Guest of Honour 
Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
- New
British archipelagos and Celtic shores
Saint-Malo - Dublin
Dates:
02/05/2024
to
09/05/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
With featured guest Nicolas d'Estienne d'Orves, French writer and journalist.
From the coast of Brittany to the shores of Ireland, PONANT invites you to spend unique moments where the English Channel meets the Celtic Sea. This 8-day interlude between Saint-Malo and Dublin aboard Le Boréal will take you to the heart of landscapes of wild and melancholic beauty. Between lush meadows, craggy cliffs, small colourful villages, peat bogs and moors, succumb to the charms of these lands steeped in mystery.
You will set sail from Saint-Malo, a town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race. The city of privateers, the diversity of its heritage and its rampart walks will not fail to delight you.
Le Boréal will then make its way north-west to reach the Channel Islands. Here, nature reigns and offers the perfect getaway. In Guernsey, fall in love with this island that is as captivating as it is mystical. Numerous dolmens and menhirs dot the island, bearing witness to its long history and rich heritage. Next, edged with verdant plains and rocky cliffs, Herm, the smallest of the Channel Islands, will surprise you with its wild, unexplored and untouched quality.
Then, you will make your way to Dartmouth, a charming town tucked away in the heart of the stunning décor formed by the mouth of the Dart. You will discover its old pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and some half-timbered buildings.
Then, mythical Cornwall will reveal itself. In Fowey, you will marvel at Mother Nature’s masterpieces. There, you will discover a spellbinding environment of majestic cliffs and vast natural spaces, conducive to escape and tranquillity.
Your ship will then sail towards the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton's famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Here, long sandy beaches lie alongside green fields, while ruins of old castles stand proud on hilltops.
After a unique stop in Bantry, between spectacular cliffs, a fascinating bay, and vast stretches of orange-tinged moors, you will call at Cobh. Charming and romantic, a place of history and legend, the city reveals itself through its maze of cobbled streets with, in the background, its 17th-century fortress and its majestic forest.
Your cruise will end in Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm.
Ref : BO020524
Your itinerary
With featured guest Nicolas d'Estienne d'Orves, French writer and journalist. A brand-new cruise to discover natural treasures in landscapes of melancholic and wild beauty in the south of England and...
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Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
Nicolas D’Estienne d’Orves
Fellow travellers,
What a joy it is to set out with you, on board the Boreal, from Brittany to Ireland, to discover magical and legendary landscapes. Spectacular nature, lands of history and stories, some of the oldest territories on the European continent, we will embark together on shores full of memory and beauty. In the enchanting setting of a superb ship, I will talk to you about literature, cinema, great historical epics and (of course) food...
See you soon,
NEO
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Nicolas D’Estienne d’Orves
Nicolas d'Estienne d'Orves was born in 1974. A contributor to Le Figaro for twenty-three years, he has also written for Classica, Les Echos, Madame Figaro, Le Figaro magazine, Le Figaroscope... He is an opera critic for Transfuge and a literary columnist for Lire. Author of some thirty books, he has published novels (Othon, Roger Nimier prize 2002; Les Fidélités successives, Cazes prize 2012), short stories (Narcisse et moi), biographies (Jacques Offenbach, Marthe Richard), essays (Dictionnaire amoureux de Paris, Petit éloge de la gourmandise). Dictionnaire amoureux du mauvais gout (Plon) and a biography of Arletty (Calmann-Lévy) will be published in 2023.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Marlene Delcambre
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Nicolas D’Estienne d’Orves
Nicolas d'Estienne d'Orves was born in 1974. A contributor to Le Figaro for twenty-three years, he has also written for Classica, Les Echos, Madame Figaro, Le Figaro magazine, Le Figaroscope... He is an opera critic for Transfuge and a literary columnist for Lire. Author of some thirty books, he has published novels (Othon, Roger Nimier prize 2002; Les Fidélités successives, Cazes prize 2012), short stories (Narcisse et moi), biographies (Jacques Offenbach, Marthe Richard), essays (Dictionnaire amoureux de Paris, Petit éloge de la gourmandise). Dictionnaire amoureux du mauvais gout (Plon) and a biography of Arletty (Calmann-Lévy) will be published in 2023.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Marlene Delcambre
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- With featured guest Nicolas d'Estienne d'Orves, French writer and journalist.
