One of the (many!) tasks of Joannie Gélineau, Assistant Director of Operations, is to put together the musical program for Escapades Memphrémagog cruises every year. She rigorously selects the artists who will perform on Le Grand Cru, and is proud of her brand-new program.

She answers all our questions about the artists performing this summer.

How important is music on cruises?

Music is an integral part of the immersive experience on board. These services contribute to creating a warm atmosphere in the refined setting of our cruises. Customers really appreciate it, and we get a lot of feedback on the subject, with everyone raving about it. It certainly adds a unique element to the experience.

Each cruise includes musical entertainment carefully adapted to the mood and type of cruise.

How do you choose your musicians?

We always give preference to local, regional artists. They’re carefully selected for their talent, professionalism, repertoire (both French and English) and ability to interact with the audience. Unlike a live show, they don’t have to take up all the space, but rather accompany the guests through their evening.

We’ll be hiring between six and eight artists or duos for the entire season, and we’ll make sure to have a diversity of musical genres.

What is the format of their musical performances?

If you take the dinner cruise, for example, the artists will play three 45-minute sets. They’re there as soon as you board! On non-meal cruises, they’ll play twice for 50 minutes.

Most of them take special requests, and they love it! It’s much appreciated when it’s time to celebrate birthdays, for example.

Which artists are part of the 2025 summer line-up?

We really do have a happy, balanced mix of new artists and regulars. We like to showcase new talent, while relying on the talent of our small core of performers, who return year after year.

Édouard Lagacé is one of our guests’ favorites. With his varied repertoire and all-round charisma, he knows how to charm audiences who know him from his TV appearances. On the terrace, he really sets the mood! Mélane and Michel Desjardins are also a must. They’ve been with us for years, and audiences keep coming back for more.

Among the new recruits, we’re delighted to welcome Isabelle Robidoux, who accompanies us on the piano. We know this will work perfectly with the dinner cruise atmosphere.

Perhaps some of you will recognize the name Véro Pelletier? We’re adding her to our program this year, but she’s already sung on the Orford Express!

To find out more about the musical program and onboard entertainment, visit this page!

Mélane and Michel share their fondest memories of Le Grand Cru

• When we celebrate an important anniversary with the family-50th, 60th, 70th, 80th-and we can offer a song to the family. We’re the privileged witnesses of a memory that will last a long time. The emotion is palpable, it’s fabulous.

• We met up again on the boat with a couple for whom we’d played at their wedding a year earlier in Gatineau. They had just celebrated their first wedding anniversary, and it was an evening when we were playing on the boat. Little did they know! What a stroke of luck!

• Seeing the boat turned upside down in a festive atmosphere one afternoon with a group of Filipinos. Everyone was dancing even the service team. It was an atmosphere never seen before!

• Singing a ceremony on deck for a magnificent wedding, with everyone dressed in white. It was pure magic.