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Expeditions
EXPEDITION CRUISE

A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # PONANTEE130827

Toronto, Ontario TO Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. 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.

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Bellot for a 9-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes. You will leave from cosmopolitan and dynamic Toronto, Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario.  Canada’s largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.

Le Bellot will then transit the Welland Canal connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle.

Leaving Port Colborne, sail across Lake Erie to reach Detroit, the “Motor City”. Here you visit the Henry Ford Museum, an eccentric collection of objects reflecting Ford’s fascination with Americana, and Greenfield Village, a gathering of historic structures from around the country.   Your next lake, Lake Huron, boasts myriad islands in its northern sector, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake.

Here you will discover the  quaint town of Little Current, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. From Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into Lake Superior, before continuing to Mackinac Island for an exploration of the island’s Victorian past by horse and buggy.

End your voyage by sailing the length of Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region’s indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers. Make your way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States’ “brew city,” for disembarkation
TRIP STARTS ON
August 13, 2027
SHIP SAILS ON
August 13, 2027
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
Le Bellot
TRIP ENDS ON
August 21, 2027
STOPS
11 Stops, 2 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
8
OPERATOR
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
FROM: 

$11,340

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: August 13, 2027

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
Cruise Fare
View Suites

Itinerary

11 Ports
2 Countries
Day
One
Arrival
August 13, 2027
Port
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Day
Two
Arrival
August 14, 2027
Port
Going through the Welland Canal locks
Day
Three
Arrival
August 15, 2027
Port
Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Day
Three
Arrival
August 15, 2027
Port
Sailing Lake Erie
Day
Four
Arrival
August 16, 2027
Port
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Day
Four
Arrival
August 16, 2027
Port
Sailing St. Clair River
Day
Five
Arrival
August 17, 2027
Port
Sailing Lake Huron
Day
Six
Arrival
August 18, 2027
Port
Little Current, Ontario, Canada
Day
Seven
Arrival
August 19, 2027
Port
Sault-Sainte-Marie, Ontario, Canada
Day
Eight
Arrival
August 20, 2027
Port
Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States
Day
Nine
Arrival
August 21, 2027
Port
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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About the Ship

Name

Le Bellot

Operator

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Equipped with an underwater lounge, the Blue Eye, and the latest technologies limiting the impact on the environment, Le Bellot offers you a different way to experience the expedition.

Ship Facts
cabin count
92
capacity
184
crew count
118
deck count
5
currency
EUR onboard
gross tonnage
9976
language
fr+en
launch year
2020
length
131m
speed
13kts
wheelchair count
No Data
width
18m

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DINING

Excellence in gastronomy

Delicious breakfasts, à la carte dishes, varied buffets, and gourmet tea times offer delightful experiences designed in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil.

Our restaurants invite you to explore: a sensory journey where flavors reveal themselves with boldness and finesse.

The Nautilus

At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant and a wine cellar offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ponant Le Bougainville Restaurant, ©Ponant, Credit. Nicolas Matheus
Ponant Explorations Le Nautilus Seating ©Ponant Julien Fabro
Le Nemo
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.

Ponant Le Bougainville Restaurant 2, ©Ponant, Credit. Nicolas Matheus
Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions Room Service 2
Entertainment

The common areas onboard Le Bellot

Our ship Le Bellot features a number of spaces designed and arranged to serve your needs and requirements whilst at the same time preserving the privacy of each passenger.

Good times together

The common areas on board have been designed in great detail to make every moment something special. 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 and team members throughout the day.

Lounge and bars

The cosy and refined atmosphere of the lounges and bars are perfect for relaxing, socialising or simply enjoying the moment – whatever your mood.

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

Ponant Le Bougainville Panoramic Lounge, ©Ponant Credit. Nicolas Matheus
Observatory Lounge Bookcase ©Ponant Nicolas Matheus
Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is conducive to relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.

