstone over time.
Your exploration will continue with Lake Michigan and Mackinac Island, an insular haven steeped in old-world charm, before reaching Door County and the small town of Sturgeon Bay. Its landscapes, its jagged coastline dotted with historic lighthouses, and its vineyards and fruit trees as far as the eye can see compose a lovely postcard of “the orchard of the Midwest”.
Finally, you will sail to your disembarkation port in Milwaukee, on Lake Michigan, where your cruise will draw to an end.
Ref : EC140924
Your itinerary
A brand-new expedition cruise during the Indian summer, to discover some of the archipelagos and wild shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. An unprecedented, immersive exploration of Lake Superior:...
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Your trip in detail
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LE LYRIAL
7/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
1/10/2023 to the 8/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/2/2024 to the 3/3/2024
LE BORÉAL
7/7/2024 to the 20/7/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as landings in tender or local boats (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
- Hiking shoes
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A brand-new expedition cruise during the Indian summer, to discover some of the archipelagos and wild shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
- An unprecedented, immersive exploration of Lake Superior: Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, for a remarkable nature sanctuary and stunning red sandstone sea caves; the North Shore Interior Passage, from its rocky shorelines dotted with lighthouses to its boreal forest.
- Discover Bayfield, a small town with the charm of the past.
- Interact with the welcoming Canadian communities of Silver Islet, Terrace Bay, Rossport and Red Rock, living on the sites of the First Nations at the heart of the North Shore Interior Passage, and discover their ancestral and current traditions, in communion with nature.
- The outings with a team of naturalist-guides (inflatable dinghy in Canada, or tender, local boats).
- The possibility of hiking in the heart of the majestic boreal forest, of canoeing or kayaking.
- 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.
- Landscapes: jagged coasts, limestone cliffs, volcanic rocks, red sandstone caves, boreal forest in dazzling colours, islands and archipelagos, lake landscapes, lighthouses.
- Wildlife: numerous bird species, including bald eagles, black-capped chickadees, and cedar waxwings; the possibility of observing caribou, and American black bears.
Subject to weather conditions. The expedition highlights, encounters with the wildlife and itinerary described illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ports of Call & Excursions
14 September 2024 - Thunder Bay
Embarkation 14/9/2024 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Departure 14/9/2024 at 8:00 pm
Situated in the north-west of Lake Superior, the Canadian city of Thunder Bay enjoys a strategic position on the seaway connecting the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence, which explains why it is also called “Lakehead”. The city was also the terminus of a Canadian Pacific Railway corridor. This contributed vastly to its rapid growth in the 20th century. The historical museum is a must-see, as is the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, specialising in contemporary artwork by First Nations artists. Today, the city is a far cry from the small French fur-trading post established there in 1683. Nevertheless, a well documented historical reconstruction can be visited on the outskirts of the city: Fort William Historical Park.
15 September 2024 - Slate Islands
Arrival 15/9/2024
Departure 15/9/2024
To the north of Lake Superior, a stone’s throw from Terrace Bay, the Slate Islands form a archipelago made up of two main islands and a string of smaller islands. This territory imbued with the region’s history, which features forestry, mining and the first native settlements, is a preserved natural area called the Slate Island Provincial Park. A large caribou colony lives in harmony in this sanctuary of biodiversity, where no fewer than 50 animal species and 250 plant varieties flourish. In the heart of this pristine territory, between thick boreal forest, limestone and volcanic rock, and water in deep emerald green hues, enjoy unique and peaceful moments in communion with life, during Zodiac outings or kayaking.
16 September 2024 17 September 2024 - North Shore Inside Passage
Arrival 16/9/2024
Departure 17/9/2024
Depuis les rives du lac Nipigon, explorez les recoins préservés du passage intérieur Nord de Gchi Gami, le grand lac en ojibwé, l’autre nom du lac Supérieur. Falaises marquées de pétroglyphes anciens visibles lors d’une balade sur l’eau à Red Rock, découverte de phares majestueux à Battle Harbour, randonnées au cœur de la forêt boréale sublimée par les couleurs d’automne où tous vos sens sont en éveil, découverte d’un canyon à Terrace Bay, rencontres chaleureuses avec les communautés canadiennes sur les lieux sacrés des Premières Nations, observations émerveillées de la faune, visite de sites historiques à Red Rock… Nombreux sont les points d’intérêt de cette région ou s’entrecroisent les histoires, au fil de siècles. C’est là toute la richesse de cette destination jusqu’alors inexplorée.
18 September 2024 - Silver Islet, Lake Superior
Arrival 18/9/2024
Departure 18/9/2024
Silver Islet refers to both a small rocky island and a small community located at the end of the Sibley Peninsula, on Lake Superior, in north-western Ontario, Canada. A silver ore deposit can be found beneath the tiny reef, 380 metres under the lake. The mine was operated from 1869 to 1884 and proved to be very prosperous; however, the constraints linked to pumping the water and the extremely difficult working conditions resulted in its closure. Silver Islet is located in a fascinating natural setting enhanced by the waters of the lake. It is ideal for great encounters with the communities living there, and for really exploring nature, on foot, by Zodiac dingy and by kayak, to make the most of its extraordinary views.
