9-night Scandinavian Wonderland and Christmas Markets Cruise

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.

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.

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.

Visby, a veritable Viking-era treasure anchored off the southeastern Swedish coast, is the largest town on the island of Gotland. Take shelter from the wind behind the ringmuren, the 3.5 km (2.2 mile) long perimeter wall that encircles the town, dotted with towers and gates. Dive into the history of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the remains of the 12th-century church and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Learn more by visiting the Gotland Museum, which has many archaeological discoveries dating back to the Viking era. Wander the paved streets edged with cafés and restaurants where you can try the local speciality, Saffranspannkaka, saffron pancakes served with berries and cream. And if you visit a sheep farm, make the most of it to bring back a beautiful grey and curly sheepskin from one of the island’s flock.

Today a thriving holiday resort, Visby on the Baltic island of Gotland has become famous as 'the town of roses and ruins' - a living relic of a medieval heyday when this Hanseatic port vied in riches and fame with the great capitals of mainland Europe. Now its narrow cobbled streets and ruined churches reside behind the two-and-a-half mile 13th century city wall, a haunting monument to a lost glory. Gotland and Oland are part of the Baltic islands off the southeast coast of Sweden. Gotland is a blend of old and new with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hoards of coins and other treasures found on the island indicate its importance in maritime trade as far back as the Bronze Age. Gotland was nominally Swedish as early as the 9th century but long remained autonomous. In the Middle Ages Visby was a rich and important member of the Hanseatic League and had many splendid churches and elaborate fortified walls. Gotland was conquered by Denmark in 1361 and returned to Swedish rule in 1645.

Dive into the medieval atmosphere of Gdansk, whose red brick architecture reflects its Hanseatic past. Look at the gabled houses, churches and galleries, admire the illuminated quaysides and enjoy its nocturnal buzz! At the Christmas market, let yourself be carried away by the enchantment of the enormous Christmas tree and wander among the delightful wooden chalets amidst the aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, orange and roasted walnuts. Oliwa Park offers spectacular illuminations at nightfall. Its Cistercian abbey and its cathedral, home to a magnificent sculpted wooden organ, are also well worth a visit. Finally, perhaps you will have the opportunity to make a nod to Chopin by attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic.

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.

Considered the Art Nouveau capital, Riga captivates with its many contrasts. As you stroll through its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will appreciate its medieval architecture, its cathedral, the remains of old walls and the narrow streets. Trace the origins of the Christmas market and the decorated tree invented here in 1510, in pagan times. In the old town’s park, a stone’s throw from a giant tree, the stalls offer local craft objects like wooden chandeliers, jewellery made from Baltic amber, hand-knitted gloves and Christmas decorations. Sheltered under a wooden hut, warm yourself up by sipping some mulled wine accompanied by gingerbread.

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.

Tallinn unveils all its charms in winter, even if the days are short. Located in the far north of Estonia, this remarkably well-preserved city of the Hanseatic League, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a myriad of exceptional historical monuments, such as the recently restored St. Nicholas Church. In December, the churches, shops, cafés and paved streets shine brightly and the atmosphere is festive. Come and make your wishes beneath the luxurious Christmas tree that dominates the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). At the Christmas market, you will find hand-knitted wool garments and share the traditional glögi mulled wine accompanied by spiced almonds.

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. In the historic centre, softly coloured neoclassical buildings mix with spectacular modern structures. The lively district of Kallio is home to many boutiques and restaurants offering local specialities such as graavilohi, pickled, sweetened and flavoured salmon. And the large Christmas craft market is the ideal place to unearth Finnish design items.