Embark on a 10-day Scandinavian winter adventure and Christmas Markets cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, starting in Helsinki. Immerse yourself in its blend of neoclassical and modern architecture in the historical center, then sail to Stockholm and be enchanted by its magical allure during the Advent period. Explore Visby's Viking-era treasures, Gdansk's Hanseatic charm, and Riga's Art Nouveau capital, shopping at Christmas markets and savoring seasonal delights. This ship provides winter comfort and educational conferences with guest speakers. Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases historical monuments, brightly lit streets, and festive markets. Make wishes beneath the towering Christmas tree, sip glögi mulled wine, and shop for hand-knitted wool garments.
Highlights
Taste local delights like graavilohi in Helsinki's bustling Kallio district
Warm up with hot glögg mulled wine at Stockholm's Christmas market
Discover Viking history in UNESCO-listed Visby on Gotland Island
Experience Gdansk's Hanseatic charm, Christmas markets, & cultural richness
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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 center 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 specialties like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto Park, a stone’s throw from the center, is a good place to sit and unwind.
Anchored opposite the old town, which shines brightly during this Advent period, you will be immersed in the unrivaled 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 center 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 kilometers (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.
Visby, a veritable Viking-era treasure anchored off the southeastern Swedish coast, is the largest town on the island of Gotland. Take shelter from the wind behind the ringmuren, the 3.5 km (2.2 miles) long perimeter wall that encircles the town, dotted with towers and gates. Dive into the history of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the remains of the 12th-century church and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Learn more by visiting the Gotland Museum, which has many archaeological discoveries dating back to the Viking era. Wander the paved streets edged with cafés and restaurants where you can try the local specialty, Saffranspannkaka, saffron pancakes served with berries and cream. And if you visit a sheep farm, make the most of it to bring back a beautiful grey and curly sheepskin from one of the island’s flocks.
Dive into the medieval atmosphere of Gdansk, whose red brick architecture reflects its Hanseatic past. Look at the gabled houses, churches, and galleries, admire the illuminated quayside, and enjoy its nocturnal buzz! At the Christmas market, let yourself be carried away by the enchantment of the enormous Christmas tree and wander among the delightful wooden chalets amidst the aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, orange, and roasted walnuts. Oliwa Park offers spectacular illuminations at nightfall. Its Cistercian abbey and its cathedral, home to a magnificent sculpted wooden organ, are also well worth a visit. Finally, perhaps you will have the opportunity to make a nod to Chopin by attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic.
The unrivaled 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.
Considered the Art Nouveau capital, Riga captivates with its many contrasts. As you stroll through its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will appreciate its medieval architecture, its cathedral, the remains of old walls, and the narrow streets. Trace the origins of the Christmas market and the decorated tree invented here in 1510, in pagan times. In the old town’s park, a stone’s throw from a giant tree, the stalls offer local craft objects like wooden chandeliers, jewelry made from Baltic amber, hand-knitted gloves, and Christmas decorations. Sheltered under a wooden hut, warm yourself up by sipping some mulled wine accompanied by gingerbread.
The unrivaled 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.
Tallinn unveils all its charms in winter, even if the days are short. Located in the far north of Estonia, this remarkably well-preserved city of the Hanseatic League, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a myriad of exceptional historical monuments, such as the recently restored St. Nicholas Church. In December, the churches, shops, cafés, and paved streets shine brightly and the atmosphere is festive. Come and make your wishes beneath the luxurious Christmas tree that dominates the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). At the Christmas market, you will find hand-knitted wool garments and share the traditional glögi mulled wine accompanied by spiced almonds.
Day 10: Helsinki | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 center, softly colored neoclassical buildings mix with spectacular modern structures. The lively district of Kallio is home to many boutiques and restaurants offering local specialties such as graavilohi, pickled, sweetened, and flavored salmon. And the large Christmas craft market is the ideal place to unearth Finnish design items.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,9802-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 7
20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 8
20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Deluxe Suite Deck 6
28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar, and safe
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Deluxe Suite Deck 7
28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe.
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Deluxe Suite Deck 8
28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe.
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Prestige Suite Deck 7
40m² and a 10m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with two showers, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Prestige Suite Deck 8
40m² and a 10m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with two showers, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Grand Prestige Suite
42m² and a 12.5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Privilege Suite
48m² and a 12.5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Suite Duplex
48m² and a 26m² private balcony with jacuzzi, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
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Owner's Suite
114m² and a 186m² private balcony with jacuzzi, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Ponant Activities: A variety of excursions and activities will be offered during your cruise, weather dependent, and can be reserved on board
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
