Cruising the Arabian Coast

Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville

8 Days from $6,400* / Jan. 26–Feb. 2, 2024

Trace the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula on an eight-day cruise, discovering world-class cities and ancient cultures, desert islands and dramatic fjords from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha and Muscat.

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Dubai, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E): Arrive in Dubai and embark the ship. Set out on a guided tour of this boundary-pushing city, from the traditional spice and gold souks to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Visit the Dubai Museum and delve into Emirati culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, then enjoy an Emirati-style lunch.

Days 3 & 4 — Doha, Qatar: Delve into dynamic Doha, a burgeoning center of culture and style filled with striking high-rises and age-old souks. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, and learn about Qatari history and culture at the new National Museum, another architectural marvel. Venture into the colorful Souk Waqif, built on the site of an ancient marketplace. You may also choose to embark on a thrilling drive into the desert in 4x4 vehicles, stopping at a traditional tent for refreshments. During a relaxing afternoon sailing the Persian Gulf toward Abu Dhabi, take advantage of the ship’s superb amenities.

Days 5 — Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.: In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E, see the impressive exhibitions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and admire the building’s stunning architecture. Stop in at the Emirates Palace for high tea and a private tour; and visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, home to 82 marble domes and more than a thousand columns inlaid with gemstones. Meander through Masdar City, a planned city that showcases clean-tech solutions and sustainable urban design.

Day 6 — Khasab, Oman: Arrive in Khasab and board a traditional sailing dhow to explore the dramatic fjords of Oman’s remote Musandam Peninsula. Watch for dolphins and take in views of the spectacularly rugged coast.

Days 7 — Fujairah, U.A.E: In the commercial hub of Fujairah, visit Fujairah Fort, the oldest and largest castle in all of the Emirates. Examine archaeological finds in the museum, and visit a mud-and-stone mosque in the oasis of Al Bithnah. Gather for a festive farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Day 8 —Muscat, Oman: After breakfast, disembark in Muscat. Visit the immense Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the magnificent Royal Opera House with a local guide. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon at leisure. After dinner, transfer to the airport.

Add a one-night extension in Dubai or a two-night extension from Muscat. *Pricing reflects a savings bonus ranging from 5% to 30%, based on the number of staterooms available at the time of printing. See our website for current pricing. Book early for higher savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise include journalist and geopolitics professor Benjamin Sutherland. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Highlights

• Encounter enthralling art, architecture, and design, from the Burj Khalifa and the Louvre Abu Dhabi to I.M. Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

• Venture into the souks of Dubai and Doha, and visit historic forts and mosques in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

• Sit down to a Bedouin-style lunch and sail on a traditional dhow.

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Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage

Aboard the 264-guest Le Soléal

9 Days from $6,330* / July 5–13, July 20–28, 2024

Includes one-way air from Sitka to Seattle

Set sail on Alaska’s Inside Passage on a small-ship voyage from Vancouver to Sitka, discovering majestic scenery and an intriguing cultural mosaic as you explore dramatic fjords, icebergs and glaciers, bays teeming with whales and dolphins, and the enduring traditions of Alaska Native communities.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Arrive in the vibrant city of Vancouver and embark the ship, setting sail on the Strait of Georgia this evening.

Day 2 — Johnstone Strait: Trace the shores of Vancouver Island, following the narrow Johnstone Strait and watching for wildlife. This deep, glacier-carved channel is home to the world’s largest pod of resident orcas, as well as salmon, baleen whales, and harbor seals.

Day 3 — Alaska’s Inside Passage: Enter Alaska’s Inside Passage this morning, watching for Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles, and humpbacks. Your first port of call is Metlakatla, a native Tsimshian settlement.

Visit with local residents to learn about the culture’s rich artistic heritage, and take in a traditional performance by Tsimshian dancers.

Day 4 — Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska: Board local catamarans to explore the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument, where waterfalls tumble over near-vertical cliffs, splashing thousands of feet to the sapphire fjords below. Be on the lookout for brown bears on the rugged shores, and watch for orcas and harbor seals.

