Guest of Honour 
Music 
Polar Expedition 
Christmas Cruise 
Kid Explorers 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
- New
Christmas Magic with Renaud Capuçon
Helsinki - Kemi
Dates:
20/12/2024
to
28/12/2024
days
nights on board
TRANSFER + FLIGHT KEMI/PARIS
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. In an enchanting setting in tune with this trip to the Gulf of Bothnia, musician Renaud Capuçon, along with a line-up of virtuoso artists and Alain Duault, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, invites you to spend the festive season enjoying some memorable concerts. "We want to share the music we love and make this a real journey for the senses during this trip," says Renaud Capuçon.
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 : HK045 - CC201224
Your itinerary
Experience a magical, musical Christmas with Renaud Capuçon, an outstanding line-up of musicians and Alain Duault, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE. Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
Renaud Capuçon
“To you, guests, I would say that you are going to enjoy a surprising experience with the artists on board, whatever they are, and I would say above all that you are going to enjoy an extraordinary adventure, one that cannot be explained with words. You have to experience it to understand it.”
To find out more about this fabulous journey, visit our online magazine Escales to read the interview of Renaud Capuçon.
Find out moreChoose 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.
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LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/1/2024 to the 8/2/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/3/2024 to the 26/3/2024
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
Renaud Capuçon
Born in Chambéry in 1976, Renaud Capuçon started at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris aged fourteen, winning numerous awards during his five years there. Following this, Capuçon studied under Thomas Brandis and Isaac Stern in Berlin, and was awarded the Prize of the Berlin Academy of Arts. In 1997, he was invited by Claudio Abbado to become concert master of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, which he led for three years, working with conductors such as Boulez, Ozawa, Welser-Möst and Claudio Abbado.
Since then, Capuçon has established himself as a soloist at the very highest level. He performs with leading orchestras such as the Berliner Philharmoniker, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Orchestre National de France, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Filarmonica della Scala, Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic. His many conductor relationships include Gergiev, Barenboim, Bychkov, Dénève, Dohnanyi, Dudamel, Eschenbach, Haitink, Harding, Paavo Järvi, Nelsons, Nézet-Seguin, Roth, Shani, Ticciati, van Zweden and Long Yu.
He has built an extensive discography and records exclusively with Erato/Warner Classics. Recent releases include a recording of Bartok’s two violin concerti with the LSO/Roth, Brahms and Berg with the VPO/Harding, and chamber music of Debussy. His latest recording, 'Cinema', featuring much loved selections from film music, was released in October 2018.
He is the Artistic Director of the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad since 2016 and founded the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival in 2013. In 2018, Capuçon formed the Lausanne Soloists, comprised of former and current students of the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne, where he has held a professorship since 2014. He plays the Guarneri del Gesù 'Panette' (1737), which belonged to Isaac Stern. In 2011 he was appointed 'Chevalier dans l'Ordre National du Mérite' and in 2016 'Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur' by the French Government.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Simon Fowler
Guillaume Bellom
Guillaume Bellom has had one of the most atypical careers of his generation, studying violin at the same time as piano from the Besançon Conservatoire to the CNSM in Paris. It was his contact with prominent personalities in the music world such as Nicholas Angelich and Hortense Cartier-Bresson that he went on to fully develop his activities as a pianist.
Finalist and Modern Times prize for Best Interpretation of a Contemporary Piece at the Clara Haskil competition in 2015, his talent came to light at this event dedicated to the Romanian pianist, also a violinist in her spare time. The same year, he won first prize at the International Épinal Competition and became a laureate of the L’Or du Rhin Foundation, before winning the Thierry Scherz prize at the Sommets Musicaux in Gstaad the following year. The public discovered him at the 2017 Victoires de la Musique, where he was nominated in the Instrumental Soloist Revelation category. He has also been associated with the Singer-Polignac Foundation since 2018.
His music career has led him from the Roque d'Anthéron International Piano Festival and Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in France to the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg and the Concert Hall in Shanghai, in the company of artists and conductors such as Christian Zacharias, Renaud Capuçon, Paul Meyer and Victor Julien-Laferrière.
