Guest of Honour 
Music 
Polar Expedition 
New Year's Cruise 
The Travel Concierge service 
Kid Explorers 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
- New
Musical New Year in the Gulf of Bothnia
Kemi - Helsinki
Dates:
28/12/2024
to
05/01/2025
days
nights on board
TRANSFER + FLIGHT PARIS/KEMI
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with an exceptional musical line-up and Alain Duault.
Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
It’s raining stars in our bed. This sensitive evocation of the Arctic night, which is the title of Scandinavian poetry collection published by Gallimard, invites us to the best seats in the house to watch the union between the vault of heaven and the earth’s crust, beneath a multitude of stars.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a refined and warm cocoon, experience winter at the gateway to the Arctic, and discover a magical world in half-light. In the same way as the day, fleeting at this time, enhances the beauty of nature, the night awakens the poetry of this region.
From the uninterrupted outside promenade deck and the Blue Lagoon pool, marvel at the unique spectacle of the Gulf of Bothnia in winter. Celebrate the holiday season in the heart of enchanting landscapes, illuminated Scandinavian cities, little-known archipelagos, snow-capped peaks or boreal forests in Lapland. Enjoy your sensorial discovery of these festive traditions, between the bracing freshness of the season and the warmth of Scandinavian culture.
You will set sail towards the Stockholm archipelago. Hundreds of rocky islets will reveal themselves as you sail across the water, beneath the subtle glow of the winter skies. The holiday period is perfect for family gatherings and exudes a magical atmosphere, creating joyous moments aboard, in the Scandinavian towns that are illuminated in the precocious night or in the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi. Among the woody scents and traditional singing, the lively Christmas market stalls offer artisanal creations, delicious cinnamon and ginger biscuits, and the famous glögg, a spicy mulled wine, in a convivial atmosphere.
From the sumptuous panoramic lounge of your ship and on shore, the Gulf of Bothnia reveals itself with each port of call chosen. Between cultural heritage and urban planning suited to the climate, the wild panoramas give way to charming cities beneath the timid daylight. Take the time to observe the natural splendours of the High Coast, as you sail in this archipelago located in northern Sweden. Observe the snow-covered scenery of Lapland and Finland, from their untamed shores to the northern forest. You will be amazed by these preserved territories and experience the intense pleasure of hiking among immaculate expanses; enjoy, from a child’s eye view, merry moments in the midst of winter and feel the exhilaration of an outing on a snowmobile, dog sled or reindeer sled. And if luck is on your side, you will be able to admire the fleeting splendour of the Northern Lights, an unexpected gift from the sky.
“Christmas isn’t a season, it’s a state of mind.” Like this saying, experience a fairytale epic for children and adults alike, and celebrate the wonders of winter together.
The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.
Ref : KH044 - CC281224
Your itinerary
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with an exceptional musical line-up and Alain Duault. Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION. A brand-new PONANT journey in the Gulf of Bothnia in...
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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.
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LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
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
- 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
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Amélie Robins
Amélie Robins is a coloratura soprano whose vocal timbre and stage presence was noticed very early on by Leontina Vaduva and Ruggero Raimondi.
She was a finalist and winner of the Nei Stëmmen competition and Armel Opera in 2014 which gave her an opportunity to play Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro in Luxembourg, Romania and Hungary. She also won the French Bel Canto Aria Interpretation prize at the 2016 International Bellini Competition in 2016. She perfected her technique working with soprano Anna Maria Panzarella.
Recently, she has sung Die Aufseherin and Die Vertraute in Elektra for the Paris Philharmonic, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro at the Festival de Saint-Céré, Gilda in Rigoletto at the Massy Opera and My Fair Lady at the Nice Opera to name just a few of her roles.
Her most recent projects include Eurydice in Orpheus in the Underworld at the Reims Opera, Ann Truelove in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress at the Nice Opera, Ninette in Prokofiev’s Love of Three Oranges at the Opéra National de Lorraine, Elvira in Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri and Blonde in The Abduction from the Seraglio, both at the Marseille Opera.
She regularly performs in Morgane Production shows, like La Folie Offenbach at the Folies Bergère, and Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange.
Languages spoken: French, English, German, Italian
Photo credit: Alexandre Faucheur
Camille Thomas
“A new star of the cello is discovered” Jens Rasmussen, DR Radio Denmark 2014
Nominated as Newcomer of the year 2014 by the French-Grammys “Les Victoires de la Musique”, the Franco-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas was chosen by Musiq'3 - RTBF to represent Belgium at the European Broadcasting Union Competition, where she was awarded the 1st price and named “New Talent of the Year 2014”.
