Ponant Explorer Cruises

Le Champlain & Le Bellot Expedition Cruise Ship

Set sail on and discover a refined atmosphere, in the spirit of a private yacht. PONANT has been sailing the world for thirty years and we are excited to announce their newest itinerary - The Great Lakes aboard the Le Champlain and Le Bellot!

A new-generation of ships, the PONANT EXPLORERS series created in 2018, consists of small-sized 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.

Le Champlain & Le Bellot are fitted with a movable marina platform, enabling guests to swim and engage in a number of nautical activities such as Kayaking and Paddleboarding, directly from the ship. Another unique feature is Le Champlain’s underwater guest lounge, called the Blue Eye, located within the hull beneath the water line.

Once onboard you will immediately notice the "French Touch" in all the design and decor, but also in the service and gastronomy. 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. Le Champlain'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.

Fine Cuisine "Gastronomy"

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.

Both the Le Champlain and Le Bellot offer 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.

Le Nautilus Restaurant
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.

Grill Restaurant
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.

Room Service
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.

Special Diets
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).

Expedition Experiences & Excursions

Marina Platform

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.

Marina Platform
Le Champlain & Le Bellot 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 .

Zodiac Shore Visits and Outings
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

The Cruise Director on board will alert you before departure for any excursions you have booked or for Zodiac® trips, if you have opted for an Expedition cruise.

Good Times Together

Video of the Blue Eye Lounge

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 innovative Blue Eye Lounge is the world's first underwater lounge. Located in the hull, below the waterline, this uniqure multi-sensory lounge expands from the port to starboard with two oversized portholes reinforced with 18 layers of glass. Keep your eyes peeled for passing fish and sea creatures! Through sight, sound and sensations... you will experience all the sea life below with digital screens, hydrophones and body listening sofas. Accessible to all passengers the Blue Eye is an exceptional place to share a drink in a unique atmosphere. No blender drinks served here ... so not to interfere with the tranquil sounds of the sea.

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.

Life On-board & Leisure Areas

The Theatre

Panoramic Lounge

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 honours.

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.

Both the Le Champlain & Le Bellot also has 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.)

Relaxation & Wellbeing

The Spa

Le Champlain & Le Bellot offers the ideal environment in which to take time for yourself, our ships offer special spaces dedicated to wellness and relaxation.

The Spa
Le Champlain features 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.)

The Fitness Centre
Le Champlain's intimate gym 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.

The Salon
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 Pool Deck
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.

Shop
On board the Le Champlain & Le Bellot you will find a Duty-Free Boutique that is open while at sea. It offers a selection of ready-to-wear clothing, souvenirs, jewellery, 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.

5-Star Service
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.

Reception and Excursion Offices
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.

For reservations and more Information please call our
Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008
Email: Infor@GreatLakesCruises.com

Inclusions

All rooms and suites include a Private Balcony
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Cabin layout: king size bed, or twin beds, communicating cabins available (children welcome)
Fine bed linens
Bathroom with shower (some also have bathtub)
Dressing table and hairdryer
Bathrobes, slippers, towels & french bath products
Desk with stationery
Minibar (replenished daily)
Kettle and Nespresso coffee machine
Flat screen satellite TV Kettle and Nespresso coffee machine
IPod™ players
Electronic safe
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts
24hr room service
All meals in all venues
Some Alcoholic Beverages. Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Tea and Coffee *
Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
Access to all the common areas: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area. (Access to the steam room and the fitness room is free, You can discover all of our paying services (scrubs, facials, hair care, hair styling and body care) on our Spa menu.
One Shore Excursion per Port
Port taxes & fees
Standard Gratuites

** NOT INCLUDED:

Cruise Fares do not include, airfare, travel insurance, gratuites, personal expenditures or
transportation costs incurred while traveling to and from embarkation ports.

* 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.

Tour Le Champlain & Le Bellot

Ponant - Le Bellot & Le Dumont-d'Urville Deck Plan

DECK 7

DECK 6

DECK 5

DECK 4

DECK 3

Balcony Staterooms and Suites

Just like on a private yacht, the 92 staterooms and suites of Le Champlain /Le Bellot are the very embodiment of the PONANT spirit and approach. The eye-catching interiors are fresh and contemporary, with a bright, nautical colour palette, and all staterooms and suites open onto a private balcony.

Butler Service
Our butler service is reserved for passengers traveling in one of the Privilege Suites or Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6. Attentive and discreet, your butler will provide a fully personalized service.

Pillow Menu
All of our teams are available to help ensure your ultimate comfort onboard. That means paying attention to the smallest details. That’s why, you can select the pillow that best suits you from our "special menu".

Laundry Service
For optimal comfort, a laundry service* is offered onboard. During your entire cruise, your steward or stewardess will be available to take care of washing and ironing your clothing within 48 hours. will find laundry pricing, bags and slips inside your stateroom. Please note: Dry Cleaning is not available. (Note: These are paid-for services and will be directly charged to your stateroom account.)

