26 Aug 26, from £6,970
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Come aboard Le Champlain for an unforgettable voyage.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

The northwest corner of Europe—the part of the continent where the Baltic and North Seas meet—is rich in history, both medieval and modern, and an ideal destination for reflection on what earlier experiences of war and peace can teach us about dealing with current issues of international security. Joining you on this voyage from Copenhagen to London, are two distinguished experts on these issues, including former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis. They will share insights into such topics as concerns about the unity of the NATO alliance and the hopeful signs of continued commitment to cooperation in pursuit of the goals of freedom and democracy.

From Copenhagen, Le Champlain sails south to the northern coast of Germany, where you spend the first two days of your voyage in the Baltic seaports of Warnemünde and Wismar. This is the heart of the area once dominated by the Hanseatic League, and you may tour a number of towns—Lübeck, Rostock, and Wismar itself—whose well-preserved Old Towns (two of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites) speak to the wealth produced by the League's monopoly of trade.

The third day of cruising is spent navigating the 61-mile-long Kiel Canal, which cuts across the Jutland Peninsula and connects the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. Two hundred and fifty nautical miles are saved by using the canal instead of sailing around the peninsula.

Harlingen is your first port of call in the country of The Netherlands, 25% of which has been reclaimed from the sea via terps, dikes, windmills, and lake-draining. One of the most ambitious of these reclamation projects is the Woudagemaal steam-powered pumping station—built in the 1920s, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and still in operation. Here you will learn about an early version of water management technology that will become increasingly important as sea levels around the world rise.

As the official capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is home to a Royal Palace that hosts state visits and official receptions. A guided visit to the Palace will focus on its role in international politics and cultural exchange, but you will also be drawn to the elegance of its architecture and to artworks that recall the splendor of the Dutch Golden Age. A second possibility for your time in Amsterdam is a tour of the Dutch Resistance Museum, chronicling the hard work and heroism of the Dutch struggle against totalitarian rule during World War II. Alternatively, choose to enjoy a cruise through Amsterdam’s famous canals, or visit the world renowned Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum.

The Hague, which is home to the Dutch Parliament and the residence of the royal family, is also home to the International Court of Justice, housed within the Peace Palace, which you may explore on a guided tour. Or you may travel to nearby Rotterdam Harbor to see a floating dairy farm, that is both a demonstration of the practicability of sustainable farming in an intensely urban environment and a vision of the future. A third option for the day is to visit the 18th-century windmills at Kinderdijk, 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 to a choice of tours of two institutions crucial to and depicting the history of the security of Europe and of the broader Atlantic world. A visit to the European Parliament, the legislative branch of the European Union, will introduce you to its work seeking to advance the common interests of its 27 member countries. Or you may prefer a guided tour through the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, a collection spanning more than 10 centuries of military and technological history.  Alternatively, stay in Antwerp and explore the city’s historic Diamond District.

From the Belgian port of Ostend, enjoy a walking tour of the exquisitely preserved medieval town of Bruges. Two other possible excursions focus on sustainability—one on the promise of wind power at the North Sea Offshore experience; the other a visit to Agrotopia, a state-of-the-art urban farm in the town of Roeselare. Alternatively, you may travel to nearby Raversyde, home to the remnants of the Atlantic Wall, a massive network of bunkers and tunnels built by the Germans and used in both World Wars.

Dunkirk offers a choice of museums with displays on various aspects of the city's World War II history. The Dunkirk 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 voyage, Le Champlain sails from Dunkirk at midday, across the English Channel and up the Thames River, reaching London Bridge late in the evening, where the ship remains docked overnight before disembarkation in London the next day.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Northern Europe and Scandinavia

Copenhagen (Denmark) to London (United Kingdom)

Duration

11 days, 10 nights on board

Timeless, History & Geopolitics

James Stavridis

James Stavridis

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

No single supplement, Christmas offer, Offre enchaînement, PONANT Bonus 25%

Ref: CPH-LON-10-QC260826 - EC260826

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
  • Engaging lectures and discussions onboard with two leading experts on international affairs, including former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis.
  • Two days of exploration of the history of the Hanseatic League in UNESCO World Heritage sites in Rostock, Lübeck, and Wismar.
  • Passage through the Kiel Canal linking the Baltic Sea to the North Sea.
  • Visits to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and to the famed medieval town of Bruges.
  • Visits to important organizations of international cooperation and military history, including the International Court of Justice in The Hague and the European Parliament and Royal Military Museum in Brussels.
  • Key sites associated with World War II, including the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Atlantic Wall, and Dunkirk.
  • A focus on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy throughout the cruise.
A World Affairs Voyage from Copenhagen to London null

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Sharing your journey with

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James Stavridis

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

A World Affairs Voyage from Copenhagen to London

Itinerary

Embarkation 26/08/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 26/08/26 at 18:00

26 Aug 26 - Copenhagen

Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.

