The cruise-ship company Croisières M/S Jacques-Cartier was founded in 1972 by Captain Luc Harvey and his wife. To launch the service, they converted the M/S Jacques-Cartier, which at the time was being used for the transportation of pulpwood, into a cruise ship. In June 1972, the ship was brought to Trois-Rivières where it began offering cruises for up to 150 passengers accommodated on the ship’s single deck.

In 1977, the M/S Jacques-Cartier underwent refitting and a second deck was added. The ship could then accommodate up to 380 passengers. This allowed the company to offer day cruises to Batiscan and the Sorel Islands, and to provide on-board meals.

In 1985, the bow was redesigned entirely to its current shape.

In 1987, new engines were installed, increasing the ship’s propulsion power and speed and enabling the company to offer new destinations such as Montreal, Quebec City and the Richelieu River. A third deck was then added, bringing the passenger capacity to its current level of 400. That same year, the wheelhouse was completely rebuilt.

In 1998, Michel Harvey, second son of Luc Harvey, joined his father as co-captain after gaining much experience on the M/S Jacques-Cartier. With two captains on board, the cruises gained an even more personal touch.

In 2003, a new ticket office was set up in the Harbourfront Park of Trois-Rivières. The building - a lighthouse - is home to the company’s head office and also its centre for information, reservations and customer service.

The environmentally-friendly company has undertaken many efforts to reduce the M/S Jacques-Cartier’s production of waste water and other forms of waste. The sanitary equipment in the washrooms was modernized some years ago with the installation of low-flow appliances. The ship is also equipped with a waste storage and recycling system. And, as of summer 2008, disposable tableware has been eliminated in the meal service.

Today, the cruise line company is still owned by the Harveys, with father and son both being captains. During the peak season, the company hires over 40 employees, including navigation officers, crew members and ticket agents.