2024-2025 Ponant Cruises | St Lawrence River to the American East Coast

Ponant Explorers Cruises | From the St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast

13-Day Cruise | Montreal to Gloucester | 2024-2025

Set sail with Ponant Cruises on this exploration of North America's most magnificent natural features. Aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville, you'll experience the beauty of Canada and New England as leaves turn a fiery shade of Fall.

Begin your journey in the lively city of Montreal, Quebec -- a bilingual city with the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and a major host for all kinds of international events. Along this 13-day cruise, you'll make your way along the Saguenay River, stopping in historic Quebec City and Tadoussac. Then, as you sail the St. Lawrence Seaway, pass by awe-inspiring national parks brimming with marine life, visit historic towns like Percé and Cap-aux-Meules. Once passing through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, you'll navigate down the East Coast to traveler favorite, Bar Harbor, Maine. For the home stretch of the cruise, the Le Dumont-d'Urville will stop in Martha's Vineyard before finishing in Gloucester, Massachusetts. From colorful, culture-rich cities to unique villages with layer-on-layer of history, this cruise invites you to see the adventurous spirit that makes the North American East Coast so wonderful.

Cruise Itinerary

1 | Oct 24 - Embark in Montreal, Quebec
2 | Oct 25 - Quebec City, Quebec
3 | Oct 26 - Sailing the Saguenay River & Tadoussac, Quebec
4 | Oct 27 - Sailing at sea
5 | Oct 28 - Percé, Quebec
6 | Oct 29 - Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, Quebec
7 | Oct 30 - Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
8 | Oct 31 - Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
9 | Nov 1 - Sailing at sea
10 | Nov 2 - Bar Harbor, Maine
11 | Nov 3 - Provincetown, Massachusetts
12 | Nov 4 - Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
13 | Nov 5 - Disembark in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Sailing Dates | From the St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast

From the St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast | 13 Day Cruise
Ponant Explorers Fleet

Departing From: Montreal, QC to Gloucester, MA
Ports of Call: Montreal, QC • Quebec City, QC • Tadoussac, QC • Perce, QC • Cap-aux-Meules, QC • Louisbourg, NS • Lunenburg, NS • Bar Harbor, ME • Provincetown, MA • Oak Bluffs, MA • Gloucester, MA

itinerary

2022 Sailing Dates

Oct 24 - Nov 5 Le Dumont-d'urville (Limited Availability - Please Call)

Starting at $8,320.00 to $31,650.00 USD
Per Person, based on double occupancy *

ITINERARY

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Oct 24 | Embark in Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, Quebec

Embarking from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Arrive in Montreal, Quebec for the start of your North American expedition. Montreal is a beautiful city with a warm and inviting populace. Before boarding your Ponant cruise ship, you'll have the chance to explore all the city has to offer. A perfect balance of urban and outdoors life, you'll find great shopping and dining on Rue Sainte-Catherine street, along with over 200 miles of bike and walking trails.

Day 2, Oct 25 | Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City, Quebec

The first port of call along your Ponant cruise, arrive in Quebec City for a day in Quebec's most historic city. Originally built during the 1600s, parts of the early city still exist in the UNESCO-protected Old Quebec district. Located just outside of the district, the Quartier Petit Champlain area is the city's most popular place for boutique shopping and unique dining. Or, just a half mile from city center, Battlefields Park is the garden-covered, decorative spot where French and Indian War's Battle of Quebec once occurred.

Day 3, Oct 26 | Sailing the Saguenay River & Tadoussac, Quebec

Tadoussac, Quebec

The third day aboard your North American cruise, sail the way of the beautiful Saguenay River as it takes you to the village of Tadoussac. The Saguenay River winds between tree-covered mountains and cliffs until it reaches Saguenay Fjord National Park, located where the river meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Found at the same confluence, the quaint Tadoussac village awaits. Once settled by the Innu Tribe, Tadoussac has since become a colorful village with several old buildings and unique little shops and cafes. The small town provides easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities, including the nearby national park.

Day 4, Oct 27 | Sailing at Sea

Sailing at Sea

After the adventures of the previous day, enjoy the chance to relax aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville. With countless possibilities, this is the perfect time to explore the next generation ship's amenities, including the spa, salon, and the multisensorial underwater Blue Eye lounge. Lectures and shows, taking place in the ship's theater, are also available to attend on this day at sea. Or, get some fresh air on the ship's top sun deck, where you can watch as the ship sails past North America's beautiful nature and marine life.

Day 5, Oct 28 | Perce, Quebec

Percé, Quebec

Arrive in the tiny Quebec village of Percé on Day Five, one of the province's most amazing destinations. Located on a perch of land on the edge of the sea, the village looks out towards Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, two beautiful landmasses extending out of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. You'll have the opportunity to hike around the area and explore the village, a gateway to the great Canadian outdoors.

Day 6, Oct 29 | Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, Quebec

Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec

Located on an archipelago in the midst of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Cap-aux-Meules is an essential harbor for Canada's fishing industry. A small, quiet place, it earns its name, which translates to Grindstone in English, from a large sandstone rock -- Grindstone Rock -- that juts out of the island. Cap-aux-Meules functions as a gateway to all kinds of beauty, from incredible natural scenes to historic locations.