26 Aug 26 - Copenhagen

Arrival 27/08/26 Departure 27/08/26

27 Aug 26 - At sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

27 Aug 26 - At sea

Arrival 27/08/26 midday Departure 27/08/26 evening

27 Aug 26 - Warnemünde (Rostock)

Located at the estuary of the Warnow river, Warnemunde is a highly popular German seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. This 12th-century fishing village became a port of crucial importance to the economy of the Hanseatic City of Rostock in the 14th century. Today, the old fishermen’s houses have become shops and cafés, and beautiful mansions line the promenade. You will also be able to discover Rostock, where the city-centre architecture and the ramparts, built of bricks from Brandenburg, are a reminder of the city’s position in the Hanseatic League. Succumb to the charms of the merchant houses around New Market Square or of Saint Mary’s Church and its astronomical clock.

27 Aug 26 - Warnemünde (Rostock)

Arrival 28/08/26 early morning Departure 28/08/26 late afternoon

28 Aug 26 - Wismar

The Baltic port of Wismar is a historically significant and picturesque harbor in northern Germany. From the time of the Hanseatic League, it was an important center of trade, linking continental Europe with Scandinavia. Its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases German Brick Gothic architecture from the middle ages, and the legacy of its role as naval base under Swedish rule (1648-1803) is still evident along the harbor. Today, Wismar is important as a center of trade, handling goods like timber and steel, of shipbuilding, and of tourism. Its waterfront, historic warehouses, and maritime museums attract the interest of many visitors, and it serves as a gateway to other attractions along the Baltic coast.

28 Aug 26 - Wismar

Arrival 29/08/26 Departure 29/08/26

29 Aug 26 - Crossing the Kiel Canal

Spanning around 61 miles the Kiel Canal, links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, crossing the Jutland peninsula. It is the world’s busiest artificial waterway.

29 Aug 26 - Crossing the Kiel Canal

Arrival 30/08/26 early morning Departure 30/08/26 late afternoon

30 Aug 26 - Harlingen

Lying at the mouth of the Harinxma canal in the Frise province of the Netherlands, Harlingen has always had a very close relationship with the sea. Once a whale fishing centre and today a port specialised in shrimp fishing, its dynamism has transformed it into a modern city which also offers travellers museums and sites of interest. The local museum, the Hannemahuis, is housed in an 18th Century dwelling and presents a collection of regional furniture and objects retracing the history of the city. The lighthouse and the city hall with their typically Dutch architecture also deserve a visit.

30 Aug 26 - Harlingen

Arrival 31/08/26 early morning Departure 31/08/26 late afternoon

31 Aug 26 - Amsterdam

Amsterdam is above all a city of water. Omnipresent, it guides the traveller’s steps, from street to street, from canal to canal, its bridges seeming to bend their arches to form allegiances with him. Let yourself fall in love with the grace and romanticism that emanate from this charming scene. Known around the world for its museums and the finest collection of the Dutch and Flemish masters of the golden age, this city is home to many other treasures. Take a stroll through the old district or pay a visit to a diamond house – do not miss this “treasure chest” of the Netherlands.

31 Aug 26 - Amsterdam

Arrival 01/09/26 Departure 01/09/26 late afternoon

1 Sept 26 - Scheveningen (The Hague)

Scheveningen, a former small fishing village, is the seaside resort of La Hague, which is the seat of the government of the Netherlands and official residence of its king, and also called the “legal capital of the world”. Only a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre, Scheveningen has a holiday feel, with its long fine sandy beach, its kitesurf boards and its windsurf boards. On the promenade that runs along the sea, you will admire the Grand Hôtel Amrâth Kurhaus, a jewel from the baroque era, as well as the De Pier, a 382-metre (1,250-foot) long pier — one of the longest in the world — as well as many trendy restaurants.

