PONANT is thrilled to announce its 2023 sailing collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum, education and research complex.
This is the second year PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys will offer co-branded sailings. Drawing on Smithsonian’s resources dating back 175 years, the sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife.
Focusing on cultural immersion and discovery, the PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys are rooted in common values with a goal of further inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Offering 21 departures exploring the Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords; the Hebrides and Irish Sea; Southern Spain; Canada and the North American coast sailing into the St Lawrence River; Central America; Caribbean and Sicily, the sailings will provide opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys experts, ranging from archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists and historians. As part of the itineraries, PONANT will sail to ports of call never previously visited including Ploče in Croatia, Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island.
All departures will not only include two Smithsonian Journeys experts but also shore excursions and activities in each port of call, and this is on top of PONANT’s already included French-inspired gourmet cuisine with menu creation and chef training by Ducasse Conseil; open bar on board including select wines served with lunch and dinner; welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; 24-hour room service; complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi; gratuities and much more.
The full list of sailings can be viewed here
OUR TOP PICKS
Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
A 9-day voyage onboard Le Dumont-d’Urville exploring the rich history and culture that thrives on either side of the Irish Sea. Enjoy a journey through London, setting sail to discover the historic Dover Castle and journeying toward the Isle of Wight. Crossing the Irish Sea, guests call in Kinsale before sailing towards Belfast, Northern Ireland’s dynamic capital. The voyage comes to an end in Glasgow, Scotland’s modern cultural capital.
From London to Glasgow, Scotland – 8 nights onboard Le Dumont-d’Urville
Departs 5 May 2023
From AUD 8,110 per person which includes PONANT Bonus of 15% off brochure fare
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Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean – with Smithsonian Journeys
This leisurely voyage through the heart of the Aegean is the perfect introduction to all that Homer’s ‘wine-dark sea’ has to offer. Ancient sites, resonating with a mythical past, compete for your attention with the whitewashed homes of present-day farmers and the waterfront cafes and trendy boutiques of stylish jet-set getaways.
From Athens to Athens – 7 nights onboard Le Jacques-Cartier
Departs 12 July 2023
From AUD 7,620 per person which includes PONANT Bonus of 20% off brochure fare
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Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
An extraordinary 9-day voyage through the Baltic Sea featuring a specially arranged, exclusive presentation and discussion onboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Walesa while in Szczecin, Poland. The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings, guests will visit the great cities that ring its shores and experience a comingling of cosmopolitan life with centuries of rich history.
From Stockholm to Copenhagen – 8 nights onboard Le Champlain
Departs 10 August 2023
From AUD 11,630 per person which includes PONANT Bonus of 15% off brochure fare
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Symphony on the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys
From Toronto, set sail aboard Le Bellot for the vast unspoiled expanses of Canada and the North American coast. Guests will first enjoy a magnificent sail along the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario, then sailing into the St Lawrence River, a prodigious waterway home to the exceptionally beautiful nature. Then sailing towards the dramatic fjord of Saguenay where guests will reach Tadoussac. Le Bellot will then cruise along the coasts of Nova Scotia, home to great historical towns and villages of unrivalled cachet.
From Toronto to Gloucester – 14 nights onboard Le Bellot
Departs 16 October 2023
From AUD 17,170 per person which includes PONANT Bonus of 20% off brochure fare
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