Study Voyage: Great Lakes
With French elegance and the spirit of an explorer
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Toronto → Milwaukee
This eight-night voyage aboard Le Bellot, in association with Smithsonian Journeys, runs the Great Lakes from Toronto via Detroit and Mackinac Island to Milwaukee. The 184-guest Explorer-class ship transits the Welland Canal, which steps down the Niagara escarpment, and the St Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie. The shallow draft and manoeuvrability of the 131-metre vessel allow her to negotiate locks that remain closed to larger ships. Smithsonian experts accompany the voyage with lectures on the region's geology, Indigenous cultures and industrial heritage. Full board, beverages and excursions are part of the premium all-inclusive concept.
Route highlights
- Toronto: Canadian metropolis on Lake Ontario with the CN Tower and the Distillery District.
- Welland Canal: lock staircase climbing eight steps over the Niagara escarpment.
- Detroit: Motor City on the river of the same name, between Lakes Erie and Huron.
- Little Current: gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island.
- Sault Ste. Marie: locks on the St Marys River linking Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
- Mackinac Island: car-free island in Lake Huron, with Victorian hotels and horse-drawn carriages.
- Milwaukee: harbour city on Lake Michigan with Calatrava's pavilion at the art museum.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Toronto
8 nights
Milwaukee
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Toronto · Embarkation
Toronto on the northern shore of Lake Ontario is Canada's largest city and the capital of Ontario province. The 553-metre CN Tower rises above a multicultural metropolis with lively neighbourhoods such as Kensington and the Distillery District.
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At sea
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Port Colborne
At the southern entry of the Welland Canal to Lake Erie in Canada's Ontario, this port town links the Great Lakes with Lake Ontario and on to the Atlantic. Lock 8, the world's longest single-section lock, can be seen here in operation.
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Kreuzen auf dem Lake Erie
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Detroit
Detroit lies in the US state of Michigan on the river of the same name between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, on the Canadian border opposite Windsor. As the historic home of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, the auto industry shapes the cityscape, alongside the Motown sound that was born here in the 1960s.
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Kreuzen auf dem St. Clair River
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Kreuzen auf dem Lake Huron
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Little Current (Manitoulin Island)
Small port town on Manitoulin Island in Canada's Lake Huron, the world's largest freshwater island. An old swing bridge links the island with the mainland and opens once an hour through summer for sailing vessels.
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Sault Ste. Marie
On the border between Ontario and Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is a twin city on the Saint Marys River. The Soo Locks bridge the difference in elevation between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
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Mackinac Island
This car-free island in Lake Huron sits between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas in the northern United States. Horse-drawn carriages, Victorian timber villas and the famous Grand Hotel of 1887 shape the summer resort, where motor vehicles have been banned since 1898.
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Kreuzen auf dem Lake Michigan
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Milwaukee · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | -1 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 1 |
| Sea °C | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 148 | 120 | 120 | 110 | 110 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 100 | 130 | 150 | 150 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic North America (Halifax / New England)
Le Bellot
Le Bellot is the sixth and final ship of the Explorer class - the completion of a concept that makes expedition and luxury inseparable. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet, French cuisine.
Along the east coast of North America, Le Bellot sails through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the coast of New England - autumn foliage, whales and fishing villages.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Bellot
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 8.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 9.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 10.280 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 10.830 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 14.920 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 14.920 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 14.920 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 14.920 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 20.030 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 21.050 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 22.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 22.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 24.210 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - | € 31.560 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 8 nights from EUR 8.080 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bellot?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is June to October (incl. Indian summer).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
