Armorique Portsmouth to St Malo: The Complete 2026 + 2027 Guide

Each year, while the MV Saint-Malo undergoes her annual refit, the Armorique steps in to maintain Brittany Ferries’ Portsmouth to St Malo service. In 2026 she covered this route from 23 February to 10 March and in 2027 will cover from 7 March to 19 March — an overnight crossing of roughly 11 hours from Portsmouth International Port to St Malo’s Gare Maritime. If your booking confirmation shows the Armorique on these dates, here is everything you need to know: the ship’s layout, every cabin grade, where to eat and drink, entertainment, Wi-Fi, travelling with pets, and the key differences between this ship and the MV Saint-Malo.

Last updated: May 2026 | All facts verified against Brittany Ferries official sources. The Armorique’s year-round home is the Plymouth to Roscoff route; she covers Portsmouth to St Malo during the Saint-Malo’s refit period only.

🚢 Armorique — Quick Facts

2009

In Service Since

1,500

Max Passengers

247

En-suite Cabins

~11 hrs

Portsmouth to St Malo

470

Car Spaces

Feb–Mar

Dates on This Route

✅ When: Late Feb to mid-March while MV Saint-Malo is on annual refit
✅ Food & drink: Self-service Le Restaurant · Le Café · Le Bar
✅ Things to do: Two cinemas · Games room · Children’s areas · Live bar entertainment
✅ Sleeping: 5 cabin grades plus pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible options
✅ Sockets in cabins: Continental 2-pin (220v) only — pack a UK adaptor
✅ No Video on Demand: Download content before boarding at Portsmouth

⚠️ Armorique vs MV Saint-Malo — what changes: The Saint-Malo is the year-round ship on this route, with 386 cabins, Video on Demand, UK and USB sockets, à la carte Le Littoral restaurant, C-Club Lounge, an Admiral suite and 28 pet-friendly cabins. The Armorique covers a short window in late February and March. She is a comfortable, well-run ship — but pack a UK plug adaptor and download anything you want to watch before you leave Portsmouth.

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Why the Armorique Sails Portsmouth to St Malo

The Armorique was built at STX Europe’s Helsinki shipyard at a cost of £81 million and entered Brittany Ferries service on 10 February 2009. She was designed from the keel up for the Plymouth to Roscoff route — the crossing on which Brittany Ferries was founded in 1973 — and that remains her primary home from March to November each year. Her name comes from the ancient Gaulish term for the coastal north-western region of France, meaning “the country that faces the sea”; it is also the name of a national park in western Brittany. A previous Brittany Ferries vessel carried the same name between 1976 and 1994.

Every year the MV Saint-Malo — the primary Portsmouth to St Malo vessel since February 2025 — goes out of service for her annual refit. During that window, Brittany Ferries deploys the Armorique to maintain the Portsmouth to St Malo schedule. In 2026 she covered sailings from 23 February to 10 March. Passengers who book during this period will find the Armorique a perfectly capable ship for the overnight crossing; the differences from the Saint-Malo are practical rather than fundamental, and this guide sets them all out clearly.

The ship’s interior draws on the light, space and colours of Brittany. Artwork by three artists features throughout: photographer Philippe Plisson, whose images line the public decks and appear in selected cabins; sculptor Alexander Goudie, whose bronze depictions of Breton fishermen and bigoudènes are found in certain cabins; and painter Matthieu Dorval, whose canvases hang in the public spaces on decks 6 and 7. On an 11-hour overnight crossing there is plenty of time to take it all in.

Ship Data

Detail	Figure	Detail	Figure
First Sailing	10 February 2009	Gross Tonnage	29,468 GT
Overall Length	168.3 metres	Width (Beam)	26.8 metres
Cruising Speed	25 knots	Total Passengers	1,500
Vehicle Spaces	470 cars	Freight Lane Capacity	65 trailers
En-suite Cabins	247	Reclining Seats	336
Built By	STX Europe (Aker), Helsinki	Construction Cost	£81 million (€110 million)
IMO Number	9364980	Registered Port	Morlaix, France

How the Armorique is Laid Out

Passenger access runs across four decks: 6, 7, 8 and 9. Below them, decks 4 and 5 hold the vehicles; decks 1 to 3 are engine rooms and crew spaces. Reading your cabin number is straightforward — the opening digit is your deck. Cabin 614 is on deck 6; cabin 9205 is on deck 9.

