Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution, have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife.
In addition to the usual elements of the Ponant experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that immerses guests in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of each destination, and helps provide a deeper understanding of the places you explore.
On these specially designed voyages, you have the unique opportunity to travel across the globe with like-minded travellers.
Immerse yourself in the cradle of civilization on a singular journey encompassing Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, the Turkish coast, and the Greek Islands of Rhodes and Crete. Or soak up the sun and the merry sounds of live steel drums while our Ducasse-trained chefs prepare a regional barbecue lunch during a stopover on a private Caribbean beach. The Arabian Coast is an architecture aficionado’s dream. Marvel at the breathtaking Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum; this chalk-white modern structure seemingly floats atop a cerulean-blue pool.
On each departure, you have the option to join Smithsonian Journeys Experts as they host a series of enlightened discussions onboard. These passionate professionals—chosen for their expertise and affability—explore the core themes of the destinations with you. Specially crafted shore excursions or activities are included in each port of call, providing ease and enrichment to every program.
2024 Cruise Calendar
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
Jann did four very different cruises in the second half of 2023 and enjoyed experiencing new ships as well as exploring interesting and beautiful places; herewith a quick overview and let us know if you’d like more information.
The Crystal Serenity with a guest capacity of 740
Pre-Inaugural Cruise from Venice to Marseilles, 25 to 31 July 2023
Crystal is a unique cruise line with a very loyal following. For over three decades they’ve been synonymous with exceptional service, as well as unrivalled choices of onboard entertainment & enrichment programmes.
It was wonderful and quite emotional for those of us fortunate enough to be onboard to experience their relaunch. We all agreed whole heartedly that Crystal is better than ever and their friendly personalized service plus choices onboard are unrivalled. The food is excellent and it was wonderful to have the Owner and CEO onboard and to witness their passion plus dedication to the brand as well as their loyal supporters. With the reduced guest capacities of 740 on the Serenity and 640 on the Symphony, Crystal is even more exclusive.
It’s always a treat to escape our winter and enjoy summer in the Med; a wonderful cruise all round.
The Explora I with a guest capacity of 922
Inaugural Journey from Copenhagen to Reykjavik, 1 to 8 August 2023
The Explora I is a beautiful ship with some great design features and nine distinct culinary venues. Equipped with the latest in environmental-supporting and marine technologies, Explora Journeys has introduced a unique all-inclusive luxury travel experience for those who want to explore differently.
I enjoyed my time onboard and there are plenty of choices with regards to public spaces as well as things to do but I did find it was more like a luxury hotel, than a cruise ship.
It was a highlight to visit the Orkney and Shetland Islands for the first time; both interesting places with friendly locals and I’m looking forward to going back to the Orkneys in 2024.
The Wind Spirit with a guest capacity of 148
Dreams of Tahiti cruise from 19 to 26 October 2023
Six clients joined me on this cruise and we all agreed that this was the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. We all loved the friendly yachty vibe of the Wind Spirit and the food was delicious.
We visited one legendary island after another enjoying the beautiful views, swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, lush rainforests, and experiencing the fascinating Polynesian culture from tikis to tiare flowers. The colour of the water is stunning! Our tour guides were all very friendly and we learnt a lot. These islands are quite unspoilt and it was interesting to learn that Hawaii has more visitors in a day than Tahiti has in a year.
Le Boreal with a guest capacity of 199 on an Abercrombie & Kent charter
French Polynesia to Easter Island Luxury Expedition Cruise from 27 October to 9 November 2023
Nine clients joined me on this interesting expedition cruise to remote and rarely visited islands with unique histories, rare fauna & flora and pristine waters.
The A&K Expedition Team is excellent and we learnt so much from their daily talks. Hearing about Commander Susan Kilrain’s life as an astronaut was fascinating!
The locals from the Pitcairn Islands came to us in their long boat and it was interesting hearing about their lives and shared legacy with the HMS Bounty.
The highlight was ending with 2 days in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and we saw and learnt so much about their history and moai statues.
This was my 3rd cruise on Le Boreal and the food, service and friendly team were all excellent.
CRUISE WITH JANN IN 2024
I love exploring new areas as well as returning to places that I’ve really enjoyed. For the past decade, I’ve embarked on annual cruises, accompanied by a group of my clients.
I mostly choose expedition cruises as I love travelling with a knowledgeable team to areas that are off the beaten track; there is so much to learn and experience. For those who feel that you’ve been everywhere, expedition cruising adds a whole new dimension to cruising and I highly recommend it. The clients who have joined me, wholeheartedly agree.
Our travel style emphasizes individual exploration, yet is enriched with camaraderie and over the years, many have formed lasting friendships.
12 to 26 May 2024: Lands of the Celts Expedition Voyage from Greenwich to Leith (for Edinburgh) on the Seabourn Venture
An array of inclusive shore excursions and tours guide you through numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Dublin, the City of Literature; the remote site of St. Kilda; and the ancient archaeological treasures that make up Orkney Islands. Join included Zodiac®expeditions to peer into Fingal’s Cave, a unique geological wonder, or to explore spectacular seabird colonies at the Calf of Man and Copinsay.
