Musical New Year in the Gulf of Bothnia

Experience a magical New Year in the presence of the violinist and conductor Augustin Dumay, an outstanding line-up of musicians and Alain Duault, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE.

“It’s raining stars in our bed.” This sensitive evocation of the Arctic night, which is the title of Scandinavian poetry collection, invites you 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, the violinist and conductor Augustin Dumay, 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. This cruise has been specially designed for a French-speaking audience and lectures will be given in French only.*

This cruise, in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, will cultivate the art of peaceful travel as well as a family spirit, thanks to its customised activities on board and on shore for youngsters*, with the Kid Explorers Club.

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.

*for children aged 4 to 13 years old

The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.

**The land-based activities and excursions can be conducted in English with a translator if required.