Ponant and Smithsonian Announce Expanded 2026 Sailings
Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys have announced an expanded lineup of co-branded sailings for 2026, marking the fifth year of their collaboration. The 36 voyages represent the highest number of departures since the partnership began in 2022, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering global citizenship through immersive travel experiences.
The 2026 schedule introduces seven new itineraries, offering travelers unique opportunities to explore diverse destinations:
- Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean: A 10-night voyage aboard Le Bougainville, exploring Madagascar’s endemic wildlife and the beaches of Seychelles.
- Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong: This itinerary on Le Jacques-Cartier includes visits to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural performances, and handicraft markets.
- South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope: A 10-night journey aboard Le Bougainville, featuring a “safari by sea” in Eastern Cape game parks, exploration of Cape Town, and Namibia’s wild coastlines.
- Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands: A 12-night expedition on Le Jacques-Cartier, visiting Komodo National Park, coral reefs, and the cultural traditions of Sumbawa.
- A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean: An eight-night cruise aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, offering the chance to witness the August 2026 solar eclipse, followed by exploration of Western Mediterranean islands.
Each voyage features at least two Smithsonian Journeys experts who provide lectures and lead discussions on the region’s history, language, environment, and wildlife. These experts enhance the educational aspect of the journeys, offering deeper insights into each destination.
The cruises are conducted aboard Ponant’s fleet of 14 French-flagged small ships, including Le Bougainville and Le Jacques-Cartier. These vessels are designed to access remote locations while providing an intimate and luxurious experience for passengers.
The expanded 2026 offerings also include returning favorite itineraries, such as:
- Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America: A seven-night voyage featuring a specially arranged visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s open-air Punta Culebra Nature Center.
- A Voyage Along the Great Lakes: An eight-night journey exploring the beauty of the Great Lakes region.
This collaboration between Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys blends Ponant’s seafaring expertise and hospitality with Smithsonian’s legacy as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The partnership aims to offer guests opportunities to explore the world with depth and purpose, fostering a greater understanding of global cultures and environments.
By expanding their joint offerings, Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys continue to provide travelers with enriching experiences that combine adventure, education, and cultural immersion across some of the world’s most intriguing destinations.
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