Ponant adds Central American & Caribbean journeys for winter 2027

Ponant Explorations has announced an extensive deployment of 48 voyages across 11 unique itineraries in Central America and the Caribbean for the 2026-2027 winter season.

From November 2026 through April 2027, the line will operate 34 Caribbean voyages and 14 Central America voyages, providing unprecedented choice for sophisticated travellers seeking authentic, immersive experiences close to home, with the brand’s signature focus on transformative discovery. 

The ambitious program will be operated by four of the line’s 13 state-of-the-art ships, from the PONANT Explorers series—Le Bellot, Le Bougainville, and Le Lapérouse, each hosting just 184 guests in spacious staterooms and suites. Also featured in the deployment is Le Ponant, the line’s iconic three-masted yacht and the world’s first sailing ship awarded the prestigious Relais & Châteaux label, hosting 32 guests attended by 33 crew members. 

“This deployment represents our most comprehensive Central America and Caribbean season to date, offering travelers the perfect balance of exploration, education, and refined relaxation all delivered with our signature French flair,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, Americas. “Our small ships can access remote, pristine destinations, allowing our guests to discover the authentic essence of these close-to-home regions while enjoying the joie de vivre for which our ships are known. Moreover, our commitment to sustainable cruising ensures we explore these fragile ecosystems responsibly, leaving minimal impact on the spectacular environments we visit.”

Highlights of the Winter 2026-2027 Caribbean and Central America season include:

Smithsonian Journeys Voyages

PONANT EXPLORATIONS continues its acclaimed alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, offering intellectually stimulating voyages designed for English-speaking travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural wonders of these regions. Each voyage features two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who provide onboard lectures and discussions that explore a destination’s history, language, environment, and wildlife, along with an included excursion or activity in each port of call. All Smithsonian Journeys voyages include airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days ensuring a seamless experience.

• Panama & Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America with Smithsonian Journeys | 7 nights | 1 departure | Puntarenas to Colón

This enriching voyage includes a specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff. Guests will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site in Darién National Park while gaining expert insights into the ecosystems and cultural heritage of Central America.

• Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands with Smithsonian Journeys | 7 nights | 1 departure | Roundtrip Vieux Fort

Showcasing UNESCO World Heritage sites including the majestic Pitons of Saint Lucia and Historic Bridgetown in Barbados, this voyage offers a picture-perfect sampling of the West Indies with white-sand beaches, colorful reefs, idyllic turquoise waters, and exploration of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, considered one of the world’s most stunning archipelagos.

 Central America

These voyages blend expedition adventure with immersive nature experiences in some of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Accompanied by the line’s expert naturalist guides, guests will explore rainforests, encounter exotic wildlife, and learn about local communities through Zodiac excursions, forest hikes, and cultural interactions. These programs emphasize scientific enrichment and responsible exploration.

• Pacific Coast of Costa Rica | 7 nights | 3 departures | Roundtrip Puntarenas

Explore national parks including Manuel Antonio, Rincón de la Vieja, Carara, and Curú. Both naturalists and local guides lead supervised activities that might range from mangrove explorations by Zodiac to forest hikes and nature walks.

• Secrets of Central America | Expedition | 10 nights | 8 departures | Puntarenas to Colón (and reverse)
  Visit Curú Wildlife Refuge, UNESCO-listed Darién National Park, and Río Esquinas mangroves. Enjoy cultural encounters with Kuna and Emberas communities, Zodiac excursions, and scenic swims throughout Costa Rica and Panama, including a Panama Canal transit.
• Central America Jewels & Panama Canal | 7 nights | 2 departures | Colón to Puntarenas
  Experience tropical forests, encounters with Indigenous communities, and included excursions to sites such as UNESCO-listed Darién National Park and the Miraflores Locks.

Caribbean

These Caribbean voyages invite guests to explore beyond traditional ports to find the authentic character of the French West Indies, British Virgin Islands, and other island gems. Each itinerary combines cultural immersion with nature-focused exploration. The elegant Le Ponant provides an especially refined experience, with the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the fleet.

• Reverie Under Sail in the Heart of the Lesser Antilles | 7 nights | 4 departures | Roundtrip Marigot | Relais & Châteaux experience aboard Le Ponant

Sail among the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, visiting pristine locations such as Sandy Island, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke.

• Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands | 7 nights | 4 departures | Roundtrip Pointe-à-Pitre | Relais & Châteaux experience aboard Le Ponant

Journey from Guadeloupe to Saint Lucia, stopping in Dominica, Bequia Island, Tobago Cays, and Martinique.

• History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels | 7 nights | 9 departures | Marigot to Pointe-à-Pitre (and reverse) | Relais & Châteaux experience aboard Le Ponant

Discover cultural highlights including UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua, Les Saintes, Nevis, Barbuda, and Saint Barth.

• Pearls of the Caribbean | 7 nights | 9 departures | Roundtrip Fort-de-France

Explore the French West Indies and Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, including Soufrière and the Pitons of Saint Lucia, the Tobago Cays, and charming Port Elizabeth on Bequia Island.

• Wonders of the Caribbean | 7 nights | 4 departures | Roundtrip Fort-de-France

Visit historic Antigua and the unspoiled beaches of the British Virgin Islands.

• Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean | 9 nights | 1 departure | Willemstad to Colón

Discover the biodiversity and history of Colombia and Panama, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Cartagena de Indias, Portobelo, and Willemstad. Local expert-led excursions are complemented by onboard naturalists.

• Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands | 12 nights | 2 departures | Colón to Fort-de-France (and reverse)

An itinerary rich in UNESCO sites—Cartagena de Indias, fortifications of Portobelo, Pitons of Saint Lucia—and national wonders in the San Blas Islands, Santa Marta, Bonaire, and beyond.

Reservations for the 2026-2027 Caribbean and Central America season are now open. For more information, travellers can contact their preferred travel advisor, visit us.ponant.com or call 1-888-400-1082.