Ponant Explorations has announced that Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, civil rights leaders and global humanitarians, will be guests of honor on its seven-night voyage “Celebrating America’s 250th: An Exploration of History and Culture.”

They will give onboard talks and share insights throughout the week.

Departing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 6, 2026, the sailing on L’Austral will take a diverse approach to exploring U.S. history, honoring the cultural tapestry and contributions of all those who have shaped it.

The ship will continue along the Eastern Seaboard to Boston, Newport, New York City and Philadelphia, before concluding in Baltimore.

“Travel in itself is educational and can connect cultures, open minds and inspire understanding. It has always been central to our mission that travel is transformational, whether guests are exploring the farthest corners of the world or their own backyard,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of Ponant Exploration Group Americas.

“We are honored to welcome Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King on this specially curated voyage, where we will celebrate the richness and diversity of the American story through reflection and discovery,” added Chamberlain.

“It’s one thing to educate yourself on American history by reading books, but nothing compares to visiting landmarks that once set the stage for social movements and other pivotal moments that set the course of our independence,” said Martin Luther King III.

Arndrea Waters King said: “This special sailing will foster a deeper, more tangible understanding of our nation’s identity, one that will empower travelers with knowledge to continue making positive change.”

The company said in a press release that guests will experience curated shore excursions, including:

• Exploring historic sites along Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Visiting the Philadelphia Black Metropolis
• Paying tribute to the fallen at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, or tracing heritage at Ellis Island in New York
• Celebrating Newport’s history on a cruise around Narragansett Bay aboard an 80-foot sailing schooner, and
• Culinary tours in Boston and Philadelphia.

In addition, a topical expert on American history and culture will be announced soon.