Captain’s Note
Understanding our schedules
One of the particularities of the Bella Desgagnés is that it sails in places where weather conditions are variable and often unpredictable, both in summer and winter. Early in the season, ice conditions may even require Coast Guard intervention. The ship has to adapt to sailing conditions, so some stopovers may have to be brought forward, shortened or even cancelled, depending on the challenges encountered at sea.
For all these reasons, schedules may be subject to change and we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Consequently:
It is important that you check in the week preceding the voyage if the ship is significantly delayed. This delay could affect your departure as well as your return. If you need to make a medical or other appointment, it is advisable to schedule it for at least 48 hours after your scheduled arrival time, in case the ship is delayed.
Even in the event of a delay, you remain responsible for your accommodation costs before and after the trip. If departure is postponed until Tuesday morning, for example, Relais Nordik will not assume your hotel or restaurant expenses on Monday. This is your responsibility.
To better plan your boarding, we invite you to visit the ship’s position section of our website at www.relaisnordik.com, which displays the position of the Bella Desgagnés in real time.
Can I visit the villages and book excursions?
For each of these ports of call, the precise time of departure will be communicated to you on board. The length of Bella Desgagnés’ calls depends on the duration of our cargo operations. Generally, we are stopped for a period of one to four hours, depending on the port and the loading/unloading operation.
At each port, you can discover what’s nearby. You can learn about the villages, the people, their way of life, the flora and fauna, and observe the surroundings. While many of the ports are not far from the villages, even right in the heart of them, a few are a little further away and there may not be enough time to get there on foot, such as Natashquan, Saint-Augustin and Tête-à-la-Baleine. Note that it is possible to bring a bicycle on board and use it at each port of call, for an additional fee paid before boarding. Throughout your journey on the St. Lawrence, Voyages CoSte offers excursions at many of our ports of call. The costs of these activities are not included in your package, as the agency is an independent partner. Voyages CoSte assumes full responsibility for the service offered, including booking, payment and reimbursement. If you have any questions about our excursions, please contact Voyages CoSte at 1-877-573-2678 or via their website https://voyagescoste.ca/.
How does boarding work?
Arrival
Unless otherwise indicated, your embarkation will take place from 5:30pm (5:30 PM) on Monday, at the Rimouski Commercial Wharf. We recommend that you arrive by 5:00 PM and have already eaten, as the dining room and cafeteria are closed on Monday evenings. The bistro bar, however, is open on Monday evenings. To find our location, follow the signs for the Traverse Rimouski/Forestville, which will guide you easily to the Rimouski wharf. On the dock, Relais Nordik is identified. While you’re waiting to board, the Maison du Port (blue house) has a waiting room with Internet, coffee and washroom facilities.
For departures from Sept-Îles, you can arrive at the Quai de Pointe aux Basques around 8:30 a.m., depending on the ship’s schedule. We recommend that you track the ship’s position on the Monday before departure. If you are departing from Havre Saint-Pierre: 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday mornings.
Vehicles
For the duration of your trip, you can leave your vehicle free of charge directly on Rimouski’s Quai Commercial in the spaces designated on arrival. This is a fenced parking area with surveillance cameras.
If your reservation includes the transportation of a vehicle (car, motorcycle, pickup truck, RV or trailer), we ask you to be at the dock by 5:00 pm. Your vehicle will be inspected at this time and, in the case of a non-containerizable vehicle, final payment will be made with a purser.
Electric charging stations
At the Marina near the Bella Desgagnés, you’ll find four Circuit Électrique Level 2 charging stations (6.2 kW at $1/hour). A 50 kW rapid charging station is located at the tourist information booth in downtown Rimouski, 50 rue St-Germain Ouest. There are also 10 Tesla Supercharger fast charging stations at IGA Extra and two 125 kW fast charging stations from the Rechargeco network, at 395 avenue Sirois, near the Centre-Ville exit on Highway 20.
Delays
Should the ship be significantly delayed, you will be notified by e-mail of your new boarding time. In addition to receiving an e-mail, this time will be posted on our website https://relaisnordik.com. Please note that you are responsible for your own accommodation and travel costs before and after the trip, even in the event of a delay or early departure.
