Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys Add New 2027 Voyages

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has expanded its 2027 offerings with the distinguished travel program of the Smithsonian Institution with additional departures—including an all-new Solar Eclipse itinerary. These in-demand voyages blend the line’s 35-plus years of expertise with the Smithsonian Institution’s 179 years of research and knowledge, taking travelers to all seven continents with world-class experts in culture, history, science, art, and more.

Departing roundtrip from Lisbon on July 30, 2027, A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Along the Iberian Peninsula will give guests the opportunity to witness this rare celestial event over the Mediterranean Sea while in Málaga, Spain. The programming on Le Boréal will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts on board while the ship explores the treasures of Portugal’s Algarve and Spain’s Andalusia—two regions hallmarked by their Moorish architecture and stunning beaches. Stops include Portugal’s Portimão and Figueira da Foz as well as Spain’s Marbella and Cadiz.

Among the experts on board will be Jim Zimbelman, senior geologist emeritus from the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. During the sailing, Zimbelman will deepen guests’ understanding of the solar eclipse phenomenon through engaging lectures and discussions. A second expert will be announced at a later date.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys’ newly announced voyages also include returning favorites, each of which feature engaging discussions with two experts. Some of the many highlights include:

8-Night Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea

• Departing: May 1, 2027 from Busan, South Korea, to Osaka, Japan
• Highlights: Visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, and Bulguksa Temple; Japan’s world-renowned hot springs or onsen around Beppu; a chance to sample sake in a traditional sake-making village; and Busan’s Buddhist temples.

7- or 8-Night Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba

• Departing: May 18, 2027 and June 7, 2027 from Nice, France, to Valletta, Malta
• Highlights: Five Mediterranean islands (Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Malta), with the addition of Gozo on the May 2027 voyage; the opportunity to explore myriad UNESCO World Heritage sites; Byzantine-Arab mosaics in the Cappella Palatina in Palermo and the Norman Cathedral of Monreale; and the Greek and Roman ruins of Syracuse, Taormina, and Sardinia.

7-Night Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

• Departing: June 11, 2027 and August 5, 2027 between Helsinki, Finland, and Copenhagen, Denmark
• Highlights: Two departures of this popular itinerary offered for the first time in 2027; an exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk; calls on six countries along the Baltic Sea; and the chance to visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites.

8-Night Voyage Along the Great Lakes

• Departing: August 13, 2027 and August 21, 2027 between Toronto, Canada, and Milwaukee, United States
• Highlights: The opportunity to explore all five Great Lakes of North America, between the U.S. and Canada; a chance to explore the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation; an excursion to Niagara Falls; and a visit to charming Mackinac Island, with its preserved Victorian architecture.

10-Night Antarctica: The White Continent

• Departing: January 17, 2027 from Ushuaia, Argentina roundtrip
• Highlights: A pre-voyage, one-night stay in Buenos Aires (bringing the total nights to 11); opportunities to see wildlife including humpback whales, penguins (Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap), and seals (Leopard, Crabeater, Weddell); visits to research and former whaling stations as conditions allow; and the chance to hike and kayak amidst dramatic landscapes.

7-Night Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal

• Departing: May 1, 2027 from Barcelona, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal
• Highlights: Discovering the landscapes, architecture, and rich cultural history of Southern Spain; opportunities to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Andalusia; a visit to Palma de Mallorca; a flamenco performance in Cadiz; and an Algarve wine tasting in Lagos.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS revealed earlier this year that it will visit Baja California for the first time in 2027, including a special voyage in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. The new 10-night Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales will depart on February 10, roundtrip from Cabo San Lucas, and feature lectures by marine biologist and whale specialist Heidi Dewar and conservation biologist Monica Franco as the Smithsonian Journeys Experts aboard.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships meld a cutting-edge design with French elegance and refinement. Staterooms and suites feature private balconies, while gourmet dining is curated in collaboration with DUCASSE Conseil, a consulting company by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse. All-inclusive fares include a shore excursion in each port of call, dining, fine wines and spirits, gratuities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Departures with PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys also include seamless airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days.

See the full list of PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys voyages. For more information, visit us.ponant.com or call 1-833-889-0800.