Ponant America's 250th Anniversary Voyage
L'Austral | Halifax to Baltimore | October 6-13, 2026
Limited Staterooms - Only 10 Allocated
Join Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King for a historic journey celebrating 250 years of American history. Exclusive group rates with Smithsonian Journeys expert programming and French all-inclusive luxury.
Special Guests: Martin Luther King III & Arndrea Waters King
Join renowned civil rights leaders and global humanitarians for onboard discussions about America's ongoing journey toward equality and justice.
Intimate French Elegance
L'Austral accommodates just 264 guests in 132 staterooms, offering personalized service with a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
All-Inclusive Luxury
French gastronomy, unlimited premium beverages, included shore excursions, and gratuities are all part of your voyage.
Smithsonian Journeys Partnership
Expert historians and cultural specialists provide enriching lectures and context throughout your historical exploration.
Six Historic Cities
From Boston's Freedom Trail to Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, explore America's founding through carefully curated excursions.
Exclusive Group Rates
Travel Hub 365 has secured limited allocation with savings up to 10% below public pricing—only 10 staterooms available.
Secure your stateroom now with exclusive group pricing up to 10% below public rates. Limited allocation expires November 17, 2025.
Ponant Excellence
French luxury cruise line renowned for intimate voyages and exceptional service
Smithsonian Journeys
Expert-led programming with renowned historians and cultural specialists
Travel Hub 365
Exclusive group pricing and dedicated concierge service throughout your journey
Your Historic Journey
Trace America's 250-year story from Halifax to Baltimore, with expert-led shore excursions celebrating the nation's revolutionary heritage, civil rights progress, and diverse cultural contributions.
Halifax
Begin your journey in Halifax, Nova Scotia's vibrant maritime capital. This historic port city served as a crucial gateway for immigration and trade throughout American history.
Included Experiences:
- •Embarkation and welcome aboard L'Austral
- •Champagne reception
- •Introduction to special guests Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King
Historical Context: Halifax played a vital role in North American history as a British naval stronghold and later as a major port for transatlantic immigration and trade.
At Sea
Sail along the rugged Nova Scotia coastline and across the Gulf of Maine. Attend enrichment lectures by Martin Luther King III and expert historians.
Included Experiences:
- •Onboard lectures about America's revolutionary period
- •Discussions with special guests
- •French culinary experiences
- •Panoramic ocean views
Historical Context: The waters between Nova Scotia and Massachusetts were crucial maritime routes during colonial times and the American Revolution.
Boston
Explore Boston's pivotal role in American independence. Walk the Freedom Trail, visit Beacon Hill, or explore Harvard Yard and historic Copley Square.
Included Experiences:
- •Freedom Trail walking tour
- •Beacon Hill and Quincy Market
- •Harvard Yard and Cambridge
- •Boston Public Library - first free municipal library in America
- •Choice of included shore excursions
Historical Context: Boston was the epicenter of colonial resistance against British rule, site of the Boston Tea Party, and birthplace of the American Revolution.
Newport
Discover Newport's dual identity: colonial seaport and Gilded Age summer resort. Tour opulent mansions or sail Narragansett Bay aboard a classic schooner.
Included Experiences:
- •Vanderbilt and Carnegie mansions
- •Cliff Walk scenic tour
- •America's Cup sailing experience
- •Colonial-era historic district
- •Choice of included shore excursions
Historical Context: Newport was a major colonial trading port and later became the summer playground of America's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age, symbolizing the nation's industrial rise.
New York
Experience America's greatest metropolis with a full day in New York. Pay tribute at the 9/11 Memorial, explore Ellis Island, or walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
Included Experiences:
- •Statue of Liberty views from ship
- •9/11 Memorial & Museum
- •Ellis Island immigration experience
- •Brooklyn Bridge walk and DUMBO neighborhood
- •Extended evening in the city
Historical Context: New York served as America's gateway for millions of immigrants, the nation's first capital, and evolved into a global symbol of opportunity and diversity.
At Sea
A day of reflection and learning as you continue south. Attend discussions with Arndrea Waters King about civil rights history and America's ongoing journey toward equality.
Included Experiences:
- •Civil rights discussions with special guests
- •Historical lectures and context
- •French gastronomic experiences
- •Spa and wellness facilities
Historical Context: Time to reflect on the diverse stories and struggles that have shaped America's 250-year journey, from revolution through civil rights to present day.
Philadelphia
Visit the birthplace of American democracy. See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, explore Philly's food scene, discover Black history, or visit Amish Country.
