In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers voyages enriched by scholars and storytellers—with every exploration offering depth, context, and a spirit of curiosity. This shared passion for discovery leads us beyond boundaries, and beyond the expected. Whether tracing ancient trade routes, gaining insights from expert lectures on board, or immersing yourself in natural and cultural wonders, these itineraries are designed to inspire, enlighten, and inform.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites you to travel deeper on most 2027 voyages offered in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, each crafted to bring you closer to the people, cultures, and landscapes of our world. Explore Mediterranean Isles, Norwegian Fjords, the Great Lakes of the Americas, and much more. Our Holiday Sale is an invitation to celebrate the season with a world of discovery.
Join Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT EXPLORATIONS on over 60 immersive itineraries worldwide with some of the leading minds in history, art, the natural world, or other topics relevant to the destinations. Voyages are enriched with expert lectures on board and an included complimentary shore excursion or activity in every port of call.
Busan (South Korea) to Osaka (Japan)
Aboard Le Soléal
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Japan Historian Morgan Pitelka and Asian Studies Expert John Freedman
Tarragona (Spain) to Lisbon (Portugal)
Aboard L'Austral
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Anthropologist Kerri Lesh and Art and Architectural Historian Stephen Clancy
Reykjavík (Iceland) to Reykjavík (Iceland)
Aboard Le Bellot
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Geologist and Oceanographer Katryn Wiese and Anthropologist Elisabeth Ida Ward
Athens (Greece) to Athens (Greece)
Aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Classical and Near Eastern Archaeologist Jodi Magness and Archaeologist Joanne Murphy
Venice (Italy) to Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine and Archaeologist and Historian David Brotherson
Helsinki (Finland) to Copenhagen (Denmark)
Aboard Le Champlain
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Journalist JJ Green and Historian Laurie Koloski
Barcelona (Spain) to Livorno (Italy)
Aboard Le Boréal
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Geographer David Scott Silverberg and Cultural Historian Dianne Konz
Civitavecchia (Rome) (Italy) to Valletta (Malta)
Aboard Le Lapérouse
Smithsonian Journeys Experts:
Geologist Wayne Ranney and Archaeologist Rob Stephan
• Gourmet dining
• Open bar
• Unlimited WiFi
• Engaging onboard lectures and discussions by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
• Expedition leaders and naturalists (select voyages)
• An included excursion or activity in each port of call
• Gratuities
• Port fees
• Room service
• Transfers (to/from airport on embarkation/disembarkation days)
• And much more
Where traditional PONANT EXPLORATIONS voyages are operated in both French and English, the departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys are curated especially for English-speaking travelers while showcasing the company's signature French flair in onboard delivery and service.
The Smithsonian name and sunburst logo are registered trademarks of the Smithsonian Institution. PONANT EXPLORATIONS is authorized to use these marks in connection with this program.
Terms & Conditions: Offer valid from November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027 granting up to 20% savings on a selection of cruises and room categories. The discount applies only to new bookings made using the code HOLIDAYSJ for voyages operated in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This offer is non-retroactive, has no cash value, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with Exclusive offers (Flight credit, Solo Supplement offer, Onboard credit, Webinar discounts, Ponant event offers or any other offer). The offer can be combined with the Ponant Bonus, sponsorship or loyalty discounts. Offer is neither transferable, substitutable nor redeemable for cash. The fare displayed online does not include an additional discount. PONANT EXPLORATIONS may modify or withdraw the Offer or any of its elements at any time. PONANT EXPLORATIONS is neither responsible nor liable for any errors relating to the Offer, including technical or printing errors. All rights reserved. Other restrictions may apply.
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