PONANT EXPLORATIONS has hosted a group of Australian travel professionals aboard Le Dumont d’Urville on a Mediterranean educational voyage designed to showcase its partnership with Smithsonian Journeys.
Hosted by PONANT EXPLORATIONS State Manager NSW & ACT Kristina Sambaher, the famil followed the Corsica and the Tuscan Archipelago by Sea itinerary, combining luxury small-ship cruising with expert-led cultural enrichment.
Advisors experience Smithsonian Journeys first-hand
The voyage departed from Nice and explored Corsica, Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago, with highlights including Bonifacio, Giglio Island and Portofino, alongside local culinary experiences.
Onboard enrichment was led by internationally recognised art historian Rafael Chacón and journalist, author and former Reuters foreign correspondent Adam Tanner, who provided insights into the Mediterranean’s history, art, culture and geopolitics.
The group also experienced onboard highlights including swimming directly from the ship’s marina platform and an exclusive bridge cocktail reception with Captain Sébastien Dubuffet and senior officers.
Travel trade education remains a focus
The educational welcomed representatives from Anywhere Travel, Schmitzer & James Travel Associates, Hunter Travel Group and iTravel Group.
PONANT said the voyage formed part of its ongoing commitment to advisor education, giving travel professionals the opportunity to experience the product directly and build a deeper understanding of the Smithsonian Journeys guest experience.
The partnership combines PONANT’s small-ship cruising with expert interpretation and destination immersion, creating a product aimed at travellers seeking more context and depth from their time ashore.
