Latest news with #SmithsonianJourneys
Los Angeles Times
17-07-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Small Boat, Big Experience: Exploring Belize and Honduras
I recently had one of those milestone birthdays, so I was searching for something to make that December day an extra-special one. So when my brother suggested taking a small-ship luxury cruise to Central America's famed Mesoamerican Barrier Reef on French cruise line Ponant, I jumped at the chance to do that and to go scuba diving on that reef in Honduras on my big day (and in Belize soon after). The Ponant cruise line launched its first ship, the Le Ponant, in 1991. It's a three-masted sailing ship with only 16 cabins, which still sails today as the first Relais & Chateau luxurious sailing yacht moving around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. Today the company has 13 ships, including Le Bellot, the one my brother and I climbed aboard in Belize City. That ship runs under engine power and is part of the Ponant Explorers series of six yachts, each one holding up to 184 guests and designed to take adventurous travelers to unexpected places ranging from the Arctic to Asia, Central America to the Indian Ocean and everywhere in between. These cruises are unique for many reasons, beginning with the experts you'll find along for the sailing. There's the Smithsonian Journeys, which offer 49 different trips featuring guest speakers on board, like archeologists, marine biologists, historians and even Nobel Laureates like Lech Walesa, and the Explorers Club, scientific-research enriched sailings done in conjunction with that famed club formed in New York City in 1904. Our eight-day Ponant Explorers Club trip began and ended in Belize City when the Le Bellot, a Green Globe and Cleanship-awarded vessel that is dedicated to sustainable practices, headed out into the Caribbean Sea. My brother and I were soon in Honduras, ready to discover the 'Unexpected Encounters and Nature' in Belize and Honduras, as promised by the cruise's title, boarding the ship after spending a night in Belize City and exploring the lively dock scene (restaurants, live music and duty-free shops) beforehand. The first thing travelers should know about cruising on a small ship is that, well, it really is small. Ponant's under-200 guest vessels mean you're not going to find giant water parks, paintball courses or ice-skating rinks, nor will you be on a floating city of 7,600 passengers plus thousands of crew members. Instead, this ship is an intimate size, with a panoramic viewing lounge, swimming pool, theater, spa, fitness center, two restaurants and a very cool underwater speakeasy. It's the kind of cruise that by the end of your trip, you know the captain (Francois-Xavier Avril was at the helm during our Le Bellot adventure) as well as many of the 118-member crew by name. And you're likely to meet other fellow passengers on board or while off on an excursion, soon gaining a new set of friends to discover the wonders of Central America with. Most excursions are included in your cruise, ranging from jungle hikes, beach days complete with salsa dancing and snorkeling, mangrove Zodiac cruises and much more. Scuba diving is an extra charge; Open Water-certified divers are also the only people allowed to go diving, and even they must jump through some hoops to make that happen – booking in advance is mandatory, as Ponant only allows a limited number of guests to dive. The Belize-Honduras cruises on Ponant are scheduled in December and January, which usually means warm, sunny weather in both countries, but not the oppressive heat found there in summer months. The jungles on the various stops (Cayos Cochinos, Guanaja, Punta Sal, Cuero y Salado, Placencia and Half Moon Caye) will still be humid and sweat-inducing, so plan accordingly – and don't forget that bug spray! Being on a luxury small ship also means that the staff is very well-informed about each guest, but it was still surprising to be greeted with 'Happy Birthday' by stewards, waiters and even Captain F-X, as I made my way toward the expansive back deck. Dive sites off of Guanaja, like Leo's Garden and Afternoon Delight, were filled with huge stingrays, big barracudas, gnarly Moray eels with giant teeth and beautiful coral gardens. Located in the waters near the most remote of Honduras' Bay Islands that are perched on the barrier reef, the setting was also perfect for my brother and other cruisers who snorkeled and visited the mangrove swamp and rainforest in search of the Ara parrot. Ara parrots are also known as scarlet macaws, those famed and stunning large birds with red, blue and yellow feathers – they're so spectacular that they are also the national bird of Honduras. Later that evening back on board the Le Bellot, scientist, naturalist, manatee and mangrove expert Jamal Galves (the Explorer's Club guest lecturer) gave the first of his talks on what we saw that day, as well as delving deeper into the importance of the local conservation that keeps the planet healthy on a global scale. Exploring the undersea world and then geeking out with an ecology expert while holding a glass of champagne meant I had already had a practically perfect milestone birthday, which was topped off by a fine-dining, seafood-heavy French cuisine experience at Le Grill, the ship's outdoor back-deck restaurant. Stars twinkled in the sky, chocolate cake appeared and the birthday song was sung, all making a spectacular memory. Each day on board this Ponant cruise brought new experiences, with a highlight happening as we returned to Belizean waters and docked in Placentia. There a talented group of the drummers and dancers of the Garifuna people came aboard and put on a lively and memorable show. That reminded us of one of the reasons that the language, dance and music of the Garifuna is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, telling stories of this indigenous community dating back to the 1700s. Ponant small-ship cruises cover the world, so whatever your birthday dream happens to be, there's likely to be a chance to join an adventure and make the celebration an extended and extra-special one. Want to see the Northern Lights or go Down Under and beyond to Antarctica? Perhaps explore South Africa and Madagascar or go from Rio to Buenos Aires? These ships can go where the huge ones cannot – so if you can dream it, you can likely do it. And a bonus if you're simply ready to escape your everyday life and take a solo trip, Ponant is one of the growing cruise lines that have begun to waive single-supplement penalty fees for traveling alone.
Travel Weekly
28-06-2025
- Travel Weekly
From solar eclipses to Mississippi cruises, Smithsonian Journeys unveils new trips
Smithsonian Journeys has unveiled new itineraries for 2026 and 2027, featuring land-based tours, special solar eclipse trips and small-ship cruises, including on the Mississippi River. The tour operator is expanding its tour collection, including to the Balkans and Greece. Smithsonian Journeys is also leaning into the astrotourism trend with itineraries dedicated to observing the skies and will offer a river cruise in the U.S. The brand will debut "Baltics Past and Present: A Journey to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia," an 18-day itinerary launching in May that takes travelers to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. There, travelers will explore historic sites, visit castles and see World Heritage-listed towns. The "Greek Odyssey: Athens to Corfu" itinerary will bring travelers across Greece in 14 days, where they will visit the birthplace of democracy, the island of Corfu and places like Delphi, known for being an ancient sanctuary in Greece. Other new itineraries are to Switzerland and the American West. Tapping into the astrotourism trend, Smithsonian Journeys will offer two itineraries next year dedicated to celestial wonders after seeing a spike in interest in solar eclipse tours. The brand will offer "Solar Eclipse Over Spain -- Basque Country to León," an eight-day itinerary with one departure date beginning Aug. 8, where travelers will witness the total solar eclipse in northern Spain. Visitors will also explore Madrid and World Heritage sites. This itinerary is already proving to be one of the most popular with travelers, the tour operator said. "Chile Earth and Sky: A Stargazing Journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert" will offer two departure dates next year and one departure date in 2027. The 12-day itinerary dives into astronomy in northern Chile, including trips to observatories. Smithsonian Journeys will launch two new small-ship cruises, one next year and one in 2027. Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant will offer a joint expedition cruise to the Baja Peninsula next year. Photo Credit: Smithsonian Journeys "Cruising the Mississippi: A Springtime Voyage from Memphis to New Orleans" will take passengers on a nine-day trip of the Mississippi River on the American Splendor paddlewheeler. Passengers will visit Southern cities, battlefields and plantations. The "Baja and the Sea of Cortez" itinerary is a joint offering between Smithsonian Journeys and Ponant Exploration. The 2027 expedition cruise on Pnant's Le Bellot will last 11 days, bringing passengers to the Baja Peninsula, where they will watch grey whales, snorkel with sea lions and hike dunes. The tour operator also revealed its top 10 journeys for 2026, which "reflect an appetite for discovery," the brand said. These popular itineraries are to Japan, Italy, Egypt, Central Asia, Spain, Turkiye, Switzerland, Greece and France.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
This New 10-Night Luxury Cruise Spotlights Mexico's Baja California Peninsula
