12 Nights | 10 – 22 December 2026 | Helsinki Return
Step aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker, for a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas voyage through the Baltic’s winter wonderlands. Explore snow-dusted cities glowing with festive lights, capture timeless European charm through your lens, and celebrate the season in unmatched luxury.
Your 12-Night Experience Includes
To enhance your journey, Travel With Lesley Whyte has added exclusive inclusions not part of Ponant’s standard package:
✨ 2 Nights Pre-Cruise & 1 Night Post-Cruise in Helsinki – Begin and end your adventure in comfort, with time to explore Helsinki’s enchanting Christmas markets and festive lights. Enjoy a special welcoming dinner, a relaxed evening hosted by Lesley and Rob Whyte, offering the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and start building connections before embarking on Le Commandant Charcot.
🚐 All Transfers Included – Seamless travel with return airport transfers plus hotel-to-ship and ship-to-hotel transfers for a smooth, stress-free experience.
Your Ponant Voyage Includes:
🧊 9-Night Luxury Cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot – Journey through Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Visby, Stockholm, Luleå, Oulu, and Kemi, discovering the magic of the Baltic in winter.
🍽 All-Inclusive Luxury – Enjoy gourmet dining, an open bar, 24-hour room service, engaging lectures, and expertly guided shore excursions.
🎄 Festive Season Magic – Celebrate Christmas amidst snow-dusted cities, twinkling lights, and the warmth of Scandinavian hospitality.
🚢 Want to know all about this cruise in more detail? Click here to explore the full experience.
Day 1 – 10th Dec | Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Arrive in Finland’s vibrant capital, Helsinki, and check into your premium hotel for two nights of festive indulgence. After settling into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, maybe explore the city’s famed Christmas markets, stroll through Senate Square and the Old Market Hall, and soak up the warmth and wonder of the Nordic holiday spirit.
Included: Accommodation, airport transfers.
Day 2 – 11th Dec | Explore Helsinki at Leisure
Today is at your own leisure, giving you the full day to discover Helsinki’s magical winter atmosphere. Wander through the city’s charming design district, admire the festive lights, and soak up the cosy Nordic spirit. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner hosted by Lesley Whyte, where you’ll receive your special Travel With Lesley Whyte gift — a thoughtful keepsake to begin your journey.
Included: Accommodation & welcome dinner
Day 3 – 12th December | Embark Le Commandant Charcot – Helsinki, Finland
Transfer from your hotel to the port where the magnificent Le Commandant Charcot awaits. Step aboard your home for the next 10 nights and settle into luxurious comfort as the ship sets sail through the frozen Gulf of Finland.
Included: Hotel–ship transfer, all meals onboard.
Day 4 – 13th December | Tallinn, Estonia
Explore Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town — cobblestoned streets, Gothic spires, and one of Europe’s most picturesque Christmas markets. Capture medieval charm dressed in winter white.
Day 5 – 14th December | Riga, Latvia
Discover Latvia’s Art Nouveau capital, rich in history and Christmas cheer. Wander festive market stalls, taste spiced mulled wine, and photograph architectural treasures bathed in golden light.
Day 6 – 15th December | Visby, Sweden (Gotland Island)
Step ashore in the storybook town of Visby — a perfectly preserved medieval walled city. Explore narrow lanes, ancient ruins, and seaside views as soft snowflakes fall.
Day 7 – 16th December | Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive in the Swedish capital spread across 14 islands. Visit Gamla Stan’s Christmas markets, photograph snow-covered bridges, and enjoy festive music echoing from grand cathedrals.
Day 8 – 17th December | At Sea – The Gulf of Bothnia
Sail north aboard Le Commandant Charcot, breaking through ice fields and experiencing the magic of the polar night. Enjoy photography sessions, lectures, and fine dining as you glide across frozen waters.
Day 9 – 18th December | Luleå, Sweden
Discover this charming Arctic gateway, home to UNESCO-listed Gammelstad Church Town and the serene beauty of Lapland. Photograph frozen harbours and traditional red cottages dusted with snow.