His discography includes two albums dedicated to works for four hands by Schubert (rewarded by an ffff from Télérama) and Mozart, recorded with Ismaël Margain, an album of sonatas with cellist Yan Levionnois, (also rewarded by an ffff from Télérama), and a solo album focused on Schubert, Haydn and Debussy.
Languages spoken: English and French
Photo credit: Manolo Mylonas
Guillaume Chillemme
1st Prize of the Swedish International Duo Competition with the pianist Nathanael Gouin in August 2010, and the third Grand Prize and Special Prize from Paris conservatorie's Students in the international Competition Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud in November 2010, Guillaume Chilemme is among the most talented violinists of his generation.
Fascinated by the string quartet repertoire, he founded in 2011 the Quatuor Cavatine with whom he won two awards (3rd prize and Haydn special prize) at the International Competition of Chamber Music in Hamburg (ICMC). Selected at the International String Quartet Competition Banff (Canada) they get in August 2013 the second prize.and a mention for the best interpretation of a work from the 20th century.
Guillaume was invited to many festivals: Les Folles Journées de Nantes, Musique à L' empéri, les folles journées of Warsaw, the Festival de l'Orangerie de Sceaux, the Julitafestival Sweden, Festival des Serres d'Auteuil, les Folles Journées de Tokyo, the Festival des Arcs, the Easter Festival in Deauville ...
Guillaume Chilemme is regularly asked to play as concertmaster in several orchestras: The Mahler Chamber Orchestra, L'Orchestre de Radio France, L' OBC Barcelona, The Camerata Salzbourg, L'Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, L'Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse, The Gulbenkian Orchestra Lisbon…
In September 2016, He became the new Concertmaster of L'Orchestre d'Auvergne.
Guillaume plays regulary as soloist with several orchestras; He was invited by L'Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse (Bruch Concerto) conducted by Tugan Sokhiev.
Guillaume has been invited by Renaud Capuçon to perform in a quartet (with Adrien Lamarca and Edgar Moreau) celebrating the Busch Quartet. The ensemble has presented a European tour with concerts at Wigmore hall, Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, Musikverein Wien, Schloss Elmau and Schubertiades of Schwarzenberg.
Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish
Photo credit: Caroline Doutre
Adrien La Marca
Hailed by The Financial Times as « a truly pure talent » and described by Le Monde as « a new viola hero », Adrien La Marca’s playing is characterised by a depth of expression, sense of individuality and technical mastery, alongside a charismatic stage presence and ability to create an immediate emotional connection with his audience.
La Marca makes his debuts with Orchestre National de France, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hong-Kong Sinfonietta, Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse, Les Siècles. Artist in residency with Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, he performs different repertoires during the season.
Winner of French Victoires de la Musique in 2014 in the category Revelation, La Marca performed since then in the prestigious venues such as Paris Philharmonie, London Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Berlin Konzerthaus, Vienna Musikverein, Auditorium du Louvre, Schloss Elmau, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Théâtre de la Ville de Paris, Salle Gaveau.
He won numerous prizes in international competitions including William Primrose Competition, Lionel Tertis Competition and Johannes Brahms Competition.
La Marca plays a viola by Nicola Bergonzi made in Cremona in 1780, on generous loan from the BOUBO Music Foundation.
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit : Alexander Kharlamov
Edgar Moreau
Born in 1994 in Paris, Edgar Moreau studied with Philippe Muller at the Paris Conservatoire and continued his studies with Frans Helmerson at the Kronberg Academy. At the age of seventeen he received Second Prize and Prize for the Best Performance of the Commissioned Work at the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition. He was also named New Talent of the Year 2013 and Instrumental Soloist of the Year 2015 at the Victoires de la Musique Classique.