Ponant wants to help you see Mexico in a whole new way. The French cruise line has just announced it will be taking seafarers to Baja California in the winter of 2027. The new 10-night itinerary, aptly named Exploration in the Heart of Baja California, aims to spotlight the best of this ecologically rich region. More from Robb Report Bethenny Frankel Sold Her Her Historic Greenwich Estate in a Clandestine $7.8 Million Deal The Architects Behind the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakesh Designed This $6.7 Million London Flat This Ultra-Limited Bourbon Is an Ode to One of Kentucky's Most Legendary Distilleries Throughout the first three months of 2027, the 430-foot Le Bellot will carry out four round-trip journeys around the famous peninsula. Departing from Cano San Lucas, the upscale cruise ship will take up to 184 guests on each adventure. All 92 staterooms and suites onboard the liner feature private balconies or terraces. Seafarers can also expect Ponant's signature French touch and attentive service. Developed over three years with the help of local communities, the curated itineraries will spotlight natural wonders, including the coral reefs and marine animals that abound in the UNESCO-designated Gulf of California. Guests may see gray, blue, and humpback whales or a bottlenose dolphin, for instance. Shore landings will also allow travelers to explore coastal towns like Loreto. 'From awe-inspiring wildlife encounters with whales and sea lions to the rugged beauty of desert canyons and the charm of small coastal towns, our new Baja California itinerary is shaped by respect—both for the environment and the local communities who helped bring it to life,' Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, said in a statement. One voyage will be operated in partnership with frequent Ponant collaborator Smithsonian Journeys. Departing on February 10, 2027, this trip includes an onboard lecture series that will provide seafarers with insight into the region's history, culture, environment, and wildlife. Two Smithsonian Journeys experts will be on hand to answer any burning questions and provide valuable intel about each destination. Designed to suit both leisure and adventure travelers, the itinerary includes optional snorkeling, scuba diving, and canyon hiking. It also offers a curated excursion and/or activity at each port of call. To top it off, Ponant says guests will be able to partake in 'a high-impact whale experience that no other cruise line operates.' Given the proximity of Baja California to the U.S., Ponant's new itinerary is a great choice for stateside travelers looking for a quick and easy escape. Departures for the 2027 Baja California itinerary include: January 31, February 10, February 20, and March 2. Contact Ponant for more information. Best of Robb Report The Ultimate Miami Spa Guide: 15 Luxurious Places to Treat Yourself The 7 Most Insanely Luxurious Spas in the World, From Tokyo to Iceland 17 Reasons the Caribbean Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Itinerary Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
A different way to travel: What it's like to sail Panama, Costa Rica
Everyone gathered on deck, not minding the hot Panamanian sun beating down, to experience a bucket list item: crossing the Panama Canal. We started the day in the Atlantic Ocean and were in the Pacific Ocean by dinnertime. The night before, passengers aboard my ship, Le Bellot, were buzzing about the long-awaited event – the excitement was palpable. I knew before embarking on the January sailing of the Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – a cruise offering by the French small-ship cruise operator Ponant in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys – that transiting through what's considered one of the world's most impressive engineering feats would be worthwhile. However, my experience on the trip gave me a deeper understanding of why it rightfully captured everyone's attention. The day prior, I attended a lecture by former diplomat and U.S. Navy officer Hugh Neighbor, one of two Smithsonian Journeys experts on my trip, about the history and significance of the canal. During an onshore excursion at the Biomuseo in Panama City, I learned why the country's unique geographical shape as an isthmus made it the perfect place to connect two oceans. This intimate yacht-style cruise immersed in the vibrancy of Panama and Costa Rica with an emphasis on responsible tourism – a cornerstone of the five-year-old partnership between Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution. It's the perfect antidote for cruisers looking to escape the crowds and massive ships without giving up relaxation or a beautiful tropical setting. These types of expedition and exploration cruises are quickly rising in popularity, with a 71% increase in passengers between 2019 and 2023, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. "We hope people come back from these trips having learned more than they could (have) imagined about the destination and the people in the destination … that's our No. 1 goal," said Walter Littlejohn, Smithsonian Journeys' senior vice president. 