Sometimes it’s nice to have some ‘me time’; to pack an overnight bag and head off for a day or two, relax and unwind.
Well, with so many ferry routes and destinations to choose from I was spoilt for choice however, seeing that Brittany Ferries had redeployed their magnificent cruise-ferry Pont Aven from Plymouth to Portsmouth to cover the refit of the Saint Malo route stalwart Bretagne – a highly regarded and popular vessel in her own right – I decided this was the crossing for me.
Saint Malo has always been a favourite destination of mine – to one side of the marina are the historic walls and ramparts encapsulating a maze of narrow pedestrian streets full of boutique shops, bars, pavement cafes and patisseries with colourful and delicious looking cakes, whilst to the other one will find a more modern town backing onto the tree clad hillside overlooking the port.
Travelling from Portsmouth on the overnight sailing and arriving at the convenient time of around 0800hrs the next morning, I was able to spend a full day ashore before returning to the UK on the same ship which departed at around 2000hrs.
Why call this blog 'In the Wake of Brush Strokes'? Well, Pont Aven is a fast and powerful cruise-ferry creating an impressive wake leading ones eye towards the horizon as she powers through the sea, plus artist Paul Gauguin found inspiration in the charming and picturesque town of the ships' namesake which is located in the Finistere area of the Brittany region in northwestern France.
Introduced in 2004 Pont Aven set new standards in ferry travel and she is still as popular today with her passengers as she was nearly twenty years ago when she first entered service.
Why don't you be my travel companion - grab a cuppa, curl up and let's get aboard!
Portsmouth International Ferry Terminal is highly convenient for those driving as it is literally moments away from the M275 which gives access to the A3 and M27, both of which give access to the London M25 orbital and onward to the rest of the UK motorway network.
A multi-storey car park can be found within the port complex – simply park your vehicle in any vacant space (I have never had an issue not finding a space) and obtain a ticket from the machine before walking to the terminal building.
Owing to my hands being absolutely frozen due to the cold weather I inadvertently entered my vehicle registration number incorrectly. Not an issue as I contacted the car park operator via their out of hours phone number who assured me I would not be clamped. Relief! What excellent customer service.
The ferry terminal is more like a small regional airport – compact with numerous seating areas, shop selling confectionary and snacks plus a coffee shop.
Here is a video filmed for YouTube channel 'A2B via Sea' of the ferry terminal.
Having passed security foot passengers board a shuttle bus which takes everyone to the ship. Top tip, upon checking in ask the Brittany Ferries representative what time embarkation commences and ensure you are at the head of the queue as on my journey only one bus was operating which resulted in passengers queuing on the pavement for around ten minutes at a time until the bus returned.
Whether you ascend the port foot passenger embarkation ramp or the bus drives aboard enabling passengers to use the stairs/elevator, once aboard the first thing one tends to do is find their accommodation - aboard Pont Aven there is a range to choose from.
Below: cabin corridors for standard cabins (left) and Commodor cabins (right)
Standard Inside
If you have read my bio on my website you'll know I'm very price savvy but, I do like my creature comforts. As such, for this journey I opted for an 'inside' cabin - accommodation with no window.
Although complete with two beds, travelling solo I decided to stow the upper bed away which aboard Pont Aven means it is stowed into the ceiling.
My standard 'inside' cabin had a bedside table with radio and light. However, there is no power socket so if like me you charge you phone during the night and like to press the 'snooze' button in the morning when the alarm goes off, well, you will need to get out of bed and walk to the other side of the cabin as that is where the power sockets are located.
Inside cabins come complete with a porthole shaped mirror, two hangers, power socket and a ladder to give access to the upper bunk, should you decide to use the bed.
All passenger cabins are ensuite and come complete with WC, electric shaver socket, sink, mirror and soap.
Standard outside
If you wish to upgrade to a an 'outside' cabin you will receive a window, but the cabin interior will be similar to that outlined above.
I adore the blind which has small holes to resemble stars twinkling in the night sky.
