Culture, Cuisine, and Concerts: Ponant’s 2026 Cruises Are Floating Masterclasses

September 9, 2025

Luxury expedition line Ponant Explorations has long championed the idea that travel should educate as well as enchant. For 2026, the French-flagged fleet is doubling down with six new expert-led themed voyages that bring together culinary icons, art historians, geopolitical leaders and musicians for a series of journeys designed to deepen passengers’ connections to the world.

Food lovers can embark on Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily (April 11–19, 2026), sailing roundtrip from Valletta aboard Le Dumont d’Urville. On board, Sicilian food authority Fabrizia Lanza will lead tastings and talks, with acclaimed oenologist Laetitia Ouspointour offering wine pairings and Italian star chef Denny Imbroisi curating menus. Ashore, guests will explore how Greek, Roman, Arabic and Norman influences shaped the island’s kitchen.

Art takes centre stage on itineraries tied to the 61st Venice Biennale. One voyage sails from Valletta to Venice (July 1–9, 2026) with private access to Pinault Collection spaces such as Palazzo Grassi, guided by Christie’s specialist Kathryn Widing. Another departs from Nice (July 10–18, 2026) to explore the French and Italian Rivieras and Corsica, with visits to homes where Renoir and Picasso once worked, and lectures by Ottavia Marchitelli and G. Max Bernheimer of Christie’s.

Culture extends into performance with Sailing the Mediterranean with the Paris Opera Ballet (July 29–August 6, 2026), which includes exclusive shows both onboard Le Boréal and ashore in Corsica and Tuscany. Music aficionados may prefer A Symphony at Sea: The Musical Traditions of Greece (October 18–25, 2026), with Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart and fellow musicians performing throughout the voyage.

For travellers seeking a different kind of expertise, A World Affairs Voyage (August 26–September 5, 2026) journeys from Copenhagen to London with Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, leading discussions that link historic ports to current geopolitics.

“Each voyage is designed to offer meaningful engagement with the cultural fabric, historical context and contemporary significance of the places we explore,” says Samuel Chamberlain, Ponant’s CEO of the Americas. Fares begin around CAD $7,500, with all-inclusive amenities from Michelin-inspired dining to shore excursions in each port.

Sail to the North Pole Aboard This Luxury Icebreaker

August 25, 2025

For many travellers, reaching the North Pole sits at the edge of imagination—a destination that seems more mythical than real. In 2027, PONANT will make that dream a little more tangible with a new series of 12-night expeditions aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker.

Launching from Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, the voyages (departing July 27, August 8, August 20, and September 1) are designed to shorten the epic journey north without diminishing its sense of wonder. Guests will push through shifting ice floes and sculpted fjords, following a route that culminates at 90° North—the geographic North Pole, where few humans have ever stood.

Days are dictated by the rhythm of the Arctic itself: the ship’s reinforced hull carving through vast ice fields, the possibility of spotting a polar bear pacing the floes, or watching a pod of whales slip across the glassy surface. Zodiac outings, ice landings, kayaking, snowshoeing, and even the polar plunge bring guests closer still, while a stop in Ny-Ålesund connects them with the stories of early explorers and today’s scientific community.

Life on Board

If the destination feels otherworldly, life on board is anything but austere. Le Commandant Charcot—the same ship that made history in 2022 as the first passenger vessel to reach the North Pole—balances frontier exploration with refined French style. Every suite comes with a private balcony or terrace, while public spaces invite lingering: the glass-walled Observation Lounge, the firelit Main Lounge, or the open-air Blue Lagoon deck, complete with heated benches.

Dining is a highlight, anchored by Nuna—the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea—where French culinary artistry meets the stark backdrop of the polar environment. After days on the ice, guests can retreat to the spa for Biologique Recherche treatments, unwind in the snow room and sauna, or swim in the indoor pool.

Purposeful Exploration

For PONANT, these journeys aren’t just about luxury in remote places—they’re also about responsibility. Le Commandant Charcot is powered by a hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system, engineered to reduce environmental impact while navigating uncharted ice. The ship also serves as a platform for scientific research, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship.

As Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of PONANT Explorations Group, Americas, puts it: “This journey to the Geographic North Pole offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Arctic as few ever have. Coupled with our French flair for hospitality, this is purposeful exploration at its finest—providing today’s time-strapped travellers with the rare opportunity for transformative discovery.”

Explora Journeys Launches Ocean Wellness Retreats at Sea

August 12, 2025

For travellers who see the journey as just as transformative as the destination, Explora Journeys is setting a new course in seaborne self-care. This October and November, the luxury ocean travel brand will debut its Ocean Wellness Retreats — a series of immersive, one-day wellbeing programs offered exclusively on select Grand Journeys aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.

Designed to restore balance and inspire deeper connection, the retreats blend Eastern and Western traditions into a curated mix of yoga, breathwork, sound healing and guided reflection. Mornings might begin with Surya Shakti Yoga and pranayama practice, while evenings could unfold under the stars with a meditative Gong Bath, the ocean’s natural soundtrack in the background. Guests are welcome to join multiple sessions during their voyage, allowing the experience to evolve as the days and horizons pass.

“The Ocean Wellness Retreats exemplify how travel can nurture the mind, body and soul,” says Julanda Marais, Head of Ocean Wellness for Explora Journeys. “They invite guests to slow down and reconnect — within themselves, and with the vast, calming energy of the sea.”

The retreats will debut on two distinct sailings: EXPLORA I’s 26-day journey from Venice to Miami, weaving through Mediterranean cultural gems and Caribbean shores (October 18–November 12, 2025), and EXPLORA II’s voyage from Barcelona to Barbados via Tangier, Gran Canaria and lush Caribbean isles (November 11–22, 2025).

With the luxury of time, spacious oceanfront suites, and a bespoke program led by top wellness experts — complete with thoughtful touches like a lavender-infused eye pillow and Ocean Wellness booklet — guests can expect more than relaxation. They can expect renewal.

Flight paths: where airlines are flying next

July 28, 2025

If you needed a sign to start planning your next trip, this is it. Several airlines have just dropped new direct routes to destinations that hit the sweet spot between off-the-radar and just-right. Whether you’re craving coastlines, culture, or something that feels like a total escape, these new flights make it easier (and sometimes more affordable) to get there.

New routes to watch:

There’s also a buzz around Air Greenland, now flying Nuuk to Copenhagen on a fresh A330—finally connecting the Arctic capital with Europe in comfort.

Whether you’re a planner or a last-minute packer, these fresh flight paths are worth watching. 

Viking has added its very first river voyages through India

July 11, 2025

Viking has announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River.

Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India.

The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

The Viking Brahmaputra

The new Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda.

Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Center and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

Wonders of India 

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate roundtrip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively. With 13 included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi’s winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur’s ornate Palace of Winds. While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati’s temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new pre and post land extensions for Wonders of India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).

Booking details

From now through July 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers savings of up to $5,000 per couple plus airfare from $999, with a $25 deposit, on Wonders of India.

Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.

Air Canada just resumed non-stop service to Lima, Peru

July 9, 2025

Air Canada is further expanding its winter 2025-26 network by resuming non-stop service to Lima, Peru with twice weekly flights from both Montreal and Toronto.

The airline is also adding three new routes to Central America and Mexico including, Montreal-Belize, Toronto-Puerto Escondido*, and Vancouver-Tepic, Riviera Nayarit*, building on its recent Latin America expansion announcement. 

Flights are now available for sale at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.

“Air Canada is further diversifying its global network this winter under its New Frontiers Strategy by capitalizing on strong leisure demand to sought-after vacation destinations in South and Central America and in Mexico’s Oaxaca and Pacific coast areas. Our new flights are designed to provide easy connections for both Canadian and European travellers, as well as to take advantage of cargo opportunities in the region,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada. “Customers will have even more compelling choices when planning vacation travel this winter. From Peru’s rich history and archaeological ruins, the legendary Belize Barrier Reef, or Mexico’s vibrant and rapidly emerging hidden gem vacation spots, Air Canada is proud to bring new and exciting destinations for our customers to explore. We look forward to welcoming you onboard our award-winning airline soon.”