Le Lapérouse Swimming Pool ©Ponant Mike Louagie
The Main Lounge Room

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

Ponant Le Bougainville Lounge, ©Ponant, Credit. Nicolas Matheus
Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

Ponant Expeditions Le Laperouse Theatre ©Ponant Nicolas Matheus
Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Ponant, Le Bellot Shop ©Ponant Anaïs Barelli
The Blue Eye

Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.

Ponant Explorations Le Jacques Cartier Blue Eye ©Ponant Vutheara Kham
Le Laperouse The Blue Eye ©Ponant Julien Fabro
Excursion Reception and Office

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

Ponant Le Bougainville Reception, ©Ponant, Credit. Nicolas Matheus
PONANT Studio

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. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Ponant Studio
Open Bar

From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, your unlimited drinks are included*, at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, refreshments on your return from an excursion or in the calm of your Stateroom’s balcony: enjoy a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea). A selection of premium alcoholic drinks is also available "à la carte".

*It....

Le Laperouse Bar ©Ponant Christophe Dugied
Health And Fitness

Take care of yourself, simply.

A conference that awakens your mind, a spa treatment that soothes your body, or a fitness session that revives your energy? On board, time seems to stand still for a moment of self-care.

The Spa

In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.

Ponant The Spa ©Ponant Nick Rains
The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Ponant Fitness Gym Wellness ©Ponant François Lefebvre
The Hairdressing 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.

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Enrichment

Whether you're dreaming of relaxation, exploration, or a far-flung escape to the heart of breathtaking nature, there's a trip for every desire. Timeless, Discovery, or Expedition: each collection offers a distinct and tailored approach, allowing you to experience your chosen destination up close.

Explorations

Because your desires for escape are many, we offer a range of explorations, each promising unique experiences. Timeless, Discoveries, or Expeditions: each collection offers a distinct and tailored approach, allowing you to experience your chosen destination as closely as possible.

Timeless

Preserved and authentic towns and villages, iconic or more secluded sites… Discover the cultural and gastronomic riches of your destinati....

Ponant Le Bellot ©Studio Ponant Violette Vauchelle
Ponant, Le Bellot Panama Exterior ©Studio Ponant Thibault Garnier
Ponant Explorations General Ship Lacepede Islands Exterior ©Studio Ponant Laure Patricot
Experts by your side

Captains, expedition leaders, experienced naturalist guides, lecturers, wildlife photographers, personalities from the world of art, science, culture and gastronomy... Experts share their passions with you on board or on land.

Captains

Your captain is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of your journey on board. An expert in navigating polar or tropical waters, their announcements punctuate your day. And when wildlif....

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The Hydraulic Platform

  • Deck 2

  • Much easier onboard access than on any other cruise ship

  • Easier disembarking and embarking by Zodiac when participating in expeditions

  • Swimming and bathing in the sea and various nautical sports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding

Ponant Le Jacques Cartier The Hydraulic Platform
Kids And Teens

Thanks to the Kid Explorers Club, children aged 4 to 13 enjoy activities organised by a team of dedicated and passionate carers.

Physical activities, board games, movie nights and learning about onboard professions, as well as supervised outings and shore walks for children (six years+).

The Kids Explorers Club

During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.

A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.

Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experien....

Ponant Explorations Kids Explorers Club ©Ponant Bernard Bertrand
UNIQUE FEATURES


Ponant Le Bellot ©Studio Ponant Violette Vauchelle
USEFUL TO KNOW
Laundry

Your staterllm attendant is at your disposal to provide a laundry service. It takes 24 to 48 hours to wash and iron your clothes. Only an ironing service can be provided on the same day. Dry cleaning is not possible, so we kindly ask you to only give us clothes that can be washed with water.

** These services are chargeable and billed directly to your cabin account. 

Smoking Policy

Ships are non-smoking, even on accommodation balconies. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas of the ship.

Power Adapters

Electrical plug adapters are provided on board, they are available at the reception.

European Standard Sockets

The 220 volt 50 hertz alternating current is distributed by sockets meeting European standards. Onboard power is 200 volt AC (European standard) and 110 volt AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, hair irons and clothes irons cannot be used in staterooms. Please note that on Le Ponant, 110 volt AC is only....

