Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
215 ft²
2
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
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...
« 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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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 :
Parmi les films :
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 :
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:
For men :
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:
For men:
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:
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
ACCESSORIES:
PONANT activities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.