Day 10 – 19th December | Oulu, Finland
Continue along the northern Finnish coast to Oulu — a lively winter city known for its friendly locals, festive lights, and stunning coastal scenery.
Day 11 – 20th December | Kemi, Finland
Visit Kemi, famous for its snow castle and crystal-clear ice sculptures. Experience a true Arctic wonderland before cruising south.
Day 12 – 21st December | Return to Helsinki, Finland
Le Commandant Charcot returns to Helsinki this morning for a farewell breakfast shared with Lesley and Rob, before they continue on to Aberdeen to meet guests joining their upcoming Shetland Islands tour. Disembark and transfer to your hotel — carrying with you cherished memories of a truly magical winter voyage.
Included: Ship–hotel transfers, Helsinki accommodation.
Day 13 – 22nd December | Depart Helsinki
Farewell Helsinki after a festive breakfast — the perfect end to an unforgettable Christmas adventure, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Included: Hotel-airport transfers
Pricing
💫 Share Twin Cabins Available
- Prestige deck 6 – AU$23,900
- Prestige deck 7 – AU$24,300
💫 Solo Cabins available – with slightly different deposit to stated below – AUD$17,000 deposit required to secure your cabin.
Hosted by Lesley & Rob Whyte
This extraordinary voyage is personally hosted by Lesley and Rob Whyte, founders of Travel With Lesley Whyte Ltd— one of New Zealand’s leading boutique tour operators, renowned for creating immersive, small-group travel experiences that go far beyond sightseeing.
Every Travel With Lesley Whyte journey is crafted for travellers who seek connection, culture, and creativity, blending authentic encounters with exceptional comfort and care. From the Chatham Islands to the Arctic, Lesley and Rob bring their trademark warmth, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine Kiwi hospitality to every tour they host.
This experience is delivered by Travel With Lesley Whyte Ltd and professionally managed by our trusted travel partner, Kerry Graham of The Private Travel Company. Kerry works closely with Lesley and Rob to ensure every element — from flights and transfers to accommodation and special requests — is seamlessly coordinated with expertise and care.
Together, Travel With Lesley Whyte and The Private Travel Company deliver boutique hospitality, flawless organisation, and a world-class travel experience designed to inspire, connect, and delight.
Payment Terms
💰 Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of AUD $3,000 per person secures your place on this voyage.
📆 Balance of Payments – managed by The Private Travel Company
All payments are non-refundable; however, if you need to cancel up to 6 weeks prior to departure, your balance (less the non-refundable deposit) will be refunded only if we are able to resell your place. Thereafter, any refund of payments made will be at the sole discretion of Ponant.
- 20 % due by 1 April 2026
- 50 % due by 1 June 2026
- 30 % due by 1 November 2026
All payments are in Australian dollars and should be made by the due dates to confirm participation. Please note that any payments made by credit card to The Private Travel Company will attract a credit card processing fee.
Not Included
Please note the following items are not included in your cruise package:
✈️ Flights – Airfares from your home location to Helsinki and return. The Private Travel Company can assist with your flight arrangements.
🧳 Travel Insurance – Comprehensive travel insurance is required. The Private Travel Company can assist with suitable insurance options for cruise coverage.
🛂 Visas – Any required entry visas or travel documentation.
🍽 Meals in Helsinki – Meals during your pre- and post-cruise stay unless otherwise noted.
👕 Laundry Onboard – Personal laundry and dry-cleaning services aboard Le Commandant Charcot.
🥃 Premium Alcohol – While the cruise includes premium alcoholic beverages, top-shelf selections are available at an additional cost.
🛍 Personal Expenses – Purchases of a personal nature such as souvenirs, spa treatments, and optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Want to Book or Know More?
If you’re ready to reserve your place or would like to learn more about this extraordinary voyage, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Email Lesley directly: lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com
Lesley will personally assist you with next steps, answer any questions, and guide you through the simple booking process — ensuring your journey with Travel With Lesley Whyte Ltd begins smoothly and confidently.