Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys Unveil 2027 Expert Cruises, Sparking Global Tourism: All You Need to Know

Published on November 23, 2025

Lisbon, Cabo San Lucas, and Osaka headline the 2027 Ponant Expeditions and Smithsonian Journeys partnership as they roll out a new slate of expert-led small-ship cruises, signaling a new era for educational tourism and destination discovery. These luxury expeditions, enriched by scientific and historical guidance, emphasize immersive learning and sustainable travel across some of the most spectacular waters in the world.

Baja and the Sea of Cortez: Whale Odyssey in Cabo San Lucas

Launching the collection is the ten-night “Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales,” setting sail roundtrip from Cabo San Lucas on February 10, 2027. The voyage features expert lectures by marine biologist Heidi Dewar and conservation biologist Monica Franco, offering guests a chance to observe whale migrations and learn about marine ecology in situ. This hands-on approach not only enhances marine tourism but supports the region’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable whale-watching and wildlife conservation.

Iberian Peninsula Solar Eclipse: A Rare Spectacle from Lisbon

One of the most anticipated journeys, “A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Along the Iberian Peninsula,” departs Lisbon on July 30, 2027, aboard Le Boréal. This scientific cruise promises a front-row view of the total solar eclipse from the Mediterranean near Spain, enhanced by onboard experts including Smithsonian geologist Jim Zimbelman. The itinerary includes stops at Portimão, Figueira da Foz, Marbella, and Cadiz, combining celestial spectacle with rich cultural immersion, a unique draw for science-driven tourism and cruise travelers seeking transformative experiences.

Further Enrichment: Japan, the Mediterranean, and the Baltic

• Japan and South Korea: The eight-night “Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea” embarks from Busan to Osaka on May 1, 2027. Passengers will visit iconic sites including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Itsukushima Shrine, guided by Smithsonian experts who offer context on local culture, history, and world heritage.
• Mediterranean Islands: The “Mediterranean Island Voyage” explores Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba, with departures from Nice to Valletta. Guests will tour UNESCO sites, Byzantine mosaics, and ancient ruins, tapping into the region’s deep artistic and culinary legacies. Notably, Gozo is added to the May itinerary, enriching the tourism promise for culture and heritage travelers.
• Baltic Sea: The seven-night “Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea” from Helsinki to Copenhagen features high-profile guests like former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, insights on four UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a unique Nordic cultural experience, fueling destination tourism in Northern Europe.

North American and Polar Wonders

• Great Lakes: August departures of the “Voyage Along the Great Lakes” connect Toronto and Milwaukee, spotlighting the Henry Ford Museum, Niagara Falls, and Mackinac Island, deepening cross-border tourism and highlighting the natural and industrial heritage of the USA and Canada.
• Antarctica: The ten-night “Antarctica: The White Continent” sets out from Ushuaia with a pre-voyage night in Buenos Aires, offering guided wildlife encounters, research station visits, and the stark grandeur of Antarctic wilderness, a highlight in adventure tourism and environmental learning.

Southern Spain to Portugal: Mediterranean Gems

Sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon on May 1, 2027, the seven-night “Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal” traverses UNESCO sites in Andalusia, stops in Palma de Mallorca and Cadiz, and features Algarve wine tastings, blending gastronomic tourism with Old World cultural exploration.

The Value of Smithsonian Guides and Sustainability

Each Ponant and Smithsonian cruise is defined by collaboration between travel luxury and scientific insight, providing travelers with deep context alongside comfort and adventure. Smithsonian experts deliver lectures, lead shore excursions, and facilitate workshops tailored to each destination, fostering meaningful travel connections and raising awareness of environmental stewardship within modern tourism.

Commitment to Experiential and Sustainable Tourism

With these 2027 expeditions, Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys reaffirm their leadership in experiential, sustainable, and educational tourism. The itineraries leverage destination partnerships, shore excursion programming, and a focus on local conservation, helping drive positive impacts for communities, wildlife, and the global travel industry.

Conclusion

Lisbon, Cabo San Lucas, Osaka, and other iconic world cities are at the heart of Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys’ 2027 lineup, marking a pinnacle for luxury, educational, and sustainable tourism. These expert-guided cruises not only unlock once-in-a-lifetime events, such as witnessing a solar eclipse at sea or whale watching in the Sea of Cortez, but also cement the growing appeal of immersive, science-based travel for the next generation of global explorers.

Image Credit: Ponant