'What is our limit?': How cruise ships are impacting Alaska's environment If you're looking at warm-weather destinations, Panama and Costa Rica may fly under your radar compared to the ever-popular Caribbean. Both Central American countries are home to incredible biodiversity, offering both wild jungles and stunning beaches. When bird-watching in Quepos, Costa Rica, with a family-run tour company, I quickly saw scarlet macaws and toucans before we even reached the site. They're also easily accessible from the U.S., with flights from Panama and Costa Rica typically ranging from three to six hours. The six-day voyage on Le Bellot balanced education with leisure. Some nights were a caviar tasting in the main lounge and drinks in the Blue Eye lounge, a bar situated a few meters below sea level with portholes to watch marine life pass by. Onshore excursions consisted of docking in a remote, undeveloped region of Darien National Park to meet the Indigenous Embera people and wandering Panama Viejo – archaeological ruins from 1519 and a World UNESCO Heritage Site. It wasn't just about learning all the time. We also had a beach and snorkeling day, enjoying the pristine warm waters at Cayos Holandeses, an island in the San Blas archipelago – Panama's version of Hawaii. On this day, we were the only ship docked, allowing us to enjoy the island without dealing with any crowds or feeling like we were overwhelming the community. Throughout the trip were lectures by Neighbor and Dr. Oris Sanjur – the other expert onboard who is the deputy director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama and a Panamanian herself – on topics such as marine conservation research and Costa Rican culture. "This expands horizons and allows people to get to know science from a different perspective, and they're engaged to become share with others," said Sanjur. Not only did the experts provide lectures, but guests could reserve dinner with them or have chat with them in the lounge. "You can go by yourself, for example, to some of these destinations, but you may not understand the backstory, the history," said Littlejohn, who added that every Smithsonian Journeys trip has at least one expert who went through an intensive vetting process. "All of these folks have a level of insight into these destinations that an average guide simply cannot deliver." Smithsonian Journeys also infuses its longstanding relationships with research organizations worldwide into its Ponant cruises. One day, I toured STRI to learn more about its scientific work, like protecting whales from ships entering the canal, and spotted several sloths and iguanas on property. The Panama and Costa Rica cruise starts at $6,420 per person for a double occupancy room, with excursions, food, and most drinks included in the cost. Close up and personal with nature: What to expect from visiting the Galapagos All Smithsonian Journeys' trips are deeply rooted in sustainability and small group experiences, and its cruises with Ponant are no different. The ships are small – mine held up to 184 passengers – and focus on minimizing its impact, from how the ship runs to the places we visited. "Wherever we do go, we have a smaller footprint, smaller presence in the destination so it allows the destination to retain its character in a more meaningful way, protect its environment in a more meaningful way," Littlejohn said. Ponant's entire fleet holds the CLEANSHIP certification, recognizing a commitment to low environmental impact through the use of cleaner diesel and strict waste traceability measures. Set to launch this year, the company's 14th ship will sail entirely off biofuel and wind and water propulsion. Next year, the two travel entities will have 36 sailings together – including more expedition-style cruises – from the popular Antarctica and Greek islands, along with some new destinations like Madagascar and the Seychelles and Indonesia. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why travelers should try this green cruise to Panama and Costa Rica
USA Today
10-02-2025
- USA Today
A different way to travel: What it's like to sail Panama, Costa Rica
A different way to travel: What it's like to sail Panama, Costa Rica Show Caption Hide Caption How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska's environment Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska's environment. A Panama Canal cruise offers travelers a chance to experience one of the world's most impressive engineering feats while enjoying the natural beauty of Central America. The Smithsonian Journeys and Le Ponant partnership provides travelers with small-ship cruises that prioritize responsible tourism and immersive cultural experiences. Expert-led excursions and lectures enhance the cruise experience, offering insights into the history, culture, and biodiversity of Panama and Costa Rica. Everyone gathered on deck, not minding the hot Panamanian sun beating down, to experience a bucket list item: crossing the Panama Canal. We started the day in the Atlantic Ocean and were in the Pacific Ocean by dinnertime. The night before, passengers aboard my ship, Le Bellot, were buzzing about the long-awaited event – the excitement was palpable. I knew before embarking on the January sailing of the Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – a cruise offering by the French small-ship cruise operator Le Ponant in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys – that transiting through what's considered one of the world's most impressive engineering feats would be worthwhile. However, my experience on the trip gave me a deeper understanding of why it rightfully captured everyone's attention. The day prior, I attended a lecture by former diplomat and U.S. Navy officer Hugh