Ponant hosted a press conference and plaque exchange ceremony in Quebec City onboard Le Commandant Charcot to celebrate the ship’s inaugural winter expedition in Canada’s St. Lawrence River.

The voyage marked the first time a cruise ship has navigated the waterway during the winter season, the company said in a press release.

According to Ponant, the cruise offers guests an opportunity to experience the region’s icy landscapes and cultural heritage, highlighting its commitment to offering guests the very best in polar exploration.

The inaugural voyage began in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on Jan. 17 and included stops at Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, Gaspé, Sept-Îles and Saguenay.

The cruise ended with a visit to Qeébec City, where Le Commandant Charcot arrived for an overnight visit.

During the visit to the port, key government officials and partners from Québec joined Ponant’s CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer Hervé Gastinel and Captain Patrick Marchesseau, master of the vessel, for a special celebration.

Notable attendees included René Trépanier, executive director of Cruise the Saint Lawrence; Mario Girard, CEO of the Port of Québec; Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada’s minister of public services and procurement; Caroline Proulx, Canada’s minister of tourism; and Bruno Marchand, mayor of Québec.

During the press conference, Ponant’s Gastinel also announced the ship’s return to the St. Lawrence in February 2027, with two new 14-night winter cruises from Québec.

“It is with great pride to renew the experience of Le Commandant Charcot on the St. Lawrence River in 2027, an adventure made possible thanks to the support of our government and tourism partners,” he said.

“Winter reveals a unique facet of the St. Lawrence, still little known, and Québec, with its rich heritage as a cultural and commercial crossroads, is the ideal homeport for these unique cruises,” Gastinel added.

After arriving in the region in January, Le Commandant Charcot is scheduled to offer additional cruises in the St. Lawrence waterway through early March 2025.

“The arrival of Ponant Explorations’ Le Commandant Charcot marks a historic milestone for the St. Lawrence and positions Québec as a prime destination, even in winter. This moment is a testament to the passion and collaborative efforts of our team, the St. Lawrence ports, and our partners,” said the CEO of Port of Québec, Mario Girard.

“By welcoming this innovative vessel, we are realizing our vision of a St. Lawrence that is accessible and attractive year-round, staying true to our ambition of innovation and sustainable development. I warmly thank our partners and the Ponant team for their trust and commitment to our city and our port,” he added.

“The arrival of the very first international winter cruise ship at the Port of Québec is a milestone for Québec tourism. Sailing the St. Lawrence in winter is a spectacular experience that puts both our landscapes and our expertise in the spotlight,” said Canada’s Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx.

“This ambitious winter tourism project is the result of a 10-year partnership with Ponant Explorations and Cruise the Saint Lawrence,” she added.