Day 7, Oct 30 | Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia Cruises

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

When you arrive in this little Nova Scotian town on the shore of Cape Breton Island, you'll see why it's a favorite among voyagers. A fantastic village in its own right, Louisbourg is best known for its eponymous 18th century fortress. Louisbourg Fortress is a perfectly restored example of military might, and you'll have the chance to tour it as it stands guard over the town. Numerous exhibits and costumed portrayals of 1700s life in Louisbourg fill the town, making for an experience you'll never forget.

Day 8, Oct 31 | Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

For Day Eight of the Ponant cruise, arrive in the town of Lunenburg for a tour of colonial North American history. When first disembarking the ship, you'll find that the town is brimming with architecture. Standout buildings like the colonial-styled Lunenburg Academy, the pink Wedding Cake House, and St. John's Anglican Church are eye-catching examples of what the town has to offer. Because of buildings like these, and the fact that Lunenburg was one of the first attempts to settle Protestants in Nova Scotia by the British Empire, this town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 9, Nov 1 | Sailing at Sea

Sailing at Sea

After the adventures of the previous day, enjoy the chance to relax aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville. With countless possibilities, this day is the perfect time to explore the next generation ship's amenities, including the spa, salon, and the multisensorial underwater Blue Eye lounge. Lectures and shows, taking place in the ship's theater, are also available to attend on this day at sea. Or, get some fresh air on the ship's top sun deck, where you can watch as the ship sails past North America's beautiful nature, birds, and marine life.

Day 10, Nov 2 | Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine

After your day of sailing, visit your first US port of call, Bar Harbor, Maine. This picturesque town exemplifies what one might imagine when thinking of Maine. Once a major seaside fishing port, romantic Bar Harbor became a vacationing destination for America's titans of industry during the 19th and 20th centuries. Now, it welcomes everyone to explore its boutique shops and cafes, including the 1932-founded Beal's Lobster Pier seafood restaurant. Bar Harbor is also a gateway to many outdoor activities due to its convenient location just outside of Acadia National Park. There are near endless possibilities in Bar Harbor, making it a crowd favorite on New England cruises.

Day 11, Nov 3 | Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Voyaging down the East Coast, visit Provincetown, the historic location where the first pilgrims first arrived many hundreds of years ago. In town, you'll find the stepped Pilgrim Monument, along with the lively Commercial Street, a hub for Massachusetts creatives, coffee lovers, and shoppers. From historians to art lovers, this place is one of Massachusetts best.

Day 12, Nov 4 | Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Located on the famed island Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs is noted as one of its most historic small towns. With just over 4,000 residents in the present, the town was one of the first locations to welcome diversity in the US, even going as far as to be featured in The Wedding, a Harlem Renaissance novel by Dorothy West. Near bluffs overlooking Nantucket Sound, you'll find the town's gingerbread cottages amid a host of boutiques and more.

Day 13, Nov 5 | Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Disembarking at 8:00 AM

At the end of your North American journey, you'll disembark in the coastal town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The earliest established fishing port on the American East Coast, this destination holds lots of history. Sitting on the edge of rocky Cape Ann, this is a popular summer destination that provides easy access to both Boston and New York City. With New England in the midst of its beautiful Fall season, we can't recommend enough staying awhile in this creative little town.

Also Available: Post-Cruise Panoramic Tour of Boston

ENGAGE AN EXPERT

For reservations and more Information please call our
Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008
or email us at Info@GreatLakesCruises.com

**Optional Upgrade - Pre-Cruise Packages can be reserved up to 30 days prior to sailing.
*Cruise Rate includes all applicable Port Charges.
Shore Excursions are still in the planning stages and are subject to change.

Sail on the Brand-New Le Dumont-d'Urville

The entire North American cruise takes place aboard the next-generation Ponant Le Dumont-d'Urville cruise ship. Outfitted with all new features, including technology and amenities, Ponant's latest iteration of ships promotes the goal of being more sustainable for the environment.

The Le Dumont-d'Urville features only 92 rooms on board, carrying up to 184 passengers in total. You'll experience the best in service, with 118 crew members on hand to assist in making your journey a great one. On board, a spa, fitness center, two restaurants, and their Blue Eye multisensory underwater lounge invite you to relax and enjoy the ride.

What should I wear on the Le Dumont-d'Urville?

With the exception of an Officer's Evening and two Gala Evenings, of which cocktail attire is recommended (black and white for the Officer's Evening), the dress code on the ship is fairly informal. Smart casual dress is ideal aboard the ship, with shirts and chinos for men, or blouses, trousers, and dresses for women. In addition, we recommend gym wear and a swimsuit for those that plan to use the fitness center, spa, or pool.

Inclusions

Included Features:

Onboard enrichment via a number of lectures and films available in the ship's theater and communal spaces.
Transfer and luggage handling from the airport in Montreal to the ship on the day of embarkation
Comprehensive 13-night cruise aboard the next-generation Le Dumont-d'Urville, with luxury features and amenities that make Ponant famous among small ship cruises
One included excursion at each port of call
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Gloucester on the morning of disembarkation

Not Included:

Independent meals and beverages ashore
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)

* Cruise fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, per person (based on double occupancy). Single Supplements also available.
Cruise Fares do not include, airfare, travel insurance, gratuites, shore tours personal expenditures or
transportation costs incurred while traveling to and from embarkation ports.
Rates and Schedules are subject to change at any time.

Complete Directory of all our Canada & St. Lawrence Cruises

Updated: 11/3/21 - BB

From the St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast | Ponant Explorers Cruises