Day 5 — Petersburg: Drop anchor at Petersburg, a charming fishing village only accessible by small boats. View ancient petroglyphs left by the native Tlingit people and watch a traditional dance performance. Then set off on a hike in the Tongass National Forest, a 17-million acre stretch of wilderness that harbors glaciers and the world’s largest temperate rainforest.

Day 6 — Kake and Endicott Arm: In the ancient village of Kake, view one of the largest totem poles in the world. Here we also hope to have an opportunity to watch black bears fishing for salmon at a nearby creek. This afternoon, board a local boat to cruise the narrow fjord of Endicott Arm, which cuts deep into the mainland, ending in the arctic-blue ice of Dawes Glacier.

Day 7 — Point Adolphus and Elfin Cove: As the ship rounds Point Adolphus, be on deck to observe the humpbacks that come to feed in the rich waters off these shores. Visit the fishing village of Elfin Cove, where a local resident joins you on board to discuss everyday life in this remote Alaskan fishing outpost.

Days 8 & 9 —Sitka and Seattle, Washington: Set out on a local boat to explore the abundant wildlife and islands surrounding Sitka or take a walk through town, visiting craft shops and the oniondomed St. Michael’s Cathedral. Meander among historic totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park, or visit the impressive Alaska Raptor Center. The next day, transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Seattle, where you’ll connect with your flight home. *Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

Highlights

• Search for humpback whales feeding off the ship’s bow and brown bears foraging for their next meal.

• Delve into the region’s diverse cultural heritage, learning about the native Tsimshian and Tlingit peoples.

• Navigate among spectacular icebergs at the foot of Dawes Glacier.

• Walk through Sitka National Historical Park, where trails are lined with intricately carved totem poles.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on the July 20 departure are Nick Pyenson, curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and Jim Zimbelman, senior geologist emeritus at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

A Voyage Along the Great Lakes

Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville or Le Champlain

8 days from $6,980* / Oct. 9–16, 2023 & Aug. 28–Sept. 4, Oct. 11–18,† 2024

Experience the Great Lakes in their summer or autumn splendor, exploring the islands and coasts of Ontario and Michigan and discovering natural wonders and historic sites from Georgian Bay to Mackinac Island.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Arrive in Toronto and settle into your cabin. Set sail on Lake Ontario in the evening.

Day 2 — Niagara Falls and Lake Erie: Transit the Welland Canal to Port Colborne for a visit to Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls that straddle the border between Ontario and New York. Board a specially-designed vessel for an exhilarating ride to within feet of Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most powerful of the three falls. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising Lake Erie.

Day 3 — Detroit and St. Clair River: Sail through Detroit, taking in panoramic views of the skyscrapers of the former “Motor City,” and admire Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river—and two countries. Cruise the St. Clair River, used by French fur traders in the 18th century to facilitate trade with American Indian tribes, on the way to Lake Huron.

Day 4 — Lake Huron: Parry Sound and Georgian Bay: One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Huron separates Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from Ontario and offers a variety of coastal landscapes. Dock in Parry Sound and set out on a cruise aboard the Island Queen among the “Thirty Thousand Islands” of Georgian Bay—the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. Or opt to take a nature walk in Killbear Provincial Park, a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, and learn about the area’s flora and fauna on a visit to the visitor center.

Day 5 — Manitoulin Island: On Manitoulin Island, learn about the area’s First Nations heritage at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation; see traditional crafts being made and take part in a cleansing ritual. Or choose to hike to the highest point on the island for incredible views before sampling a selection of local wines, beers, and cheeses. Alternatively, go kayaking on the upper Kagawong River, walk to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls, and stop at a family-owned business for a coffee and chocolate tasting.

Day 6 — Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S.: Located on the northern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Here, embark on one of

Highlights

• Cruise into the spray of Niagara Falls, and transit a 1,377-foot lock on the Welland Canal.

