Ponant Explorations published its 2028-29 Antarctic season, the day's one development that changes what a buyer can plan around. The program contains 12 expedition itineraries and nearly 30 departures, with sailings from 10 to 59 nights. One voyage sails in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, and one departure carries The Explorers Club. The announcement sets the frame for comparing the season against other operators.
Ponant's 2028-29 Season: 12 Itineraries, Nearly 30 Departures
The 12 itineraries span the continent's full reach, according to the operator. That range is the first thing to weigh. A 10-night sailing and a 59-night sailing are different products, and the program forces a buyer to choose between them. The choice of voyage length determines how much time the trip takes, so the spread matters more than the count of itineraries.
Nearly 30 departures gives the season real capacity. For a buyer, that means more date options and a better chance of matching a work schedule. It also means the season is not a single window, so there is room to compare itineraries before committing. A program of this size also spreads demand across the season, which matters for anyone weighing a specific departure date.
The two partner sailings are the entry points for specialist-led travel. The Smithsonian Journeys alliance applies to a voyage, while The Explorers Club joins a departure. Buyers should ask which of the 12 itineraries each partner is attached to and what the partner contributes to the daily program. The answer separates the two specialist voyages from the other ten.
The 2028-29 season is two austral summers out. That timeline is a planning advantage for buyers who want a specific departure. For the Smithsonian and Explorers Club sailings, the program is now defined, and the next decision is which of the two partner voyages fits the trip length and route.
The question to put to an operator: which itinerary the Smithsonian Journeys alliance applies to, which departure The Explorers Club joins, and what each partner adds on board. That answer, more than the number of itineraries or departures, determines which of the 12 voyages is worth booking.