Ponant Plans 48 Caribbean and Central America Cruises

The coastline of Costa Rica
The Americas Cruise Industry
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Updated Published

Luxury cruise line Ponant has announced a robust winter schedule for the 2026-2027 season, featuring 48 sailings across 11 unique itineraries throughout Central America and the Caribbean.

Running from November 2026 through April 2027, the program will include 34 Caribbean-focused cruises and 14 voyages exploring Central America. These journeys will be carried out aboard four ships from Ponant’s fleet: Le Bellot, Le Bougainville, Le Lapérouse, and Le Ponant.

Smithsonian Journeys Partnership Continues

As part of its ongoing collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys—the travel division of the Smithsonian Institution—Ponant will once again offer culturally immersive cruises tailored for English-speaking travelers.

Each Smithsonian Journeys sailing will feature two expert guides who will deliver insightful lectures and discussions onboard. These experts will delve into the local history, wildlife, language, and ecosystems of the regions visited. The voyages also include a curated shore excursion or activity at every port.

Additionally, all Smithsonian-branded sailings will include airport transfers on both embarkation and disembarkation days.

Notable Smithsonian Journeys Itineraries

  • "Panama & Costa Rica by Sea": A seven-night sailing from Puntarenas to Colón (one departure)
  • "Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands": A seven-night roundtrip voyage from Vieux Fort (one departure)

Featured Central America Cruises

  • "Pacific Coast of Costa Rica": A seven-night, roundtrip cruise from Puntarenas (three departures)
  • "Secrets of Central America": A 10-night exploration from Puntarenas to Colón and vice versa (eight departures)
  • "Central America Jewels & Panama Canal": A seven-night itinerary from Colón to Puntarenas (two departures)

Caribbean Highlights

  • "Reverie Under Sail in the Heart of the Lesser Antilles": Seven-night roundtrip from Marigot (four departures)
  • "Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands": Seven-night roundtrip from Pointe-à-Pitre (four departures)
  • "History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels": Seven nights between Marigot and Pointe-à-Pitre (nine departures)
  • "Pearls of the Caribbean": Roundtrip from Fort-de-France for seven nights (nine departures)
  • "Wonders of the Caribbean": Roundtrip from Fort-de-France for seven nights (four departures)
  • "Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean": A nine-night cruise from Willemstad to Colón (one departure)
  • "Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands": A 12-night sailing from Colón to Fort-de-France and vice versa (two departures.