• Navigate the “Thirty Thousand Islands” of Georgian Bay by boat, or discover the unusual geology of Killbear Provincial Park.

• Go hiking on Manitoulin Island, kayak through wetlands on Kagawong River, or visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation.

• Tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum or Museum Ship Valley Camp in Sault Ste. Marie, and explore timeless Mackinac Island.

Sault Ste. Marie

Mackinac Island

MILWAUKEE

Lake Michigan

Canada

Little Current Parry Sound

Lake Huron Lake Erie two excursions: take a scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a visit to the stunning Upper Falls for a walk. Continue to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to learn about the maritime history of the area, and visit the lightkeeper’s quarters Whitefish Point Light Station. Or experience the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, and visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp to learn about the maritime history of Lake Superior. Day 7 — Mackinac Island and Lake Michigan: Step back in time on tiny Mackinac Island, a former fur trading center that retains an atmosphere of yesteryear. Tour the historic island by horse-drawn carriage, viewing its Victorian-style buildings and iconic Grand Hotel. Then explore the museum of Fort Mackinac before an afternoon sail on Lake Michigan.

Day 8 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Disembark in Milwaukee and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Add a one-night extension in Toronto.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

†The October 2024 departure runs in the reverse.

Toronto

Port Colborne

UNITED STATES

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on the August departure are maritime history author Frederick Stonehouse and geology and oceanography professor Katryn Wiese.

Highlights

• Experience Montreal and Québec with expert guides, soaking up their Old World charm and vibrant contemporary culture.

• Go whale watching in Tadoussac, and see the natural wonders of Percé.

• Get acquainted with French-derived Acadian culture on the remote Îles de la Madeleine.

• Explore the World Heritage-listed fishing town of Lunenberg.

Tadoussac Percé

Québec TORONTO

Voyage Along the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes

Aboard the 184-guest Le Champlain

12 days from $10,860* / Oct. 18–29, 2024

Explore unique cultures rooted in Old Europe as you follow the St. Lawrence River through Québec and continue along the Canadian Maritimes, experiencing worldclass cities and stunning islands illuminated by fall foliage. Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Toronto, Ontario, Canada and St. Lawrence River: Arrive in Toronto and board the ship. Spend the next day enjoying the ship’s many amenities and attending lectures by your Smithsonian Journeys Experts.

Days 3 & 4 — Montréal & Québec City, Québec: On a walking tour of Old Montréal, admire the ornate interior of the Notre-Dame. Alternatively, take in sweeping city views from Parc du Mont-Royal and set out on a street art tour. Sail to Québec City and enjoy a stroll.

Day 5 — Tadoussac, Québec: The salty, rich waters near Tadoussac draw 13 cetacean species that come to feed from May to October. Visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center for a closer look at the local marine life, then set out in Zodiacs on a whale-watching excursion.

Day 6 — Percé, Québec: Cruise toward the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and go ashore in the town of Percé. Admire views of the stunning natural arch known as Percé Rock just offshore, or hike the trails of the Percé Global Geopark.

Day 7 — Îles de la Madeleine, Québec: Enjoy a cider tasting at a family-owned apple orchard, discover the islands’ Acadian roots at the Musée de la Mer, and take in coastal views from Cap Hérissé Lighthouse. Or hike amid dunes in Pointe de l’Est National Wildlife Area.

Days 8 & 9 — At Sea/Lunenburg: Enjoy a relaxing day on the water, watching for marine and birdlife on deck. Spend the next day in the delightful fishing village of Lunenburg, a World Heritage site. Take a walking tour and visit a fishing museum.

Days 10–12 — Eastport, Maine, U.S. and Boston, Massachusetts: Explore the quaint shops and colorful galleries of historic Eastport. Chat with an artist-inresidence at a local museum, admire fall foliage on a scenic hike, or embark on a whale-watching excursion. Gather for a farewell dinner on board, and disembark in Boston on your final morning.

