The top-luxury French travel brand Ponant Cruises introduced an 8-night "World Affairs Cruise" in the Baltic Sea (Northern Europe) on the 2020-launched, 184-passenger ship Le Jacques Cartier.
Departing July 17, 2021, the 8-night Baltic voyage is part of Ponant's "Quintessential Collection" of themed voyages that strongly focus on the destination/region and theme. The shipboard experience is marked by professional lectures and discussions by policymakers and experts focused on the current state of the USA relations with the rest of the world.
Participants include:
- Robin Wright, an author, journalist, and foreign affairs analyst noted for her coverage of wars and revolutions. During her 40-year career, she has reported from 140+ countries.
- Ambassador Douglas Lute, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO between 2013-2017. In 2007, President George Bush named him assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor for Afghanistan and Iraq. Lute served 6 years in the White House.
- Jane Holl Lute, special advisor to the secretary-general of the UN (United Nations), where she has held a number of positions in peacekeeping. She also acted as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security between 2009-2013.
With calls in 6 countries, the "World Affairs Voyage" is scheduled to visit the largest ports and capital cities of Finland (Helsinki), Russia (St Petersburg /overnight/2 full days stay) and Estonia (Tallinn). The cruise starts in Stockholm Sweden and ends in Copenhagen Denmark.