30 Apr 2026
Tags: #cruising, #expeditioncruising, #SolarEclipse, #ExperientialTravel
Media only: Maureen Poschman 970-948-3176, maureen@promocommunications.com
Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT EXPLORATIONS Announce
2028 Small-Ship Cruise Collection
Newly Announced Departures for 2028 Include an All-New
Solar Eclipse Itinerary Along With Returning Favorites
Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a recognized leader in enriching, small-group exploration, has announced seven new small-ship cruise departures for 2028 in collaboration with PONANT EXPLORATIONS. The collection includes a new solar eclipse cruise through Australia's Kimberley region, alongside a collection of returning favorites in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Antarctic Ocean, and more.
The cruises feature additional value and enrichment, including two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who lead engaging lectures and informal discussions on board; a shore excursion or activity in each port, curated to complement the onboard enrichment; and complimentary airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days. New departures for 2028 are listed below, and more information about all Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT EXPLORATIONS small-ship ocean cruises is on the Smithsonian Journeys website.
To book any of the cruises, visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 855-330-1542.
New for 2028:
Solar Eclipse over Western Australia: Sailing the Kimberley Coast
July 19–29, 2028
11 days starting from $17,390 per person double occupancy
Thoughtfully timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse of July 22, this trip invites travelers to experience this astrological phenomenon while exploring one of Australia's most rugged and culturally rich landscapes. They will encounter ancient Aboriginal rock art at Swift Bay, explore the crocodile-inhabited mangroves of the Hunter River by Zodiac and witness the dramatic tidal forces of Montgomery Reef, among the largest inshore reef systems in the world. They will experience the solar eclipse at sea in the company of two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, meteorologist Joe Rao and NASA Goddard geologist Brent Garry, who will share their knowledge through engaging lectures and informal discussions, offering deeper insight into the natural wonders of the Kimberley and the science behind this extraordinary celestial event.
2028 departures include:
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America
Feb. 19–26, 2027
NEW DATE—Jan. 12–19, 2028
Eight days starting from $6,760 per person double occupancy
Passengers will venture to Panama's pristine Caribbean islands and experience a full daylight transit of the historic Panama Canal. They can gain insights from researchers on an exclusive visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Punta Culebra Nature Center and explore Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park. Full details are available on the website.
Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean
Jan. 31– Feb. 10, 2027
NEW DATE—Feb. 10–20, 2028
11 days starting from $11,250 per person double occupancy
The archipelagos of Seychelles and Madagascar harbor a wealth of species that exist nowhere else on the planet. Guests will discover these diverse islands—and the marine protected areas that surround them—with many opportunities for snorkeling and nature walks. They will observe tortoises, coco-de-mer palms and black lemurs, and immerse themselves in the rich marine worlds while snorkeling remote atolls and coral reefs. Full details are available on the website.
Feb. 10–20, 2027
NEW DATE—Feb. 14–24, 2028
11 days starting at $8,800 per person double occupancy
Passengers will set out on a whale-watching adventure in breathtaking Baja, cruising from the wildlife-rich lagoons of the Pacific coast to the sparkling Sea of Cortez. They will encounter curious gray whales in remote Guerrero Negro and Bahia Magdalena and seek out humpbacks and blue whales in Loreto Bay. They can discover rare flora and birdlife on nature walks and hikes, swim with sea lions and snorkel the reefs of Cabo Pulmo. Full details are available on the website.
Cruising the Caribbean's Windward Islands
Feb. 17–24, 2027
NEW DATE—Feb. 23–March 1, 2028
Eight days starting from $5,980 per person double occupancy
From the rainforests of Dominica to the World Heritage-listed architecture of Barbados, guests can discover history, culture and natural wonders as they sail across the eastern Caribbean. They will explore remote islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by catamaran, visit a French fort on Guadeloupe and swim and snorkel or dive amid reefs teeming with marine life. Full details are available on the website.
South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope
Feb. 21–March 3, 2027
NEW DATE—March 2–12, 2028
11 days starting from $8,180 per person double occupancy
Passengers will sail almost the full length of Africa's southern coast on a voyage from Durban to southern Namibia that rounds the fabled Cape of Good Hope. Along the way, they can enjoy safaris in a variety of habitats, explore Cape Town and the spectacular Cape Peninsula and visit Namibian towns that were once hubs of the German diamond trade. Full details are available on the website.
Antarctica: The White Continent
Jan. 16–27, 2027
NEW DATE—Feb. 13–24, 2028
12 days starting from $15,170 per person double occupancy
Travelers can immerse themselves in a magnificent realm of ice on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to Antarctica—seeing ice in all its forms, from towering glaciers to turquoise icebergs. They will sail the Beagle Channel and onward to the Antarctic Peninsula, and set out by Zodiac inflatable boats to encounter incredible wildlife—from thousands of penguins to breaching whales and lolling seals—observing their behavior alongside a team of experienced naturalist guides. Full details are available on the website. For more information, visit the Smithsonian Journeys website.
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents. It offers small-group land journeys, river cruises, small-ship cruises, active journeys, cultural stays, private jet trips and tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler. Smithsonian Journeys is part of Smithsonian Enterprises, a division of the Smithsonian that oversees the Institution's commercial activities, including the Smithsonian Channel; the retail operation, which includes 35 museum and airport stores and food concessions; Smithsonian magazine, which reaches more than 8 million monthly readers; Smithsonianstore.com, an E-Commerce business; consumer and education licensing; and books. For more information, visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 855-330-1542.
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world's largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, libraries and gardens. Two of the 21 museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum—are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is about 157 million. To commemorate America's 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian is hosting a full slate of special exhibitions, festivals and public events, including the completion of the National Air and Space Museum's renovation, which opened to the public 50 years ago for the nation's bicentennial.
About PONANT EXPLORATIONS
PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been committed to more responsible tourism and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 12 French-flagged ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic and inspiring.
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Photo library: Link to images here. Photo credits: Noted in the file name.
