Guest of Honour 
Guest Speaker 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
215 ft²
2
- New
Scandinavian Wonderland & Christmas Markets
Helsinki - Helsinki
Dates:
12/2/2024
to
12/11/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
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.
Ref : CC021224
Your itinerary
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...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
Julien Gueslin
« Je suis heureux d’embarquer avec vous, à bord du Commandant Charcot, pour une belle croisière hivernale dans la Baltique. Durant le voyage, je serai heureux de vous faire découvrir l'histoire d'une mer qui a uni autant que divisé. Les Vikings, la Hanse, les chevaliers teutoniques, Pologne-Lituanie, empires suédois et Russie, aujourd'hui États baltes : tous ont aspiré à obtenir l'hégémonie sur un espace marqué par des échanges culturels ou économiques intenses. C'est l'occasion de découvrir des sites historiques fascinants aux identités multiples et qui nous donnent le moyen de réapprendre... ou de rêver à ce que fut l'histoire complexe de cette mer intérieure au cœur de notre civilisation. »
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 3 ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Julien Gueslin
Julien Gueslin is head curator and head of the Musée de La Contemporaine, bibliothèque, archives et musée des mondes contemporains (Paris-Nanterre), and holds a doctorate in history. He is an associate researcher at UMR SIRICE (Université Paris-Panthéon-Sorbonne). His PhD on France and the Baltic States was awarded the Prix Jean-Baptiste Duroselle in 2004. Since then, he has written and lectured extensively on history, in particular the birth of the Baltic States through the wars of independence and the construction of a Baltic regional order in the 20th century.
He is a contributor to the catalog of the exhibition Les Ames sauvages. Le symbolisme dans les pays baltes exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay in 2018, for which he conducted a major interview (online): les pays baltes, des siècles d'histoire and contributed to Stéphane Ghez's documentary broadcast on Arte Les âmes baltes: arts, légendes et paysages. He was also Jean-Noel Jeanneney's guest on his France Culture program Concordance des temps, devoted to the Baltic States. Among his latest contributions, he has written a chapter on the Baltic countries and Russia (Un occident qui se dérobe) in the collective book devoted to Russia and the USSR from the mid-19th century to 1989 (éditions Atlande, 2021). He has also prepared a dossier on the history of the region for the general culture magazine L'Elephant (n°41, January 2023).
Language spoken: French
Photo credit : JP Rosenkranz/BNU
Avant, pendant ou après votre départ, plongez dans des œuvres romanesques ou filmographiques qui vous transporteront dans l’univers fascinant des pays baltes.
Pour vous aiguiller dans cet univers foisonnant, Julien Gueslin vous recommande…
Parmi les romans :
- Vérité et Justice d'Anton Tammsaare
- Un Drame en Livonie de Jules Verne
- Pietr-le-Letton de Simenon
- Le coup de Grâce de Marguerite Yourcenar
Parmi les films :
- My Favorite War de Ilze, Burkovska
- Reminiscences of a journey to Lithuania de Jonas Mekas
- À la croisée des vents de Martti Helde
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Julien Gueslin
Julien Gueslin is head curator and head of the Musée de La Contemporaine, bibliothèque, archives et musée des mondes contemporains (Paris-Nanterre), and holds a doctorate in history. He is an associate researcher at UMR SIRICE (Université Paris-Panthéon-Sorbonne). His PhD on France and the Baltic States was awarded the Prix Jean-Baptiste Duroselle in 2004. Since then, he has written and lectured extensively on history, in particular the birth of the Baltic States through the wars of independence and the construction of a Baltic regional order in the 20th century.
He is a contributor to the catalog of the exhibition Les Ames sauvages. Le symbolisme dans les pays baltes exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay in 2018, for which he conducted a major interview (online): les pays baltes, des siècles d'histoire and contributed to Stéphane Ghez's documentary broadcast on Arte Les âmes baltes: arts, légendes et paysages. He was also Jean-Noel Jeanneney's guest on his France Culture program Concordance des temps, devoted to the Baltic States. Among his latest contributions, he has written a chapter on the Baltic countries and Russia (Un occident qui se dérobe) in the collective book devoted to Russia and the USSR from the mid-19th century to 1989 (éditions Atlande, 2021). He has also prepared a dossier on the history of the region for the general culture magazine L'Elephant (n°41, January 2023).
Language spoken: French
Photo credit : JP Rosenkranz/BNU
Clothing tips:
INSULATING BASE LAYER AND WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER :
- Water-resistant parka - offered on board (not children sizes ; in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Comfortable trousers : classic winter trouser, warm cotton tracksuit or wool legging.
- Waterproof and wind proof over-trousers – MANDATORY.
- Windbreaker
- Winter trousers with waterproof over-trousers are the ideal combination : water-resistance and flexibility of trousers are essential and imperative.
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket.
- Woolen or thermolactyl underwear.
- Woolen or fleece neck-warmer, woolen or fleece ear muffs or warm hat (avoid scarves as they do not stay in place) - MANDATORY
- Wool or silk under gloves, flexible technical and waterproof gloves.
- Thick warm socks (ideally woolen).
- Winter shoes (with a wool lining).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men :
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry-cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
- Winter shoes (with a wool lining)
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
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.
Ports of Call & Excursions
December 2, 2024 - Helsinki
Embarkation 12/2/2024 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 12/2/2024 at 6:00 PM
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.
December 3, 2024 December 4, 2024 - Stockholm
Arrival 12/3/2024 early afternoon
Departure 12/4/2024 late morning
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
December 5, 2024 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 12/5/2024 early morning
Departure 12/5/2024 early afternoon
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
December 6, 2024 - Gdansk
Arrival 12/6/2024 early morning
Departure 12/6/2024 late evening
This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.
December 7, 2024 - At sea
Arrival 12/7/2024
Departure 12/7/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
December 8, 2024 - Riga
Arrival 12/8/2024 early morning
Departure 12/8/2024 late evening
At the place where East meets West on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Riga, the capital of Latvia, will charm you with its contrasts. Although it is one of the oldest cities in the Baltic states, with a unique atmosphere that is imbued with the memory of its medieval past, Riga is also tangibly dynamic and modern. As you stroll through its old town, you will enjoy its exceptional architecture, its cathedrals, the remains of old walls and the typical narrow streets. Nicknamed “the Paris of the North” in the 1930s, this cosmopolitan city boasts a rich heritage.
December 9, 2024 - At sea
Arrival 12/9/2024
Departure 12/9/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
December 10, 2024 - Tallinn
Arrival 12/10/2024 early morning
Departure 12/10/2024 evening
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
December 11, 2024 - Helsinki
Arrival 12/11/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 12/11/2024 at 8:00 AM
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.
Le Commandant Charcot
With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.
The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.
This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.