1 Sept 26 - Scheveningen (The Hague)

Arrival 02/09/26 early morning Departure 02/09/26 late afternoon

2 Sept 26 - Antwerp

Located in the Flemish region of Belgium, Antwerp is worth a visit for its remarkable architectural heritage. In this moderately-sized, cosmopolitan city, you will be able to stroll around the ancient city centre, dominated by the most important monument in Antwerp, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museums of the city retrace the history of Antwerp, including the home of Rubens, containing the works of the painter, and the Plantin-Moretus museum, a print works and publishing house that are UNESCO listed. From Grote Markt, the central square in the city, you will be captivated by the attractive sight formed by the unusual medieval architecture of the guild houses.

2 Sept 26 - Antwerp

Arrival 03/09/26 early morning Departure 03/09/26 mid afternoon

3 Sept 26 - Ostend

Located on the Flemish coastline, half way between France and the Netherlands, the elegant city of Ostend is a favourite summer destination for Belgians. You can enjoy the “queen of beaches”, a stretch of fine white sand punctuated by breakwaters, covered by the North Sea at high tide. The seafront boasts sumptuous facades from the Belle Epoque, such as Villa Maritza, which stands witness to this seaside town’s rich past. Art amateurs will enjoy the excellent Kunstmuseumaan Zee, where a retrospective of Belgian art dating from 1830 is on display.

3 Sept 26 - Ostend

Arrival 04/09/26 Departure 04/09/26 midday

4 Sept 26 - Dunkirk

Dunkirk (Dunkerque), located on the North Sea near the Belgian border, is one of France’s most important maritime hubs. Established in the 10th century as a center of fishing and trade, it later became a strategic naval base. Best known, perhaps, for the evacuation of some 338,000 Allied troops from its beaches in 1940 during Operation Dynamo, Dunkirk is today France’s third-largest port, handling millions of tons of cargo annually, including oil, coal, steel, and shipping containers. It is also the center of a growing offshore wind energy sector. Dunkirk has a vibrant cultural scene with an historic old town, museums, and the months-long Dunkirk Carnival, one of France’s most famous festivals.

4 Sept 26 - Dunkirk

Arrival 05/09/26 Disembarkation 05/09/26 at 8:00

5 Sept 26 - London

The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on London's frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of London's many beautiful parks and gardens.

5 Sept 26 - London

A World Affairs Voyage from Copenhagen to London

Included package

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.

Included Features:

  • A program of onboard enrichment provided by two leading experts on international affairs, including former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis
  • Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Copenhagen to the ship on the day of embarkation
  • Comprehensive 10-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
  • One included shore excursion in each port of call (see "Itinerary" for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
  • Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
  • Transfer from the ship to the airport in London at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

Not included:

  • Independent meals and beverages ashore
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)

Notes:

  • This voyage is offered on a space available basis
  • Program is subject to change without notice

A World Affairs Voyage from Copenhagen to London

Customize your journey

London: the seat of british power (1 night)

LONDON: THE SEAT OF BRITISH POWER (1 NIGHT)
Details

This one-night post-cruise program in London affords the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover the central monuments memorializing British leadership in defense of democracy in the 20th century—the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abby, and 10 Downing Street. It is also an opportunity to spend time exploring the underground war rooms that served as Winstone Churchill's command center throughout World War II.

Day 1 – Disembark | London

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide for a journey to the Palace of Westminster, an enduring symbol of British governance and history. This Gothic masterpiece—often referred to as the Houses of Parliament—is not only the seat of the UK’s government but also a living monument to centuries of tradition. Home to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it is here that the nation’s laws have been debated and shaped for generations. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural icon, exploring Westminster Hall, the mosaic-adorned Central Lobby, and the historic chambers where Britain’s great parliamentary debates have echoed for centuries. Your excursion continues with a walk through the historic districts of Whitehall and Westminster, pausing at Parliament Square, home to statues of figures such as Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela. Pass by Westminster Abbey, site of royal coronations and national ceremonies, and catch a glimpse of iconic 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence since 1735, where wartime strategies of both World Wars were directed behind its famous black door.

Your walk concludes at the Churchill War Rooms, the underground nerve center from which Churchill and his team directed Britain’s war effort. A private lunch in the Harmsworth Room, a space that retains its original wartime atmosphere, complete with vintage generators and control panels, is followed by a lecture on the legacy of British leadership and its influence on modern conflict response and democratic resilience into the late 20th century. Afterwards, explore the fascinating War Rooms on your own before transferring to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure and dinner is independent.

Day 2 – London | Depart

Following breakfast at your hotel, transfer to your London airport for flights homeward.

