Smithsonian Journeys Ponant Explorations

PONANT EXPLORATIONS 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 EXPLORATIONS experience,
these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts.

CONTACT our cruise specialists
for Smithsonian itineraries worldwide

Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT, a designer of inspiring voyages onboard small exploration ships, bring you enriched voyages to inspiring destinations around the world, with a collection of unique cruises focused on culture, history, and the natural world. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, the sailings feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT are rooted in common values – focusing on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of further inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.

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. Picture 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 and meeting an ecologist studying the very same Panamanian rainforest that you will hike the next day.

Let the journey begin with Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT!