Celebrating American History & Culture Along the Atlantic Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys

A historical port city on the Canadian east coast, Halifax, surrounded by enchanting nature, stands out as the provincial capital and the cultural hub of Nova Scotia. The city played an important strategic military role in the two world wars and was also the largest Royal Navy base during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Most of the victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest here in the Fairview cemetery, which you will have the chance to discover. At this port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and discover its breathtaking natural landscapes.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Nicknamed “ America's Walking City”,   the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States,  is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.

This marina harbour, with only 25,000 inhabitants, boasts fabulous Gilded Age mansions inspired by French and Italian palaces. One example is The Elms, the summer residence of the Berwind family, who made their fortune in the coal industry. Another is the imposing Château-sur-Mer built by the Wetmore family. But the cream of the crop is The Breakers, a Renaissance-style palace composed of 70 rooms.

The biggest city in the United States is fascinating on many accounts. With its five particularly spread out districts - Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island –, it offers an incredible number of cultural interests. You’ll just love taking in the constant buzz in Times Square, visit Ground Zero, taking a stroll in Central Park’s 341 hectares, or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Not surprising then that the Big Apple is to be consumed without moderation!

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Philadelphia, the "birthplace of America," is home to iconic historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as well as the Museum of the American Revolution and Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S. Art lovers may wish to explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous "Rocky Steps," while foodies will love the city's thriving culinary scene—including the famous Philly cheesesteak. For outdoor enthusiasts, Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban green spaces in the country.

This charming waterfront city is the state capital of Maryland and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. It offers a mix of colonial heritage and maritime attractions. Stroll along the picturesque streets of the historic district, visit the Maryland State House, or tour the Naval Academy. The city’s waterfront provides scenic boat tours, sailing excursions, and seafood dining at top-rated restaurants. Annapolis also boasts a vibrant arts scene, boutique shopping, and lively festivals.

Any visit to Baltimore is incomplete with time spent in its Inner Harbor, featuring the National Aquarium, historic ships, and waterfront dining. History lovers can visit Fort McHenry, where the Star-Spangled Banner was written, and explore the city's many museums. Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods, like Fells Point and Mount Vernon, offer charming streets, local shops, and great restaurants. And food lovers will want to sample Maryland’s famous crab cakes in the city that made them famous.

Norfolk, Virginia, is a vibrant coastal city with a rich naval history. Home to the world’s largest naval base, it offers the Nauticus Maritime Museum and tours of the Battleship Wisconsin. The scenic Elizabeth River waterfront is perfect for a stroll while admiring harbor views, and boat tours are also available there. Art lovers won't want to miss the Chrysler Museum of Art, while those who enjoy the great outdoors will appreciate the lush landscapes of the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the sandy shores of nearby Ocean View Beach.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and Southern hospitality. Visitors can explore the historic district’s cobblestone streets, perhaps aboard a horse-drawn carriage, and admire the pastel-colored historic homes along Rainbow Row. History buffs will be drawn to Fort Sumter National Monument, the site where the Civil War began, and may also want to visit antebellum plantations like Boone Hall or Middleton Place. Charleston City Market offers a variety of local handicrafts, and the city's many award-winning restaurants specialize in world-class Lowcountry cuisine.

Downtown Jacksonville is home to several first-class museums, including the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Museum of Science and History, and also offers interesting shopping at the Riverside Arts Market. For those more interested in the outdoors, there are more than 20 miles of prime beaches between Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. The St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway offer boating, fishing, and waterfront dining. And the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a vast area of unspoiled coastal wetlands, marshes, and historical sites.

Although Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, serving as a gateway to the tropics, it offers easy access to many nearby places of interest. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is literally next door to the port, where you can learn about NASA's history through interactive exhibits and real spacecraft. Cocoa Beach, part of the barrier island just south of the port, is home to the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, featuring restaurants, shops, and fishing spots. And the port area itself has several popular seafood restaurants.

The ultimate symbol of Florida if ever there was one, to this day Miami remains a must-see city. The home of what is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port, this multicultural city where the sun rules supreme has a lot more to offer than just long beaches and glamour. Miami is also worth visiting for its Art Deco district in South Beach, home to pastel-coloured buildings and to hotels with eccentric shapes. Artists, designers and top couturiers enliven this multifaceted city of skyscrapers, boutiques, frescoes and turquoise water. Not far from there is Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness reserve in North America, listed with UNESCO.