Q Cruise + Travel

03/06/2025

A little sad to say goodbye to Le Commandant Charcot. A unique vessel and an unexpectedly beautiful itinerary, ending in the French territory of St Pierre & Miquelon. Here we were regaled with stories about historic crossings, cod fishing, bootlegging and the challenges and opportunities for this proud little French enclave in North America.

Merci aux officiers et à l’équipage de Le Commandant Charcot! C’était incroyable!

03/05/2025

Detox or retox: pick your poison! On the Detox Bar in the spa will make your favorite juice or smoothie, while elsewhere house Champagne is served from a magnum.

03/02/2025

From cold to hot: a visit to the Micmac community museum, the birthplace of Canada in Gaspe and tubing on Mont Bechervaise. And then, relaxing in the outdoor Blue Lagoon pool on Le Commandant Charcot (heated by the recycled energy of the ship) and the beautiful indoor spa.

03/02/2025

Another first: cross country skiing 🎿 in Gaspe! A beautiful setting with lots of snow. Speeding downhill was great, but who knew going uphill was so much work? Fun though!

03/01/2025

On this exploration on Le Commandant Charcot in the heart of the Quebec winter, it is not just about fun in the snow and ice, but also about the human spirit. Members of the indigenous Innu community shared their life, their history, their culture and their stories with us in the city of Sept-Iles.

And history wasn’t always uplifting. After welcoming us in a communal tent with music and dance, Innu elder Anne shared in a tearful exchange how then-government policy had her ripped away from her family at age 5 without explanation, only to be placed in a residential school, where indigenous children were prohibited from using their own language, culture and traditions. Instead, generations of Innu children were forced to assume European/Canadian language and customs, and many, like Anne, suffered abuse and eventually substance dependence after years of losing their identity.

Fortunately, Anne’s story as a survivor ends on a positive note. With the love and support from her husband Denis, Anne has made peace with her family, was educated at university and now provides social services to those who are dependent. They also work at the school where Innu children are educated in the Innu language, and according to the standards of all Quebec schools.

Sharing stories is an important part of First Nations people’s culture. We were privileged to hear Anne’s.

While visiting another area of the Innu community, we visited the local church. The blend of Catholic faith and local culture was evident. For example, the Stations of the Cross were painted on traditional snowshoes and titled in Innu. The altar was shaped like a canoe, and covered in skins, while the walls displayed local nature scenes.

02/27/2025

Dinner expedition-style: the Captain of Le Commandant Charcot spotted the Northern Lights as we sailed in the Saguenay Fjord, so between appetizers and main course, dinner service was halted so we could quickly run out to the helicopter deck for some photos. While the photo quality may not be great ( ), how often do you get to see Aurora Borealis before you tuck into your Alain Ducasse dish?

02/26/2025

Ice fishing! It sounds a lot colder than it is, even though you’re on the frozen fjord. With shuttle service by snowmobile to a temporary village (with roads and streetsigns!) of heated cabins, fishing up to 260 feet deep through a 12-inch hole proved more fun and more of a challenge than expected!

No fish 🐟 caught here! Fortunately, Le Commandant Charcot is extremely well provisioned, with some of the best fish we’ve ever had on a ship!

02/25/2025

Dogsledding- a true winter adventure! A cacophony of over 80 excited dogs set the scene for an exhilarating ride through the forest! We got to steer our own sled pulled by five adorable and excitable pups through the snow, and we then made our way back by snowmobile ❄️.

02/24/2025

Winter activities are a key focus of our Boreal winter expedition on Ponant Le Commandant Charcot icebreaker. Today, we got to snowshoe in the Jacques Cartier National Park. First time for most of us and exhilarating but not at all exhausting, nor particularly cold. Our Ponant parka (which you get onboard and may keep as a souvenir) kept us more than warm enough and the sunny weather was much warmer than last week’s cold spell in Chicago!

02/23/2025

So why are we in Quebec City? Our partners at have invited us to sail on the world’s most powerful and luxurious non-nuclear powered icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot during its premier season of sailing on the Saint Lawrence River during the Boreal Winter. Inaccessible to other ships at this time of year, Le Commandant Charcot provides ways to enjoy the Quebec winter. We will sail from Quebec to the seldom visited Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

While the ice on the ship’s bow may seem excessive, it is no match for Le Commandant Charcot. More to follow!

02/22/2025

Outside it’s snowing, but indoors at Relais & Chateaux Auberge Saint Antoine it’s warm and cozy. Fire places are roaring, the croissants and pains au chocolat are as authentic as can be and history is around every corner. Rooms are all unique: each features an archeologic object from Quebec’s long past and a unique tray to ensure the melted snow from your boots stays where it belongs: outside your room!

02/22/2025

Not all cities embrace their winter season, but with beautiful cobblestone streets, historic buildings and a coating of snow, Quebec ensures that the charm of the holidays continues well into the year. The Auberge St Antoine is located perfectly: right in the historic town. Feel close to France without even crossing the ocean!

02/20/2025

We're very proud of our cruise travel advisor Kevin Grubb, who was awarded the honor of Virtuoso Cruise Icon for the fifth year in a row! This award is bestowed to the top 1% of all 20,000+ Virtuoso advisors worldwide.

Congratulations, Kevin!

02/12/2025

Travel + Leisure published its 2025 A-List of Travel Advisors today. Rob Clabbers, founder of Q, is once again listed for his expertise in all things cruise - whether you like small, medium or large ships! Rob is also a member of the Travel + Leisure Travel Advisory Board.

Travel + Leisure Travel

02/04/2025

Are you REAL-ID ready?

Planning to use your driver's license to fly within the US?
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a REAL-ID compliant identification document for domestic flights.

https://qcruisetravel.com/real-id/

Are you REAL ID ready? From May 7, 2025, US domestic air travel requires a passport, "REAL ID" compliant driver's license/ID or other accepted documentation.

01/23/2025

Rob Clabbers, founder and president of Q, is today's Travel + Leisure Featured A-List Travel Advisor.

TRAVEL ADVISORY BOARD | LARGE, MEDIUM, AND SMALL SHIPS SPECIALIST

01/10/2025

A new year means new horizons to chase. This guide to 2025’s must-visit destinations will inspire your travels, from heli-skiing South America to cruising Peru’s rivers.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/robclabbers/travel/articles/the-12-best-places-to-travel-in-2025

Image: Secret Bay Resort

01/03/2025

Wake up where the buffalo roam. Amangani blends Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes with refined comfort, whether you’re exploring Grand Teton National Park or soaking in alpine views from the pool. Discover five reasons why this resort is a must-visit.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/robclabbers/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-amangani

Image: Alex Moling