Cruise Frog guide
Explora Journeys vs Ponant
Explora Journeys rates higher than Ponant on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.3 to 3.8 out of 5 across their rated ships. Explora Journeys leads on cabins, entertainment and pools & decks, with the rest level. Pick Explora Journeys for multigenerational groups; Ponant for adventure seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Explora Journeys | Ponant |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Luxury | Luxury |
| Best for | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture, Multigenerational groups | Couples, Adventure seekers, History and culture, Food lovers |
| Fleet rating | 4.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Cabins | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 5.0 | 3.6 |
| Value | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Ships in service | 3 | 12 |
| Ships on the way | 3 | — |
| Largest ship | Explora III (72,810 GT) | Le Commandant Charcot (31,283 GT) |
| Newest ship | Explora III (2026) | Le Commandant Charcot (2021) |
| Guests per ship, average | 996 | 201 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antarctica, Caribbean |
| Solo cabins | None | — |
| Single supplement | A Journey of One offer: solo occupancy from 0% over the current per-person fare on select journeys, in Ocean Terrace, Ocean Grand Terrace… | — |
| Loyalty program | Explora Club | Ponant Yacht Club |
| Owner | MSC Group | Ponant Explorations Group (Artémis) |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Marseille, France |
| Founded | 2021 | 1988 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Explora Journeys or Ponant?
Explora Journeys rates higher than Ponant on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.3 to 3.8 out of 5 across their rated ships. Explora Journeys leads on cabins, entertainment and pools & decks, with the rest level.
Is Explora Journeys or Ponant better value?
They score the same for value, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Explora Journeys or Ponant better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 5.0 out of 5.
Is Explora Journeys or Ponant better for entertainment?
Explora Journeys scores higher for entertainment, 3.0 to 2.0 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Explora Journeys or Ponant better for cabins?
Explora Journeys scores higher for cabins, 5.0 to 4.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Explora Journeys or Ponant?
Explora Journeys's largest ship, Explora III, measures 72,810 gross tons, against 31,283 for Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant's largest. An average Explora Journeys ship carries 996 guests, a Ponant ship 201.
How many ships do Explora Journeys and Ponant have?
Explora Journeys has 3 ships in service and 3 on the way; Ponant has 12 ships in service.
Are Explora Journeys and Ponant owned by the same company?
No. Explora Journeys is part of MSC Group; Ponant is part of Ponant Explorations Group (Artémis).