Edgar Moreau made his orchestral debut at the age of eleven with the Orchestra del Teatro Regio in Turin. Since then he has performed with many leading ensembles including the Mariinsky Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France and the Brussels Philharmonic. He is also a committed chamber musician and has worked with the Modigliani and Ebène quartets, Martha Argerich, Nicholas Angelich, Khatia Buniatishvili, etc. His debut recording, Play, was released in 2014 by Warner Classics, followed by Giovincello (ECHO Classik 2016), baroque concertos with Il Pomo d’Oro and Riccardo Minasi. To be released, a duo recital with David Kadouch around Franck, Poulenc and Strohl. Edgar Moreau plays a David Tecchler cello, dated 1711.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Julien Mignot / Erato
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
Renaud Capuçon
Born in Chambéry in 1976, Renaud Capuçon started at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris aged fourteen, winning numerous awards during his five years there. Following this, Capuçon studied under Thomas Brandis and Isaac Stern in Berlin, and was awarded the Prize of the Berlin Academy of Arts. In 1997, he was invited by Claudio Abbado to become concert master of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, which he led for three years, working with conductors such as Boulez, Ozawa, Welser-Möst and Claudio Abbado.
Since then, Capuçon has established himself as a soloist at the very highest level. He performs with leading orchestras such as the Berliner Philharmoniker, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Orchestre National de France, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Filarmonica della Scala, Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic. His many conductor relationships include Gergiev, Barenboim, Bychkov, Dénève, Dohnanyi, Dudamel, Eschenbach, Haitink, Harding, Paavo Järvi, Nelsons, Nézet-Seguin, Roth, Shani, Ticciati, van Zweden and Long Yu.
He has built an extensive discography and records exclusively with Erato/Warner Classics. Recent releases include a recording of Bartok’s two violin concerti with the LSO/Roth, Brahms and Berg with the VPO/Harding, and chamber music of Debussy. His latest recording, 'Cinema', featuring much loved selections from film music, was released in October 2018.
He is the Artistic Director of the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad since 2016 and founded the Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival in 2013. In 2018, Capuçon formed the Lausanne Soloists, comprised of former and current students of the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne, where he has held a professorship since 2014. He plays the Guarneri del Gesù 'Panette' (1737), which belonged to Isaac Stern. In 2011 he was appointed 'Chevalier dans l'Ordre National du Mérite' and in 2016 'Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur' by the French Government.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Simon Fowler
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.
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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.
Getting to spend Christmas with the famous Renaud Capuçon is already a privilege! But when you add into the mix such talented artists as the pianist Guillaume Bellom, the violonist Guillaume Chilemme, the violist Adrien La Marca, and the cellist Edgar Moreau to accompany him, it becomes the stuff of dreams. And when you learn that Laurence Ferrari, the editor-in-chief of Paris Match and a host on CNews and Europe 1, will also be on board to talk about the situation midway through the presidential term and the outlook for 2025, you begin to wonder if all this is really possible. Then, when you find out that it is really going to happen, between Finland, Sweden and Lapland, and aboard PONANT’s famous luxury ship, Le Commandant Charcot, you start to believe in Santa Claus once again!
To find out more about this fabulous journey, visit our online magazine Escales to read the interview of Renaud Capuçon.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- Experience a magical, musical Christmas with Renaud Capuçon, an outstanding line-up of musicians and Alain Duault, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE.
- 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, an 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 magical period of the Christmas holidays 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* included during the winter season: an outing on snowshoes, dog sled, reindeer sled, a lantern-lit walk, ice fishing, children’s activities, Christmas markets and optional activities such as snowmobiling or a visit to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi.
- 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.
*Activities subject to weather conditions, to be pre-booked before the cruise. More information available soon.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 December 2024 - Helsinki
Embarkation 20/12/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 20/12/2024 at 6:00 pm
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
21 December 2024 22 December 2024 - Stockholm
Arrival 21/12/2024
Departure 22/12/2024
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.
23 December 2024 - Rauma
Arrival 23/12/2024
Departure 23/12/2024
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.
24 December 2024 - At sea
Arrival 24/12/2024
Departure 24/12/2024
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.
25 December 2024 - Lulea
Arrival 25/12/2024
Departure 25/12/2024
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.
26 December 2024 - Oulu
Arrival 26/12/2024
Departure 26/12/2024
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.
27 December 2024 28 December 2024 - Kemi
Arrival 27/12/2024
Disembarkation 28/12/2024 at 8:00 am
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.
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 KEMI/PARIS
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Disembarkation Day - Kemi/Paris
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Kemi/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Kemi/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 00.
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
- Flight Kemi/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
- For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris after 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.
Christmas Cruise
Christmas celebrations in an exceptional environment: change of scenery guaranteed.
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.