Flights to Peru

FlightFromToDepartArriveDays of OperationSeason
AC 88Montreal (YUL)Lima (LIM)18:0002:15 (+1 day)Wed, SatDec. 6, 2025 – Mar. 25, 2026
AC 89Lima (LIM)Montreal (YUL)08:0016:20Wed, SatDec. 6, 2025 – Mar. 28, 2026
AC 86Toronto (YYZ)Lima (LIM)22:1006:10 (+1 day)Tue, FriDec. 5, 2025 – Mar. 27, 2026
AC 87Lima (LIM)Toronto (YYZ)08:0015:55Thu, SunDec. 7, 2025 – Mar. 26, 2026

This 17-night Canadian Arctic expedition travels from Greenland to Newfoundland

July 7, 2025

Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched a brand-new polar expedition for 2026: the Canadian Arctic Discovery 17-night expedition aboard World Voyager, sailing September 21 from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

This journey offers explorers a rare opportunity to traverse the remote regions of the Canadian Arctic and Labrador, highlighting the untamed wilderness, rich cultural diversity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

This newly unveiled Arctic itinerary offers adventurous expedition experiences, including Zodiac safaris in Disco Bay and the Button Islands—prime habitats for polar bears, walrus, and whales—along with scenic ice cruising and black bear sightings in Nachvak Fjord.

Travellers will immerse themselves in the rich cultures of Sisimiut and Qikiqtarjuaq, engaging with local artisans from diverse communities, including Greenlandic and Canadian Inuit, as well as Basque and French heritage groups. Highlights include ancient Inuit traditions, the historic Basque whaling station in Red Bay, and the unique charm of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Wildlife sightings, particularly of polar bears, migratory seabirds, and seals, are common during remote landings and Zodiac cruises. Additionally, travelers will explore the ruins of Hebron’s Moravian mission and the geological wonders of UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, with several Captain’s Choice days allowing for spontaneous landings in the wild Arctic.

This epic Arctic exploration is a highlight of the line’s polar collection, with limited Arctic departures still available this season:

Availability is extremely limited for the 2025 Arctic season. Secure your stateroom now to be part of these unforgettable polar adventures.

For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.442.8527 or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Windstar’s newest yacht will sail the Med, starting next winter

July 4, 2025

Next winter, Windstar Cruises will debut its newest yacht, Star Explorer, and the return of its beloved winter sailings to Europe.

Launching Dec. 28, 2026, the 224-guest vessel marks the latest addition to Windstar’s Star Class fleet and brings a stylish new chapter to Windstar’s year-round European offerings—this time, with more immersive cultural experiences, off-season perks, and hidden harbors waiting to be discovered without the summer crowds.

Crafted for discovery, Star Explorer is perfectly built for exploring small ports and big stories. Her inaugural Local Season includes longer stays and local festivals that shine brighter in the off-season—from twinkling winter markets to colorful Venetian Carnevale celebrations. And with Windstar’s signature yacht-style warmth and comfort, it’s like having the Med all to yourself (with a chilled glass of wine in hand). Guests will enjoy overnight stays in Florence (Livorno), Barcelona, and Nice — plus lesser-traveled ports like Genoa, Catania, and Malaga. Seasonal highlights include Carnevale in Venice, Epiphany in Greece, and cozy winter markets lit by Mediterranean sunshine.

Early booking offer

Windstar Cruises invites guests to take advantage of a generous early booking offer available through July 31, 2025.

Travellers who book now will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive package, featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited select wine, beer and cocktails, and gratuities — a value of more than $1,300 per stateroom on a 7-day cruise.

Guests will also enjoy up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, redeemable for curated shore excursions, rejuvenating treatments at World Spa by Windstar, and other onboard amenities.

