The Magic of the Baltic and its Winter Traditions
Round trip from Helsinki
Joining you on board
Laurence Rogations
Helsinki
9 nights
Tallinn
The Route
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SA · 12.12.2026Helsinki · Embarkation
Helsinki sits on a peninsula surrounded by thousands of islands. The Suomenlinna fortress (UNESCO World Heritage) on offshore islands, Senate Square with its neoclassical cathedral and the turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau architecture define this Nordic capital. A ferry reaches Tallinn in 2.5 hours.
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MO · 14.12.2026Stockholm
Stockholm sits on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic. Gamla Stan, the Old Town on one of the islands, and the Vasa Museum with the only fully preserved 17th-century warship are essential stops.
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MI · 16.12.2026Visby
Visby on Gotland is the best-preserved Hanseatic town in Northern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 3.4-kilometre medieval city wall with 27 towers encloses cobblestone lanes, church ruins from the 12th and 13th centuries and the rose-town flair for which Visby is known.
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DO · 17.12.2026Gdańsk / Gdynia
Gdańsk and Gdynia, together with Sopot, form Poland's Tri-City on the Baltic coast.
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SA · 19.12.2026Riga
Riga is home to the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture - over 700 buildings shape the centre. The Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage) with the House of the Blackheads, the Cathedral and the Powder Tower, combined with the lively market hall in the former Zeppelin hangars, make Riga the most culturally rich Baltic city.
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MO · 21.12.2026Tallinn · Disembarkation
Tallinn has the best-preserved medieval old town in Northern Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Toompea Hill with its knights' houses and panoramic terraces overlooks the lower town with the medieval Town Hall Square, Hanseatic merchant houses and the 14th-century Oleviste Tower.
Destination
Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot is the world's only luxury icebreaker carrying passengers. PC2 ice class, LNG hybrid propulsion, 270 guests. The ship reaches the geographic North Pole and penetrates deep into Antarctic pack ice - places previously reserved for research icebreakers.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner Suite
The largest category on board. Spacious living area, separate bedroom, designed for up to six guests or as a premium retreat for couples. A private terrace as the central highlight - on Le Commandant Charcot reserved exclusively for the two top categories (Owner Suite and Duplex Suite).
Amenities: private terrace + balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin video
Duplex Suite
Two-storey suite with an impressive sense of space: living area and separate bedroom on two levels, connected by an internal staircase. One of two top categories on board that offers a private terrace rather than just a balcony - the other being the Owner Suite.
Amenities: private terrace + balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin video
Grand Suite
Generous suite with separate living room, bedroom and spacious balcony. 42 m² of living space - one of the most spacious categories on Le Commandant Charcot, above the Prestige Suite.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin video
Privilege Suite
Spacious suite with living area, separate bedroom and generous balcony. Privileged location in the residential deck area, for discerning travellers and longer voyages.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin video
Prestige Suite
Suite with separate living and sleeping areas, twice the size of a standard cabin. Private balcony. Suitable for families or two travellers wanting more space.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin video
Deluxe Suite
Spacious outside cabin with clearly defined living and sleeping areas, private balcony. 28 m² of living space for two guests, ideal for longer voyages with more room than the standard stateroom.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin video
Privilege Stateroom
Outside cabin with private balcony on the upper decks. 20 m² of living space for up to two guests. Scandinavian-calm design language by Jean-Philippe Nuel - natural materials, muted colours.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service.
Cabin video
Prestige Stateroom
Outside cabin with private balcony on a lower deck. 20 m² of living space for up to two guests. Scandinavian-calm design language by Jean-Philippe Nuel - natural materials, muted colours.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service.
Cabin video
Deck plan – Le Commandant Charcot
© PONANT
Inclusions of the ship voyage
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
We know the sea — we have sailed many regions ourselves as skippers.
That is what makes our advice different: we know how geographic conditions shape the maritime experience, how that translates for you as a guest depending on your place on the ship, what sea conditions to expect in which season, what makes a quiet anchor bay special, and which cabin on which ship is worth the upgrade. Our recommendations come from the water, not from a brochure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 9 nights from EUR 8.970 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Commandant Charcot?
A maximum of 245 guests - a deliberately compact size for a more intimate journey. Service and attention remain at a high level.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person who knows this voyage and this ship personally.