Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
Stockholm - Copenhagen
Dates:
18/07/2024
to
25/07/2024
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys for an extraordinary 8-day voyage through the Baltic Sea featuring a specially arranged, exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk, Poland.
The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings. We will visit the great cities that ring its shores and experience a comingling of cosmopolitan life with centuries of rich history.
Begin in cosmopolitan Stockholm, whose lively Gamla Stan (old town) located on a compact island showcases narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the Royal Palace.
Le Dumont-d’Urville sails first to Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the vibrant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
You call next in Tallinn, an important hub for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. Its Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and retains remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses, and warehouses.
On Gotland — the largest island in the Baltic Sea — you stop at the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League.
Klaipeda is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula and an opportunity to learn the traditional art of beekeeping or to immerse yourself in the local food and folklore of Lithuania.
You sail next to Gdansk, a city with a 1000 year history whose shipyard served as the birthplace of the Solidarity Trade Union in 1980. The wave of dissent arising from the Solidarity movement helped lead to Polish independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Call at the small Danish island of Bornholm, whose lush farmland and rich herring fisheries share the land with the ruins of a medieval fortress and four of the ancient round churches for which Denmark is noted.
End in sophisticated Copenhagen, which displays 800 years of royal history at the stunning Christiansborg Palace, once home to kings and queens and now home to the Danish Parliament.
Ref : SC7145US - EU180724
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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30/01/2024 to the 08/02/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
- 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)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- 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
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- An exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk.
- A voyage through six countries along the Baltic Sea – Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark.
- Four UNESCO World Heritage sites en route – Fortress of Suomenlinna in Helsinki, the Historic Center (Old Town) of Tallinn, the natural Curonian Peninsula in Lithuania, and the Hanseatic Town of Visby.
Ports of Call & Excursions
18 July 2024 - Stockholm
Embarkation 18/07/2024 from 15:00 to 16:00
Departure 18/07/2024 at 17:00
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.
19 July 2024 - Helsinki
Arrival 19/07/2024 early afternoon
Departure 19/07/2024 evening
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.
20 July 2024 - Tallinn
Arrival 20/07/2024 early morning
Departure 20/07/2024 midday
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.
21 July 2024 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 21/07/2024 early morning
Departure 21/07/2024 early evening
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.
22 July 2024 - Klaipeda
Arrival 22/07/2024 midday
Departure 22/07/2024 late afternoon
Klaipeda was founded in the 13th century by Christian crusaders from the German Order of Teutonic Knights. Its strategic location on the edge of the Baltic Sea has made it a source of conflict between Germans, Poles, Lithuanians and even the French since its creation. Today, the legacy of Klaipeda’s rich history is a great multiculturalism. This is the main port of Lithuania and the country’s third largest city. The beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Baltic coast make it a popular tourist destination. The city centre is very pleasant to visit due to its architecture blending German and Scandinavian influences.
23 July 2024 - Gdansk
Arrival 23/07/2024 early morning
Departure 23/07/2024 early 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.
24 July 2024 - Gudhjem, Bornholm
Arrival 24/07/2024 mid morning
Departure 24/07/2024 early evening
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.
25 July 2024 - Copenhagen
Arrival 25/07/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 25/07/2024 at 08:00
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
- An exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Stockholm to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Copenhagen at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
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.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
HISTORIC STOCKHOLM (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed program.
Day 1 - Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. You will be met at the exit of the Arrivals hall. Look for the PONANT sign or a sign with your name on it. Transfer from the airport to the Hotel Diplomat (or similar) and check in. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. An independent dinner is at your leisure.
Day 2 - Stockholm | Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, visit the Vasa Museum, which features the 17th-century Vasa warship, rescued from the bottom of the sea after 333 years and lovingly restored. Next, depart on an excursion that explores Stockholm's Gamla Stan (Old Town). After viewing the Royal Palace and the 13th-century Storkyrkan (outside only), enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant and some free time to shop and explore on your own. Then, take a guided tour of City Hall, the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Transfer to the ship for embarkation and take in the views as you sail through the Stockholm Archipelago.
Your hotel:
The Hotel Diplomat is a 5-star property located in Strandvägen in the city center of Stockholm. The cobblestone streets of the picturesque Gamla Stan, or Old Town, are a short stroll from the hotel. World-class shopping and City Hall, home of the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, are also within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 130 guest rooms and suites decorated in a bright Scandinavian palette with thoughtful modern conveniences.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Diplomat (or similar), including breakfast
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
- Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Swedish krona. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Strandvägen 7C
114 56 Stockholm
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 459 68 00
Total : 900 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
HIGHLIGHTS OF COPENHAGEN (1 NIGHT)
Copenhagen is one of the great cities of Northern Europe, and this post-cruise program offers the chance to visit many of its highlights. It is the perfect way to bring your exploration of Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea to a leisurely conclusion.
Day 1 – Disembark | Copenhagen
After breakfast aboard, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Copenhagen's major landmarks. Drive by the statue of the Little Mermaid, erected in 1913 in honor of Hans Christian Andersen and his world-famous fairytales, as you head to the Nyhavn waterfront. Here you will see 500-year-old gabled houses and discover the Old Stock Exchange, once the center of Copenhagen's finance and trade. One of the oldest public buildings in the city, it is topped by spire with three golden crowns, symbolizing the shared history of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Next to the Old Stock Exchange is Holmens Church. Built in 1563, it was the site of the royal wedding of Queen Margrethe, Denmark's longest-reigning monarch.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and a source of inspiration for Walt Disney. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this fascinating public space on your own. Known for its stunning displays of flowers, its restaurants, cafés, and concert hall, Tivoli is also famous for two spectacular rides—a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 that is the world's oldest still in operation; and the Star Flyer ride, the world's tallest carousel. Walk around Tivoli Lake, visit the Tivoli Aquarium, hop on one of the many rides, or simply sit and enjoy the sights.
After your time in the Gardens, transfer to the Christianshavn quarter of the city, to check into the 5-start NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel, for overnight and independent dinner.
Day 2 – Copenhagen
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in the Christianshavn section of central Copenhagen, the NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor, within easy walking distance of the Opera, Royal Library and Nyhavn. The 394 guest rooms offer contemporary elegance and reflect the very best of Scandinavian and international design. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer views over the city, and the hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym.
Your program includes:
-
1 night at the NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel (or similar)
-
Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
-
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 2
-
Lunch on Day 1
-
Breakfast on Day 2
-
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
-
Local English-speaking guides
-
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
-
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
-
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
-
It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
-
Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
-
The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted.
-
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
-
Program is offered on a space available basis.
-
Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
NH Collection Copenhagen
Strandgade 7
1401 Copenhagen
Denmark
+45 352542 50
nhcollectioncopenhagen@nh-hotels.com
Total : 580 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.