Included Experiences:
- •Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
- •Philadelphia Black Metropolis tour
- •Amish Country in Lancaster County
- •Philadelphia culinary experience
- •Constitutional history exploration
Historical Context: Philadelphia is where America was born - site of the Declaration of Independence signing and Constitutional Convention, making it the cradle of American democracy.
Baltimore
Your voyage concludes in Baltimore, home to Fort McHenry where the Star-Spangled Banner was born. Disembark with a deeper understanding of America's 250-year journey.
Included Experiences:
- •Fort McHenry (optional pre-disembarkation)
- •Farewell breakfast
- •Included transfer to airport
- •Final reflections with guests and experts
Historical Context: Baltimore's Fort McHenry inspired the national anthem during the War of 1812, symbolizing American resilience and the enduring spirit of independence.
Martin Luther King III & Arndrea Waters King
Join renowned civil rights leaders and global humanitarians as they share profound insights on America's journey toward equality, justice, and unity. Their onboard discussions and lectures will add unparalleled depth to this commemorative voyage.
Together with Smithsonian Journeys expert historians, they will provide context and perspective on the diverse peoples and movements that have shaped 250 years of American history.
Choose Your Stateroom
Exclusive group rates up to 10% below Ponant's public pricing. Only 10 staterooms allocated. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include $390 in port charges.
Find Your Perfect Stateroom
Filter by budget, deck, or size to discover your ideal accommodation
Deluxe Stateroom
Elegant stateroom with private balcony offering intimate ocean views and French-inspired design.
- •Private balcony with seating
- •Queen-size bed or twin beds
- •Bathroom with shower
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Enhanced stateroom on Deck 4 with premium amenities and priority services throughout your voyage.
- •Private balcony with seating
- •Queen-size bed or twin beds
- •Bathroom with shower
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Mid-deck Prestige Stateroom offering enhanced views and premium Ponant service.
- •Private balcony with seating
- •Queen-size bed or twin beds
- •Bathroom with shower
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Upper deck Prestige Stateroom with optimal views and exclusive Ponant amenities.
- •Private balcony with seating
- •Queen-size bed or twin beds
- •Bathroom with shower
Deluxe Suite
Generous suite combining refined French elegance with expanded living space and premium balcony.
- •Spacious suite with separate lounge area
- •Large private balcony
- •Queen-size bed
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
Exceptional suite offering sophisticated French design, expansive balcony, and exclusive privileges.
- •Expansive suite with separate living room
- •Very large private balcony
- •Queen-size bed
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
Top-deck Prestige Suite with commanding views, sophisticated appointments, and VIP privileges.
- •Expansive suite with separate living room
- •Very large private balcony with premium views
- •Queen-size bed
Owner's Suite
The pinnacle of Ponant luxury with unmatched space, panoramic balcony, and dedicated concierge service.
- •Largest suite on board with separate lounge
- •Panoramic private balcony
- •King-size bed
What's Included
Ponant's all-inclusive philosophy means everything you need for an exceptional voyage is included—from French gastronomy to expert-led excursions.
Roundtrip airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days
One included shore excursion or activity in each port of call
All meals on board with French gastronomy
Unlimited complimentary beverages (champagne, wines, spirits, soft drinks)
24-hour room service
Zodiac outings and landings with naturalist guides (if applicable)
Onboard lectures and discussions with expert historians
Special presentations by Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King
Access to fitness center with modern equipment
Access to sauna and hammam
Access to main lounge and outdoor lounges
Complimentary WiFi throughout the ship
Ponant's refined French service and hospitality
$1,010 Per Person Included
Your all-inclusive fare includes these valuable additions at no extra cost
The Ponant Difference
Experience French elegance and intimate luxury aboard L'Austral
Intimate Yacht Experience
With just 132 staterooms and 264 guests, L'Austral offers an intimate, yacht-style atmosphere far removed from massive cruise ships.
French Gastronomy
Two restaurants featuring French culinary excellence with open seating, plus 24-hour room service with gourmet options.
Premium Beverages Included
Unlimited champagne, fine wines, premium spirits, and soft drinks throughout your voyage at no additional cost.
Personalized Service
Nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures attentive, personalized French service throughout your journey.
Expert-Led Enrichment
Smithsonian Journeys historians and special guests provide context and insights that transform sightseeing into true learning.
Travel Hub 365 Support
Exclusive group pricing, dedicated specialists, and white-glove service from booking through disembarkation.
Reserve Your Stateroom
Submit your information and a Ponant specialist will contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability and finalize your reservation for this historic voyage.