Le Champlain, 10 Night A World Affairs Voyage ex Copenhagen, Denmark to London, (Tower Bridge) England

This cruise is one of a special selection of PONANT voyages designed specifically for English-speaking guests. In addition to the usual elements of a PONANT voyage, the listed prices for these cruises include transfers to and from the ship, lectures and discussions on board with world-class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port, allowing guests to discover the sights and immerse themselves in unfamiliar culture.

The northwest corner of Europe—where the Baltic and North Seas meet—is rich in medieval and modern history. This region provides an ideal setting for reflecting on the lessons of past experiences of war and peace for current issues of international security. On this voyage from Copenhagen to London, you will be accompanied by two renowned experts, including Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. They will provide insights into topics such as the challenges to the unity of the NATO alliance and the hopeful signs of a continued commitment to working together to promote freedom and democracy.

From Copenhagen, Le Champlain first heads for the North German coast. You'll spend the first two days of your cruise in the Baltic Sea ports of Warnemünde and Wismar. This region was once the heart of the Hanseatic League, and you'll have the opportunity to explore cities such as Lübeck, Rostock, and Wismar. Their well-preserved old towns, two of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, bear witness to the former wealth of Hanseatic trade.

On the third day, you'll cross the 98-kilometer-long Kiel Canal, which cuts through the Jutland Peninsula and connects the Baltic and North Seas. This route saves you 250 nautical miles compared to circumnavigating the peninsula.

Harlingen is your first Dutch port. Here, you'll experience firsthand how the Dutch reclaimed a quarter of their land from the sea – through mounds, dikes, windmills, and the drainage of lakes. One highlight is the 1920s steam-powered Woudagemaal pumping station, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still in operation. It illustrates early water management technologies that are becoming increasingly important worldwide in light of rising sea levels.

As the official capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is home to a royal palace, which hosts state visits and official receptions. A tour of the palace focuses on its role in international politics and cultural exchange. However, the palace also boasts elegant architecture and works of art that evoke the glory of the Dutch Golden Age. A second option during your stay in Amsterdam is a visit to the Dutch Resistance Museum, which documents the hard work and heroism of the Dutch struggle against totalitarian rule during World War II. Alternatively, you can take a boat cruise through Amsterdam's famous canals or visit the world-famous Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum.

Home to the Dutch parliament and royal family, The Hague is also home to the International Court of Justice, housed in the Peace Palace, which you can visit on a guided tour. Or head to the nearby port of Rotterdam to see a floating dairy farm, which both demonstrates the practicality of sustainable agriculture in a highly urban environment and offers a vision for the future. A third option for the day is a visit to the 18th-century Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another example of Dutch mastery of the art and science of water management.

Antwerp is your gateway to Brussels and a series of tours of two institutions vital to the security of Europe and the wider Atlantic world. A visit to the European Parliament, the legislative branch of the European Union, will give you an insight into the work of the Parliament as it strives to promote the common interests of its 27 member states. Or you might prefer a guided tour of the conference rooms and interactive visitor center at NATO headquarters, the organization that has largely kept peace in Europe since its founding in 1949. Alternatively, you can stay in Antwerp and explore the city's historic diamond district.

From the Belgian port of Ostend, you can take a walking tour of the superbly preserved medieval city of Bruges. Two other possible excursions focus on sustainability—one exploring the promising possibilities of wind energy at the North Sea Offshore Experience, the other visiting Agrotopia, a state-of-the-art urban farm in the city of Roeselare. Alternatively, you can head to nearby Raversyde, home to the remains of the Atlantic Wall. This massive network of bunkers and tunnels was built by the Germans and used in both World Wars.

Dunkirk offers several museums with exhibits on various aspects of the city's World War II history. The Dunkerque Museum focuses on Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied troops in 1940, while the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques and La Coupole tell the story of German military installations during the occupation.

On the final day of the cruise, Le Champlain departs Dunkirk around midday. You cross the English Channel and cruise up the Thames. In the late evening, you arrive at London Bridge, where the ship remains docked overnight before disembarking in London the following day.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with 5-star service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...