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...
Why should we cruise with Regent Seven Seas?
We asked Regent Seven Seas why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
The Regent Experience has long been absolute in its inclusiveness, providing you with the most enriching and luxurious journey on the Seven Seas. Join us as we travel the world in search of the best life has to offer, with every luxury included, and discover a truly unrivaled experience. Taking care of every detail so that you can fully experience and enjoy every moment is at the heart of our all-inclusiveness. Discover how everything from the exquisitely prepared cuisine to the included & unlimited shore excursions will create a truly unforgettable journey.
What destinations are Regent Seven Seas exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia Canada & New England Caribbean Europe & Med Northern Europe South America More...Regent Seven Seas snapshot
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyOur thoughts...
The low down on Regent Seven Seas from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line best known for its highly all-inclusive fares, including unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and valet laundry. Compared with Seabourn and Silversea, Regent is especially differentiated by making excursions unlimited and included as a core feature, not just via credits or optional programs. Compared with Oceania and Viking, Regent typically offers a more comprehensive bundle designed to minimise onboard spend decisions and deliver a predictable total trip cost. If you're looking for luxury cruising with fewer add-ons, strong service read more and maximum value from included touring, Regent Seven Seas is often an excellent cruise line to travel with.
Who cruises with Regent Seven Seas?
Seasoned globetrotters who appreciate culture, enrichment and cuisine.
What are Regent Seven Seas known for?
All-inclusive luxury, unlimited free shore excursions, elegant-casual dress and fine dining.
Are Regent's fares all-inclusive?
Yes. Regent fares are all-inclusive.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Optional extras include Culinary Arts Kitchen classes, specialty seminars, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and Regent Choice shore excursions.
Are gratuities included?
Yes. Gratuities are included for all regions.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes. Free unlimited shore excursions are included, with additional Regent Choice excursions available for purchase.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. One complimentary login is provided per suite; upgraded streaming plans are available for a nominal fee.
Does Regent Seven Seas have a loyalty program?
No. Guests only accrue Seven Seas Society benefits.
Is Regent Seven Seas a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select sailings. Regent does not provide care, entertainment or supervision for children on most cruises.
Are any onboard activities included?
Trivia, bocce ball, enrichment classes and lectures, destination information from onboard experts, and special-interest lectures on select journeys.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Culinary Arts Kitchen cooking classes and specialty seminars incur additional charges.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Regent's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are complimentary.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty tea and coffee are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Select spirits, wines, champagne and beer, including fine wines and premium spirits are included.
Do Regent Seven Seas sell any beverage packages?
No.
Do Regent Seven Seas 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; spa access is complimentary.
Are there gyms onboard Regent's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Regent's ships?
Yes. Some specialised programs may incur charges.
Do Regent Seven Seas offer personal training?
Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundry.
Do Regent Seven Seas offer a laundry service?
Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge.
Recent Regent Seven Seas reviews
No reviews are available yet.
Regent's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Ponant vs Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas and Ponant both offer luxury small-ship cruising, but the experience is quite different. Regent delivers a more traditional all-inclusive luxury cruise with spacious suites, extensive dining and unlimited shore excursions, while Ponant combines French-inspired luxury with much smaller ships and a strong focus on expedition cruising in remote destinations.
Which ships will suit me best?
Ponant’s ships are generally much smaller and more intimate than Regent’s, ranging from boutique yachts to purpose-built expedition vessels. Expect understated French styling, bilingual touches and a quieter, yacht-like atmosphere. Regent’s ships are larger, generally carrying around 500–850 guests, with all-suite accommodation, more restaurants, larger public areas, casinos and more traditional luxury cruise facilities. If spacious accommodation and classic luxury amenities matter most, Regent has the advantage; if intimacy and access to remote destinations are the priority, Ponant is the better fit.
Which has the better expedition experience?
This is where Ponant really stands apart. Its expedition ships carry Zodiacs and specialist equipment for exploring destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic and Australia’s Kimberley, while the Ponant Explorers also feature the unique underwater Blue Eye lounge. Le Commandant Charcot takes things further with specialist polar capability and onboard scientific laboratories. Regent can still visit smaller and more remote ports and offer adventurous shore excursions through local operators, but it isn’t an expedition cruise line and doesn’t offer the same ship-based expedition infrastructure.
Which has the better shore program?
Regent includes unlimited shore excursions in every port, with more specialised Regent Choice experiences available at additional cost. Ponant’s offering is now more inclusive than it once was: Expedition voyages include daily expedition activities, while most Timeless and Discovery cruises include one activity or excursion per person at each stop, with further optional experiences available to purchase. Regent therefore still offers the broader included shore program in mainstream destinations, while Ponant comes into its own when the destination requires Zodiac landings, naturalist-led exploration and specialist expedition equipment.
Which offers better value?
Both are all-inclusive luxury lines, but Regent includes more overall. Its fare covers specialty dining, premium wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, gratuities, valet laundry and unlimited shore excursions. Ponant includes dining, Wi-Fi, an open bar covering most wines, champagne, beer and spirits, plus included activities or excursions depending on the voyage, while gratuities remain discretionary. Regent generally carries the higher fare, but if you’ll make full use of its extensive shore program and onboard inclusions the value becomes easier to justify; Ponant’s premium is more about the intimacy of its ships and the specialist expedition experience.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both cruise extensively around the world, but they have different strengths. Regent offers a broad collection of classic luxury itineraries, longer voyages and worldwide cruises across regions such as Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Ponant also visits mainstream destinations, but its strongest point of difference is expedition cruising in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley and other remote regions. If your priority is traditional luxury cruising across a wide range of destinations, Regent offers plenty of choice; if you want to travel further off the beaten track, Ponant has the more specialised product.