OWNER'S SUITE (AFT STARBOARD ON DECK 5)

This supremely spacious suite includes a separate living area and private terrace complete with outdoor Jacuzzi, plus additional benefits including butler service.
Largest Suite on board: 484 sq ft + 323 sq ft Private Terrace
Sliding Bay Windows
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds . (Children welcome)
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Electronic Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bathrobes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

GRAND DELUXE SUITES

The generously proportioned Grand Deluxe Suites have a large private terrace, separate living area and butler service.
484 sq ft + 323 Private Terrace
Sliding Bay Windows
(Deck 5) Hot Tub
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bathrobes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

PRIVILEGE SUITES

The Privilege Suites offer plenty of space, and feature a bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.
344 sq ft + 86 sq ft Private Balcony
Sliding Bay Window
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds . (Children welcome)
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Electric Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bathrobes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

PRESTIGE SUITES

Prestige Suites can interconnect to create a 409-square-foot family suite accommodating up to four people, with a convertible sofa bed in the second room.
344 sq ft + 86 sq ft Private Balcony
Sliding Bay Window
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds . (Children welcome)
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Electric Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bathrobes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

DELUXE SUITES

Deluxe Suites are a good size with a comfortable sitting area, walk-in wardrobe and balcony.
291 sq ft + 65 sq ft Private Balcony
Sliding Bay Windows
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds . (Children welcome)
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Electric Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bathrobes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

PRESTIGE STATEROOMS

Smartly appointed staterooms have a small seating area, private balcony and bathroom with shower.
204 sq ft + 43 sq ft Private Balcony
Sliding Bay Windows
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds . (Children welcome)
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Electric Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bath Robes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

deluxe stateroomS

Smartly appointed staterooms have a small seating area, private balcony and bathroom with shower.
204 sq ft + 43 sq ft Private Balcony
French Window
Individually-controlled air conditioning
King Size Bed or 2 twin beds . (Children welcome)
Mini Bar
Flat Screen Satellite TV
Video on Demand
iPod Docking Stations
Desk with Stationary
Electric Safe
Hermes Bath Products
Dressing Table
Bath Robes
Hair Dryer
Direct Line Telephone
110V American (2 flat pins) / 22V European (round sockers with two round pins).
Inclusive Internet Access WiFi
24 Hour Room Service

STATEROOM/ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABLED GUESTS

There are two wheelchair-accessible cabins available upon request (for passengers with disabilities). These staterooms are with larger balconies (6 m2 / 65 ft2) and located on Deck 4 (#406 / forward-portside and #431 / midship-starboard). All staterooms are accessible by elevator. PONANT welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, cope with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship.

When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on the Le Champlain and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the fleet information to gain an understanding of the layout of the ship, and contact a Great Lakes Cruises Specialist at 1-888-756-9008 directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of our terms and conditions.

In order to participate in a Ponant Explorer cruise, PONANT Travel Protection is recommended but not required.

Traveling with Children
While children are welcome, there are no specific programs for them and parents are responsible for them at all times.
Babysitting service are available at an extra fee and special menus are offered for children.

2022 - Great Lakes Cruise Guide - Ponant Le Bellot

Itinerary Name	Embark & Disembark Ports	Number of Days	Sailing Dates Available	Ports of Call	Cruise Rate Per Person Based on Double Occupany
Great Lakes of North America Cruise Waitlisted LE DUMONTD'URVILLE	Toronto, ON to Milwaukee, WI "Map of Niagara Falls"	8 Day Cruise	2023 Aug 28-Sept 4 Oct 9 - Oct 16	Milwaukee • Lake Michigan • Mackinac Island • Saulte Sainte Marie • Little Current • Parry Sound • Sail along Flowerpot Island • Lake Heron • St. Clair River • Sail thru Detroit • Lake Erie • Port Colborne • Toronto	Starting at USD $4,860 to $19,750 Per Person Waitlisted**
A Voyage along the Great Lakes - with Smithsonian Journeys Selling Fast! LE BELLOT	Toronto, ON to Milwaukee, WI	8 Day Cruise	2022 Sep 18 - Sep 25	Milwaukee • Sail Lake Michigan • Mackinac Island • Sauite Sainte Marie • Little Current • Parry Sound • Sail along Flowerpot Island • Sail Lake Heron • Sail St. Clair River • Sail thru Detroit • Sail Lake Erie • Port Colborne • Toronto	Starting at USD $7,710 to $20,980 Per Person Owners Suite, Grand Deluxe Suites ,& Deluxe Suites are Fully Booked
Canada to the American East Coast LE BELLOT	Toronto, ON to Gloucester, MA	15 Day Cruise	2022 Oct 16 - Oct 30 2023 Oct 23 - Nov 6	Toronto • Sail Lake Ontario • Sail River Saint Lawrence thru Locks • Montreal • Quebec • Saguenay • Tadoussac • Day at Sea • Perce • Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands • Baddeck • Louisbourg • Lunenburg • Day at Sea • Bay Harbor • Gloucester, MA	Starting at USD $9,890 to $37,650 Per Person
St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast Selling Fast! LE DUMONTD'URVILLE	Montreal, QC to Gloucester, MA	13 Day Cruise	2022 Oct 24 - Nov 5	Montreal, QC • Quebec City, QC • Sail Saguenay River • Tadoussac • Day at Sea • • Tadoussac • Day at Sea • Perce • Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands • Louisbourg • Lunenburg • Day at Sea • Bar Harbor • Provincetown • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard • Gloucester, MA	Starting at USD $8,320 to $31,650Per Person Selling Fast!