PONANT Celebrates American Composers with Quintessential Music Cruise

This fall, PONANT is featuring a music-themed cruise, as part of its Quintessential Collection, under the direction of Maestro Keith Lockhart, conductor of the famed Boston Pops. Starting in Montreal, guests will board the 184-guest, 92-stateroom Le Champlain -- part of the PONANT EXPLORERS series -- and head off on this nine-day/eight-night cruise through the waterways of eastern Canada and northern New England.

Taking in what is among the loveliest and most dramatic scenery in the world – the rock-bound coast, the soaring cliffs, the idyllic waterfront villages – this voyage invites guests to sample the delights available here. This includes, the romantic city of Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the wildlife-rich Saguenay River; the Gaspé Peninsula, where Jacques Cartier staked out Canada for France; Cape Breton; historic Louisbourg; stunning Bar Harbor, Maine; and much more; wrapping up the trip in Boston.

The Gaspé Peninsula

Of course, the most unique element of this itinerary is the musical program available that will be curated and performed by legendary Boston Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart. Joined by six extraordinary musicians, maestro Lockhart will transport guests through music to key moments in musical history, with a series of concerts on board along with a private concert in Quebec City at Chapelle du Musée de l’Amérique française, showcasing the works of Debussy, Ravel, Faure, and Saint Saens.

Along with the musical highlights, there will be optional excursions in every port of call, including the old town of Quebec City and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, as well as the natural beauty of Saguenay, the Magdalen Islands, and Acadia National Park.

This special cruise itinerary runs from Oct. 19-27, 2020. For complete details, click here.