She has won numerous prizes at national and international competitions, including the Seventh Antonio Janigro International Competition in Croatia, the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Strings Competition, the Edmont Baert Competition and the Léopold Bellan Competition.
After her debut album “A Century of Russian Colors” (label Outhere) in 2013 and a second recording “Réminiscences” (on La Dolce Volta) released in 2016 and awarded with a CHOC Classica, she signed as an exclusive artist with Deutsche Grammophon international, which is a premiere both as a Belgian artist and for a female cellist on this prestigious label.
The season 2017/18 includes the release of her first album (Saint Saëns/Offenbach) for Deutsche Grammophon with the Orchestre de Lille conducted by Alexandre Bloch. She will play the world premiere of Fazil Say's cello concerto, a piece he is writing especially for her, on April 2018 at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées with the Orchestre de chambre de Paris conducted by Douglas Boyd.
Camille Thomas is a regular guest at leading venues such as Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, la Seine Musicale, Salle Gaveau, Elbphilharmonie, Berlin Konzerthaus, Herkulessaal in Munich, Victoria Hall in Geneva, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, or the Jerusalem Music Center.
She appears as a soloist with orchestras in France and all around the world.
She plays a magnificent instrument by Ferdinand Gagliano (Napoli, 1788), the “Château Pape-Clément”, on a generous loan from Bernard Magrez.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Dan Carabas / Deutsch Grammophon
Florent Héau
Formed at the Paris Conservatory (CNSM de Paris) in Michel Arrignon's class, and after (between 1991 and 1995) having received several First Prizes in international competitions, Florent Héau has quickly established himself as one of the most important figures of the French clarinet school. A brilliant tradition he himself relentlessly perpetuates throughout the world, whether by giving concerts or masterclasses.
Florent Héau has contributed to several creations such as Chant des Ténèbres (concerto for clarinet and orchestra) by Escaich, Aizgor by Ibarrondo, Sonatina lapidaria by Bacri, Burning by Canat de Chizy, Encore by Beffa and Concerto by Hersant.
Invited to various festivals (Prades, Deauville Folles Journées de Nantes, Bel-Air in Chambery, Orangerie de Sceaux), Florent Héau continues to expand his circle of partners in chamber music, including Marielle Nordmann, Marcela Roggeri, Gerard Causse, Roland Pidoux, Henri Demarquette, Jérôme Ducros, Régis Pasquier, Patrice Fontanarosa, the Capuçon brothers and the Prazak, Manfred and Parisii quartets.
He appears as soloist notably with the European Camerata, the Orchestre de Bretagne, the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, the Chamber Orchestra of the Polish Radio and the Prague Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to being an exceptional musician, Florent Héau is also a real showman, whose multiple talents get exposed in the musical theater shows with the "Bons Becs", with his clarinet (of course) but also with the musical saw and even through tap dance.
Being a renowned teacher, Florent Héau has been professor of clarinet at CNSM de Paris. He is now teaching at the CRR of Paris and is regularly invited to teach in many European countries, Latin America and Asia.
Over the years, he has had continuous success with his recordings of divers programs, including Sonatas by Brahms and Reger (with Patrick Zygmanowski), the Trios of Beethoven (with Jérôme Ducros and Henri Demarquette), pieces for clarinet and strings by Nicolas Bacri, the chamber works of Mozart (with Manfred Quartet) and the Concerto for Clarinet by Mozart (with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, Transart Live label).
His latest album with pianist Marcela Roggeri is dedicated to the Argentine composer Carlos Guastavino (Transart Live).
Spoken language: French
Photo credit : ARR
Tanguy de Williencourt
The press does not fail to accompany the emergence of this complete musician, whose pianistic authority and rich colourful palette distinguish him as one of the future greats of the piano.
Tanguy de Williencourt performs on international stages, including the Paris Philharmonic, Maison de Radio France, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Lille Opera, Bordeaux Auditorium, Grand Théâtre de Provence, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and Bonn Opera.
His discography includes solo recordings for Mirare: Wagner/liszt piano transcriptions and a complete set of Beethoven’s Bagatelles (Classica and Diapason) and for harmonia mundi: 3 CDs with Bruno Philippe, a Berlioz CD with Stéphanie d’Oustrac, Debussy: the late works which received the 2019 « BBC Music Magazine Award » and the « Gramophone Award » and, to be released, « Proust » with violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte (March 2021).
