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

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.