When most travellers think of expedition cruising, their minds immediately go to Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galápagos. But did you know you can enjoy the same small-ship luxury and immersive exploration — right here in North America’s Great Lakes?
I recently toured Ponant’s Le Champlain, one of their sleek Explorers-class vessels. Currently chartered by Tauck for culturally rich Great Lakes itineraries, she brings together French elegance and intimate expedition design in a way that few ships can. 
Here’s what stood out to me on board:
92 staterooms & suites — all designed with modern, understated French style.
Here’s what stood out to me on board:
92 staterooms & suites — all designed with modern, understated French style
Maximum 184 guests — an intimate size that ensures a personal, uncrowded experience
1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio — delivering attentive service without formality
The iconic Blue Eye lounge — an underwater observation space where you can connect with the aquatic world in a completely unique way
Ponant is best known for its polar fleet. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of sailing on their flagship Le Commandant Charcot — the world’s only luxury icebreaker — for a transformative expedition to Canada’s boreal forest. ❄️🌲 That voyage showcased Ponant’s pioneering spirit and commitment to exploration in some of the planet’s most remote environments.
What makes Le Champlain so fascinating is how she channels that same expedition DNA into other regions. In the Great Lakes, you don’t just see the sights — you experience cultural immersion through curated shore excursions, local guides, and intimate encounters with the history and spirit of each port.
For travellers seeking luxury without crowds and discovery without compromise, ships like Le Champlain redefine what it means to cruise close to home. Whether you dream of polar frontiers or North American waterways, Ponant offers a fleet designed to connect you deeply with the world.
🌍 Which would you choose? French luxury in the Great Lakes, or an expedition to the ends of the Earth?
💡 Insider Note: I have a special offer for Ponant that I can’t share publicly on social media. If you’d like to try an expedition cruise — whether to Antarctica, the Great Lakes, or beyond — let me know and I’d be delighted to share the details.