Age Restrictions

Children under one (1 year old / 12 months) are not permitted on PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruises.

On Classic cruises, children are permitted from one (1 year old), with a maximum of five children aged one to six (1 to 6 years old) on board each voyage.

Children aged four years and older are welcome at the Kids’ Club when the service is offered on board.

In all cases and at all times, both on board or on land, children and young m....

Languages

The languages spoken on board are French and English. The signage is in French and English. On some cruises, crew members also speak other languages.

Telephone

To reach a correspondent around the world, a satellite communication system is available to you. The cost of communications is charged directly to your account (pricing depends on the navigation zone). Calls from your correspondents can be transferred directly to your accommodation or to any common area on the ships. You can also send and receive faxes. Contacting reception.

Wi-Fi

You have free Wi-Fi internet access on board all ships (cabins and common areas). On the Sisterships (L'Austral, Le Lyrial, The Boréal, Le Soléal), one or more computers are available to you in the leisure areas. Thanks to the Starlink network provided by Marlink, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP guarantees you quality Wi-Fi access, regardless of the location and navigation conditions.

Medical Facilities

There is a doctor on board available to the passengers on all our ships:

  • The schedules of consultation are listed each day in the log book (emergency consultation 24/7).
  • The Sisterships, PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for any small surgery.
  • During the excursions, the passengers are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse.
  • There is a fee for consultations on board . The price may va....
Guests with reduced mobility

Only the Sisterships, the PONANT Explorers, Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot have been designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

  • Staterooms specially designed on board the Sisterships, decks 3 (307), 4 (407) and 5 (509) 3 c for two people aged 18. in a wheelchair, with a double bed (180 x 200) cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 shower and toilet in the bathroom as well as a balcony of 4  2 (only for cabins....
Packing Tips

Technical Accessories

We recommend that you bring a ski mask, sunglasses, walking sticks, a waterproof backpack, binoculars, a technical watch, a mosquito net for the face (in the Arctic), and a waterproof pouch. These accessories are also available for purchase at the onboard shop.

Dress Code

Dress Code

We recommend wearing casual and elegant outfits, cocktail attire for gala evenings, and white or black and white attire for the Officers' evening. Shorts and bermudas are not allowed in the evening at gourmet restaurants.

Expedition Cruise

For an expedition cruise, pack practical clothing and comfortable shoes. During your polar cruises, a polar parka in your size will be provided and boots in your si....

Special Diets

If you follow a specific diet (vegetarian, diabetic, low calorie, gluten-free, allergy...), it is essential to specify it when making your reservation. You will then receive adapted menus throughout your cruise.

Solo Travellers

Every season, we offer a wide range of cruises with 'no single supplement': you thus benefit from a double stateroom to yourself, at no extra cost. The onboard atmosphere is conducive to meeting and interacting with other guests, and the crew ensures your well-being and integration on board. Discover the cruises by consulting the single page offered.

Included on Every Cruise

A complete offer (excluding Spirit of PONANT and La Désirade¹)

SERVICES INCLUDED ON ALL OUR CRUISES

  • Full board from arrival to departure day
  • High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
  • All drinks in restaurants, bars and minibars. All drinks are included² (selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot drinks)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Butler service for certa....
Butler Service

Attentive and discreet, your butler offers you a fully personalized service.

The butler service is reserved for passengers traveling in one of the suites located on deck 6 aboard the Sisterships, as well as in all suites of the Shipowner, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites located on deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.

The PONANT app

Our app accompanies you in your preparations and during your stay on board. Find the services offered and the information that facilitates your journey.

Are you soon boarding with us?

Thanks to its app, PONANT accompanies you in your travel preparations, and then during your stay on board. Find our services and information that will make your cruise even easier.

Prepare your cruise with peace of mind

  • ....

The Polar Adventure Company - with 30 years of polar experience our Arctic and Antarctic experts will help you find your voyage of a lifetime. From the North Pole to the Antarctic Circle, we have over 1,500 polar cruises to choose from, on the world’s finest small ships. We’re here to make your polar dreams come true.

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