Smithsonian Journeys: Now on AmaWaterways and PONANT
Carol and I have always believed that the best travel experiences are those that combine comfort, culture, and curiosity. When we sailed aboard PONANT’s Le Lapérouse on a Smithsonian Journeys voyage, we discovered what happens when luxury and learning come together — and it was unforgettable.
Our PONANT sailing was everything we love about small-ship cruising: exceptional cuisine, elegant design, and gracious service. But it was the Smithsonian component that made it stand out. Each day brought fascinating lectures by scholars, lively conversations over dinner, and curated excursions that turned each port into a living classroom. We weren’t just seeing new destinations — we were understanding them.
Read our story: Sailing with Smithsonian Journeys on PONANT
Also see our detailed review: PONANT Le Lapérouse with Smithsonian Journeys
Now, that same Smithsonian Journeys enrichment — once exclusive to PONANT’s expedition fleet — is expanding into the world of river cruising, thanks to a brand-new partnership with AmaWaterways. It’s an exciting development that brings an extra layer of meaning to one of our favorite luxury river cruise lines.
Why Smithsonian Journeys Adds Extraordinary Value
For travelers who seek more than just beautiful scenery, Smithsonian Journeys offers something rare — the perfect blend of luxury and lifelong learning.
- Learning Meets Luxury – Enjoy the comfort of a world-class cruise while traveling alongside Smithsonian experts who bring every destination to life.
- Deeper Connections – Instead of simply sightseeing, travelers participate in expert-led discussions and carefully curated excursions that enrich every stop.
- Perfect for Lifelong Learners – This type of travel attracts guests who value comfort and curiosity in equal measure.
AmaWaterways + Smithsonian Journeys: A New River Experience
AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys brings the organization’s hallmark enrichment to Europe’s storied rivers — and soon, to Asia. These special departures pair AmaWaterways’ renowned luxury and service with Smithsonian-curated programming designed to deepen every traveler’s experience.
Each Smithsonian Journeys sailing with AmaWaterways includes:
- Two onboard Smithsonian Experts leading lectures and discussions
- Exclusive excursions designed in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys
- AmaWaterways’ signature luxury service, fine dining, and relaxed ambiance
View AmaWaterways Smithsonian Journeys sailings:
AmaWaterways Smithsonian Journeys Collection
Featured AmaWaterways Sailings
Taste of Bordeaux – France
Round-trip from Bordeaux, this 7-night itinerary pairs the region’s renowned wine and cuisine with expert-led lectures and guided visits to Saint-Émilion, Bergerac, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Learn more
Tulip Time – Dutch & Belgian Waterways
Celebrate spring’s blooms on this 7-night Smithsonian sailing through Holland and Belgium, featuring art historian Ashley Elston as onboard expert. Guests enjoy private museum visits and behind-the-scenes access to cultural landmarks.
Learn more
PONANT + Smithsonian Journeys: The Art of Exploration
PONANT’s long-standing partnership with Smithsonian Journeys has set the standard for small-ship enrichment cruising. Their fleet of French-flagged expedition vessels combines world-class luxury with the intellectual depth of Smithsonian programming. Whether exploring Antarctica or the Great Lakes, guests enjoy fascinating lectures, expert-led excursions, and PONANT’s signature refined style.
View PONANT Smithsonian Journeys sailings:
PONANT Smithsonian Journeys Collection
Featured PONANT Sailings
Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys
A 10-night expedition from Ushuaia exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, led by Smithsonian experts in climate science, wildlife, and the history of exploration.
Learn more
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
From Toronto to Milwaukee, this 9-day journey explores the five Great Lakes, featuring onboard lectures and enriching shore excursions that highlight both the natural beauty and cultural history of the region.
Learn more
The Roaming Boomers Perspective
For our clients, Smithsonian Journeys represents the perfect blend of luxury and learning. Whether sailing Europe’s rivers with AmaWaterways or exploring remote destinations with PONANT, these journeys deliver something truly special — experiences that educate, inspire, and connect.
If you’re ready to elevate your next voyage with Smithsonian Journeys, we’d love to help you find the perfect sailing for your travel style.
WHY AND HOW TO PLAN WITH THE ROAMING BOOMERS
As a Virtuoso® luxury travel agency, we believe travel should benefit both the traveler and the destination. Booking through The Roaming Boomers Travel Services means you’ll tap into our firsthand expertise, deep product knowledge, and trusted partnerships committed to responsible, meaningful travel.
Even better, our clients often enjoy exclusive Virtuoso perks and amenities you won’t receive when booking directly. From the moment you start planning until you return home, our role is to ensure your journey is seamless, rewarding, and personalized to your travel style.
For more information or to book your next journey, please call The Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request CLICK HERE and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
The post Smithsonian Journeys: Now on AmaWaterways and PONANT appeared first on The Roaming Boomers
