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 Silversea?
We asked Silversea why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.
Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.
What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Baltic Canada & New England More...Silversea snapshot
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The low down on Silversea from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.
Who cruises with Silversea?
World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
What are Silversea known for?
Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.
Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?
Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.
Does Silversea have a loyalty program?
No. Venetian Club only.
Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?
Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.
Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?
No.
Do Silversea offer room service?
Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.
Do Silversea offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes.
Do Silversea offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Silversea reviews
The cruise itself was wonderful. Silversea delivered a quality experience from start to finish. The Silver Nova is a beautiful, contemporary ship with spacious common areas and comfortable cabins. The staff are excellent and the amenities on board first class. Alaska is spectacular and Japan is a wonderful combination of old and new, traditional and modern. We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday.
Silversea's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Ponant vs Silversea
Ponant and Silversea both offer ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and expedition travel, but they bring different strengths. Ponant has a strong French identity, a varied fleet of intimate yachts and specialist expedition vessels, and a particularly deep polar focus, while Silversea combines classic luxury cruising with a dedicated expedition fleet and a broader overall global program.
Which ships will suit me best?
Ponant’s fleet ranges from boutique yachts to expedition ships such as Le Commandant Charcot, with understated French styling and an intimate atmosphere. Silversea currently operates both Classic ships and four dedicated expedition vessels carrying around 100–274 guests, all with suite accommodation and butler service. Ponant offers more variation in expedition vessel style, while Silversea delivers a more consistently ultra-luxury suite experience across both its Classic and Expedition fleets.
Which has the better expedition experience?
Both include expert-led Zodiac excursions, guided shore activities and destination-focused enrichment, but Ponant has the broader range of specialist expedition vessels, including Le Commandant Charcot for extreme polar exploration. Silversea’s expedition fleet is equally focused on remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and the Kimberley, with ships designed specifically for small-group exploration. Ponant stands out for the diversity of its expedition hardware and polar itineraries, while Silversea pairs expedition capability with a very polished all-suite luxury experience.
Which has the better shore program?
Both now include substantial shore experiences. Ponant’s Expedition voyages include all daily excursions, while its Timeless and Discovery cruises include one excursion or activity per person at each stop. Silversea expedition voyages include expedition landings and shore excursions, while its Classic cruises use a fare structure where shore excursions may be purchased separately or covered partly by a shore excursion credit on All-Inclusive Plus fares. Ponant is therefore more consistently inclusive ashore across its voyage types, while Silversea’s Classic product gives you more flexibility depending on the fare selected.
Which offers better value?
Both are highly inclusive, with dining, Wi-Fi, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and extensive onboard service included. Ponant also includes an open bar and its current excursion program across Expedition, Discovery and Timeless voyages, while gratuities remain discretionary. Silversea includes butler service in every suite, unlimited wines and spirits, Wi-Fi and gratuities, with expedition activities included on Expedition voyages. The better value will depend on whether you place more importance on Ponant’s expedition variety and shore inclusions or Silversea’s suite-level service and broader ultra-luxury offering.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both cruise widely across Europe, the Americas, Australia and remote expedition regions, but Silversea has the broader global network overall, while Ponant has a particularly strong specialist focus in Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote areas. Ponant also has distinctive polar itineraries aboard Le Commandant Charcot, including Geographic North Pole voyages, while Silversea offers expedition programs in the Galápagos that Ponant does not. If your priority is the widest overall global choice, Silversea offers more; if you want a greater variety of specialised expedition styles, Ponant has a very strong point of difference.
