Why should we cruise with Azamara?
We asked Azamara why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Here at Azamara, we continue our efforts to be the world's top up-market cruise line. As such, we are committed to providing you with unparalleled service; the finest dining at sea; a glorious spa and wellness retreat, and innovations such as Destination Immersion® experiences. With our hallmark of stay longer, experience more, we'll not only take you to awe-inspiring destinations, but also give you more time to fall in love with them.
What destinations are Azamara exploring this season?
Europe & Med Africa Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Greek Islands New Zealand Northern Europe More...Azamara snapshot
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The low down on Azamara from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Azamara Cruises is a premium small ship cruise line built for those who like the idea of late-night and overnight port stays as well as access to smaller, less crowded ports. With ships of no more than 700 guests, Azamara delivers an intimate onboard feel and also stands out for its value-focused inclusions such as gratuities, alcoholic beverages and self-service laundry. Add in their signature cultural programs like AzAmazing Evenings, and Azamara is an excellent choice for those who care more about time ashore and authentic experiences than mega-ship attractions.
Who cruises with Azamara?
Well-travelled, destination-focused and culturally curious guests, including semi-retired and retired travellers, solo travellers and world travellers.
What are Azamara known for?
Longer stays in port and more overnights, complimentary AzAmazing Evenings, and a relaxed atmosphere with no scheduled formal nights.
Are Azamara's fares all-inclusive?
No, they aren't all-inclusive, however your cruise fare covers select standard spirits, international beers and wine by the glass each day throughout your voyage as well as crew gratuities.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, WiFi, specialty dining, premium alcoholic drinks, spa and salon services, laundry service, and some specialty onboard experiences cost extra.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
No. However, an AzAmazing Evening is included on most voyages and a complimentary shuttle is offered in select ports.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, but charges apply. WiFi packages can be purchased.
Does Azamara have a loyalty program?
No. Guests only accrue Azamara Circle loyalty benefits.
Is Azamara a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select sailings, but families are discouraged from sailing with children under 18.
Are any onboard activities included?
Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, along with evening shows and entertainment.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Some specialty experiences, such as Vodka and Caviar tastings, cocktail-making and culinary workshops, incur additional charges.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Azamara's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available, but charges apply to all specialty restaurants.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Select standard spirits, international beers and wines are included. Premium alcoholic drinks and alcohol ordered through room service cost extra.
Do Azamara sell any beverage packages?
Yes. An upgrade to the included beverage package is available.
Do Azamara offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7. Alcohol orders incur charges, and complimentary alcohol is not included in room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Azamara's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Azamara's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.
Do Azamara offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry is available.
Do Azamara offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Azamara reviews
Unfortunately our suite was on the starboard side though, below the buffet restaurant which is on deck 9, and it was VERY noisy. Lots of banging, scraping and water pumps going off in the night. As they were unable to move us, the staff did their best to minimise it, which we appreciated. We would not choose a suite on this side again though. We upgraded to the ultimate indulgence package and found it very worthwhile. Especially the fact Moet champagne is included. We were however disappointed in the wine selection. Very limited and just ok wines. Our white night was rained out so that was unfortunate but the Azamazing evening was fantastic and well organised. The premium internet is still pretty slow but at least you can check emails etc. We would recommend this cruise but with a suite in a different location We would also book again through Hannah at Global Journeys who we found to be so responsive and fantastic.
Azamara's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with Ponant?
We asked Ponant why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores, venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
What destinations are Ponant exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Canada & New England Europe & Med New Zealand More...Ponant snapshot
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The low down on Ponant from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Ponant cruises are best described as small-ship luxury expedition cruising: intimate yachts designed to reach remote ports and wilderness coastlines, paired with elevated French-style hospitality and strong inclusions. Unlike mainstream cruise lines built around onboard entertainment, Ponant is destination-first, with expedition landings, expert-led enrichment, and itineraries spanning the Arctic and Antarctica. A key point of difference is Le Commandant Charcot, a hybrid-electric LNG polar exploration ship positioned for high polar environments, giving Ponant a standout edge for serious polar travellers.
Who cruises with Ponant?
International guests, cosmopolitan world travellers and travellers seeking to explore remote locations.
What are Ponant known for?
Luxury expeditions, French cruising, a young expedition fleet and access to remote locations with small ships.