19 September 2024 - Sailing Lake Superior
Arrival 19/9/2024
Departure 19/9/2024
Lake Superior stands in a league of its own. It is not only the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes of North America, it is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, holding around 10% of the globe’s surface freshwater! It was named by the first European settlers, who had noticed its higher altitude compared to the other four lakes. Lake Superior connects with Lake Huron and Lake Michigan via the Sault Ste. Marie locks. From the decks of your ship, you will relish your experience of sailing on this vast inland body of water, and imagine it entirely frozen over during the winter months...
19 September 2024 - Duluth
Arrival 19/9/2024
Departure 19/9/2024
Sur les rives du lac Supérieur, dans le Minnesota, Duluth est une ville portuaire florissante fondée en 1679 par le Français Daniel Greysolon, sieur du Lhut. Sur ce territoire où vivent notamment des tribus Ojibwés et Dakotas, le commerce de traite des fourrures se développe avec la compagnie de la baie d’Hudson et participe au rayonnement de la ville. Exceptionnellement située au cœur d’une nature resplendissante, Duluth attire les familles fortunées en villégiature. En témoignent les belles demeures victoriennes, tel Glensheen Mansion, un manoir du début du XXe siècle. Profitez d’une flânerie dans la ville, à moins que vous ne préfériez prendre un peu de hauteur à bord du North Shore Scenic Railroad et son musée, une autre façon de découvrir la région.
20 September 2024 - Bayfield & Apostle Islands
Arrival 20/9/2024
Departure 20/9/2024
Discover Bayfield, in the southern Lake Superior region in the state of Wisconsin. Founded in 1856, this small city, nestling in the curve of an unspoiled peninsula, projects an old-world charm with its Victorian houses. As soon as you arrive, you will dive into its traditions during a performance by the Ojibwe tribe, descended from the First Nations, for whom this region is the spiritual heart. Bayfield is also the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a protected natural area around the Apostle Islands, an archipelago comprising 21 enchanting islands offering dense forests, magnificent lighthouses, birdwatching, and remarkable red sandstone sea caves. Explore these islands on a local boat and discover their fascinating shorelines carved by the elements.
21 September 2024 - Sailing through Keweenaw Waterway
Arrival 21/9/2024
Departure 21/9/2024
South of Lake Superior, your ship will cross the Keweenaw Peninsula via the eponymous waterway along the Portage River. This stretch of land located in the north of the State of Michigan is part of the Copper Country, home to large mines run by the Native Americans over 5,000 years ago and rediscovered thanks to their descendants at the beginning of the 18th century. A copper rush ensued, with waves of immigration from Finland and Northern Europe. The river separates the towns of Houghton, in the south, and Hancock, in the northern part also known as Copper Island or Kuparisaari by the Finnish immigrants. So, crossing Keweenaw also means looking back over the region’s history.
21 September 2024 - Sailing Lake Superior
Arrival 21/9/2024
Departure 21/9/2024
Lake Superior stands in a league of its own. It is not only the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes of North America, it is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, holding around 10% of the globe’s surface freshwater! It was named by the first European settlers, who had noticed its higher altitude compared to the other four lakes. Lake Superior connects with Lake Huron and Lake Michigan via the Sault Ste. Marie locks. From the decks of your ship, you will relish your experience of sailing on this vast inland body of water, and imagine it entirely frozen over during the winter months...
22 September 2024 - Mackinac Island
Arrival 22/9/2024 early morning
Departure 22/9/2024
Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.
23 September 2024 - Sturgeon Bay
Arrival 23/9/2024 early morning
Departure 23/9/2024
Sturgeon Bay is a small, little-known town in the Great Lakes region. It offers a perfect blend of traditions and gentle way of life. The gateway to Door County (Wisconsin), known for its cherry and apple orchards as well as its vineyards, Sturgeon Bay is sometimes called “the orchard of the Midwest”. Several old lighthouses and early-19th century merchant ship wrecks, visible from the surface, make up an interesting historical heritage. Nature is all around, allowing visitors to engage in a host of outdoor activities: hiking in one of the five national parks, kayaking on crystal-clear waters to discover the myriad islets dotting the lake, bike riding, and more.
24 September 2024 - Milwaukee
Arrival 24/9/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 24/9/2024 at 7:00 am
Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago, the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
35-year offer
35 years ago, Le Ponant, the company’s iconic flag-ship vessel, welcomed her very first guests on a journey to discover exclusive destinations. To celebrate 35 years of sailing, exploration and discoveries at sea, we are offering you an additional 10% savings for 35 days on more than 200 departures when you book by 5 July 2023!
To take advantage of the 35th-anniversary offer and all your benefits, we invite you to contact your cruise advisors or your travel agency by phone or email, and mention the offer code PONANT35.
Offer available from 01/06/23 until 05/07/2023 with code « PONANT35 » - Discount of 10% for the thirty-fifth anniversary of PONANT.
Offer non combinable with Flight credit offers, Free Single supplement, Webinar, Onboard sale or Ponant event discounts.