Ponant vs Scenic Discovery Cruises
+ Global JourneysCompare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of cruising with Ponant and Scenic Discovery Cruises, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
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.
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Onboard currencyThe 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.
International guests, cosmopolitan world travellers and travellers seeking to explore remote locations.
Luxury expeditions, French cruising, a young expedition fleet and access to remote locations with small ships.
Ponant positions itself as all-inclusive, but classic-cruise shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, and gratuities are not included.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included.
No. Ponant Yacht Club benefits are available to Ponant members only.
No. The minimum age is six for Polar Expedition cruises, and children must meet height, instruction and equipment requirements for Zodiac excursions.
Naturalist and specialist lectures, guest lectures, live music, dance shows, film screenings and access to the hammam steam room.
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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.
No specialty restaurants. Ponant has two complimentary restaurants: a Gastronomic Restaurant and a grill.
No.
Yes. Mineral water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are included.
Yes. The Open Bar includes Charles Heidsieck champagne, beer, wine and spirits but excludes premium-label spirits and champagne.
Yes. Guests can purchase the Premium Open Bar for top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot.
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge; access to the hammam steam room is complimentary.
Yes. A fitness studio or gym is available.
Yes. Occasional group fitness sessions may be offered and may incur charges.
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Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge.
11 Days Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Casablanca
We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyThe low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.
Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!
Well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and destination-focused exploration. Guests are international, with a strong Australian, New Zealand, North American and British mix.
Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse, Eclipse II and Ikon, all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, close to 1:1 crew-to-guest service, expedition cruising and onboard helicopters and submersibles.
All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.
Additional costs include helicopter and submersible experiences, spa and salon treatments, a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines and spirits and laundry outside applicable suite inclusions.
Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.
Yes. Scenic Freechoice and Discovery excursions are included. Expedition and Discovery voyages can include Zodiac cruising, guided landings, kayaking and paddleboarding, while helicopters and submersible experiences cost extra.
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.
Yes. Scenic and Emerald loyalty programs are combined into Scenic & Emerald Rewards, allowing members to earn status across Scenic's and Emerald's ocean, river and land journeys.
Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.
Included activities include live music, theatre performances, cabaret, trivia, dance classes, lectures, Discovery Team presentations, gym use, yoga and Pilates, pools and spa relaxation facilities.
No.
Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.
Yes. Scenic Eclipse offers up to 10 included culinary experiences, ranging from casual venues to fine dining and degustation restaurants. Reservations are required for some venues, but there is no dining surcharge.
No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.
Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.
Yes. Premium wines, Champagne, spirits and other alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day, except for a small selection of rare, fine and vintage labels.
No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.
Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.
Yes. Scenic Eclipse has an expansive Senses Spa with thermal and relaxation facilities. Salt therapy lounges, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge pool and mineralised spa facilities are included. Selected spa therapy and salon treatments cost extra.
Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.
Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.
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Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.
24 Days Lautoka to Darwin
Ponant and Scenic both offer ultra-luxury small-ship cruising with a strong expedition focus, but the experience differs. Ponant brings decades of expedition experience and a broad fleet of intimate French yachts and exploration ships, while Scenic’s Discovery Yachts combine expedition capability with a more resort-like level of onboard luxury, including butler service, extensive dining and wellness facilities.
Ponant’s fleet is generally smaller and more varied, ranging from boutique yachts to specialist expedition vessels such as Le Commandant Charcot, with understated French styling and an intimate atmosphere. Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II carry up to 228 guests, reduced to 200 in polar regions, and offer all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, up to 10 dining experiences and extensive spa and wellness facilities. Ponant delivers more variation between ships, while Scenic provides a very consistent ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht experience.
Both offer expert-led Zodiac, kayaking and shore activities, but Ponant has the broader expedition heritage and fleet, including Le Commandant Charcot for extreme polar exploration. Scenic’s Discovery Team also delivers a comprehensive included expedition program, with optional helicopter and submersible experiences available at extra cost where operationally possible. Both are excellent choices for Antarctica and the Arctic, while Ponant also has a particularly strong Kimberley program and greater variety of specialist expedition vessels.
Both are now highly inclusive ashore. Scenic includes Freechoice, Enrich and Discovery experiences depending on the itinerary, with helicopters and submersible journeys among the main extras. Ponant’s Expedition voyages include daily Zodiac and land excursions, while its Timeless and Discovery voyages now include one excursion or activity per person at each stop, with additional optional experiences available for purchase. The old distinction that Scenic includes excursions while Ponant generally charges for them in mainstream ports no longer applies.
Both are highly inclusive, with dining, Wi-Fi, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and extensive shore experiences included. Scenic also includes gratuities and butler service for every suite, while Ponant includes an open bar, 24-hour room service and its current shore program across Expedition, Discovery and Timeless voyages, with butler service reserved for selected suites. Scenic generally delivers more luxury inclusions at suite level, while Ponant’s value lies in its broader fleet, expedition heritage and range of destinations.
Both cruise Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions, but Ponant has the broader expedition network and a larger variety of ships, including voyages to the Geographic North Pole aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Scenic also operates extensive polar programs alongside Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Europe and the Americas. If you want the widest range of expedition styles and ships, Ponant has more choice; if you prefer Scenic’s consistent Discovery Yacht format and ultra-luxury onboard experience, Scenic is the stronger fit.
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