PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, are embarking on a new frontier together: a collection of unique travel experiences focused on culture, history, and the natural world that will launch in 2022. These curated itineraries celebrate our instinct to explore. Retrace the history of lost cities and ruined empires in ancient Greece; watch beluga whales breech at a special Icelandic sanctuary; marvel at the rich inheritance left to us in the form of glaciers and ice floe in Antarctica and the Arctic; or craft your own udon noodles for a savory bowl of ramen at a specialized school in Japan. Unexpected discoveries are to be found closer to home as well, such as in the serene Great Lakes, lush Costa Rica and Panama, and the pristine Caribbean Sea.
On each departure, Smithsonian Journeys Experts will host a series of enlightened conversations onboard. These passionate professionals – chosen for their expertise and ability to inspire – will explore the core themes of the Smithsonian and destinations with fellow travelers. Bespoke shore excursions are included in each port of call, providing ease and enrichment for every program. Picture visiting Santiago de Compostela on Easter Sunday with a European historian. Or traveling even further back in time as you stand on the ancient basalt rock of an Icelandic fjord with a geologist. Or touring the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute with an ecologist studying the very same Panamanian rainforest that you will hike the next day.
Let your next exploration begin with PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys!
2022 Cruise Calendar
| Departure | Nights | Destination | Embark | Disembark | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 23 | 9 | Antarctica | Ushuaia, Argentina | Ushuaia, Argentina | L’Austral |
| Jan 24 | 7 | Panama Canal | Colon, Panama | Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica | Le Champlain |
| Feb 13 | 7 | Caribbean Sea | Vieux Fort, St. Lucia | Bridgetown, Barbados | Le Dumont-D’Urville |
| Apr 15 | 7 | Japan | Kobe, Japan | Osaka, Japan | Le Soléal |
| Apr 15 | 8 | West Coast of Europe | Lisbon, Portugal | London, England | Le Champlain |
| May 3 | 7 | Iberian Peninsula | Lisbon, Portugal | Barcelona, Spain | Le Bougainville |
| May 18 | 7 | Baltic Sea | Stockholm, Sweden | Copenhagen, Denmark | Le Champlain |
| June 6 | 7 | Iceland | Reykjavik, Iceland | Hafnarfjordur, Iceland | Le Bellot |
| June 10 | 7 | Norwegian Fjords & Scottish Isles | Bergen, Norway | Glasgow, Scotland | Le Dumont-D’Urville |
| June 15 | 7 | Svalbard | Longyearbyen, Norway | Longyearbyen, Norway | Le Boréal |
| June 17 | 6 | Celtic Isles | Glasgow, Scotland | Glasgow, Scotland | Le Dumont-D’Urville |
| June 28 | 7 | Adriatic and Ionian Seas | Venice, Italy | Athens, Greece | Le Jacques Cartier |
| July 5 | 7 | Aegean Sea | Athens, Greece | Athens, Greece | Le Jacques Cartier |
| July 30 | 7 | Norwegian Fjords | Bergen, Norway | Oslo, Norway | Le Dumont-D’Urville |
| Aug 8 | 7 | Iceland | Hafnarfjordur, Iceland | Hafnarfjordur, Iceland | Le Bellot |
| Sep 1 | 7 | Aegean Sea | Athens, Greece | Athens, Greece | Le Bougainville |
| Sep 7 | 10 | French Polynesia | Papeete, Tahiti | Papeete, Tahiti | Paul Gauguin |
| Sep 18 | 7 | Great Lakes | Toronto, Ontario | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Le Bellot |
| Oct 30 | 7 | Iberian Peninsula | Lisbon, Portugal | Barcelona, Spain | Le Champlain |
Learn More About
PONANT | Smithsonian Journeys
About PONANT
Created in 1988 by officers in the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising under the French flag through the unique conception of sea travel and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. With a fleet of 12 ships, the company can carry passengers to exceptional territories aboard yachts featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine take pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage. Health and safety are at the forefront of every operation, with a stringent set of Covid-safe health protection measures in place to ensure guests enjoy their journey in total peace of mind.
About Smithsonian Journeys
The Smithsonian has earned its reputation as one of America’s most trusted institutions since its founding in 1846. It is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 19 museums, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. And for more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian, has reflected the vast knowledge and experience of the Institution and is known for its top-notch experiences, special access, and the meaningful enrichment offered by engaging, knowledgeable Smithsonian Journeys Experts.