Smithsonian Journeys will be expanding its small-ship cruise collection with Ponant Explorations in 2028. The longtime, much-respected travel program of the Smithsonian Institution will be offering 15 additional small-ship cruise departures for 2028, along with two brand-new itineraries.
The 2028 collection will include a total of 36 small-ship cruises around the world, including returning favorites like Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea, Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea, Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Québec to the Canadian Maritimes, and Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean. Each departure includes two Smithsonian Journeys Experts on board, a shore excursion or activity in each port, and complimentary airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days.
The new Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast itinerary will spotlight the ecological richness and cultural heritage of Coast Rica’s Pacific coast. Guests will explore protected parks and wildlife refuges in locations like the Osa Peninsula (one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth), with a volcanologist and a naturalist on board offering expert insight.
The other new itinerary debuting in 2028, Sailing the Adriatic: Treasures of Italy’s Eastern Coast and Sicily, takes travelers from the canals of Venice to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Syracuse, accompanied by an art historian and geologist on board. Along the way they’ll admire art and architecture in Ravenna and Urbino, explore the traditions and cuisine of Apulia, and sail into Sicily under the gaze of Mount Etna.
“With the expansion of our 2028 small-ship cruise program, we are pleased to offer travelers an even broader range of thoughtfully curated journeys that reflect the Smithsonian’s commitment to discovery, learning, and cultural understanding,” says Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “From new itineraries in Costa Rica and the Adriatic to our returning favorites, each voyage is designed to bring guests closer to the world’s most compelling destinations through expert insight, meaningful experiences, and the highest standards of enrichment at sea.”
These new and expanded sailings continue building on Smithsonian Journeys’ new offerings for 2027, which include new food- and wine-focused active journeys and a new collection of 11 weeklong, all-inclusive, multicity trips.
TourScoop takeaway: We’re fans of small-ship cruises, which offer access to ports large ships can’t reach and a more intimate environment for travelers. When you couple that with Smithsonian Journeys’ immersive experiences and expert-led educational opportunities, it’s a win-win.
