Government and port leaders saluted Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot at the Port of Québec as the ship completed Canada's first international winter cruise.
'Hats off to Capt. Patrick Marchesseau for sailing the icy waters of the St. Lawrence, a world first that will go down in history,' Québec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx said.
Blizzards and pack ice
Under Marchesseau's command, Le Commandant Charcot traveled 1,131 nautical miles through blizzards, icy waters and pack ice from the French outpost of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon near Newfoundland to Québec's Magdalen Islands, Gaspé, Sept-Îles and La Baie (in Saguenay Fjord) before arriving to a hero's welcome in Québec City.
The voyage showcased the Polar Class 2 ship's advanced icebreaking capabilities and pioneering spirit while treating 157 intrepid travelers to extraordinary winter adventures. They took part in snowshoeing, hiking, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skating, gastronomy and experiencing aboriginal traditions in close encounters with Mi'kmaq and Innu communities.
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