Who You Go With Makes All the Difference

Expertly Guided Experiences Seek THE EXPERTS ► Chosen for their charisma, expertise, and affability, our Smithsonian Journeys Experts are the secret ingredient that turns a fine vacation into an unforgettable experience. Other tour companies can take your guests to the most splendid sites, but in the hands of our Experts, their journey will take on new meaning. These men and women have dedicated entire careers to pursuing personal and professional passions. Their enthusiasm is contagious; their expert guidance consistently brings depth, excitement, and substance to the travelers who join them on our tours. We're proud to introduce your clients to our stars. Meet some of our Smithsonian Journeys Experts Karl Eikenberry Karl Eikenberry served as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2009 until 2011. Before appointment as Chief of Mission in Kabul, Ambassador Eikenberry had a thirty-five-year career in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of lieutenant general. SEE THE CRUISE ► Michelle Thaller Dr. Thaller's research involves the lifecycles of stars and has appeared as an expert on T.V. programs including How the Universe Works and Space's Deepest Secrets. Dr. Thaller has given two TEDx talks and has hosted the podcast Orbital Path on public radio. SEE THE CRUISE ► Franklin W. Knight Professor Knight attended the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has published widely on the social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as on global slave systems. SEE THE CRUISE ► Alia Kate Alia Kate is a graduate of Oberlin College where she studied International Relations with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa. In 2008, Alia founded Kantara, a fair-trade design business that specializes in Moroccan rugs. SEE THE CRUISE ► Gillian Hovell Gillian previously worked at BBC Television and is an award-winning freelance writer, author, and public speaker, specializing in ancient history, and prehistory. She is actively involved in digs at major sites, including Orkney's famous Ness of Brodgar Neolithic site. SEE THE CRUISE ► Lech Wałęsa Lech Wałęsa is the legendary leader of the "Solidarity" movement and the author of its victory in 1989 over the communist regime in Poland. Around the world, he speaks about Poland's bloodless transition towards peace and democracy as a role model. SEE THE CRUISE ► Keith Lockhart Keith Lockhart has served as Conductor of the Boston Pops since 1995. He and the Pops have made 79 television shows and performed in high-profile sporting events such as Super Bowl XXXVI, the 2008 NBA finals, and Game Two of the 2018 World Series. SEE THE CRUISE ► Nancy Harmon Jenkins Nancy Harmon Jenkins is a widely recognized authority on Mediterranean cuisines, the Mediterranean diet, and extra-virgin olive oil and its qualities. She is the author of many books, including Virgin Territory: Exploring the World of Olive Oil. SEE THE CRUISE ► See What's on Deck for 2023 Invite your clients to join Smithsonian Journeys Experts on a carefully crafted itinerary that celebrates their instinct to explore. us.ponant.com Find all the useful information to prepare your cruise with PONANT - Learn more 5 reasons to travel with PONANT World Leader of Luxury Expeditions Luxurious small ships Exceptional destinations and itineraries French art of living and refined gastronomy Environmentally responsible ships Given the particularly changing international sanitary context, this itinerary as well as the land programs and shore excursions may have to evolve according to port authorizations and governmental regulations in force at the time of your trip.