For the first time ever, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, is offering an exclusive $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite on these 2026 voyages.
Certain departures also have exceptional special pricing for single travelers.
When you book through SmallShipTravel.com, you also receive these additional benefits:
- Airfare credit of $250 per person
- Onboard credit of $250 per person
- Complimentary pre-night hotel stay (4-star) and transfers
This rare combination of PONANT’s inaugural shipboard incentive combined with Small Ship Travel’s exclusive savings creates a limited-time opportunity to enjoy unparalleled enrichment, luxury exploration, and added value on some of the world’s most extraordinary expedition journeys.
Bookings must be confirmed by March 20, 2026.
Featured Sailings
Included in Your Voyage
- Two Smithsonian Journeys Experts providing enriching lectures and insightful onboard discussions
- A dedicated PONANT EXPLORATIONS Travel Director
- Airport-to-ship transfers on embarkation day and ship-to-airport transfers on disembarkation day
- One included shore excursion or activity in each port of call
- Select ports offering a choice of included shore excursions
- All onboard meals throughout your journey
- French-inspired gourmet cuisine, with menus created and chefs trained by Ducasse Conseil
- Complimentary open bar featuring select wines served at lunch and dinner
- Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
- 24-hour room service
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Gratuities for shipboard staff, porters, guides, and drivers
- Port taxes and government charges
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials
Ponant and Small Ship Travel - The Perfect Relationship
Ponant and Small Ship Travel – The Perfect Relationship
Refined French Luxury at Sea
Experience the elegance of French design and gourmet cuisine on every voyage, with intimate dining, beautifully appointed staterooms, and subtle touches of sophistication throughout.
Leading-Edge Polar Expeditions
Explore the Arctic and Antarctic aboard Ponant’s hybrid-electric ships, enjoying thrilling ice navigation, wildlife encounters, and adventure in some of the world’s most remote regions.
Intimate Ships for Personalized Adventures
Sail on small, luxurious vessels designed for exclusivity, with fewer guests, flexible excursions, and access to hidden ports and secluded destinations that larger ships cannot reach.
Enriching Cultural Connections
Engage deeply with each destination through expert-led excursions, immersive experiences, and curated cultural insights that bring local traditions and wildlife to life.
Choose Small Ship Travel For:
We Do it All
- We'll create a special list of cruise options just for you
- We'll assist you in choosing the perfect small ship cruise
- We'll handle every detail of your pre and post-cruise extension
3 E's
- Experience - We have over 35 years of collective in-depth knowledge
- Expertise - We know small ship cruising, like no one else
- Execution - Logistics and service is our calling card
Best Selection & Price
- We have a massive selection of cruises that fit your needs
- We have members only specials
- Unique Loyalty Program that rewards you for all your travel with us
Confidence Comes Standard
- Experienced Travel Professionals - Our team brings seasoned insight and attention to detail to every booking.
- Trusted by Repeat Travelers - Many of our guests return year after year—for the service, the expertise, and the peace of mind.
- We're always available—every day of the year—to assist with planning, changes, and travel support whenever you need it.