Oozing exoticism, the Solomon Islands boast eclectic tribes, stunning islets, and ancient mangrove forests. Tufi, often called the "Scandinavia of the tropics," features deep volcanic fjords. When you travel with PONANI, you'll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local Papuan culture, experiencing their traditions and artwork firsthand. This is a truly transformative experience that will broaden your perspective on this corner of the world.

We recommend witnessing a colorful "sing-sing," a traditional cultural performance. Don't forget your camera phone! You might even encounter the Asaro Mudmen, who re-enact warrior episodes from their history, their bodies covered in mud and adorned with masks.

Adventure seekers can embark on a polar odyssey to Greenland's dramatic Blosseville Coast and Ittorortoormiit fiordlands. Immerse yourself in Inuit culture, exploring vibrant villages and experiencing warm hospitality. Discover the region's pristine beauty through wilderness hikes, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Keep an eye out for a rich array of birdlife and iconic Arctic creatures like whales, reindeer, musk oxen, and perhaps even the elusive polar bear.

For centuries, traders and colonists from Arabia, India, the African mainland, Oman, and Portugal converged on this exotic destination. Today, Stone Town stands as a testament to its rich history, boasting intricately carved Zanzibar doors, a 1699-era Old Fort, and the vibrant Darajani Bazaar, overflowing with spices, produce, fresh fish, and handicrafts.

From Zanzibar, travelers often journey to the Seychelles, a paradisiacal Indian Ocean archipelago renowned for its coral reefs, pristine beaches, and unspoiled eco-systems. Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the world's largest land turtle colony, while Astove Atoll enchants snorkelers and scuba divers with its underwater wonders.

In the footsteps of Cook, Peary, and Amundsen, explorers can venture beyond the Arctic Circle to the authentic geographic North Pole. This exclusive journey is made possible by PONANT's state-of-the-art small-ship icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, the only vessel capable of reaching this remote destination in luxury. With up to 245 guests, travelers can seamlessly transition from the ship to the ice, creating an unforgettable sense of accomplishment as they capture selfies at the top of the world.

As the world’s second-largest island nation, Madagascar is an ecological treasure trove boasting numerous Biosphere Reserves. Among them is Nosy Be, home to a large red-tailed tropicbird colony. At Sarodrano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, expedition guests encounter the Vezo people, one of the last remaining sea nomad cultures.

Madagascar is famously known as "Lemur Central," harboring 32 endemic lemur species. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, travelers can search for these unique primates at Ankarafantsika National Park. Look for these furry creatures with their distinctive pointed snouts, large eyes, and long tails.

What awaits travelers hopping through a chain of lush, seldom-visited islands connecting southern Japan to mountainous Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site? A pristine temperate rainforest with towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and soaring peaks, inhabited by playful Yakushima monkeys.

The Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands offer authentic villages and stunning natural beauty, while Kagoshima, a bustling metropolis, serves as a gateway to the region. One breathtaking highlight is Kabira Bay on Iriomote Island, renowned for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches.

For a cultural experience, witness the traditional "Fisa" folk dance and drumming performance on Ishigaki Island, the northernmost territory of Okinawa.

To discover unusual destinations where the Celtic era is forever preserved in stone, song, and whiskey, journey to Scotland's Shetland, Orkney, and Hebridean Islands. Often beginning or ending in Edinburgh or Glasgow, with some itineraries including Fort William, these islands offer a unique experience.

On the Shetland Islands, explore the 16th-century ruins of Scalloway Castle. In Orkney, visit Kirkwall and spot puffins and European skuas. The Inner Hebrides' Isle of Skye is renowned for its Gaelic culture and the legendary Sligachan Bridge.

What’s hot this year with luxury travelers? The Kimberley, an unspoiled region along Australia’s northwestern coastline. Largely inaccessible by land, it’s best explored on a small-ship expedition between Darwin and Broome. One itinerary highlight is the Hunter River ecosystem, with its mangrove forests and saltwater crocodiles. Another is the breathtaking twin waterfalls of King George Falls, Western Australia’s highest.

The beautiful bays of Vansittart and Swift offer exceptional panoramas, hidden coves, caves, and rocky overhangs. The Lacepede Islands are a haven for nesting birds and turtles, while the Ashmore and Montgomery Reefs boast vibrant coral and abundant marine life.

Within Chile's fiords, awe-inspiring grandeur unfolds, from snow-capped Andes peaks to cascading glaciers. Many voyages embark from or return to Ushuaia, Argentina, often called "El fin del mundo" (the end of the world). Among the unique destinations visited is Puerto Natales, Chile, where charming wooden houses are interconnected by footbridges.

Yet, the region's natural beauty is truly the star. After witnessing the thunderous crack of Chile's spectacular Aguila, Agostini, and Garibaldi glaciers, lucky travelers often experience "calving," as massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. For an added thrill, sailing near Cape Horn allows adventurers to follow in the footsteps of Ferdinand Magellan, the 16th-century Portuguese explorer.

Southeast of New Zealand, the Subantarctic Islands of the Southern Ocean are brimming with wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Travelers may encounter albatrosses soaring overhead or penguins waddling across black sandy beaches.

At Snares Island, the unique Subantarctic residents include 35,000 endemic Snares Crested Penguins, plus over 1,000 fur seals. Small-ship expedition voyages often depart from Dunedin, New Zealand.