Ponant Explorations on April 29, 2026 unveiled the initial release of its 2028 voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, now open for sale. This first selection is led by an all-new solar eclipse journey through Australia’s remote Kimberley region, alongside a curated mix of returning favorites across the Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica.
Combining Ponant Explorations’ seafaring expertise with Smithsonian’s legacy as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, these voyages are designed to bring each destination to life through expert insight and deeper discovery—with additional departures to be revealed in the months ahead.
New for 2028: Solar Eclipse on Western Australia's Kimberley Coast
This 10-night voyage along Australia’s Kimberley Coast (July 19-29, 2028) aboard Le Jacques Cartier is timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse on July 22. Departing Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, and concluding in Broome, a pearling town on the Kimberley’s southwestern coast, the journey spotlights ancient Aboriginal rock art at Swift Bay, Zodiac exploration through the crocodile-rich mangroves of the Hunter River, and navigation through the tidal currents of Montgomery Reef. During the eclipse, the moon will fully obscure the sun for up to approximately five minutes—among the longest durations anywhere on Earth. Guests will also be joined by two Smithsonian Journeys experts, including meteorologist Joe Rao and Brent Garry, a geologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
“At Ponant Explorations, we believe that travel, when approached with curiosity and care, has the power to transform both the traveler and the world,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of the Americas, Ponant Explorations Group. “Our alliance with Smithsonian Journeys brings together leading voices in their fields to illuminate the beauty and importance of the places we visit. From witnessing a total solar eclipse over the Kimberley coast to seeing gray whales in Baja or giant tortoises in Seychelles, our 2028 voyages are guided by a shared conviction that knowledge deepens wonder, and wonder inspires change.”
Each voyage features two Smithsonian Journeys experts who lead onboard lectures and discussions and are selected for their expertise in history, art, the natural world, or other topics relevant to the destinations explored. Departures also include an included shore excursion or activity in each port of call, as well as airport transfers on the days of embarkation and disembarkation. Here is a preview of the sailings:
7-Night Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America | Le Bougainville
Departing: January 12, 2028, from Colón, Panama to Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Highlights: Swimming and snorkeling in the waters of the Holandes Cayes; a daylight transit through the Panama Canal; venturing into the rainforests of Darién National Park and Manuel Antonio; and engaging with the traditions and daily life of the Guna and Emberá communities.
10-Night Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean | Le Dumont d’Urville
Departing: February 10, 2028 from Mahé, Seychelles to Nosy Be, Madagascar
Highlights: Basking in the beauty of Seychelles’ Anse Source d’Argent beach; wildlife viewings in the Aride Nature reserve; two days of exploring the beaches and wildlife of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), on the north coast of Madagascar.
10-Night Expedition of Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales | Le Bellot
Departing: February 14, 2028 from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas
Highlights: Encounters with gray whales in their breeding lagoons; cruising the biodiverse waters of Bahía de Loreto; snorkeling alongside sea lions and sea turtles in Coronado Island; and soaking in the charm of Loreto and La Paz, with time to unwind on the Balandra Beach.
7-Night Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands | Le Champlain
Departing: February 23, 2028 from Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia to Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia
Highlights: Sailing beneath the twin peaks of St. Lucia’s Pitons and exploring Bridgetown, Barbados; weaving through the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; a barbecue lunch on a private beach on the island of Mayreau; snorkeling and swimming in the secluded Tobago Cays.
10-Night South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope | Le Dumont d'Urville
Departing: March 2, 2028 from Durban, South Africa to Walvis Bay, Namibia
Highlights: Learning about the conservation efforts of Addo Elephant Park; Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain; discovering the colonial architecture and sandy streets of Luderitz, a former German colony; opportunity to embark on a safari near Port Elizabeth or visit Robben Island, just a ferry away from Cape Town.
11-Night Antarctica: The White Continent | Le Boréal
Departing: February 14, 2028 from Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights: Crossing the Drake Passage en route to the Antarctic Peninsula; discovering glaciers, icebergs, and snow-covered peaks through Zodiac outings and, conditions permitting, shore landings; opportunities to observe Antarctica’s wildlife; onboard talks and discussions as part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys experience. This voyage includes a pre-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires, along with roundtrip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, plus all transfers included.
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