Ponant has partnered with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, on a number of 2022 sailings.
It is Smithsonian Journey's first alliance with an expedition line.
France-based Ponant said it will offer 19 themed departures with Smithsonian to destinations such as Antarctica, Japan, Iceland, Europe and the Great Lakes that will feature a variety of experts, from archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists and historians.
"As travel begins to resume, we believe guests will be more interested than ever in meaningful and enriching experiences that help to better interpret and understand the places they're exploring," Lynn Cutter, senior vice president of Smithsonian Travel, said in a statement.
The themed sailings will delve into a region's history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife.
Smithsonian Journeys offers small-group land journeys, ocean cruises, river cruises, active journeys, cultural stays, private jet trips, tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler and student travel programs.