Neighbor, one of two Smithsonian Journeys experts on my trip, about the history and significance of the canal. During an onshore excursion at the Biomuseo in Panama City, I learned why the country's unique geographical shape as an isthmus made it the perfect place to connect two oceans. This intimate yacht-style cruise immersed in the vibrancy of Panama and Costa Rica with an emphasis on responsible tourism – a cornerstone of the five-year-old partnership between Le Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution. It's the perfect antidote for cruisers looking to escape the crowds and massive ships without giving up relaxation or a beautiful tropical setting. These types of expedition and exploration cruises are quickly rising in popularity, with a 71% increase in passengers between 2019 and 2023, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. "We hope people come back from these trips having learned more than they could (have) imagined about the destination and the people in the destination … that's our No. 1 goal," said Walter Littlejohn, Smithsonian Journeys' senior vice president of travel. 'What is our limit?': How cruise ships are impacting Alaska's environment Why Panama and Costa Rica? If you're looking at warm-weather destinations, Panama and Costa Rica may fly under your radar compared to the ever-popular Caribbean. Both Central American countries are home to incredible biodiversity, offering both wild jungles and stunning beaches. When bird-watching in Quepos, Costa Rica, with a family-run tour company, I quickly saw scarlet macaws and toucans before we even reached the site. They're also easily accessible from the U.S., with flights from Panama and Costa Rica typically ranging from three to six hours. What is it like to cruise with Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys? The six-day voyage on Le Bellot balanced education with leisure. Some nights were a caviar tasting in the main lounge and drinks in the Blue Eye lounge, a bar situated a few meters below sea level with portholes to watch marine life pass by. Onshore excursions consisted of docking in a remote, undeveloped region of Darien National Park to meet the Indigenous Embera people and wandering Panama Viejo – archaeological ruins from 1519 and a World UNESCO Heritage Site. It wasn't just about learning all the time. We also had a beach and snorkeling day, enjoying the pristine warm waters at Cayos Holandeses, an island in the San Blas archipelago – Panama's version of Hawaii. On this day, we were the only ship docked, allowing us to enjoy the island without dealing with any crowds or feeling like we were overwhelming the community. Throughout the trip were lectures by Neighbor and Dr. Oris Sanjur – the other expert onboard who is the deputy director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama and a Panamanian herself – on topics such as marine conservation research and Costa Rican culture. "This expands horizons and allows people to get to know science from a different perspective, and they're engaged to become share with others," said Sanjur. Not only did the experts provide lectures, but guests could reserve dinner with them or have chat with them in the lounge. "You can go by yourself, for example, to some of these destinations, but you may not understand the backstory, the history," said Littlejohn, who added that every Smithsonian Journeys trip has at least one expert who went through an intensive vetting process. "All of these folks have a level of insight into these destinations that an average guide simply cannot deliver." Smithsonian Journeys also infuses its longstanding relationships with research organizations worldwide into its Ponant cruises. One day, I toured STRI to learn more about its scientific work, like protecting whales from ships entering the canal, and spotted several sloths and iguanas on property. The Panama and Costa Rica cruise starts at $6,420 per person for a double occupancy room, with excursions, food, and most drinks included in the cost. Close up and personal with nature: What to expect from visiting the Galapagos A greener way to cruise All Smithsonian Journeys' trips are deeply rooted in sustainability and small group experiences, and its cruises with Ponant are no different. The ships are small – mine held up to 184 passengers – and focus on minimizing its impact, from how the ship runs to the places we visited. "Wherever we do go, we have a smaller footprint, smaller presence in the destination so it allows the destination to retain its character in a more meaningful way, protect its environment in a more meaningful way," Littlejohn said. Ponant's entire fleet holds the CLEANSHIP certification, recognizing a commitment to low environmental impact through the use of cleaner diesel and strict waste traceability measures. Set to launch this year, the company's 14th ship will sail entirely off biofuel and wind and water propulsion. Next year, the two travel entities will have 36 sailings together – including more expedition-style cruises – from the popular Antarctica and Greek islands, along with some new destinations like Madagascar and the Seychelles and Indonesia.