Deluxe Cabins
For those persons who require more space then Deluxe Cabins may be your answer. Please note, bedding is provided however, I couldn't get to a cabin to take photo prior to it being occupied.
Commodore Class
For those celebrating then Commodore Class Suites are your answer - especially aboard this ship.
Aboard Pont Aven you will find its Commodore Class accommodation having 'video on demand', a selection of films, hot beverage making facilities, hair dryer, complimentary access to the C-Club Lounge, continental breakfast and a balcony. Imagine, having a continental breakfast on your very own private outside space! Is this really a ferry?!
Access to Commodore Lounge
Reclining seats
For those on a real budget, or perhaps just wish to have somewhere to sit during a day time sailing in a quiet environment, then reclining seats are your answer.
A luggage room is available aboard Pont Aven to store your large items if you are using a reclining seat.
A point worth noting, no matter where your accommodation is located aboard Pont Aven, all decks are accessible by elevator.
Let the holiday begin!
So, now we have located our cabin, let's go and explore the ship.
Pont Aven offers her passengers cruise class facilities which can be found on Decks 6 through to 9.
Starting on Deck 6 one can find the ships’ reception.
Open throughout the voyage, friendly Brittany Ferries personnel will be able to assist, clarify and resolve any questions, queries or complaint you may have.
Opposite the reception is a small lounge offering views of the passing sea.
Adjacent to the reception are two cinemas featuring several movies during the voyage depending on the length of the journey; a nominal charge payable to the reception permits entry.
Within the aforementioned reception, one will find two glass elevators. Not too dissimilar from those found aboard modern day cruise ships, these lifts span decks 5 to 9 and transit the highly impressive atrium beneath a glazed roof.
Again, is this really a ferry or an actual cruise ship?!
Deck 7 is essentially the dining deck.
At the forward end are the mammoth La Belle Angele Self Service Restaurant and Le Café du Festival, both of which offer casual and informal dining.
La Belle Angele offers a selection of freshly cooked meals which vary depending on the time of day.
Full height floor to ceiling glazed panels separate the servery from the seating area; a fully carpeted dining room with comfortable individual chairs and bench style seating.
Vending machines
A hot beverage machine is accessible 24/7 so if you get up early to watch the sunrise you can grab a drink before the restaurant opens. Please have either pound or euro coins as the machine does not accept card payment.
La Belle Angele is more than just a standard self service cafeteria. It is more like an informal dining room with warm and comforting tones in its décor where you can eat with friends and family to discuss the exciting plans you have for the day ahead.
Sampling both dinner and breakfast I was very impressed with the quality of the ingredients and how the offering was well presented on clean and well organised servery counters.
Hot and cold beverages including a selection of bottled wines were available and could be found in separate areas within the large tiled area.
Standard Full English breakfast
Evening meal
Evening meal
Although Le Café du Festival was closed during my crossing one may use its seating area which is vast.
The whole facility is carpeted and the seating varies from individual chairs to bench style sofas.
During daylight sailings the blinds are withdrawn affording magnificent views of the passing vistas.
Comfortable booths can be found adjacent to the windows to allow groups to sit together whilst eating.
Wall mounted flat screen TV monitors show a range of television programmes in both French and English.
High chairs are available throughout for those who need them - excellent, Brittany Ferries.
Artwork features heavily throughout Pont Aven - its dining rooms are no different. Here are some examples.
Tucked away on the port side of Le Café du Festival one can find the children’s play area.
At the aft end of Deck 7 past the impressive void of the atrium one can find an attractive arcade lounge - a quiet spot to sit and watch the world go by surrounded by sparkling glazed display cabinets filled with art and ornaments.
The Piano Bar is the perfect place to have a pre or post meal drink – clinking glasses making a toast with your family and friends (and meeting new ones) watching the sun set whilst listening to the gentle music being played on the grand white piano.
Its hard wood flooring and contemporary seating creates a stylish cosmopolitan décor.
What a great evening location to sit with friends to share your stories about your adventures of your day ashore.
A grand white piano is located at the aft end of the facility. Plus, with the main restaurant next door, child highchairs are stored here.