Tanguy de Williencourt is supported by the Blüthner, Banque Populaire, ADAMI and SPEDIDAM Foundations. He was awarded the double Prize of the Jury and the Public of the Geneva Arts Society and is laureate of the Paris Play-Direct Competition at the Philharmonie de Paris with the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris.
Language spoken : French
Photo credit : Jean Baptiste Millot
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
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
Kid Explorers
PONANT has joined forces with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation to run its Kid Explorers children’s club.
As part of its commitment to safeguarding the oceans, during your cruise PONANT offers an activity programme for children aged 4 to 13 years on all our ships, and from 6 to 13 years on board Le Commandant Charcot to familiarise them with issues related to protecting our oceans. We have special educational kits, activity sheets and themed videos all provided by the Foundation.
Every day a team of activity leaders organises creative activities (crafts, painting, etc.), fun educational workshops, board games, introduction to meditation sessions and more, as well as activities specific to the cruise itinerary and number of participants. There are also activities ashore to prolong the experience for your Kid Explorers such as walks and treasure hunts.
The activity programme is available every day.(The precise times will be provided by animators).To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to fit in with your cruise programme. For more information, contact the team organising the activities.
Activity schedules are posted daily in the logbook.
Every child receives a welcome kit with gifts enclosed.
-------------------------------
Activities will depend on the number and age of the children who register and the weather conditions.
Parents or guardians must read the ‘General information on the PONANT Kid Explorers Club’ and sign a form authorising the Kid Explorers Club to look after their child on board and for outings ashore.
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
Maud Fontenoy Foundation
Since 2008, the Maud Fontenoy Foundation has been operating in France and internationally to protect our oceans. We organise educational activities focused on the environment for the younger generation and general public, with support from scientific partners and the French Ministry of National Education. The latter has made us responsible for its Sea Education programme and relaunch of the Sea Classes initiative. Our aim is both ecological and social: to protect the ocean and save people. We start from a strong principle that protecting the environment, particularly the ocean, is a humanitarian issue that affects all mankind, without exception. For us, the oceans are a powerful force, a potential for the future. Every year, 700,000 children benefit from our programmes.
Spending New Year’s Day on PONANT’s sumptuous and luxurious ship, Le Commandant Charcot, amongst magically shimmering winter landscapes and in the company of some of contemporary music’s greatest artistic talents: what a beautiful and unique way to start the New Year! With the violin legend that is Augustin Dumay; the new cello star Camille Thomas, the first French cellist to sign with the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label; the virtuoso clarinettist Florent Héau for, among other pieces, a “strip-tease” based on Carmen; the pianist, soloist and chamber musician, Tanguy de Williencourt; and without forgetting the very talented coloratura soprano Amélie Robins who will dazzle with the arias of Strauss or Lehar: we really are going to finish 2024 in style and start 2025 in glory!
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with an exceptional musical line-up and Alain Duault.
- Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
- A brand-new PONANT journey in the Gulf of Bothnia in the heart of the splendid northern winter, a exploration of this Scandinavian region through its singular history and its stunning natural landscapes.
- Outings and shore visits with a team of naturalist-guides.
- Experience the New Year celebrations with your family and savour the enchantment of Scandinavian traditions during the winter period.
- The snow-covered landscapes of Swedish and Finnish Lapland, to the north of the Gulf of Bothnia.
- Discover the magic of the Christmas markets and the wonderland of Scandinavian towns illuminated for the winter, which is not a traditionally touristic season..
- Towns with exceptional heritage: the old town of Rauma; the church-town of Gammeltad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (visiting from Lulea); and the neoclassical city of Oulu.
- Activities during the unique winter season: an outing on snowshoes, dog sled*, reindeer sled* or snowmobile*, a lantern-lit walk, ice fishing*, children’s activities*, Christmas markets, a visit to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi, and much more.
- Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon opening to the exteriorenjoy a unique experience in complete communion with the surrounding scenery.
- Sailing in the High Coast archipelago, a natural wonder in northern Sweden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- An unforgettable cruise among the skerries of the Stockholm archipelago and an overnight stay moored opposite the old town.
- Varied landscapes, archipelagos, coastal panoramas, boreal forests, snow-covered peaks and expanses (in the north of Sweden and Finland), home to reindeer and seabirds.
*Optional activities, please refer to the itinerary tab.
