Embark on a 9-day Musical New Year cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, exploring the enchanting Gulf of Bothnia. Kemi, a Finnish Lapland gem, welcomes you with a snow castle, husky sledding, and reindeer encounters. Head north to Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle. Oulu's market square and snow-covered beaches light up with festive stalls. Explore the serene forest and meet reindeer at a local farm in this Lapland haven. Lulea, tucked in the back of the Gulf of Bothnia, offers moose sightings, ice fishing, and Gammelstad's unique church-town. Discover historic Rauma and end in Stockholm's Christmas wonderland, sipping glögg and sailing through the Stockholm archipelago. Finish your journey in Helsinki, a cosmopolitan city with a blend of neoclassical and modern architecture and culinary delights.
Highlights
Explore Kemi's ephemeral snow castle and embrace winter's pleasures
Traverse the Arctic Circle for a magical Santa Claus Village adventure
Discover Gammelstad's well-preserved church-town in northern Scandinavia
Visit Rauma's UNESCO old town with traditional Nordic wood construction
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly from Paris to Kemi, where you will be greeted at the airport by a local English-speaking representative. Afterward, proceed to the pier for embarkation.
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 kilometers (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.
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 kilometers (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 of 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.
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.
Day 9: 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 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 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.
$12,6302-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 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.
Flight Paris/Kemi selected by PONANT in economy class
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.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day 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
3 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
5 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
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