Itineraries include:

  • Star Explorer’s Inaugural Voyage: Southern Spain Winter Escapes (9 nights) – Wander through Gaudí’s whimsical architecture in Barcelona and master the art of paella in a cozy home kitchen in sun-drenched Málaga. Soak up the warmth of Europe’s mildest winter city, explore Picasso’s legacy, and gaze across the sea to North Africa from the historic rock of Gibraltar. Guests have the option to extend the experience inland with the Madrid & Southern Spain Cruise Tour for the best of both worlds.
  • Europe’s Winter Riviera (7 nights) – Indulge in the Riviera’s off-season charm with overnight stays in Florence (Livorno) and Barcelona. Enjoy unobstructed views of Renaissance masterpieces in Tuscany, discover Genoa’s golden-age grandeur, and sip sangria in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. With fewer tourists and more locals, this is “la dolce vita” at its finest.
  • Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast (8 nights) – Step behind the scenes of Europe’s most iconic sites—think Michelangelo’s frescoes, Venice’s serene canals, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii—minus the crowds. From learning to make pizza in Sicily to watching winter lights shimmer in Dubrovnik, this journey blends history, hospitality, and holiday magic.
  • Star Collector Voyages + optional Madrid Cruise Tours (13+ nights) – Dive deeper into Europe with extended itineraries that combine multiple voyages into one seamless adventure. Spend more time in more places with fewer repeated ports and rare perks like free daily laundry.

On board, Star Explorer offers 112 spacious suites, including two Horizon Owner’s Suites with expansive wraparound balconies ideal for catching winter sunrises. Guests will enjoy Windstar favorites like the Yacht Club Café, the signature Marina deck, and the line’s famously friendly crew delivering personalized service that feels like home—only better.

This season marks Windstar’s fourth winter season sailing the Mediterranean—yet with the addition of Star Explorer, the experience is reimagined and elevated for returning guests and first-timers alike.

To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner. For more information on Star Explorer‘s development, visit here.

Ponant has added new Baja California voyages for winter 2027

June 2, 2025

Ponant Explorations has announced a new itinerary in Baja California, Mexico for winter 2027, featuring a unique 10-night journey—Exploration in the Heart of Baja California.

From January through March, the 184-guest Le Bellot will offer four round-trip departures from Cabo San Lucas including one operated in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. The highly-curated voyages spotlight the advancements of Cabo Pulmo locals who have embraced eco-tourism to evolve the region into a model of marine conservation alongside the natural wonders of the Baja California Peninsula—from extraordinary marine life to the coral reefs that inhabit the UNESCO-designated Gulf of California. 

Voyage in Alliance with Smithsonian Journeys – February 10-20, 2027 

Unique among these voyages is a singular Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales with Smithsonian Journeys departing on February 10, 2027.  With the added benefit of having two Smithsonian Journeys Experts aboard, guests on this voyage will enjoy engaging conversations during an onboard lecture series that explores the region’s history, culture, environment, and wildlife. The voyage is part of Ponant Explorations’ esteemed alliance with Smithsonian Journeys—the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution—offering intellectually enriching insight on voyages designed for English-speaking travellers. All voyages in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys feature a curated excursion and/or activity included at each port of call as well as airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days for a seamless experience. 

Wildlife encounters will be a defining feature on all four of the Baja California voyages. Guests may witness gray, blue, and humpback whales, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and graceful mobula devil rays in their natural habitat. Shore landings led by the line’s naturalist team will grant access to pristine areas untouched by development, while visits to coastal towns like Loreto offer cultural immersion and local flavor. The itinerary will also feature a visit to Guerrero Negro offering a high-impact whale experience* that no other cruise line operates.  

Designed to suit both leisure and adventure travellers, the itinerary includes options for snorkeling and scuba diving (wetsuits provided), and canyon hiking, to showcase the region’s striking biodiversity and natural landscapes.  

Departures for the new Baja California itinerary include: January 31, February 20, and March 2, 2027 and February 10, 2027 for the Smithsonian Journeys voyage.  

For more information on Ponant Explorations, travellers can contact their preferred travel advisor, 888-400-1082 or visit en.ponant.com.  

Abercrombie & Kent celebrate 35 years with three new expedition voyages

May 28, 2025

A&K introduces its 2026-2027 portfolio featuring 15 Expedition Cruises across the Arctic, Antarctica, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and remote islands of the Pacific and Oceans. Each voyage is elevated by A&K’s acclaimed Expedition Team, whose deep expertise and local knowledge ensure every journey is as enlightening as it is extraordinary.