Saint-Lawrence River Lunenburg

Lake Ontario

Cap-aux-Meules

Add a one-night extension in Toronto.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings. Montreal

Eastport BOSTON

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise include naturalist and educator David Catlin. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Highlights

• Experience Dominica, the Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” on a hike to spectacular viewpoints, a boat ride on the Indian River, or a tour and tasting at a family-owned chocolate factory.

• Go island-hopping in the mostly uninhabited French archipelago of Les Saintes, watching for wildlife and swimming and snorkeling.

• Take a jeep tour of Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or sail a catamaran around neighboring islands.

• Swim and snorkel or dive off the tiny island of Mayreau and in Tobago Cays Marine Park.

GUADELOUPE Les Saintes

Portsmouth

DOMINICA

Caribbean Sea

Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands

Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot

9 days from $6,050* / Jan. 28–Feb. 5, 2024

Sail across the spectacular Windward Islands, exploring rainforests, snorkeling reefs, and encountering history and culture from Dominica to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Barbados and beyond.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia: Arrive in St. Lucia and board the ship in Vieux Fort.

Day 2 — Portsmouth, Dominica: Explore the Caribbean’s “Nature Island” on a variety of excursions. Hike the Syndicate Nature Trail, view the cacao farms on the northeastern coast and enjoy a tour and tasting at a sustainable chocolate factory, or watch for wildlife as you cruise among the mangroves of enchanting Indian River.

Day 3 — Les Saintes, Guadeloupe: Go sailing on a local boat amid the islands known as Les Saintes, and stop to swim and snorkel. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Fort Napoléon and Marigot Bay.

Day 4 — Bequia Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Discover Bequia on a jeep tour, exploring picturesque Port Elizabeth, the ruins of 18th-century Hamilton Fort, and the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Or set off on a catamaran and drop anchor off a tiny island to snorkel and swim.

Days 5–7 — Mayreau Island, Grenada, and Tobago Cays: During a day on tiny Mayreau, swim, stroll the beach, snorkel, or dive among the reefs; and enjoy a beach barbecue lunch.

Port Elizabeth, Bequia

Mayreau Tobago Cays

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES GRENADA

Saint George's

VIEUX FORT SAINT LUCIA

Bridgetown

BARBADOS

Discover the “Spice Isle” of Grenada by touring the island, exploring Grand Etang National Park, or snorkeling the underwater sculpture park. Continue to Tobago Cays Marine Park for snorkeling and swimming among vibrant marine life within its fringing reef.

Days 8 & 9 — Bridgetown, Barbados and Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia: Arrive in Bridgetown, the World Heritage-listed capital of Barbados, known for its colonial architecture. Go snorkeling and swimming among sea turtles or take a historical tour of the island. Toast your Caribbean adventure with a glass of the island’s famous rum. The next day, disembark in Saint Lucia and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Add a two-night extension in St. Lucia.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are Franklin Knight, a professor and lecturer with expertise in the Caribbean, and Ed Smith, a former biologist at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

Highlights

• Make a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal, one of the greatest wonders of engineering in history.

• Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center on a specially-arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff.

• Explore World Heritage-listed Darién National Park, and visit a village of the indigenous Emberá people to learn about their rich culture.

• Go snorkeling among coral reefs in Panama’s remote San Blas Islands.

Caribbean Sea

COSTA RICA

PUNTARENAS

Quepos

COLÓN

Fuerte Amador

PANAMA

Paci c Ocean

Panama Canal

Playa Muerto

San Blas Islands Darien National Park

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea

Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont d’Urville

8 days from $6,525* / Feb. 10–17, 2024

Delve into the tropical forests of Panama and Costa Rica and cross the legendary Panama Canal, learning about Smithsonian’s scientific studies in the region as you explore a range of pristine ecosystems.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Colón, Panama: Embark the ship in Colón, and sail east along Panama’s coast.

Day 2 — San Blas Islands: Enjoy a day to explore the San Blas Islands, governed by the indigenous Kuna people. Stroll the long white sand beaches, and go swimming and snorkeling.

