Ponant and the Smithsonian Just Unveiled 30 Epic Cruises for 2025
Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys are at it again.
The French cruise line and the travel arm of America’s Smithsonian Institution just unveiled exciting new itineraries for 2025. This will be the fourth year the two companies have collaborated and marks their most ambitious program yet.
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The 30 new trips—the most the duo has ever offered in one year—will draw on the museum’s rich history to enhance the cruising experience. Ponant says the goal is to inspire guests to become “global citizens” through travel. To that end, the expeditions will grant you access to a range of experts and experiences to broaden your perspective. Travelers will be fully immersed in local cultures, history, cuisine, and wildlife while sailing in the lap of luxury.
One highlight of the program is a two-week trip from Lisbon to the Canary Islands. Cruise ship Le Bellot will sail along the southern slopes of Iberia to the isles of the eastern Atlantic, showcasing the ochre cliffs of Portugal’s Algarve Coast, the lush valleys of Madeira, and the volcanic craters of the Canary Islands. In addition, explorers can visit world heritage sites in Seville, Spain, and Morocco. Along the way, Allen Fromherz, a professor of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern history, will share invaluable insights about the region, too. Running from October 26 to November 8, the voyage starts from $9,020 per person.
Another standout is the nine-day voyage to Sicily. Ponant’s Le Bougainville liner will depart from Valletta, Malta, then dock on Sicily’s southern coast. Travelers will visit the ancient hilltop city of Agrigento before heading to Tunisia to explore the colorful capital of Tuis and the ruins of Carthage. Guests will then head to Taormina, Syracuse, and the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Stromboli for volcano treks, winery visits, and slope-side lunches. Starting from $7,420 a person, the adventure will take place from June 2 to 10 and August 29 to September 6, respectively.
One other itinerary worth mentioning is the eight-day cruise through the Mediterranean. Liner L’Austral will travel from Valletta, Malta to Tarragona, Spain, making pitstops at Sicily, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands of Menorca and Mallorca. Highlights include shopping in Palermo’s centuries-old markets, exploring Cagliari’s baroque palazzi and hilltop fortress, and touring Menorca’s Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. Running from October 3 to 10, the journey starts at $5,340 per person
In addition to the new itineraries, Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys are also bringing back favorites from 2024. including a seven-night trip from Panama to Costa Rica (January 6 to 13), an eight-day jaunt to the Greek Islands (July 6 to 13 and October 12 to 19), and a Mediterranean Island voyage (May 26 to June 2). Check out the Ponant website for more information.
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