Cruising the Baltic Sea aboard Le Champlain

Experience six countries on an 8-night Baltic Sea cruise aboard the 5-star Le Champlain from Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden. Enjoy a specially arranged presentation by the former president of Poland Lech Wałęsa. Visit Island of Bornholm, Gdańsk, Tallinn, Riga, Helsinki, and Visby. Norway Pre-Program and Stockholm Post-Program Options.

Dates
Jul 11 - Jul 20, 2022  (10 Days)
Cost

from $6,795 per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Monday, July 11
    Depart from the U.S.
    Tuesday, July 12
    Copenhagen, Denmark / U.S.

    Arrive to vibrant Copenhagan and embark the Five‑Star Le ChamplainLe  Champlain (D)

    Wednesday, July 13
    Christiansø Island / Island of Bornholm

    Today we explore the Ertholmene Archipelago with stops at  Christiansø Island a place with a population of just 120 that still proudly showcases the fortress built by King Christian V in 1684. Nearby is the equally idyllic island of Frederiksø connected by a suspension bridge. 

    Later we visit Gudhjem on the Island of Bornholm. Bornholm is considered Denmark's island jewel of the Baltic. Enjoy the Captain's Welcome Reception this evening. Le  Champlain (B,L,D)

    Thursday, July 14
    Gdańsk, Poland

    A former flourishing Hanseatic League port, today Gdańsk proudly displays meticulously restored, late Renaissance and Baroque patrician mansions in the Stare Miasto (Old Town). Stroll along the pedestrian‑only Droga Królewska (the Royal Route) to see the magnificent Neptune’s Fountain and the 14th-century Artus Court, a Gothic guildhall inspired by the ideals of Britain’s legendary King Arthur. Visit the historic Gdańsk Shipyard, where Eastern Europe’s first independent trade union—the Solidarity movement—began in 1980, and see its Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers. Meet the leader of the Solidarity movement, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Wałęsa, on board the ship this evening, where he will present his perspective on Solidarity, globalization, and progress in the region.  Le  Champlain (B,L,R,D)

    Friday, July 15
    Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden

    Call at the Baltic island of Gotland, rich with Swedish history and abundant Viking and medieval sites. The UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Old Town of Visby, the former Baltic center of the Hanseatic League, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia. On the walking tour through the cobbled streets of this “city of roses,” see 13th-century walls and original medieval architecture, tour the Gotlands Historical Museum and view the striking interior of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Le  Champlain  (B,L,D)  

    Saturday, July 16
    Riga, Latvia

    Experience the architectural treasure of Riga's Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    Le  Champlain  (B,L,D)

    Sunday, July 17
    At Sea

    Enjoy a series of enriching lectures while cruising the Baltic Sea. 
    Le  Champlain (B,L,D)

    Monday, July 18
    Helsinki, Finland

    Helsinki merges the influence of Classicism and the Finnish National Romantic Movement with Functionalism, establishing design as a permanent and significant component of the city. Cruise past the 18th-century maritime Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city’s boulevards, overflowing with magnificent architecture, including Europe’s greatest concentration of art nouveau buildings—paradigms of neoclassical style—along with the Modernist Finlandia Hall. Discover idyllic Sibelius Park, an artistic homage to Finland’s most famed composer. Visit the subterranean Temppeliaukio Church, or “Church of the Rock,” impressively hewn into solid natural bedrock in 1969. Explore the lively Market Square with time at leisure. 
    Le  Champlain  (B,L,R,D)  

    Tuesday, July 19
    Tallin, Estonia

    Tallinn’s UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Old Town has remained virtually unchanged for 600 years. See the landmark Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the 13th‑century Church of St. Nicholas, and Toompea Castle, the seat of Estonia’s Parliament. Visit the intricate chambers of the medieval Town Hall, the only intact Gothic‑style hall in Northern Europe, which dominates the Town Hall Square and its ring of pastel-hued buildings. Tonight attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception.
    Le  Champlain  (B,L,R,D)

    Wednesday, July 20
    Stockholm, Sweden

    After cruising the scenic Stockholm archipelago, arrive in the country's “Venice of the North,” and disembark the Five‑Star Le  Champlain. Continue on the Splendors of Stockholm Post‑Program Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

    Map
    Baltic Map
    Wonders of Norway
    Wonders of Norway

    The Pre-Program Option immerses you in majestic Norwegian landscapes and Scandinavian culture on this unique five-night journey from Copenhagen to Bergen. Enjoy an exclusively chartered cruise along Copenhagen’s idyllic canals, the highlights of vibrant Oslo and a private cruise into UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Nærøyfjord. Travel through pristine fjordlands on the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Tour the historic city of Bergen, including Bryggen (the old wharf), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit Troldhaugen, the historic home of composer Edvard Grieg. Spend four nights in comfortable hotels, including the historic Stalheim Hotel, and one night aboard an award‑winning Seaways ferry.

