Croisières M/S Jacques-Cartier is run by a Québecois family including two licensed captains who are designing cruises that reflect all their St. Lawrence River history and knowledge.
They promise 'experience-packed adventures' that hinge on activities in nature such as hiking, kayaking, Zodiac excursions and geocaching, with varying degrees of difficulty. Some of the activities will launch right off the ship. Passengers also will have opportunities to learn about and interact with local cultures.
The concept is based on health and well-being, with meals made from regional products.
At 55 meters in length, with a draft of three meters, the 66-passenger Jacques-Cartier will be able to visit locations inaccessible to larger ships.
The planned trips range from five to 10 days and will enable travelers to discover islands, archipelagos, riverbanks and shorelines, and marvel at natural vistas and heritage sites that are difficult to access by land.
For example, a five-day 'St. Lawrence Islands and Saguenay Fjord' program from Québec City includes an optional activity in the native community of Wendake, the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago, Pillier de Pierre lighthouse, Kamouraska and Île Verte, with exploration of the St. Lawrence Marine Park and scenic Saguenay River.
A 10-day 'Majestic St. Lawrence' program, departing from Québec City, Trois-Rivières or Toronto, highlights those cities as well as Montréal, the Sorel Islands archipelago (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the St. Lawrence Seaway and its locks leading into Ontario, Ottawa or activities on Lake St. Lawrence Islands, and the Thousand Islands and their castles. Also part of the program are Kingston and Waupoos Estates Winery, Prince Edward County Nature Reserve for birdwatching and Niagara Falls, the surrounding wine country and hiking trails.
Further programs include 'Lighthouse Hopping' from Québec City and 'Gaspé and Chaleur Bay' from Rimouski and Carleton. Both are seven days. A 10-day 'Maritimes' itinerary navigates the Northumberland Strait, hugs the shoreline of New Brunswick and features its national parks, and visits Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail, and the Magdalen Islands. Still another 10-day package is 'Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.'
Pricing is still being finalized.
Jacques-Cartier has served as a cruise ship/tour boat for more than 40 years, navigating the St. Lawrence River from Kingston to Rivière-du-Loup and traveling the Ottawa, Richelieu and Saguenay rivers. The vessel will be fully renovated for its new assignment, equipped with an observation room, a health and well-being zone, whirlpool spas, a sauna, modern cabins and storage and launching areas for kayaks and Zodiacs.
To increase energy efficiency, Jacques-Cartier's hull is being modified and new environmental systems will be installed.
The family-run Croisières M/S Jacques-Cartier is led by president Michel Harvey, a certified captain and marine mechanical engineering officer who is a fourth-generation shipowner. His wife, Maryse Camirand, is vp. She is also a certified captain. Their children are involved in the venture, too.
Information: croisieresactives.ca / www.croisieresactives.ca/en.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.