Your hotel:
Part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection, the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is a luxury property located in historic Westminster, just off Trafalgar Square and within easy walking distance of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and other places of interest. It has an onsite restaurant, a cozy bar, a fitness center, and all of the amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel.

Your program includes:
1 night at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel
Local English-speaking guide
Lunch on Day 1
Breakfast on Day 2
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:
It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Late check-out may be possible, depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
The official currency is the British Pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is offered on a space available basis.
Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:
Great Scotland Yard Hotel
3-5 Great Scotland Yard
London, England
United Kingdom
SW1A 2HN
Phone: +44 0 207 9254 700 


Total

£1,490/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Danish cuisine and culture (2 nights)

DANISH CUISINE AND CULTURE (2 NIGHTS)
Details

This 3-day pre-cruise program in Denmark's capital is designed to introduce you to New Nordic cuisine—an approach that emphasizes seasonal, sustainable ingredients and deep relationships between food, culture and place. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into how Copenhagen has become a global leader in culinary innovation while also exploring some of its most beloved landmarks, including the iconic Tivoli Gardens. It is the perfect prelude to your voyage from Copenhagen to London.

Day 1 — Copenhagen

Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. A local representative will be present at our hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to answer any questions you may have. Relax and unwind at the hotel, or explore some of the sites that are just steps away from the front door. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. Dinner is independent.

Day 2 — Copenhagen

After breakfast, meet you guide for an excursion focused on Denmark's pioneering role in sustainable urban agriculture and food culture. Begin with a visit to Øens Have, an urban farm set atop what was once a factory on the industrial island of Refshaleøen. Here, you will be welcomed by chef and food writer Katrine Klinken, a passionate advocate for sustainable, seasonal eating. As you explore the raised beds of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, the compost systems, and the beehives, Katrine will share insights into how projects like Øens Have are shaping the principles of New Nordic Cuisine—celebrating local ingredients, ecological balance, and culinary creativity.

Following the tour, enjoy a fresh, garden-inspired lunch at Øens Have’s open-air café, where the day’s harvest is transformed into simple, refined dishes that are quite literally "farm to table." After lunch, walk to nearby Reffen, Copenhagen’s dynamic street-food district built from repurposed shipping containers. Here you can explore a vibrant mix of food stalls, craft workshops, and waterfront views—the perfect place to get a sense of the innovative spirit of Copenhagen’s modern food culture. Return to the hotel in mid-afternoon, where the balance of the day is at leisure and dinner is independent.

Day 3 — Copenhagen | Embark

Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Copenhagen's major landmarks, including stops at the iconic Nyhavn waterfront, where 500-year-old gabled houses have been turned into trendy cafés; the Old Stock Exchange, once the center of Copenhagen's finance and trade; and the 16th-century Holmens Church, site of the royal wedding of Queen Margrethe, Denmark's longest-reigning monarch.

Continue to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and a source of inspiration for Walt Disney. A guided tour introduces you to this fascinating public space—its stunning displays of flowers, and its restaurants, cafés, and concert hall. Tivoli is also famous for two spectacular amusement rides—a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 that is the world's oldest still in operation; and the Star Flyer ride, the world's tallest carousel. After the tour, enjoy an independent lunch in the park, followed by time at leisure to continue exploration of the Gardens on your own. Walk around Tivoli Lake, visit the Tivoli Aquarium, hop on one of the many rides, or simply sit and enjoy the sights.

Later in the afternoon, rejoin your motorcoach to transfer to the pier to embark your ship, stopping along the way to see the statue of the Little Mermaid, erected in 1913 in honor of Hans Christian Andersen and his world-famous fairytales. 

Your hotel:
Located in the Christianshavn section of central Copenhagen, the NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor, within easy walking distance of the Opera, Royal Library and Nyhavn. The 394 guest rooms offer contemporary elegance and reflect the very best of Scandinavian and international design. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer views over the city, and the hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym.

Your program includes:
2 nights at the NH Collection Copenhagen (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled arrival day
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on Day 3
Welcome Reception on Day 1
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
Lunch on Day 2
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:
Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.

Please note:
It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Early check-in and/or late check-out are subject to availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
The official currency is the Danish Kroner, but Euros are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. 
This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions. 
Program is offered on a space available basis. 
Program is subject to change without notice. 

Hotel contact information:
NH Collection Copenhagen
Strandgade 7 
1401 Copenhagen
Denmark 
+45 352542 50
nhcollectioncopenhagen@nh-hotels.com

 


Total

£1,530/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.