Ponant announces 36 co-branded Smithsonian sailings for 2026

Ponant has announced 36 co-branded sailings for 2026 in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.

Marking the most departures ever offered in a single year, this expanded lineup represents a fifth year of collaboration between Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys highlighting a continued shared commitment to fostering global citizenship through immersive travel experiences.

These extraordinary voyages blend Ponant’s seafaring expertise and esteemed hospitality with Smithsonian’s unparalleled legacy as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to explore the world with depth and purpose.

A selection of returning favourites complements seven exciting new itineraries for 2026. Among the highlights of these popular voyages are:

• Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America (7 nights): Featuring a specially arranged visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s open-air Punta Culebra Nature Center. Departure dates: February 19–26, 2026 and February 26–March 5, 2026. Fares begin at $6,420 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.
• A Voyage Along the Great Lakes (8 nights): Explores the beauty of the Great Lakes region. Departure dates: August 11–19, 2026 and August 19–27, 2026. Fares begin at $9,000 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.
• Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean (7 nights): A picturesque journey through the Southern Aegean. Departure dates: June 16–23, 2026 and October 8–15, 2026. Fares begin at $6,150 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.
• Antarctica: The White Continent (11 nights): Featuring three renowned Smithsonian Journeys Experts – polar explorer Ann Bancroft, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller, and photographer Jim Preston. Departure date: January 8–19, 2026. Fares begin at $13,780 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

Aside from the Antarctica departure with three experts, each voyage will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts to provide onboard lectures and discussions that dive deeper into a destination’s history, language, environment, and wildlife.

New voyages

New: Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean, January 7-17, 2026,  Le Bougainville

This 10-night voyage from northern Madagascar through more than 1,000 miles of the Seychelles Archipelago offers an exploration of the rich endemic flora and fauna including lemurs, chameleons, red-tailed tropicbirds, radiated tortoises, multi-colored fish, green turtles, and more. A full day in Diego Suarez in the Emerald Sea Lagoon brings extensive snorkeling and birding opportunities before heading onto the Seychelles. Ports of call include the iconic beach at Anse Source d’Argent, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms, and the Aride nature reserve, with some 73 hectares of colourful vegetation and more than one million birds. Fares begin at $11,110 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

New: Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong, February 8-22, 2026, Le Jacques-Cartier

This two-week long itinerary explores the many sides of Vietnam, from the ancient civilizations of Cham and Khmer, through Chinese influence and French colonialism, to the present day. Highlights include visits to four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam: The Ancient City of Hội An, the My Son temples, the Imperial City of Hue, and Hạ Long Bay, with opportunities to experience local cuisine in each port of call. Also featured are a performance of Vietnamese dance and song in Ho Chi Minh City, visits to handicraft markets in Nha Trang and Da Nang, and a day in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Fares begin at $12,500 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here. 

New: South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope, March 19-29, 2026, Le Bougainville

This 10-night voyage along the southern coast of South Africa highlights the best of South Africa with three days devoted to a ‘safari by sea’ exploring the great game parks of the Eastern Cape followed by two days focused on Cape Town and its surroundings, as well as an exploration of the wild coastlines of Namibia from Lüderitz. The itinerary will showcase the world-famous conservation efforts of Addo Elephant Park; multiple opportunities for safaris through game parks in search of the “big five;” panoramic tours of the stunning beauty of the Cape Peninsula; the wine country surrounding Stellenbosch; the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island; and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Fares begin at $7,660 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

New: Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands, May 1-13, 2026, Le Jacques-Cartier

Highlights of this 12-night voyage include discovering the lush and idyllic islands of Indonesia and sailing through the heart of the Coral Triangle before arriving to the northern shores of Australia. It will combine both a deep dive into the region’s extraordinary biodiversity in the air, on land, and under the sea with visits to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and extensive possibilities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters with pristine coral reefs, as well as a rich immersion with the local people of Sumbawa and their age-old customs and traditions. Fares begin at $10,330 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

New: A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean, August 11-19, 2026, Le Dumont-d’Urville

This voyage offers the chance to witness the extraordinarily rare setting of the sun just moments after totality, followed by an exploration of the natural beauty and cultural history of the islands of the western Mediterranean. On August 12, 2026, after an afternoon exploring the landmarks of Palma de Mallorca, guests will reboard Le Dumont-d’Urville and head out to sea to view the total solar eclipse. The eight-night itinerary will continue to four additional Mediterranean islands including Menorca; Sardinia, with the opportunity to see prehistoric edifices called nuraghi; Corsica; and Napolean’s summer residence on Elba. Fares begin at $10,270 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here. 

PONANT ships embody French sophistication in refined exploration, infused with the vibrant joie de vivre of the company’s French heritage. Guests enjoy elegantly appointed staterooms and suites with private balconies, wellness centers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and gourmet dining curated by PONANT’s chefs in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, blending flavors from local destinations with timeless favorites. All-inclusive fares cover a shore excursion or activity in each port of call and seamless roundtrip airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days. For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com/cruises/themes/smithsonian-journeys; call 1-833-889-0800, or contact a travel advisor.

Fares are per guest in U.S. dollars, based on double occupancy.