Ponant – Low Mobility Onboard, Moderate for Excursions*
Ponant’s ships are beautifully comfortable and well set up if you’re someone who prefers to enjoy the journey from the ship itself. Most have lifts between decks and a small number of accessible cabins, so they’re a great option if you’re after a more relaxed onboard experience and don’t plan to head out on every excursion.
That said, it’s worth knowing that all shore landings are by Zodiac. You’ll need to be able to climb into the Zodiac (with lots of help), sit on the edge, and hold on during the ride. It’s not ideal if you have back problems or trouble with balance.
If you’re not quite sure whether it’s the right fit, just reach out—we’re always happy to chat through what’s involved and help you figure out the best option.
Outback Spirit Tours – Moderate or good level of fitness and mobility*.
They’re not hiking tours as such, but guests need to be comfortable being reasonably active.
In practical terms, a traveller should be able to:
- Get on and off a high-clearance 4WD coach without assistance. The steps are higher than on a normal coach, although there are grab rails and boarding isn’t rushed.
- Walk comfortably on uneven, rocky and sometimes slippery natural terrain.
- Manage steps, inclines and lookout walks.
- Cope with walking in heat and full sun.
- Do shorter sightseeing walks of around 100–400 metres, with some longer walks/hikes of 2–5 km, depending on the itinerary.
- Carry their own luggage at locations where porterage isn’t available.
*Fitness Levels – What our ratings mean
We want you to feel confident and comfortable on your journey. While this isn’t extreme adventure travel, some level of physical ability is important—mostly for safety, but also so you get the most enjoyment out of each experience. Here’s a general guide to help you understand what’s involved:
- Low Fitness (Minimum Standard)
You need to be able to walk up and down stairs unaided, with one hand free to hold the rail—especially important in the case of an emergency. If this sounds like you, it’s definitely worth having a quick chat with us. We’ll walk you through which excursions are realistic for you, and where there might be some limitations. - Moderate Fitness
You should be steady on your feet and able to walk over uneven ground, including stepping into a zodiac or other expedition vessel and from into shallow water and walking across wet sand to the beach. Some walks may include rocky areas, so good balance is important. Walks are generally up to 1–2 kilometres and could be in warm or humid conditions. - Good Fitness
No need to be training for a marathon—just a solid level of steadiness and confidence on your feet. You should be comfortable walking 3+ kilometres over uneven terrain, climbing over rocks, and navigating slightly more challenging water landings or natural waterholes. It’s active, but very rewarding.
*Please note: The information above reflects the personal opinions and experiences of the Expedition Partners team. It should not be taken as official advice from the individual cruise operators. We do our best to share honest insights, but we can’t accept responsibility for how each vessel operates or what’s included. As always, please review the cruise line’s own materials carefully and proceed with bookings at your own discretion.
