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The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic

The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic

About This Cruise

It’s raining stars in our bed. This sensitive evocation of the Arctic night, which is the title of Scandinavian poetry collection, 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 the delicious comfort of Le Commandant Charcot, experience winter at the gateway to the Arctic, admire the spectacle of the Gulf of Bothnia, between enchanted landscapes and traditions, and from the Stockholm Archipelago discover a magical world in half-light. Experience the period of Kaamos, the polar night, during which luminosity is reduced to a twilight of 4 to 5 hours per day, representing everyday life for the local population.

The itinerary may be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations  Please also note that the sailing programme, shore visits and activities cannot be guaranteed, as they are subject to weather conditions.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Le Commandant Charcot is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

Le Commandant Charcot

Departure Date

22 December 2026

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

8 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Finland

Helsinki

A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League's monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland's capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki's fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland's political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town's future was secure.Just before the czar's proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki's traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation's capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony's weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city's 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars ("terrassit" as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.

Sweden

Stockholm

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden's capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm's 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.

Sweden

Stockholm

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden's capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm's 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.

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Norway

Rauma

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Finland

Oulu

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Sweden

Luleå

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Finland

Kemi

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Finland

Kemi

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Overview

It’s raining stars in our bed. This sensitive evocation of the Arctic night, which is the title of Scandinavian poetry collection, 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 the delicious comfort of Le Commandant Charcot, experience winter at the gateway to the Arctic, admire the spectacle of the Gulf of Bothnia, between enchanted landscapes and traditions, and from the Stockholm Archipelago discover a magical world in half-light. Experience the period of Kaamos, the polar night, during which luminosity is reduced to a twilight of 4 to 5 hours per day, representing everyday life for the local population.

The itinerary may be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations  Please also note that the sailing programme, shore visits and activities cannot be guaranteed, as they are subject to weather conditions.

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Suite

Owner's Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV
  • A desk and bookcase
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
  • A dining room with a 6-seater table
  • A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
  • A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
  • A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Duplex Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV
  • A dining room with a 6-seater table
  • A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub
  • Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door
  • A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Privilege Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
  • A 12.5 m² glazed private balcony
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Grand Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge area with chaise longue and second TV
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
  • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Prestige Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A 107 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • Living room with sofa, armchair, TV, and courtesy sliding door
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Deluxe Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
  • Panoramic sliding window
  • Lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Balcony

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
  • Panoramic sliding window
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Suite

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • A 5 m² glazed private balcony

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet


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international

Nuna (The Earth) - Gastronomic Restaurant

The Nuna, the one and only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, offers an excellent menu specially designed by the Michelin-starred chef, featuring some of his signature dishes.

Ligne Roset furniture, French Bernardaud porcelain and Elne glassware bring elegance and refinement to your à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

varies

Sila (the sky, outside) - Restaurant

In a more relaxed atmosphere, a bright 320 m² restaurant welcomes you for your breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

varies

Inneq (the fire) - Open-air bar

At the outdoor bar, a varied and refined selection of sweet and savoury international cuisine, as well as a permanent menu, are available throughout the day (11am–6pm).

room

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

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Lounge, Bar, Smoking Lounge, Musicians

The Main Lounge

Enjoy a relaxing time in the grand lounge with a warm musical atmosphere or access the Cigar Lounge, one of the most exclusive spaces on the ship.

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Lounge, Bar, Observation Point

The Anori Observatory

Browse through some of the books dedicated to travel available in the observatory lounge's luminous library.

Shop

The Illu Shop

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique ILLU offers an exclusive shopping experience with ready-to-wear and technical gear for polar adventures (Swarovski Optik, Garmin, Vuarnet, Feelfree, Columbia, Arctic Edge), classic products to treat yourself (Eric Bompard, 727Sailbags, Le Minor, children’s collection, jewelry, luxury BRIONI), unique souvenirs and adventure novels. Hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Pool Deck

Heated Indoor Swimming Pool

Bathed in natural light thanks to large windows, the pool offers a breathtaking view of the polar landscapes. An unforgettable swimming experience.

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Observation Point

Promenade Deck

Fitness session, meditation, Nordic walking along the uninterrupted promenade bridge, face to face with the immensity from the bow of the ship... The awakening of the senses is heightened in the heart of the polar world.

Theatre

The Theatre - Kita

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians on board.

Music and dance

Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.

Art and literature

Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.

Studio, Photographers

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Reception

Reception

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

Smoking Lounge

Cigar Lounge

The Cigar Lounge is located on Deck 5.

Spa, Wellness

Spa

Enjoy exclusive treatments inspired by the natural treasures of the poles. The professional skincare products from Biologique Recherche for the skin and body, and Davines for the hair, combine innovation, customization, and commitment to the planet: formulas tailored to each individual and the extreme polar environment, natural and fair trade ingredients, fight against plastic pollution.

Sauna

Sauna

At the heart of Nordic traditions, the gentle heat of the sauna provides a moment of serenity after a day of exploration, while enjoying the spectacular landscapes.

Spa, Exclusive, Wellness

Snow cabin

Experience an authentic polar ritual by going from the sauna to the snow cabin. A moment that revitalizes the body and mind, reserved for adventurers.

Gym

Fitness Centre

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Salon

The Hairdressing Salon

Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Pool, Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Blue Lagoon Baths

Relax in front of polar landscapes in the waters of the Blue Lagoon, heated between 27 and 37°C thanks to the energy recovery generated by the ship's propulsion.