PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that immerses guests in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of each destination, and helps provide a deeper understanding of the places we explore.

Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong

From Singapore to Hong Kong - 14 nights on board Le Jacques-Cartier February 8 – 22, 2026

Guests visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the My Son temples, Ha Long Bay, the Imperial City of Hue, and the Ancient City of Hội An; savor the delicious local cuisine in multiple ports of call; and enjoy the local crafts from markets in Nha Trang and Da Nang.

Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands

From Benoa, Bali to Darwin - 12 nights on board Le Jacques-Cartier May 1 – 13, 2026

Guests spend two days in Komodo National Park, home to the eponymous dragon; snorkel and swim in turquoise blue waters with pristine coral reefs; and learn of centuries-old traditions from the friendly locals of these scattered isles.

A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean

From Barcelona to Nice - 8 nights on board Le Dumont d’Urville August 11 – 19, 2026

Guests can gaze in awe at one of nature’s finest phenomena, the solar eclipse. Shortly after this spectacle, they’ll watch the sun fully set–experiencing this extraordinary event at sea, in the heart of the Mediterranean, can’t be missed. Then, they will enjoy an opportunity to explore five beautiful islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast by Sea

From Venice to Dubrovnik - 7 nights on board Le Bougainville July 9 – 16, 2026

Invite your clients to set sail on an unforgettable journey along Croatia’s stunning coastline. They will explore ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and breathtaking National Parks; venture into the countryside to savor authentic local wines and cuisine; and, with late-night departures in Split and Hvar, guests will also get the change to immerse themselves in these cities’ vibrant nightlife.

Panama & Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America

Between Colón & Puntarenas - 7 nights on board Le Champlain February 2026

Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea

From London to Glasgow - 8 nights on board Le Bellot May 7 – 15, 2026