Are Ponant's fares all-inclusive?
Ponant positions itself as all-inclusive, but classic-cruise shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, and gratuities are not included.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, gratuities and gear beyond the provided parka and boots on polar expeditions. Optional excursions may also incur charges.
Are gratuities included?
No. Tipping is customary but entirely at guest discretion. Ponant generally guides that tips are in the range of €10–12 per day per passenger.
Are shore excursions included?
No, excursions cost extra on Ponant's classic small ship cruises, although selected special offers may include them. Shore excursions are included on expedition cruises and Smithsonian Voyages with some optional excursions available at additional cost.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included.
Does Ponant have a loyalty program?
No. Ponant Yacht Club benefits are available to Ponant members only.
Is Ponant a family friendly cruise-line?
No. The minimum age is six for Polar Expedition cruises, and children must meet height, instruction and equipment requirements for Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Naturalist and specialist lectures, guest lectures, live music, dance shows, film screenings and access to the hammam steam room.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No. All onboard activities are included, although some group fitness sessions and specialised fitness classes may incur charges. Spa and salon services also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Ponant's ships?
No specialty restaurants. Ponant has two complimentary restaurants: a Gastronomic Restaurant and a grill.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Mineral water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. The Open Bar includes Charles Heidsieck champagne, beer, wine and spirits but excludes premium-label spirits and champagne.
Do Ponant sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Guests can purchase the Premium Open Bar for top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot.
Do Ponant offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge; access to the hammam steam room is complimentary.
Are there gyms onboard Ponant's ships?
Yes. A fitness studio or gym is available.
Are fitness classes available onboard Ponant's ships?
Yes. Occasional group fitness sessions may be offered and may incur charges.
Do Ponant offer personal training?
No.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do Ponant offer a laundry service?
Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge.
Recent Ponant reviews
Ponant's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Azamara Cruises vs Ponant
Azamara and Ponant both offer understated, small-ship cruising, but they deliver quite different experiences. Azamara sits at the upper end of the premium market, with four boutique-style ships carrying around 700 guests, while Ponant is a luxury line with a much more varied fleet of intimate yachts and expedition ships designed for both mainstream and remote destinations.
Ponant's ships are more intimate
Ponant’s fleet is generally much smaller and more intimate than Azamara’s four ships, with many vessels carrying only a few hundred guests and some considerably fewer. Ponant’s French styling and discreet service are designed to create the feel of a private yacht, while Azamara’s ships have more of a relaxed, boutique hotel atmosphere. Both are elegant without being overly formal, although Azamara has no scheduled formal nights while Ponant may have gala evenings depending on the voyage.
Azamara offers more traditional onboard choices
Azamara’s larger ships offer more restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues, including their popular White Night parties and AzAmazing Evenings. Ponant’s ships are quieter and more intimate, with French-inspired dining, live music, lectures and evening entertainment, while expedition vessels add features designed around exploration. On the Ponant Explorers, this includes the underwater Blue Eye lounge, while Le Commandant Charcot has specialist polar facilities including scientific laboratories and expedition equipment.
Which has the better itineraries?
This is probably the biggest difference between the two. Ponant specialises in luxury expedition cruising, with destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic and Australia’s Kimberley alongside more traditional cruises through Europe and other regions. Expedition voyages include Zodiac outings, hikes and other activities led by specialist teams. Azamara isn’t an expedition line, but its itineraries are heavily focused on destination immersion, with smaller ports, late departures, overnight stays and Country Intensive voyages that explore one destination in greater depth. Azamara also visits remote regions, but where Ponant may take you ashore by Zodiac, Azamara generally explores through traditional shore excursions.
Which offers better value?
Ponant is the more expensive luxury product, but considerably more is now included in their fares than in the past. Dining, an open bar including most alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and at least one included activity or excursion at most ports are part of the fare, with expedition activities also included on Expedition voyages. Gratuities remain discretionary. Azamara generally comes in at a lower price point and includes standard beer, wine and spirits, gratuities, self-service laundry and an AzAmazing Evening on most voyages, but Wi-Fi and specialty dining are extra unless included with your suite or package. If you want a true luxury expedition experience, Ponant offers a very different product; for more traditional small-ship cruising with a strong destination focus, Azamara will generally cost less.
