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Shot of the lonely original lighthouse on Mackinac Island Michig

THE GREAT LAKES SMITHSONIAN JOURNEY

from $8,520

DATES: 2024 – Oct 11-18*
2025 – Sep 17-24

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

EMBARK: TORONTO, ON
DISEMBARK: MILWAUKEE, WI
*Reverse Itinerary

SHIP: LE CHAMPLAIN

FROM: $8,520*
All Inclusive – Port Charges, Open Bar, Gratuities to ship crew, Shore excursions
*AFTER 20% EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS

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All about the THE GREAT LAKES SMITHSONIAN JOURNEY.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Expedition Highlights

  • Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
  • A cruise with the opportunity to explore the five Great Lakes of North America, between the United States and Canada.
  • A cruise along the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.
  • An itinerary combining nature and culture: picturesque landscapes and geological curiosities, the history of indigenous Americans inhabiting the region before European colonization.
  • An excursion to the magnificent Niagara Falls.
  • A visit to charming Mackinac Island, with its preserved Victorian architecture.

NOTE: Other dates are available without Smithsonian program or inclusions.

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The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Included features:

  • Special Smithsonian Journeys guest speakers and programs geared to the English-speaking market
  • All accommodations, meals, and excursions described above
  • Shore excursions in each port
  • Gratuities to crew, guides and drivers on included excursions
  • Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe LE CHAMPLAIN, with all the amenities for which Ponant ships are famous.
  • All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands… list available upon request)
  • Evening entertainment and events
  • Room service 24h (special selection)
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite
  • Park entry fees into protected areas

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Airfare
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pre- and Post-cruise programs

  1. Day 1 TORONTO - EMBARK 

    The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size.

    NOTE: We highly recommend arriving at least one day early to see more of Toronto, and avoid the potential complications associated with travel delays.

     

  2. Day 2 ORT COLBORNE – NIAGARA FALLS - SAILING LAKE ERIE 

    Port Colborne is a small port city located in southern Ontario, at the mouth of the Welland Canal. It will be your privileged access point to the famous Niagara Falls, renowned all over the world for their spectacular beauty. Located on the river of the same name, which means “water thunder” in Amerindian language, these wonders of nature are among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

    Included excursion to Niagara Falls

  3. Day 3 SAILING DETROIT AND SAILING ST. CLAIR RIVERS 

    During your navigation along the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, you will sail along the largest city in Michigan. You’ll then enjoy panoramic views over the skyscrapers of the former Motor City, jewel of the automotive industry, Fordism and Motown music in the 20th century.

  4. Day 4 SAILING LAKE HURON - PARRY SOUND

    The charming city of Parry Sound enjoys an exceptional natural setting in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, east of Georgian Bay. A real paradise for fauna and flora, the place will delight fans of nature and photography.

    2 included excursions at this stopover

  5. Day 5 LITTLE CURRENT

    A small port town located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, Little Current is considered to be the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. The town’s emblematic construction, the Little Current Swing Bridge built in 1913, provides the only land access to the island. A real haven of peace, sheltering wild nature and some hamlets, the place is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse-riding and hiking.

    3 possible included excursions at this stopover

  6. Day 6 SAULT STE. MARIE 

    Located to the east of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Separated from its Canadian twin city by St. Marys River, it is famous among other things for its locks, known as either the Sault Locks or the Soo Locks, which enable ships to travel the change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. These locks, which date back over 160 years, are considered the most important in the world due to their shipping traffic.

    2 possible excursions to this stopover

     

  7. Day 7 MACKINAC ISLAND - SAILING LAKE 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 center.

    1 possible excursion to this stopover

  8. Day 8 MILWAUKEE - DISEMBARK 

    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, theaters and art galleries in the city center, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past.

    Pre- and post-cruise arrangements are available.

LE CHAMPLAIN

LE CHAMPLAIN

Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series,  this beautiful has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world’s most remote and isolated regions.

Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of this unique ship in the world of cruising.

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

 

Fast Facts:

  • Length: 430 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15 ft
  • Cruising speed: 12.5 knots
  • Guest decks:  5
  • Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 184 PAX
  • Normal crew size: 118
  • Gross tonnage: 9976 UMS

 

RESTAURANTS

Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.

The Le Nautilus gastronomic restaurant
Towards the rear of deck 4 you’ll find a panoramic restaurant large enough to accommodate all our passengers at one sitting. Offering a different concept than on our other ships, this space is open to the exterior and serves buffets of salads, desserts and cheeses. Our discreet and attentive staff provide a table service for hot meals.

Grill Restaurant

An exterior grill restaurant on deck 3 offering a relaxed ambiance and atmosphere:

PUBLIC AREAS

Main Lounge

Able to accommodate all our passengers at once for moments of shared conviviality, and as a venue for both daytime and evening shows and entertainment.

Panoramic Lounge

Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

Wellness Area

Spa treatments, L’Oreal Paris hair salon, free access sauna and open gym

Pool deck

A swimming pool offering panoramic views and equipped with a counter-current system.  A pleasant, attractive sun deck.  An exterior bar and lounge equipped with armchairs and sofas

The Theater 
188-seat capacity, cutting edge audio and lighting technology and LED stage background wall enabling the projection of ultra-high resolution media

ACCOMMODATIONS 

A contemporary and warmly welcoming design
All the 92 staterooms and suites are equipped with private balconies or terraces. Like the rest of the ship’s spaces, they have been designed to be exceptionally open to the exterior. Brightness and radiance, discreet luxury, ethnic touches, contemporary design and unparalleled levels of comfort add the finishing touches to the all-round voyage experience.

  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Video on demand
  • Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
  • Desk with stationery
  • Electronic safe
  • Hermès® bath products
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • 24hr room service
  • Inclusive Internet access Wifi

DELUXE STATEROOM

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE DECKS 3-6

  • Area : 27 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin (Deck 4 & 6; 3 passengers per cabin)

GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

  • Area : 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECKS 4-5

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6

  • Area : 19 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECKS 5-6 SUITE

  • Area : 38 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRIVILEGE SUITE DECKS 5-6

  • Area : 32 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin

OWNER’S SUITE

  • Area : 45 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin