Guest of Honour 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Great Lakes of North America
Milwaukee - Toronto
Dates:
16/10/2023
to
23/10/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
With the exceptional presence of Douglas Kennedy, famous American writer.
Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville for an 8-day cruise discovering the Great Lakes of North America, in the heart of a flamboyant nature full of the colours of the late summer.
You will leave from Milwaukee, in the US state of Wisconsin, the beginning of your voyage following the footsteps of the first settlers, trappers and Native Americans, before a lovely sailing experience on Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea.
The next lake, Lake Huron, boasts a myriad of islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake.
You will also discover the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the wonderful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.
Le Dumont-d’Urville will then sail the canal connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. From this call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive sight of Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle.
To round off your cruise, you will sail along the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario before making your way to the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, where you will disembark.
Ref : EU161023
Your itinerary
With the exceptional presence of Douglas Kennedy, famous American writer. A cruise crossing four of the five Great Lakes of North America, between the United States and Canada. UNESCO World Heritage Site:...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
You may also like...
You may also like...
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
L'AUSTRAL
10/08/2023 to the 26/08/2023
- Last staterooms
LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Douglas Kennedy
Douglas Kennedy is that rare construct, an actual native of Manhattan, and one who grew up there when the island still had a middle-class (of which He was a member) and there was a bookshop and an interesting cinema every five blocks.
He is the author of seventeen novels, three children’s books, three "récits du voyage", a collection of short stories and a book of philosophy. Three of his novels have been filmed, including The Big Picture (L’Homme Qui Voulait Vivre Sa Vie) with Romain Duris, Marina Fois and Catherine Deneuve, and The Woman in the Fifth with Ethan Hawke and Kristen Scott Thomas. He has been published in twenty-three languages and received in 2007 the French decoration of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Art et des Lettres. For the past twenty-two years He has had a pied-a-terre in Paris and now spend around four months a year in France. He became, after a mere initial eight years of private lessons and much study, a fluent French speaker. Douglas Kennedy now live half his life en francais.
Languages spoken: English and French.
Photo credit : Max Kennedy
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Douglas Kennedy
Douglas Kennedy is that rare construct, an actual native of Manhattan, and one who grew up there when the island still had a middle-class (of which He was a member) and there was a bookshop and an interesting cinema every five blocks.
He is the author of seventeen novels, three children’s books, three "récits du voyage", a collection of short stories and a book of philosophy. Three of his novels have been filmed, including The Big Picture (L’Homme Qui Voulait Vivre Sa Vie) with Romain Duris, Marina Fois and Catherine Deneuve, and The Woman in the Fifth with Ethan Hawke and Kristen Scott Thomas. He has been published in twenty-three languages and received in 2007 the French decoration of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Art et des Lettres. For the past twenty-two years He has had a pied-a-terre in Paris and now spend around four months a year in France. He became, after a mere initial eight years of private lessons and much study, a fluent French speaker. Douglas Kennedy now live half his life en francais.
Languages spoken: English and French.
Photo credit : Max Kennedy
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- With the exceptional presence of Douglas Kennedy, famous American writer.
- A cruise crossing four of the five Great Lakes of North America, between the United States and Canada.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.
- An itinerary combining nature and culture: picturesque landscapes and geological curiosities, the history of the Native Americans inhabiting the region before European colonisation, charming villages, and metropolises bearing witness to North American economic vitality.
- Possibility of excursion to Niagara Falls.
- Charming port of call on Mackinac Island, with its preserved Victorian buildings.
- Opportunity to visit Chicago before your cruise.
Ports of Call & Excursions
16 October 2023 - Milwaukee
Embarkation 16/10/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 16/10/2023 at 18:00
Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago, the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.
17 October 2023 - Sailing Lake Michigan
Arrival 17/10/2023
Departure 17/10/2023
You will sail the United States’ largest freshwater body, which gave its name to Michigan, one of the four states that border this lake measuring 500 km long and 200 km wide. The first colonists settled in the south at the end of the 17th century, on the site of the current megalopolis of Chicago. Wild landscapes of forests with sparkling colours, cliffs, golden sandy beaches and dunes as far as the eye can see stretch along its 2,600 km of shoreline. In the north, magnificent wind-swept islands rise out of the lake’s emerald waters. At 8 km long, the Mackinac Bridge, which spans the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.
17 October 2023 - Mackinac Island
Arrival 17/10/2023 midday
Departure 17/10/2023 early evening
Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.
18 October 2023 - Sault Ste. Marie
Arrival 18/10/2023 early morning
Departure 18/10/2023 mid afternoon
The oldest city in Ontario and the centre of one of North America’s oldest settlements, Sault Ste. Marie has a rich historical heritage due to its Amerindian, British and French influences. Linked to its neighbouring and homonymous American city by a bridge spanning St. Marys River, the city owes its name to the river’s many rapids, called “les saults de Sainte-Marie” by French colonists. The gateway to the Algoma region, renowned for its wild expanses, Sault Ste. Marie is also known as the home of the National Historic Site of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, which was completed at the end of the 19th century and constitutes the final part of a navigation network that connects the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior.
19 October 2023 - Little Current
Arrival 19/10/2023 early morning
Departure 19/10/2023 late afternoon
A small port town located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, Little Current is considered to be the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. The town’s emblematic construction, the Little Current Swing Bridge built in 1913, provides the only land access to the island, peaceful lands whose name means “the island of spirits” in the local dialect. A real haven of peace, sheltering wild nature and some hamlets, the place is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse-riding and hiking.
20 October 2023 - Parry Sound
Arrival 20/10/2023 midday
Departure 20/10/2023 late afternoon
The charming city of Parry Sound enjoys an exceptional natural setting in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, east of Georgian Bay. A holiday destination favoured by the province’s inhabitants, the city and its surroundings offer a condensed version of all that the Great Lakes region has to offer: windswept forests of conifers, rocky shores characteristic of the Canadian Shield, beaches of fine sand, clear and calm waters producing magnificent reflections that change with the time of day and luminosity… A real paradise for fauna and flora, the place will delight fans of nature and photography.
20 October 2023 - Sailing Lake Huron
Arrival 20/10/2023
Departure 20/10/2023
A natural border between the American State of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Huron is one of the five American Great Lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Comprising the main lake, Saginaw Bay, the North Channel and Georgian Bay, and home to around 30,000 islands, it offers varied coastal landscapes and unique views. From your ship, you’ll thus be able to admire the wild beauty of the wooded and at times craggy coastline of Manitoulin Island, or the spectacular cliffs of the Bruce Peninsular.
21 October 2023 - Sailing St. Clair River
Arrival 21/10/2023
Departure 21/10/2023
Forming a natural line of separation between the United States and Canada, the St. Clair River, which flows from Lake Huron into Lake St. Clair, is a significant element of the Great Lakes Waterway. Used in the 18th century for the fur trade by the French colonists of North America who sailed it on small boats to trade with the Amerindians, it was then travelled by freighters transporting lumber, iron ore and copper from the Great Lakes region to the cities of the Rust Belt.
21 October 2023 - Sailing through Detroit
Arrival 21/10/2023
Departure 21/10/2023
During your navigation along the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, you will sail along the largest city in Michigan. You’ll then enjoy panoramic views over the skyscrapers of the former Motor City, jewel of the automotive industry, Fordism and Motown music in the 20th century. You’ll also be able to admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river and enables access to Windsor, on the Canadian shore of the river. This steel suspension bridge, over two kilometres long, was constructed in 1929. This bridge alone carries over 25% of trade between the United States and Canada.
22 October 2023 - Sailing Lake Erie
Arrival 22/10/2023
Departure 22/10/2023
Located to the south of Lake Huron and connected to Lake Ontario by the Welland Canal, Lake Erie, which owes its name to one of the Amerindian tribes which peopled its banks before the arrival of the French in the 17th century, is remarkable for its unique ecosystem. Its shallow fish-filled waters make it an excellent fishing spot, while its banks, famous for their many migratory birds, attract photographers and ornithology enthusiasts.
22 October 2023 - Port Colborne
Arrival 22/10/2023 midday
Departure 22/10/2023 evening
Port Colborne is a small port city located in southern Ontario, at the mouth of the Welland Canal. It is well-known for one of the longest locks in the world: measuring 420 metres, this lock, the 8th in the canal, has an observation footbridge and marks the final transit point before the Erie Canal. In addition to the discovery of this tremendous hydraulic infrastructure, this port of call will be your privileged access point to the famous Niagara Falls, renowned all over the world for their spectacular beauty. Located on the river of the same name, which means “water thunder” in Amerindian language, these wonders of nature are among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
23 October 2023 - Toronto
Arrival 23/10/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 23/10/2023 at 07:00
The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
Traditions of Manitoulin island
From the pier, board your coach for the 30-minute narrated transfer. Learn about the world's largest freshwater island: Manitoulin Island, its rich native and nautical history, as well as other interesting commentary on the way of life.
The first stop is at the Immaculate Conception Church, a spiritual focal point of the native community that brings together the beliefs and customs of both the native Ojibwe culture and the Catholic Church.
Cross the street and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation for an interpretive tour of the heritage museum and art gallery. There, you will have the opportunity to attend to a demonstration of indigenous crafts, such as traditional beadwork or dreamcatcher.
In the amphitheatre, after a smudging ceremony, you will attend a traditional aboriginal dance and drum presentation. Called “Pow-Wow” by the Native American people it is their way to honour their culture and heritage, and a secular tradition helping to gather people from different countries together.
The excursion concludes with a 30-minute return transfer back to town.
- In order to avoid congestion at the different sites, the order of the visits might vary, however all participants will attend the Pow-Wow performance together.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kayaking on Kagawong River
From the pier, you will board your coach for the short drive to the kayaking centre. On arrival, you will meet your instructor for a safety briefing, orientation and information on the river and Lake Kagawong. The Kagawong River flows from Lake Kagawong and empties into Mudge Bay on the North Channel of Lake Huron. The river falls over a limestone bluff at Bridal Veil Falls and is one of the most visited and beautiful waterfalls in Northern Ontario. This is the same geological formation as the mighty Niagara Falls.
You will be kayaking on the first part of the Kagawong River, which flows in a northerly direction out of the Lake and passes under Highway 540, just above Bridal Veil Falls. Here the water is calm, the current is gentle, the wetlands on either side of the river provide cover from prevailing westerly winds and the water is no more than 1.5 metre deep.
While silently kayaking the clean, cool waters of the Kagawong River, you might see beaver, muskrat and waterfowl migrating from the Canadian Arctic to warmer winter climates in the south.
At the conclusion of the one-hour kayaking ride, you will walk the riverside trail to the Bridal Veil Falls viewing platform. Not only will you have a great view on the falls, but also on the river, which is especially interesting in late September – mid-October, when there is a salmon run of thousands of fish.
On the way back to Little Current, a stop will be made at Chocolate Works, a family owned business. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and reward your kayaking efforts with a taste of small batch Manitoulin Chocolate.
- All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. Life-jackets are provided and must be worn. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. Your belongings will be stored in a waterproof container. There will be one instructor for every six paddlers participating. There is a choice between one and two-seater kayaks. You will be kayaking the same way out as back. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Georgian Bay by helicopter
Discover Manitoulin Island and the North Channel from above.
From the pier, a short van transfer will bring you to the helipad. After a safety briefing, you will board a helicopter for a 20-minute flight.
Your pilot will head northeast to fly over the northern part of Georgian Bay towards Frazer Bay and the only non-oceanic fjord in the world: Baie Fine (pronounced Bay Fin). In Killarney Provincial Park, your flight path will take you up and over the Killarney Ridge, an ancient mountain range; which stood as high as the Himalayas a billion years ago. Enjoy the view of the pink granite rocks to the south and the white quartzite mountains to the north and west. Fourteen thousand years ago during the last ice age, vast continental ice sheets formed this unique geography. Heading west your flight will take you over the Lansdowne Channel, a favoured route for recreational boaters entering the North Channel. Here you will have views of shipwrecks, underwater geography, lighthouses and inland lakes. The route back to Little Current will take you over the famous Strawberry Island lighthouse before passing over the ships in the downtown area.
- The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 carrying a maximum of 3 guests (2 in the back and 1 in the front). You will be asked to communicate your weight as the total weight per flight is 600 lbs/270 kgs. For safety reasons, seating in the aircraft is at the sole discretion of the pilot and is based on balance. This tour has a limited capacity and must be pre-reserved at least 15 days prior to the call, reservations are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled by the operator.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Horseback riding in Honora Bay
From the pier, board your coach for the short drive to the riding stables.
On arrival, meet your instructor for a safety briefing and information on the trail itself. During the horseback ride no commentary will be given.
During your one-hour Northern Ontario horseback adventure you will experience the wilderness of Manitoulin Island on newly cut trails through the surrounding forests, hilltop fields and along the Niagara Escarpment. You might spot wildlife such as white-tailed deer, fox, rabbits, sand hill cranes and bald eagles. The trail is designed for beginners with no experience and does not have any significant inclines or difficult terrain. The trail is narrow and horses ride in single file. You will have a view of the North Channel of Lake Huron and on the La Cloche Mountains.
At the conclusion of the trail ride, you will have some time to explore the riding stables and equestrian riding centre. Refreshments will be served.
- All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. Helmets are provided and must be worn. We recommend you wear long pants, such as jeans, a comfortable sweater, and closed-toe shoes. Purses and other large or baggy items cannot be carried on the horse as they may restrict your ability to ride. Small cameras are fine to bring as long as they are not hung around your neck. Please ask your guide about the best way to carry your belongings. The trail ride will have one instructor for every five guests for a maximum participation of 15 passengers. Participants must be at least eight years old and accompanied by an adult.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hiking the Cup & Saucer trail
The Cup and Saucer Trail, located 18 kilometres west of the port of Little Current, is one of Manitoulin Island's premier tourist destinations. This unique hiking trail offers a panoramic view from 250-foot high cliff lookouts.
From the pier, board your coach for the scenic 30-minute drive to the foot of the trail. The hike takes about one hour to reach the summit and another hour to hike back down to the parking lot.
At 352 metres (1,160 feet), the Cup and Saucer is the highest point of Manitoulin island. The cliffs are at an altitude of 70 meters (230 feet) and the view on the forests and lakes are just incredible. Depending on the season, enjoy the fall colours at their best.
Upon returning to the base of the trail, you will be treated to a selection of Canadian wines and cheeses and locally smoked rainbow trout.
- Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition as some sections of the trail are steep and a good pair of hiking boots is recommended. The paths can be muddy and slippery when wet. The entire trail is approximately 9.5 km (5.9 miles) in length and takes about 2.5 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 70 metres (230 feet), allowing for plenty of time for photos. There is one local guide for every 6 passengers taking part in the excursion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
T