Why not take your beverage outside and savour the fresh sea air as you sip your drink – the private sun deck is located at the stern and can be directly accessed from the bar. The teak decking and handrails are more akin to an actual cruise ship.
The Flora Restaurant is located adjacent to the bar and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (depending on the route, departure & arrival time).
Obviously slightly more expensive than the meals found in the other (informal) restaurants, one is paying for the décor and atmosphere of this (formal) restaurant.
Being a ferry a dress code is not applicable however, why not get dressed up to enjoy this facility and fully emerse yourself in the ambience before retiring to the Piano Bar next door after your meal?
The ships’ main entertainment venue is located amidships on Deck 8.
This two tier facility benefits from a stage and dance floor with adjacent gaming arcade on the lower level with show lounge crescent style sofas and individual tub chairs.
You will note the nautical theme with 'wave' patterned carpeting and colours of international maritime signal flags on the seating upholstery - the flags usually flown from ships masts, each flag representing a different letter of the alphabet; a visual way to communicate with ships.
Below - gaming room
On the upper level one will find cosy 'snugs' on its peremeter with tub chairs adjacent to the glass balustrade enabling uninterrupted views to the level below.
Dividing the 'snugs' one will find full height glazed cabinets housing beautiful artifacts - the ships' crew obviously proud as there was not a single mark on the glass; clearly being polished on a regular basis.
Connecting both levels of the show lounge is a solid tile, wood and chrome duel staircase with glass roof above - what a focal point!
Viewed from the upper exterior deck, one can look through the glazed roof down into the show bar to get an impression of how big the bar actually is.
Want to splash the cash?
Pont Aven offers a surprisingly large shopping centre, much larger than I had anticipated.
Accessed via the atrium one can spend time perusing the shelves.
From magazines to road maps, destination guides, car accessories and gifts to wines, spirits and tobacco products to fragrances. Each section is clearly defined but flows seamlessly into the next.
The gem aboard this vessel is the swimming pool on the upper deck, sheltered by a glazed roof.
Although understandably closed during my overnight voyages to/from Saint Malo, this facility must truly be a fantastic place to relax on the lengthy voyage to Spain.
Pont Aven benefits from having a considerable amount of exterior deck space.
Lets go for a wander.....
Owing to the teak decking, glazed screens and free standing lights one may be forgiven for thinking they are aboard an actual cruise ship.
Just look at this sunrise arrival into Saint Malo, France.
Why would you want to travel any other way?!
A point worth noting is a secure dog exercise area can be found at the stern of the ship enabling your four legged friend to wander around plus direct access to the dog kennels up on the deck above can be obtained from here.
Below: dog kennels
Uniquely on Deck 6 one can circumnavigate a 'sheltered' exterior deck. Accessed from the reception, this deck permits 360' sea views as you transit its entire length - a great way to breathe in the sea air regardless of the weather.
In closing Pont Aven provides an exceptional level of comfort for her passengers.
She boasts an array of facilities which will entertain those travelling aboard, whether it’s shopping, dining, socialising or simply relaxing.
Her wide interior and exterior aisles promote passengers to wander around her decks enjoying the copious amount of space this ship provides – why fly and be confined to a seat when you can start your holiday from the moment you embark and enjoy cruise class facilities?! And don't forget, there are NO luggage restrictions when travelling by ferry.
Whether you travel from Plymouth, Portsmouth, Cork, Santander, Roscoff or Saint Malo, have a look to see if Pont Aven is operating when you wish to travel - believe me, a voyage aboard her will not disappoint!
Here is my tour filmed for YouTube channel 'A2B via Sea on TV':
Here is my journey vlog:
What a fantastically detailed Blog. Excellent . I’m gonna share that with my readers. many thanks . Bill H
Thank you for this review Bearded Blogger.
Your mention of Brush Strokes reminds me of the 1980s sitcom Brush Strokes.
I wonder if anyone has considered writing a sitcom about a ferry? It would have to star your good self of course! You'd better perfect your acting skills!
Robert Watkins