Day 3 — Panama Canal: Today, set off on a journey that inspired the imagination of many 20th-century adventurers: a daytime transit of the Panama Canal. This marvel of engineering was completed by the United States and opened in 1914. Delve into the dramatic history of its construction and engineering as you pass through three levels of locks.

Day 4 — Playa Muerto, Darién National Park: Venture into the World Heritage site of Darién National Park, where indigenous peoples live among extraordinary landscapes. Ride Zodiacs to Playa Muerto, a small coastal village of the Emberá people, and meet the chief for an introduction to his timeless culture.

Day 5 — Panama City: Enjoy a full-day excursion that includes a guided tour of the Biomuseo, designed by architect Frank Gehry, and a walking tour in the charming colonial district. Then take a specially-arranged tour of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation.

Day 6 — At Sea: Enjoy a day to relax at sea, taking advantage of the ship’s superb amenities.

Days 7 & 8 — Quepos, Costa Rica and Puntarenas: After docking in Quepos, explore stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, where the rainforest borders a pristine white beach. Or choose to take a mangrove boat ride or a float trip down the Savegre River. The next day, disembark the ship in Puntarenas and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Add a three-night extension in Costa Rica.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are Steven Paton, a director at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and Ralph Nurnberger, an expert in international relations.

Antarctica: The White Continent

Aboard the 264-guest Le Boréal

12 days from $12,950* / Feb. 25–Mar. 7, 2024

Includes a pre-cruise hotel night in Buenos Aires and round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia

Immerse yourself in a magnificent realm of ice on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Antarctica, and encounter astonishing wildlife—from thousands of penguins to breaching whales—on excursions with our naturalists.

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ushuaia: Arrive in Buenos Aires and check into your hotel. The next day, fly to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Enjoy an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park and discover the park’s flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes with our guides. After lunch, embark the ship and set sail on the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his South American voyages.

Days 3 & 4 — Drake Passage: Cross the legendary Drake Passage, enjoying the ship’s amenities and deepening your knowledge of Antarctica with your Smithsonian Journeys Experts and the team of naturalist guides on board.

Days 5–9 — Discovering the Antarctica Peninsula: Spend four days exploring the outer shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, where massive glaciers calve icebergs of all shapes and sizes. In this seemingly harsh environment, a vast array of wildlife flourishes, including millions of penguins and seabirds, as well as numerous species of seals and whales. At this time of year, we may get the chance to observe humpback and minke whales, pods of orcas, elephant and leopard seals, giant petrels, and great skuas. Go ashore on volcanic islands to walk among fur seals and gentoo and chinstrap penguins and their newly hatched chicks. Continue further south into the realm of ice, encountering playful Adélie penguins and unusual marine life. Cruise past tabular icebergs that dwarf the ship, ice floes where Weddell seals loll, and icebergs that glow ethereal shades of turquoise. Along the way, learn about the history of Antarctic exploration, from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to the ventures of explorers such as Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Adrien de Gerlache. You may have the chance to visit a research station. Keep in mind that your course is dependent on weather, sea, and ice conditions. Every cruise is unique, and your seasoned captain and crew are experts at making the most of the conditions at hand.

Days 10 & 11 — Drake Passage: Relax and reflect on board as you return across the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for seabirds and marine life.

Day 12 — Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Argentina: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires to connect with your flight home.

Add a two-night extension in Buenos Aires.

Limited to 200 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise are astrophysicist Richard Miller and Wayne Ranney, a geologist and writer.

Highlights

• Encounter spectacular polar panoramas, navigating among towering glaciers, lava sculpted mountains, and immense icebergs.

• Observe various species of penguins and watch for breaching whales.

• Enjoy excursions by Zodiac with expert naturalists, maneuvering among icebergs and stepping onto the continent itself.

• Experience the unusual flora of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego National Park.

ARGENTINA

Buenos Aires

USHUAIA

Drake Passage