Sailing With Smithsonian Journeys on PONANT
Sailing With Smithsonian Journeys on PONANTLuxury expedition cruising is more than elegant ships, world-class dining, and bucket-list destinations. On select voyages, PONANT partners with Smithsonian Journeys to deliver a uniquely enriching experience at sea.
Carol and I are thrilled to be joining one of these special sailings, cruising from London to Lisbon aboard Le Lapérouse. For us, the highlight is that this is a Smithsonian Journeys sailing on PONANT—a rare opportunity to combine relaxed luxury with world-class enrichment.
La Pérouse
In case you’re wondering, Le Lapérouse is named after Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, an 18th-century French naval officer and explorer.
Known for his voyages of discovery in the Pacific, Lapérouse embodied the spirit of adventure and curiosity that PONANT seeks to honor with this elegant expedition ship.
On a Smithsonian Journeys sailing, travelers enjoy all the refined touches of PONANT while also engaging with renowned experts who bring each destination to life through lectures, discussions, and informal conversations throughout the voyage. For our readers and clients, this adds a rare dimension: travel that is both luxurious and intellectually rewarding.
For a deeper look at PONANT’s style, see our overview: PONANT: Luxury Expedition Cruising.
What Is a Smithsonian Journeys Sailing?
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, designed to inspire lifelong learning through cultural travel. When paired with PONANT’s yacht-style ships, this program creates a voyage that blends relaxed luxury with discovery. Guests can expect daily enrichment opportunities—from history and geopolitics to geology and culture—delivered by scholars and experts carefully chosen by the Smithsonian.
Meet Our Expert Speakers Onboard
Peter Bobrowsky, Ph.D. – An archaeologist and engineering geologist with more than 40 years of global experience. He has authored nearly 500 publications, including the Encyclopedia of Natural Hazards and The Landslide Handbook. Peter is also a fellow of both the Explorers Club and the Geological Society of America. His lectures will explore the fascinating connections between Earth’s dynamic systems and the societies that have evolved upon them.- Karl Eikenberry – Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan (2009–2011) and retired Lieutenant General with more than 35 years of service in the U.S. Army. A decorated leader, Karl has held senior political-military posts in Europe and Asia and continues to contribute to international affairs as a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C. His insights will provide perspective on global security, diplomacy, and the evolving role of the United States in world affairs.
Peter Bobrowsky, Ph.D. – An archaeologist and engineering geologist with more than 40 years of global experience. He has authored nearly 500 publications, including the Encyclopedia of Natural Hazards and The Landslide Handbook. Peter is also a fellow of both the Explorers Club and the Geological Society of America. His lectures will explore the fascinating connections between Earth’s dynamic systems and the societies that have evolved upon them.
Karl Eikenberry – Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan (2009–2011) and retired Lieutenant General with more than 35 years of service in the U.S. Army. A decorated leader, Karl has held senior political-military posts in Europe and Asia and continues to contribute to international affairs as a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C. His insights will provide perspective on global security, diplomacy, and the evolving role of the United States in world affairs.Why This Matters for Our Clients
Why This Matters for Our ClientsFor our travelers, a Smithsonian Journeys sailing represents a perfect blend of cultural immersion and luxury exploration. Imagine discovering the cathedrals of Lisbon with an expert who can explain how Gothic architecture shaped European society, or standing before the Guggenheim in Bilbao while discussing modern art and urban renewal.
Picture yourself learning about the pivotal moments of Normandy’s history and then reflecting on them over a glass of fine wine back on board.
With Smithsonian scholars at your side, every destination becomes more than a stop on an itinerary—it becomes a story, a lesson, and a lasting memory. And each evening, you return to the comfort and elegance of PONANT’s Le Lapérouse, where world-class cuisine, attentive service, and relaxed luxury provide the perfect counterbalance to the day’s discoveries.
This rare partnership is ideal for those who value both the joys of travel and the enrichment of learning. Only a limited number of PONANT sailings each year are Smithsonian-hosted, making them a truly exclusive opportunity for travelers who want to pair discovery with luxury at sea.
We’ll be sharing highlights of our journey day by day on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to follow along for photos, videos, and impressions from aboard Le Lapérouse and ashore in storied ports from London to Lisbon.
For more information or to book a PONANT cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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