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.
A selection of returning favorites complements seven new itineraries for 2026. A few highlights include:
- The seven-night “Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America” itinerary that includes a visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s open-air Punta Culebra Nature Center
- The eight-night “A Voyage Along the Great Lakes” itinerary
- The seven-night “Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean” itinerary
- The 11-night “Antarctica: The White Continent” itinerary with three Smithsonian Journeys Experts—polar explorer Ann Bancroft, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and photographer Jim Preston
Besides the Antarctica departure with three experts, each voyage will host two Smithsonian Journeys Experts to provide onboard lectures and discussions that dive deeper into a destination’s history, language, environment and wildlife.
New voyages for 2026 include:
- “Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean” – This 10-night voyage onboard Le Bougainville offers an exploration of Madagascar’s endemic wildlife and the beaches of Seychelles
- “Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong” – This itinerary onboard Le Jacques-Cartier includes visits to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural performances, visits to handicraft markets, and more
- “South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope” – This 10-night voyage aboard Le Bougainville highlights the best of South Africa with three days devoted to a “safari by sea” exploring the 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 wine country surrounding Stellenbosch, and more
- “Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands” – Highlights of this 12-night voyage aboard Le Jacques-Cartier include visits to Komodo National Park, extensive possibilities for swimming and snorkeling among coral reefs, and learning about the local people of Sumbawa and their age-old customs and traditions
- “A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean” – This eight-night voyage aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville offers the chance to witness the eclipse, followed by an exploration of the islands of the western Mediterranean
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