Ponant has released early details about a new 19-departure itinerary programme for 2022.

The French cruise line has partnered with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel arm of the Smithsonian Institution, a museum, education and research facility based in Washington DC, to create the itineraries.

Destinations include the British Isles, Antarctica, Japan, Iceland, the Mediterranean, the Great Lakes and the Norwegian Fjords.

Passengers will have the opportunity to meet archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, and historians during the sailings.

The line said further itinerary details would be announced “in the coming months”.

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Navin Sawhney, Ponant’s chief executive officer, Americas, said: “We are proud to launch a collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, the enduring leader in cultural enrichment, to continue to deliver unparalleled experiences alongside guides that have traversed the globe for decades and top experts in their field.”

Lynn Cutter, senior vice president, Smithsonian Travel, said: “As travel begins to resume, we believe guests will be more interested than ever in meaningful and enriching experiences that help to better interpret and understand the places they’re exploring.”