What to bring as baggage
The weight limit for personal baggage is 20 kg (44 lb) per person. Any additional weight may be charged at the ship’s freight rate. Cabins are equipped with storage space for luggage. We recommend that you use non-rigid suitcases; it’s better to bring two small suitcases than one large one. Bear in mind that you must be able to transport your luggage yourself from the parking lot to your cabin, both on arrival and on your return. Make sure your suitcase is not too heavy and is in good condition, with functional wheels.
Packages and boxes must be checked in as cargo, and are therefore subject to cargo regulations. This means delivery to our terminal one to four days in advance, depending on the planned port of embarkation. It is preferable to reserve this space by telephone before bringing it to the warehouse.
Bedding, towels and body soap are provided. However, you must bring your own shampoo, toothpaste, hair dryer, hand cream and other personal hygiene products. In case you forget, some products are available at the reception desk on board.
Given the climate in the Gulf, it’s advisable to bring warm, waterproof clothing, even in summer, as well as walking shoes with non-slip soles. Although gloves are not always necessary, they are often appreciated.
We advise you to bring any tablets you may need to relieve seasickness (Gravol, Aspirin, etc.), as we do not sell any medication on board.It’s a good idea to talk to your pharmacist to find out what’s best for you.
If you wish to transport your boats (canoe, kayak, etc.), camping equipment, bicycles, perishables or pets, please contact our reservations staff.
Cabin maintenance
In line with our sustainable development policy, cabin maintenance on Le Bella Desgagnés is carried out according to a model that aims to reduce our environmental impact. Sheets are changed at the end of the stay or when required.
Towels are changed once a week for long-stay guests. Every day, your cabin will be refreshed in a basic way (emptying the garbage, sweeping the floor and cleaning the bathroom).
You can also request to have towels changed as needed by asking the housekeeping staff who circulate in the corridors.
Telephone and Internet communications
Please note that there are no public telephones on board. You can use your cell phone, but be aware that the network is very limited on the Lower North Shore.
It is therefore uncertain whether you will be able to use it. On the other hand, you’ll find pay phone booths on the quaysides of some ports.
In case of emergency, we recommend that you give your family members the telephone number of our Rimouski terminal (1-800-463-0680 option 2), and provide them with a copy of the ship’s schedule.
We have a toll-free Internet connection on board, powered by Star Link. Please note that due to the isolated areas served, Internet access is not always available.
Facilities and activities
Until the end of October, guides from the Réseau d’Observation des Mammifères Marins (ROMM) offer learning workshops on various themes, observation sessions on the decks, visits to certain ports of call, and more. Naturally, these activities are offered weather and time permitting.
The bistro on Deck 8, run entirely by the Marine Mammal Observation Network guides, lets you relax in a café/bistro atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to chat with family and friends while enjoying a panoramic view. Deck 8 also boasts a magnificent outdoor observation deck just above the wheelhouse. This is where film screenings take place.
How do meals work?
All-inclusive packages include all meals in the dining room during opening hours. This is a table d’hôte with a choice of two or three main courses.
A selection of wines and beers are offered at competitive prices. Gratuities are not included. They are at your discretion and can be paid by credit card, debit card or cash at the end of your stay. We invite you to visit the FAQ section of our website for more details.
Depending on the number of passengers on board and the time of year, one or two meals are served at set times. The Passenger Services Manager (PSM) or Purser will confirm meal times on board. Our dining room seats 2, 4 or 6.
You may have to share a table with others. Meal times are assigned according to the cabin purchased. Select” cabins come with a choice of service. Standard” and ‘Superior’ cabins are automatically placed on meal service schedule 1. Any request to be moved from the meal service schedule must be addressed to the Passenger Service Manager (PSM), who may refuse the request.
The cafeteria is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a daily menu served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for dinner. Other types of meal are also available: hamburgers, sandwiches, fries, etc. Any meals purchased outside the restaurant will be at your own expense.