“We have drawn on our more than three decades of expedition cruising expertise to design itineraries that reach far beyond the usual cruise routes – to places like St Kilda, Britain’s most remote point in the North Atlantic or the Marquesas in French Polynesia, which offers varied experiences from local communities, breathtaking snorkeling and scenic, challenging hikes,” says Stefan Kredel, Vice President of Expedition Cruising. “These are transformative adventures in places that few experience – all elevated by A&K’s signature style.”

What was once an intrepid way to observe wildlife in remote destinations has since been transformed into a luxury adventure, offering an unprecedented level of comfort and access across these new voyages for 2026.

NEW: Exploring the Wild Coasts of the British Isles (May 26 – June 5, 2026)

Experience the British Isles on an expedition beyond the familiar aboard Le Champlain. Starting from Portsmouth, guests will discover the WWII history of Guernsey, wander through the gardens of the Isles of Scilly in full bloom this time of year, birdwatch for puffins off the coast of Wales, hike the wild Scottish Hebrides and sample whisky in the Orkney archipelago. Explore smaller, lesser visited sites via Zodiacs – a true expedition style experience. 11 days from $20,495 USD / 15,890 GBP / $30,310 AUD

NEW: An Arctic Wildlife Expedition in Svalbard (July 3-11, 2026)

Venture north of the Arctic Circle to Svalbard, a remote cluster of Norwegian islands sculpted by glaciers, cloaked in tundra and surrounded by pristine waters where whales, seals and walruses thrive. Cruise aboard and exclusively chartered Le Lyrial, guided by A&K’s acclaimed Expedition Team, for a pure nature experience. Embark on Zodiac excursions alongside naturalist guides, in search of arctic wildlife, like walruses, reindeer, foxes and birds, and unique geology and landscape found in this region. Make the most of the midnight sun and enjoy the seasonal flowers in bloom this time of year. 11 days from $16,995 USD / 13,175 GBP / $25,385 AUD

NEW: Cruising French Polynesia: Tahiti and Beyond (Sep 18 – Oct 4, 2026)

Dive deep into the diverse cultures and untouched islands of the intriguing island nation, French Polynesia, aboard Le Jacques-Cartier. Meet local craftspeople who keep artisanal traditions alive and go ashore an uninhabited atoll on the Tuamoto Islands. Trek to secluded waterfalls, pay a visit to Paul Gauguin’s final resting place, and set out in search of tiki, petroglyphs and other archaeological relics on the remote Marquesas. Visit pearl farms, snorkel with blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and other marine life, or simply relax on the pristine beaches of this idyllic paradise. 16 days from $21,995 USD / 17,050 GBP / $32,525 AUD

Exclusively Chartered to Deliver the Best

A&K scours the world’s finest expedition fleets, then exclusively charters the vessel best suited to each destination, reconfigured to accommodate fewer guests: just 148 (down from 184) on small explorer ships and 199 on expedition cruisers. This ensures a private balcony in every stateroom and suite, a staff-to-guest ratio of almost one staff member to every guest, and an optimized experience orchestrated entirely by A&K.

The Definition of All-Inclusive Cruising

A&K’s Expedition Cruises are always all-inclusive, from an engaging program of expert lectures, special events and curated shore excursions to à la carte dining or 24/7 room service, unlimited house drinks, including Champagne – and, for guests who book a suite, butler service throughout their cruise. Also included are airport meet-and-greets with transfers, Traveller’s Valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and in hotels, all gratuities, port charges and taxes, and complimentary polar gear for Arctic and Antarctic voyages. On all ships, apart from our adventure yachts in the Galápagos, an onboard doctor and nurse are on hand 24/7.

Special offer

A&K is offering guests 10% savings on select Expedition Cruises and Pre/Post Tour Extensions booked and paid in full nine months or more prior to departure.

A complete view of all A&K’s Expedition Cruises can be found here. To book your next adventure, visit https://www.abercrombiekent.com.