Small French cruise ship makes its first stop in Duluth

Duluth Harbor welcomed a new arrival as the France-based Le Champlain cruise ship arrived Monday morning.

The small, luxury cruise ship – owned and operated by Ponant – is on the first of its newly launched, 11-day cruise that takes it to multiple destinations on Lakes Superior and Michigan.

It departed from Thunder Bay on Sept. 4 and will end its voyage in Milwaukee. Passengers will spend the day in Duluth before departing for an overnight voyage to Bayfield, Wisconsin.

You can see the moment it arrives in Duluth Harbor Cam's live stream from around 7:14 a.m.

And here's the view as it passes under Duluth's famous Aerial Lift Bridge, passing under from around 7:19 a.m.

Le Champlain carries only 184 passengers, offering a "cosily intimate experience" that includes two restaurants, a rear-deck outdoor pool, and a spa.

Excursions offered to Champlain guests in Duluth include a trip on the Lake Superior Railroad, a walk around Canal Park, and a hike of Jay Cooke State Park.

The ship is currently scheduled to return to Duluth on Sept. 19. Tickets for the 10-night cruise start at $8,930.

Related: Watch: Viking Octantis cruise ship returns to Duluth harbor