Discover the World Differently: Smithsonian Journeys with PONANT Explorations

What if your next journey did more than show you the world? What if it helped you truly understand it?

That is exactly what Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT Explorations have created together. This unique partnership brings together two respected leaders in their fields to offer a new kind of travel experience. One is the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex with a legacy of discovery and learning. The other is PONANT, a French luxury expedition cruise line known for its refined small ships and global exploration.

Together, they have designed a collection of voyages that go beyond traditional travel. These journeys are built around curiosity, cultural immersion, and meaningful discovery.

Travel with Experts Who Bring Destinations to Life

One of the defining features of these voyages is the presence of Smithsonian Journeys Experts onboard every sailing. Each departure includes at least two experts who are accomplished scholars, scientists, historians, or cultural specialists.

These experts do more than give lectures. They travel with you throughout the journey, sharing their knowledge in a way that feels engaging and personal. You might find yourself standing on an Icelandic fjord while a geologist explains the forces that shaped the landscape, or exploring a rainforest with an ecologist who studies that environment firsthand.

This level of access transforms the travel experience. It turns sightseeing into understanding and creates moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Small Ships, Exceptional Access

PONANT’s fleet is designed for travelers who value both comfort and access. With ships carrying between 92 and 132 staterooms, these voyages offer an intimate atmosphere that is very different from larger cruise ships.

Smaller ships allow access to destinations that are simply out of reach for larger vessels. You can explore remote coastlines, hidden harbors, and culturally rich regions with ease. At the same time, you enjoy a level of service and attention that feels personal and refined.

Each ship reflects French-inspired design and hospitality, with elegant spaces, private balconies, a spa, and thoughtfully curated dining experiences. One of the most unique features found on select ships is the Blue Eye, an innovative underwater lounge that allows you to observe marine life in a completely new way.

A Seamless and Enriching Experience

These voyages are designed to be both enriching and effortless. From the moment you arrive, many of the details are already taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Your experience includes airport transfers, onboard enrichment programs led by Smithsonian experts, and a shore excursion in every port. These excursions are carefully selected to provide meaningful insight into each destination, whether through cultural visits, nature exploration, or historical discovery.

The result is a travel experience that feels seamless, educational, and deeply engaging.

A World of Destinations Awaits

With 42 voyages available across 2026 and 2027, the range of destinations is truly impressive.

You can explore the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, the historic charm of the Greek Islands, or the coastal beauty of Croatia. Journey through the Great Lakes for a unique North American perspective, or venture farther afield to Antarctica, where pristine wilderness and wildlife create an unforgettable experience.

Other itineraries take you to Vietnam, Madagascar, Indonesia, South Africa, and Japan, each offering a distinct cultural and natural landscape. One particularly special sailing features a Solar Eclipse at Sea in August 2026, combining scientific wonder with a rare natural event.

These are not just destinations. They are experiences designed to deepen your understanding of the world.

Why This Style of Travel Stands Apart

In a world where travel options are endless, these journeys stand out because they offer something more meaningful.

They combine the intimacy of small ship cruising with the intellectual depth of Smithsonian programming. They offer luxury without excess and enrichment without formality. Most importantly, they create opportunities for genuine connection, with the places you visit, the people you meet, and the experts who guide your journey.

This is travel for those who are curious, thoughtful, and eager to engage with the world in a deeper way.

Let’s Plan Your Next Journey

If you have been looking for a travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Smithsonian Journeys with PONANT Explorations may be exactly what you have been waiting for.

These voyages are ideal for travelers who want to explore with purpose, learn along the way, and enjoy the comfort of a beautifully designed small ship. With a wide range of destinations and limited availability due to the intimate size of the ships, planning ahead is key.

I would love to help you explore these journeys and find the one that aligns with your interests and travel goals. From selecting the right itinerary to ensuring every detail is thoughtfully arranged, I am here to make the process easy and enjoyable.

Reach out when you are ready, and let’s start planning a journey that will inspire, enrich, and stay with you long after you return home.