10 to 27 July 2024: A&K’s Inaugural North Pole Expedition Cruise on Le Commandant Charcot, the world's only Luxury Icebreaker
The North Pole has been a source of inspiration, fascination, and attraction since the dawn of time. Following in the footsteps of the explorers who once tried to approach these elusive parts, where the infinite ice floes unfold, 700 kilometres (435 miles) from any land, you are part of the chosen few to attempt the odyssey.
It’s a privilege to explore the polar regions and I hope that you’ll join me on this incredible voyage of discovery. Allow yourself to be transported to a world where man is simply a spectator and nature reigns supreme.
Thank you for your much valued support in 2023. It was a busy year for us and we’re excited to share the news that Beryl Kleinhans joined our team in June 2023, bringing with her 15 years of experience working on cruise ships and extensive travel expertise. Cruises for 2024 and 2025 are selling well, so we recommend booking as soon as possible to secure the best rates and your preferred dates and accommodation. Let us know which area or cruise line you’re interested in, and we’ll email you the Cruise Calendars to make it easy for you to explore the options.
All the very best wishes for a 2024 that is filled with good health, much happiness and some wonderful cruises.
Neon city jungles are commonplace but scratch the surface as you’ll find peace and tranquillity on every street corner. The country’s snow-capped soaring peaks and sun-drenched beaches are startling in their diversity and stunning in their beauty. Discover the very best of Japan on ultra-luxury cruises with Seabourn and Silversea.
Japan cruises are popular and sell out far in advance, early booking is highly recommended for 2025.
FEATURED VOYAGES WITH SILVERSEA
FEATURED VOYAGES WITH SEABOURN
14-DAY TAIWAN, SOUTH KOREA & JAPAN'S SPRING FLOWERS
Hong Kong to Yokohama | Seabourn Quest
16 to 30 March 2025 Fares starting at $7 453 per person sharing
Begin your journey in Hong Kong and spend two days traversing Taiwan. Highlight ports include the local-favourite tourist destination of the Penghu Islands, and Japan’s tropical hubs of Ishigaki and Okinawa. Explore Japan’s three major islands and enjoy the country’s spectacular spring flowers.
Besides its lushness, Okinawa proudly exhibits the influences of Japan, Korea and China. Its red-tiled-roof houses let the tropical outdoors inside, and on the roofs often sit one of China’s influences: the shisa, the “lion dog” designed to protect the home from evil spirits. Structures from the kingdoms that have ruled the island provide an even broader look into Okinawa’s past as do modern monuments honouring those who died in World War II. See all of this in one tiny island that invites you to share in its fascinating culture and history.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
Suspended on the blue expanse of the South Pacific Ocean are worlds as different from each other as they are from anywhere else. Rekindle the joy of authentic discovery in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, experiencing the luscious beaches of Hawaii to the iconic Fiordland National Park of New Zealand. Visit bucket-list nature destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and Diamond Head, and explore small ports that only smaller ships can access, like Kaikoura and Oban, New Zealand, and Phillip Island, Australia. With over 39 unique ports of call, voyages start at 14 days and can be combined to see it all.
EXPLORE THE SOUTH PACIFIC
FEATURED VOYAGE
16-DAY AUSTRALIA'S QUEENSLAND & INDONESIA
Sydney to Bali | Seabourn Quest 14 February to 2 March 2025 Fares starting at $7 399
Experience iconic cities and bustling harbours from Sydney to the tranquil beauty of Bali, with its pristine beaches and adventurous watersports. Discover Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage protected area. Encounter unique wildlife in the tropical rainforests of Townsville and witness Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Komodo Island.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
A&K’s Wings Over the World journeys combine the flexibility and convenience of private chartered air with unsurpassed insider access, allowing us to link destinations and curate authentic experiences in a way well beyond what conventional air travel allows. Fly in private with just your small group, skirting airport crowds and making security procedures a breeze. Departures and arrivals are timed to suit your itinerary, and the dedicated flight crew aboard your chartered aircraft offers superb, personalized service. Each journey is led by a Resident Tour Director® and packed with A&K’s hallmark insider access as well as opportunities to Design Your Day®, with each day ending in expertly chosen five-star accommodations rarely available to larger groups.
Choose from A&K’s comprehensive portfolio of journeys that show off a range of destinations at their luxurious and inspiring best.
Abercrombie & Kent voted one of The Best Tour Operators in the World
in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
Limited to 17 guests | 12 days from $37 995 per person sharing Single Supplement from $3 795 Dates Available: 9 to 20 October and 13 to 24 November 2024
Explore India’s treasures, from the splendidly beautiful Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur, witness the sacred aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi and seek out the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park, all while staying in some of the country’s most iconic and luxurious hotels.
Recommended Wings Over the World Journeys for 2024
Book now to reserve your preferred departure while space remains.
WINGS OVER THE WORLD
Wings Over Australia
Limited to 11 guests | 13 days from $46,995 Single Supplement from $13,495 Dates Available: Oct 27–Nov 8; Nov 11–23, 2024