Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT Unveil 2028 Expedition Portfolio: Solar Eclipses and Polar Frontiers

Quick Summary

• PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys have officially launched their 2028 small-ship cruise portfolio, featuring a series of exclusive itineraries that blend luxury expedition cruising with world-class educational enrichment.
• A standout of the season is the 11-day Solar Eclipse cruise along Australia’s Kimberley Coast (July 19–29, 2028), timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028.
• The 2028 lineup also includes deep-dive expeditions into the Antarctic Peninsula, Madagascar & Seychelles, and the Baja California peninsula, all featuring onboard Smithsonian experts.
• Specialized voyages to South Africa & Namibia and the Caribbean Windward Islands round out the season, focusing on biodiversity, history, and cultural heritage.

The long-standing partnership between Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT continues to redefine the luxury expedition segment. By combining PONANT’s state-of-the-art small ships with the intellectual depth of Smithsonian experts—including naturalists, historians, and scientists—these voyages offer travelers a way to engage with the world’s most remote environments through a lens of scientific and cultural discovery.

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2028 Expedition Highlights and Schedules

The following table summarizes the key itineraries and dates for the 2028 Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT season.

Destination	Dates (2028)	Primary Focus	Key Feature
Kimberley Coast, Australia	July 19–29	Total Solar Eclipse	Viewing on July 22, 2028
Baja California & Sea of Cortez	Feb 14–24	Marine Biodiversity	Gray, Humpback, and Blue Whales
Madagascar & Seychelles	Feb 10–20	Endemic Wildlife	Lemurs, Giant Tortoises, STRI access
Antarctic Peninsula	Feb 13–24	Polar Science	Zodiac expeditions & climate lectures
South Africa & Namibia	March 2–12	Safari & History	Cape of Good Hope & Diamond Trade
Caribbean Windward Islands	Feb 23 – Mar 1	Cultural Heritage	Dominica & Barbados UNESCO sites

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Featured 2028 Voyages

Total Solar Eclipse in the Kimberley (Australia)

This 11-day adventure explores the rugged Kimberley Coast, known for its ancient Aboriginal rock art and mangrove ecosystems. The ship will be positioned in a prime viewing area for the total solar eclipse on July 22. The expedition will be led by specialized experts, including NASA Goddard geologist Brent Garry and meteorologist Joe Rao, who will provide scientific context for the celestial event.

Madagascar and Seychelles: Biodiversity Hotspots

Scheduled for February 2028, this voyage focuses on two of the world's most unique archipelagos. Guests will have exclusive access to insights from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) while observing lemurs, giant tortoises, and the rare coco de mer palm. Snorkeling in protected coral reefs is a core component of this nature-focused expedition.

Antarctic Peninsula: The Ultimate Polar Frontier

This 12-day polar expedition takes guests deep into the Antarctic wilderness. Travelers will navigate glaciers and icebergs via Zodiac inflatable boats, guided by naturalist experts who provide commentary on climate science and the behavior of the region’s vast penguin colonies and whale populations.

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The Smithsonian Educational Advantage

Every 2028 cruise features a minimum of two Smithsonian Journeys experts. These include:

1. Engaging Onboard Lectures: Informal discussions and formal presentations covering the history, geology, and biology of the destinations.
2. Field Expertise: Experts join guests on shore excursions and Zodiac tours to provide real-time commentary and answer scientific queries.
3. Local Researcher Access: Several itineraries, such as the Madagascar voyage, include opportunities to engage with local conservationists and researchers in the field.

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FAQ: Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT 2028 Cruises

How many passengers are on these ships? PONANT ships are small-capacity vessels, typically carrying between 180 and 260 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized expedition environment.

Are these cruises suitable for non-scientists? Absolutely. The educational content is designed for curious travelers of all backgrounds, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the destination through accessible and engaging storytelling.

When do bookings open for the 2028 Kimberley Eclipse cruise? Due to the rare nature of the total solar eclipse, these sailings are expected to reach capacity quickly. Travelers are encouraged to contact Smithsonian Journeys or PONANT directly for early-access booking notifications.

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Disclaimer: All itinerary details, dates, and guest expert appearances are subject to change based on vessel availability and regional conditions. Travelers should refer to official PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys documentation for the most current information.