Overview

With featured guest Julien Gueslin, chief curator and head of the Musée de La Contemporaine.

Le Commandant Charcot reveals new scenery and invites you aboard to discover the emblematic Baltic cities, at the dawn of the magical Christmas season. Along the coasts bordering the Baltic Sea, winter is setting in. Cold winds are blowing across the roofs of these former strongholds. As the festive season approaches, soak up the warm atmosphere of the Christmas markets, where the aromas of mulled wine, cinnamon, ginger bread and sweet treats tantalizingly pervade the maze of picturesque alleyways.

From the refined cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot, opening onto the exterior, you will plunge into the enchanted panoramas of fascinating rocky islets, captivating nature and scenic old towns. Here, the towns shimmer. Like a starry sky, the illuminations of these emblematic cities will immediately immerse you in the enchantment of Christmas, a tradition that is well-established in the history and hearts of the Scandinavians. Accompanied by the sound of traditional singing, you will be captivated by the concerts, markets, and other culinary discoveries. Here, during an exceptional cruise, you will discover the skerries, the islands that rise out of the deep blue waters like majestic guardians.

Strolling around the markets, by the light of the falling night, you will be able to contemplate the architecture of each of these towns, which reflects their identity and their history. In some of them, there are paved streets echoing the Art Nouveau era, and impressive fortifications and wide, straight streets demonstrate the prowess of military urban planning while, in others, the gothic and baroque styles of architecture blend in with modern buildings to create a unique urban landscape. This is a final magical interlude amidst captivating scenery before you sail towards elegant Helsinki, which will be the final port of call on this enchanted journey.

The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.

Trip Highlights

With featured guest Julien Gueslin, chief curator and head of the Musée de La Contemporaine.
A brand-new PONANT journey discovering the emblematic cities bordering the Baltic Sea during the enchanted winter period.
Experience the magical period of the Christmas holidays with your family and savour the enchantment of Scandinavian traditions during the winter period.
Aboard Commandant Charcot, a luxurious and reassuring cocoon open to the outside world, take the time to observe unique landscapes during fascinating cruises, including one to the Stockholm archipelago.
The enchantment of Scandinavian cities outside high season.
Dive into the enchanting universe of the festive season as you wander cities of a thousand lights and discover handicrafts and local gastronomy in the aisles of the traditional Christmas markets.
A magical overnight stay opposite the old town of Stockholm.

Day 1 :

HELSINKI

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.

Day 2 :

STOCKHOLM

Anchored opposite the old town, which shines brightly during this Advent period, you will be immersed in the unrivalled wonderland of Stockholm as it prepares for Christmas - Jul in Swedish. Singing and music resonate from the narrow and lit-up streets of the historic centre Gamla Stan. Share the Swedish enthusiasm for this time of the year and indulge in a hot glögg spicy mulled wine at the stalls of a Christmas market, amidst the aromas of cinnamon and ginger. In daylight hours, you will sail through the hushed decor of the Stockholm archipelago. A constellation of skerries – islets and reefs that rise to the surface of the water - stretches over fifty or so kilometres (30 miles) in the Baltic Sea. On the inhabited lands, bright red facades punctuate the blue-tinged landscape formed by the water and the sky.

Day 3 :

STOCKHOLM

Day 4 :

VISBY, GOTLAND

Visby, a veritable Viking-era treasure anchored off the southeastern Swedish coast, is the largest town on the island of Gotland. Take shelter from the wind behind the ringmuren, the 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long perimeter wall that encircles the town, dotted with towers and gates. Dive into the history of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the remains of the 12th-century church and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Learn more by visiting the Gotland Museum, which has many archaeological discoveries dating back to the Viking era. Wander the paved streets edged with cafés and restaurants where you can try the local speciality, Saffranspannkaka, saffron pancakes served with berries and cream. And if you visit a sheep farm, make the most of it to bring back a beautiful grey and curly sheepskin from one of the island’s flock.

Day 5 :

GDANSK

Dive into the medieval atmosphere of Gdansk, whose red brick architecture reflects its Hanseatic past. Look at the gabled houses, churches and galleries, admire the illuminated quaysides and enjoy its nocturnal buzz! At the Christmas market, let yourself be carried away by the enchantment of the enormous Christmas tree and wander among the delightful wooden chalets amidst the aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, orange and roasted walnuts. Oliwa Park offers spectacular illuminations at nightfall. Its Cistercian abbey and its cathedral, home to a magnificent sculpted wooden organ, are also well worth a visit. Finally, perhaps you will have the opportunity to make a nod to Chopin by attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic.

Day 6 :

AT SEA

The unrivalled comfort of Le Commandant Charcot makes it an ideal cocoon for your winter cruise. The interior spaces, opening wide out onto the exterior, were designed to let you easily reconnect with the surrounding landscapes. In the spa, you will be able to relax during long winter evenings. The Blue Lagoon, an outdoor pool heated thanks to an energy recovery system, the snow room, the detox bar and the uninterrupted outside promenade deck will enable you to make the most of the pure air, at every opportunity. Finally, you will have the opportunity to take part in more educational moments during conferences.

Day 7 :

RIGA

Considered the Art Nouveau capital, Riga captivates with its many contrasts. As you stroll through its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will appreciate its medieval architecture, its cathedral, the remains of old walls and the narrow streets. Trace the origins of the Christmas market and the decorated tree invented here in 1510, in pagan times. In the old town’s park, a stone’s throw from a giant tree, the stalls offer local craft objects like wooden chandeliers, jewellery made from Baltic amber, hand-knitted gloves and Christmas decorations. Sheltered under a wooden hut, warm yourself up by sipping some mulled wine accompanied by gingerbread.

Day 8 :

AT SEA

Day 9 :

TALLINN

Tallinn unveils all its charms in winter, even if the days are short. Located in the far north of Estonia, this remarkably well-preserved city of the Hanseatic League, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a myriad of exceptional historical monuments, such as the recently restored St. Nicholas Church. In December, the churches, shops, cafés and paved streets shine brightly and the atmosphere is festive. Come and make your wishes beneath the luxurious Christmas tree that dominates the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). At the Christmas market, you will find hand-knitted wool garments and share the traditional glögi mulled wine accompanied by spiced almonds.

Day 10 :

HELSINKI

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. In the historic centre, softly coloured neoclassical buildings mix with spectacular modern structures. The lively district of Kallio is home to many boutiques and restaurants offering local specialities such as graavilohi, pickled, sweetened and flavoured salmon. And the large Christmas craft market is the ideal place to unearth Finnish design items.