Ponant Explorations is deepening its commitment to culturally immersive luxury cruising with a significantly expanded 2028 programme. The line has added 15 new voyages in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, raising the total collection to 36 itineraries. These sailings combine the intimacy of small-ship travel with serious intellectual enrichment, appealing to high-end passengers who want more than a scenic cruise.
Expert-led enrichment at sea
Each voyage in the expanded programme features two Smithsonian Journeys experts on board. These specialists bring stories, scientific context and historical perspective to destinations, transforming a beautiful sailing into a deeper learning experience. For travellers who value destination immersion, this approach turns a holiday into something genuinely memorable.
The format is tailored to the luxury market: included shore excursions or activities in every port, plus seamless airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days. It is polished, practical and quietly indulgent, meeting the expectations of discerning guests who want both comfort and substance.
New itineraries for 2028
Two new voyages lead the 2028 expansion. “Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast” departs 16 February 2028 round-trip from Puntarenas aboard Le Bougainville. The itinerary focuses on biodiversity, rainforest landscapes and wildlife-rich protected areas, offering an immersive natural experience.
The second highlight is “Sailing the Adriatic: Treasures of Eastern Italy and Sicily,” departing 27 September 2028 from Venice to Valletta aboard Le Dumont d’Urville. This voyage threads together UNESCO-listed cities and cultural landmarks, from Byzantine mosaics and Renaissance art to Sicilian Baroque and ancient theatres. It is a journey through layers of history, guided by experts who bring each site to life.
Returning favourites and broader appeal
Beyond the new departures, the 2028 collection brings back popular sailings such as Japan and South Korea, Iceland, the Baltic Sea, the Greek Islands and autumn on the St. Lawrence. This mix gives travellers a broad menu of destinations while preserving the same expert-led approach across the programme.
Ponant’s strength has always been intimacy, and that quality matters even more when the voyage is designed to feel thoughtful rather than transactional. These itineraries invite guests to linger, listen and learn, while still enjoying the comforts of a refined small ship. For luxury cruise fans, the message is clear: Ponant is doubling down on voyages that combine style, insight and a sense of discovery.
The partnership with Smithsonian Journeys is a strategic move that differentiates Ponant in the competitive luxury cruise segment. As other lines focus on hardware or entertainment, Ponant is betting on intellectual capital. This approach aligns with broader trends in luxury travel, where experiences that offer personal growth and cultural connection are increasingly valued. For travel agents and tour operators, these itineraries represent a strong selling point for clients who want to return home with more than photographs.
For more information or to book, visit Ponant Explorations.
