Jenny’s Blog: My Mediterranean cruise with Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys

Off on another adventure - and it seems that, like buses, expedition ships come along two at once. Fresh from the Arctic, my suitcase took on a very different personality as I headed for the Mediterranean with Ponant aboard L'Austral for a Smithsonian Journeys cruise.

This was my first Ponant experience in warmer climes, and I was curious to see how their expedition-style travel works in the Mediterranean.

Malta

I flew into Valletta with an overnight stop before boarding the next day. There's something rather lovely about easing into a journey this way - time to absorb the destination before you're straight onto the ship.

Malta holds a special place for me. The last time I visited, I was 17 and on my very first fam trip with the Malta Tourist Board. I don't remember many details (it was a long time ago!), but I do remember that excitement of discovering somewhere new for the first time.

Before boarding, I had a leisurely wander around Valletta. What a beautiful city - golden stone streets glowing in the sunshine, sparkling sea views, and that Mediterranean warmth that makes you slow down. I found myself wishing I had longer to explore. There's so much history and character packed into this small city.

Welcomed by the crew

Smithsonian Journeys

For those unfamiliar, Smithsonian Journeys are expert-led voyages with lectures, curated excursions and cultural encounters that add real depth. Throughout this cruise, two Smithsonian experts shared insights that made each destination more rewarding. It's a style of travel that appeals to curious travellers who want to learn while they explore.

Sicily & Sardinia

Erice

We sailed out of Valletta, and our first ports didn't disappoint. In Sicily, Trapani charmed us with its medieval hilltop gem Erice, while Palermo delivered history, colour and Sicilian soul.

Next came Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. Perched between turquoise seas and golden hills, it's a city that blends ancient charm with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. We wandered through the cobbled streets of the historic Castello district, stopped for gelato (of course!), and later enjoyed a cocktail on deck as we sailed away with the sun setting over the Gulf of Angels.

Life on board L'Austral

The atmosphere feels like a blend of private yacht elegance and expedition spirit. French sophistication runs through everything - the Sothys spa, pool, fitness centre, and two refined restaurants serving beautifully crafted food. With just 132 cabins (most with balconies) and 24-hour room service, it feels intimate and personal. Live music and the onboard theatre provided relaxed evening entertainment.

Ponant is particularly appealing for solo travellers - they're one of very few cruise lines offering single-occupancy cabins with no supplement on most cruises. My client Joy travelled with Ponant to Patagonia in October and has already booked Darwin to Fiji for next August. The savings are fantastic for solo travellers.

Menorca

After a relaxing day at sea (Pilates, a work presentation, a Smithsonian lecture, and even a caviar tasting), we arrived the next morning into Mahón, Menorca, to a beautiful sunrise.

I joined a tour exploring the old town of Ciutadella with spectacular views over Cala Galdana along the way. Back on board, we enjoyed paella lunch, followed by a stroll around Mahón. I couldn't help wondering why I'd never visited Menorca before - it's such a beautiful island.

The evening wrapped up with a sail-away featuring local Menorcan gin and cheese as the sun set, followed by a casino event on board.

Palma

Our final port was Palma, where we had a full day to explore. From the beautiful old town and stunning cathedral to waterfront cafés, it was the perfect place to end the voyage.

Final thoughts

This journey was a good reminder of how enriching small-ship cruising can be, especially when combined with expert-led experiences. If you're curious about Ponant, Smithsonian Journeys, or Mediterranean cruising with a cultural focus, I'd love to share more.

As always, if this has sparked ideas for your own travels, please get in touch.

Jenny