- A brand-new cruise to discover natural treasures in landscapes of melancholic and wild beauty in the south of England and Ireland.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dublin, city of literature (disembarkation port).
- New ports of call: Bantry, Fowey, and Herm Island.
- The wild and romantic landscapes of Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly.
- Dartmouth, a small, peaceful English town located on the banks of the Dart estuary.
- Landscapes: lush meadows, craggy cliffs, small colourful villages, peat bogs and moors.
Ports of Call & Excursions
2 May 2024 - Saint-Malo
Embarkation 02/05/2024 from 15:00 to 16:00
Departure 02/05/2024 at 17:00
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
3 May 2024 - Guernsey, Channel Islands
Arrival 03/05/2024 at night
Departure 03/05/2024 early afternoon
Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.
3 May 2024 - Herm, Channel Islands
Arrival 03/05/2024 early afternoon
Departure 03/05/2024 evening
A neighbour of Guernsey and the smallest of the Channel Islands, Herm offers escape, tranquillity and authenticity. A green and rocky islet with a population of 60 souls, time seems suspended here, and you will hear only the captivating melody of the Channel swirling against the jagged cliffs, and the colonies of seabirds flying over these preserved lands. Steeped in history and mystery, it also shelters fine expanses of fine sand on which woolly mammoths roamed millions of years ago. Neolithic colonies have been discovered and excavations have revealed evidence of a prehistoric beach.
4 May 2024 - Dartmouth
Arrival 04/05/2024 early morning
Departure 04/05/2024 evening
Succumb to the charming setting of the small town of Dartmouth in the county of Devon, South-East England. Set in the heart of lush scenery, on the banks of the River Dart’s estuary, the town’s magnificent landscapes are typical of English countryside. Its picturesque paved streets will let you discover sumptuous half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries while, on the northern bank of the river, you will be able to admire former fishermen’s houses in their pastel colours. Now a popular tourist destination, this small port town has nonetheless managed to retain its relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
5 May 2024 - Fowey
Arrival 05/05/2024 early morning
Departure 05/05/2024 late afternoon
In mythical Cornwall, at the mouth of the River Fowey, the eponymous town surprises and enchants. Edged with lush valleys, Fowey is ideal for those who love nature and the great outdoors and are looking to escape and relax. The charming little town has many coastal hiking trails. Stroll through its narrow streets of its picturesque old town, which was home to the British novelist and playwright Daphné du Maurier as well as inspiring her work.
6 May 2024 - Isles of Scilly
Arrival 06/05/2024 early morning
Departure 06/05/2024 late afternoon
Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.
7 May 2024 - Bantry
Arrival 07/05/2024 mid morning
Departure 07/05/2024 late afternoon
In the hollow of a majestic harbour north of the Durrus Peninsular, in southwestern Ireland, in County Cork, the village of Bantry appears between spectacular cliffs, a fascinating bay and huge expanses of amber-coloured moors. Like a postcard of a wild, preserved and authentic Ireland, this charming small town can be explored via its coastline shredded by the winds and currents, and its small paved streets edged with Georgian- and Victorian-style residences. Fall under the spell of one of the village’s emblematic sites, Bantry House. A majestic 17th-century manor house dominating the bay, it will charm you with its architecture, its enchanting French-style gardens and its captivating panoramas.
8 May 2024 - Cobh
Arrival 08/05/2024 early morning
Departure 08/05/2024 late afternoon
From the very endearing small town of Cobh, you will set out to discover Cork, rich with a history that goes back to Viking times. During our visit here, we invite you to take an exceptional trip to Blarney Castle, dating from 1446 and renowned for its legends and its ancient stones. At the end of your visit, do not miss the chance of kissing the “Stone of Eloquence”, located at the top of the monument, which legend tells will confer its powers upon you.
9 May 2024 - Dublin
Arrival 09/05/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 09/05/2024 at 08:00
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Le Boréal
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer passengers both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquillity and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Its exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.