Ponant vs Scenic Discovery Cruises

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?

Our thoughts...

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.

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

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.

What destinations are Scenic exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The 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!

Who cruises with Scenic?

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.

What are Scenic known for?

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.

Are Scenic's fares all-inclusive?

All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

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.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.

Are shore excursions 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.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Scenic have a loyalty program?

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.

Is Scenic a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.

Are any onboard activities included?

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.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Scenic's ships?

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.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

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.

Do Scenic sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Scenic offer room service?

Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

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.

Are there gyms onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.

Do Scenic offer personal training?

Yes

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes

Do Scenic offer a laundry service?

Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.