Plot Synopsis

MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS documents the most dynamic passenger vessels in the world en route to unbelievably glorious paradise hotspots. It's a see-all, hear-all journey through every moment above and below deck -- from the mechanics of modern sea-going to the human dramas faced by seafarers and guest service staff. Each 60-minute episode of this MIGHTY SHIPS spinoff features one vessel, including: Paul Gauguin, which navigates delicate waters and offers five-star luxury whilesailing the coral reefs, mountainous islands, and tropical playgrounds of French Polynesia; Le Soleal, which sets sail through uncharted waters in Indonesia ona voyage in search of scenic beaches, active volcanoes, and Komodo Dragons; Azamara Journey, which navigates narrow rivers, overcomes tense moments, and encounters breathtaking beauty to bring their guests into the heart of Southeast Asia's most exotic cities; Celebrity Solstice, which battles to keep her key systems running in Australia's relentless heat while her guests encounter spectacular waterfalls, jumping crocodiles, cuddly koalas, and the Great Barrier Reef; Stella Australis, which sails through the tight corridors and unpredictable seas of Patagonia, seeking out spectacular sights and elusive wildlife on her last cruise of the season; and Marco Polo, which battles a brooding hurricane and navigational hazards ona late-autumn Baltic voyage to the grand old cities of northern Europe. Smithsonian Channel aired the U.S. premiere of this series on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT.

Smithsonian Channel premiered the second season of MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 8pm ET/PT. Season 2 continues to follow cruise ships as they travel to remote islands, exotic cities, untamed coasts and historic wonders. These ships go anywhere adventure calls, whisking passengers off to high-end, far-off destinations in Indonesia, French Polynesia, Cape Horn, Russia and beyond. Delivering breathtaking experiences, however, often means overcoming substantial obstacles, and crews work to ensure smooth sailing through dangerous waters and extreme weather aboard temperamental vessels on an enormous scale.

Season 3 of MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS debuted on Smithsonian Channel on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT. This season, the series travels the globe aboard the most dynamic passenger ships in the world and meets the dedicated teams that keep their vessels running and their passengers entertained. From Norwegian fjords to Bavarian castles to an up-close look at Stonehenge, it's a wild six-part voyage. The season opener, "Koningsdam," sets a course for the sights on Koningsdam's 15-day voyage from Amsterdam to the northern tip of Norway.
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MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS returned for its fourth season on Smithsonian Channel on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT. The season opener, "Seven Seas Explorer," features the luxurious Seven Seas Explorer cruise ship, which sails from Chile and Peru to Ecuador and Costa Rica and is full of marble, granite and almost 500 chandeliers.