"Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant, a French cruise ship operator, have been partners for almost five years and in 2026 will offer three dozen departures. Ponant supplies the sailing vessels, in this case the intimate Le Champlain ship with just 92 staterooms that can accommodate 184 passengers. Smithsonian and Ponant partner on the itineraries while Smithsonian sources the experts onboard. For the Great Lakes voyage from Toronto to Milwaukee,"
"The view of Lake Michigan from the cedarwood sauna on the Ponant Le Champlain was an expanse of blue as far as the eye could see. The vista truly wasn't that different from what I'd seen from land, but it felt more vast, nuanced, and alive when at sea. Earlier that day I had also been surrounded by cedar, albeit in the North Woods of Mackinac Island,"
Smithsonian Journeys partners with Ponant to operate intimate cruises aboard the 92-stateroom Le Champlain, with dozens of departures planned for 2026. The Toronto-to-Milwaukee itinerary emphasizes both natural and man-made attractions, including waterfalls, locks, and Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel, and includes Smithsonian experts onboard. Guests view expansive lake vistas from amenities such as a cedarwood sauna and a sixth-floor Panoramic Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor deck. The ship navigates waterways like the 27-mile Welland Canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and shore excursions include North Woods cedar stands on Mackinac Island prior to disembarkation in Milwaukee.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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