    Splendors of Stockholm
    Splendors of Stockholm

    Extend your Baltic experience with the Post‑Program Option in handsome Stockholm, a harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance and modern architecture showcased across 14 small islands connected by more than 23 bridges. Visit the magnificent City Hall, the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Walk through the Gamla Stan (Old Town) and visit the maritime museum built to house the Vasa, the world’s only preserved 17th‑century warship. Spend two nights in the ideally located Sheraton Stockholm Hotel.

    Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

    • 8 - $6,795 Picture window, single door onto private, partial-wall balcony, Deck 3 forward (limited availability) 
    • 7 - $7,795 Picture window, single door onto private, partial-wall balcony, Deck 3, midship 
    • 6 - $8,595 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, forward
    • 5 - $9,295 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 4, midship
    • 4 - $9,895 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5 & 6, aft (limited availability)
    • 3 - $10,395 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, forward (limited availability)
    • 2 - $10,795 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 5, midship
    • 1 - $11,295 Expansive sliding glass door, private balcony, Deck 6, midship
    • Deluxe Suite - $12,695 Suite with expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Decks 3, 4, 5 & 6 (limited availability)   
    • Prestige Suite - $13,695 Two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, two bedrooms, two closets, large sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability) 
    • Privilege Suite - $13,995 Large suite with expansive sliding glass door, large private balcony, sitting area with sofa, Decks 5 & 6 (limited availability)    
    • Grand Deluxe Suite - $15,195 Extra-large two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private terrace, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath, sitting area with sofa, Deck 6 (limited availability)  
    • Owner’s Suite - $15,495 Extra-large two-room suite, expansive sliding glass door, spacious private terrace with outdoor jacuzzi, full bathroom with tub and separate shower, additional half bath, sitting area with sofa, Deck 5 (limited availability)

    Single occupancy cabins are available in category 5 at $15,295 and in category 2 at $17,795.
    Taxes are an additional $495 per person and are subject to change.

    Optional Pre-Tour: Splendors of Stockholm
    $945 per person, double occupancy
    $1345 single occupancy

    Optional Post-Tour:  Wonders of Norway
    $2945 per person, double occupancy
    $3795 single occupancy

    What to Expect

    This is a moderately active tour and participants must be able to keep up with an active group of travelers. For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants must be able to:

    • Walk on average 1-2 miles at a steady pace. On this tour, guests will be walking in cities and town and should be able to walk at a steady pace for approximately 2-3 hours of touring.
    • Be able to walk on cobblestone, dirt and pavement.  Some of walking excursions require good balance as you walk over cobblestone sidewalks/dirt roads and uneven pavement.  
    • Stand for up to approximately 2 hours at a time each day.
    • Walk up and down steep stairs without hand rails, without the assistance of another person.
    • Get off and on tour vehicles without assistance
    Hear from guest lecturers aboard the ship throughout the voyage. In addition you will hear from the following keynote speakers.
    Trip Educators
    Lech Wałęsa
    Lech Wałęsa

    By exclusive arrangement, Lech Wałęsa— former President of Poland (1990 to 1995), Polish hero and international icon in the pursuit of freedom and democracy—will meet with our group on board Le Dumont-d’Urville. From his position as a marine electrician in Gdańsk Shipyard, Mr. Wałęsa emerged as a world-renowned figure in the struggle against communism during the 1980 shipyard workers’ strike and the establishment of the Polish Solidarity labor movement. Even after winning the right to form an independent union, Mr. Wałęsa and Solidarity continued to confront the Soviet-backed regime of General Wojciech Jaruzelski, which jailed Mr. Wałęsa and imposed martial law in Poland in December 1981. Mr. Wałęsa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, a watershed moment widely considered to have been the first crack in the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain, which crumbled with the Berlin Wall in 1989. That same year, Mr. Wałęsa became the first foreign non-head of government to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in 1989.

    Reservations: 
    An $800 per person deposit will reserve a place for participants on this program. The balance of the trip is due 95 days prior to departure and must be paid by check.

    To make a reservation please email travel@commonwealthclub.org or call (415) 597-6720 to sign up.

    Cancellations
    Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:

    From the time of booking through 96 days prior to departure: full refund
    From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
    From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 50% of the published full regular tariffs
    59 days or less prior to departure: No refund

    A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.

    In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees, and administrative fees may apply. 

    Discounted Reservations
    Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no replacement reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.  

    Trip Insurance
    We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed at the Ripcord website.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Airfare
    Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.

    Luggage
    Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.

    Physical Accessibility
    All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.

    Rates
    Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs that include Gohagan purchasing interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.

    Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility  
    The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefore and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.

    Binding Arbitration
    Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionably, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.

    Acceptance of Contract
    By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.