Ports of Call & Excursions
28 December 2024 29 December 2024 - Kemi
Embarkation 28/12/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 29/12/2024 at 18:00
Kemi reveals itself in the Gulf of Bothnia as, from the snow-covered shores of Finnish Lapland, you enjoy the pleasures of winter. The ephemeral snow castle will welcome you in an enchanted icy setting, and the bracing air will take hold of you during a snowmobile outing or a sled trip, pulled by huskies or reindeer – your choice. Around a hundred kilometres (60 miles) towards the North, on the mythical line of the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi offers a magical discovery from a child’s eye view. In the heart of these preserved landscapes, the Scandinavian culture has been forged since the Stone Age, between the History and the traditions of the people of the Far North.
30 December 2024 - Oulu
Arrival 30/12/2024
Departure 30/12/2024
The bells are ringing, the snowflakes are whirling around in the air and the lights are illuminating the charming city of Oulu - the largest town in the north of Scandinavia, located 150 km (93 miles) from the Arctic Circle. On the edge of the Oulujoki River, the market square (Kauppatori) will tempt you with its stalls. The wooden houses that are home to cafés and restaurants make for reassuring refuges. Around you, the white kingdom awaits, with its snow-covered beaches and the promise of fabulous sunsets. Choose to go snowshoeing or on a nature excursion and become aware that you are breathing the purest air in Europe. Enter the tranquillity of the forest and familiarise yourself with Scandinavia’s emblematic animal, the reindeer, of course, during a visit to a farm.
31 December 2024 - Lulea
Arrival 31/12/2024
Departure 31/12/2024
Tucked away at the back of the Gulf of Bothnia, Lulea is the perfect departure point for exploring Swedish Lapland. Among the excursion opportunities, you will be able to go deep into the forest on a snowmobile or on snowshoes to attempt to glimpse a moose or a black grouse. Unless, of course, you would prefer to enjoy some ice fishing on a frozen lake. The Lappish night often offers an unforgettable spectacle of stars. In Gammelstad, discover the best-preserved example of a unique type of settlement found in northern Scandinavia, the church-town. Wander through the alleyways of the old town by lantern light and observe its 424 brick-red houses constructed around the stone church, which dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Used in the past on days of worship and on religious holidays by the faithful arriving from the surrounding countryside, they are still used today as pieds-à-terre by families during ecclesiastical events.
1 January 2025 - At sea
Arrival 01/01/2025
Departure 01/01/2025
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.
2 January 2025 - Rauma
Arrival 02/01/2025
Departure 02/01/2025
Stretching for 500 km (310 miles), the western coast of Finland is dotted with historic towns founded at the height of the Swedish Empire. Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tells part of this exciting history. The old town is built around a Franciscan monastery, the remains of which are the Church of The Holy Cross dating back to the middle of the 15th century. Stroll the streets and alleyways of this medieval city and discover an exceptionally well-preserved example of traditional Nordic wood construction techniques. At the Marela Museum, a fine ship-owner’s home, you will dive into the town’s maritime and industrial history and be able to immerse yourselves in the day-to-day life of a wealthy 19th-century merchant.
3 January 2025 - Stockholm
Arrival 03/01/2025
Departure 03/01/2025
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.
4 January 2025 - At sea
Arrival 04/01/2025
Departure 04/01/2025
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.
5 January 2025 - Helsinki
Arrival 05/01/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 05/01/2025 at 08:00
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.
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.
Up to 245 Guests
123 staterooms & suites
215 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
TRANSFER + FLIGHT PARIS/KEMI
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day Paris/Kemi
Flight Paris/Kemi selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 00.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your cruise ship -
This programme includes:
- Flight Paris/Kemi selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
New Year's Cruise
Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with PONANT!
The Travel Concierge service
Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.
Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.
Discover all the concierge services by clicking here.
Looking forward to accompanying you,
PONANT Travel Concierge Team
Kid Explorers
Welcome to all our young explorers! Thanks to the Kid Explorers Club by the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, children aged 4 on all our ships, and children aged 6 on board Le Commandant Charcotland up can take advantage of a wide variety of activities orchestrated by a team of activity leaders: creative activities, board games, DVD evenings, finding out what the crew do, or supervised outings and walks ashore for the 4+ age group. Helping children to learn about the oceans and the need to protect them is at the heart of our approach. So why not savour the magic of your destination in peace and quiet knowing your child is busy with an activity programme, specially designed for them in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation and posted each day in the daily program.