What You’ll Find on Each Deck

Deck	Function	What’s There
9	Cabins & Open Deck	The highest passenger deck. An open promenade wraps around the outside — a good spot to watch Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent as you depart, and to see St Malo’s famous ramparts emerge from the sea on arrival. Cabin ranges: 9001–9012, 9101–9128, 9202–9250. Being the uppermost deck, you may feel more movement here in a lumpy Channel.
8	Cabins Only	A sleeping-only deck with no bars, shops or restaurants adjacent. Cabin ranges: 8001–8024, 8101–8137, 8202–8238, 8301–8334, 8401–8441, 8501–8532. Corridors stay quiet through the night, making this the best deck for light sleepers on an overnight crossing.
7	Restaurants, Bar & Lounge	Le Restaurant occupies the forward end with floor-to-ceiling sea views and a children’s soft play zone inside. Le Bar sits adjacent — evening entertainment, quizzes and live singing from the ship’s performers happen here. A reading lounge provides a quiet alternative with panoramic views. Baby changing facilities are on this deck. The Information Desk is on deck 6 or 7 depending on the crossing.
6	Shops, Cinemas, Café & Seating	Les Boutiques duty-free shopping. Two cinemas — tickets from the Information Desk 15 minutes after leaving Portsmouth. Games Planet arcade and air hockey. Children’s playroom. Le Café for snacks and drinks beside the reserved seating lounge. Baggage store, baby changing room and disabled toilets also here. Reserved seat numbers run 1101–4330 and 5101–5157.
3 & 5	Vehicle Decks	Cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles and freight across two levels. Access is via lifts and stairways from deck 6. Passengers cannot return to their vehicles during the sailing. No vehicle deck visits are permitted on overnight crossings — pets in the car remain there for the full duration.
1–2	Engineering & Crew	Machinery spaces, crew accommodation and ship operations. Closed to passengers.

💡 Choosing where to sleep on the overnight crossing:

If you suffer from seasickness: Request a midship cabin on deck 8 when you call to specify preferences. Centrally located and lower down, it is the most stable position on the ship for the open-Channel section of the crossing. Deck 9 feels noticeably more lively in a swell.
If you want easy access to food and drinks: Deck 7 cabins put you within a short walk of Le Restaurant and Le Bar — handy if you want a late drink after departure from Portsmouth or an early coffee before arrival at St Malo.
If you are a light sleeper: Deck 8 is your best option — no facilities means no foot traffic past your door at 2am.
Reading your cabin number: The first digit is your deck. 812 is on deck 8; 9128 is on deck 9. You will receive a wake-up call roughly one hour before St Malo arrival — the track played is Dihun — Le Réveil by Carlos Núñez. St Malo is one hour ahead of UK time; arrival times in your confirmation are in French local time.
Requesting a location: Cabin numbers cannot be chosen when booking online. Call 0330 159 7000 after booking to request a deck or position — Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–16:30. Subject to availability.

Cabins on the Armorique Portsmouth to St Malo

A cabin is compulsory on every overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing — you cannot travel on the crossing without one. All 247 cabins are air-conditioned with private en-suite bathrooms, made-up beds with fresh linen and towels, plus soap and shower gel. Every cabin has at least one continental 2-pin socket (220v) — UK passengers need a travel adaptor, which can be picked up from the deck 6 boutiques if you haven’t packed one. Important: unlike the MV Saint-Malo, there is no Video on Demand in Armorique cabins. Download films or shows to a device before boarding at Portsmouth. Clear your cabin 30 minutes before the St Malo arrival announcement.

⭐ Club Plus

From £130 · Outside, 4-berth. Sea view window, TV with DVD player, complimentary breakfast or hot drinks brought to the cabin, minibar stocked with soft drinks, welcome macaroons and upgraded toiletries. Priority disembarkation at St Malo available on request.

🏠 Club

From £100 · Outside, 4-berth. Window with sea view, television, in-cabin tea and coffee facilities, en-suite shower room.

🛏️ 4-Berth Inside

From £75 · No window. Bunk-style beds — pairs or family groups can request both lower berths for a more comfortable setup. En-suite facilities throughout.

🛏️ 2-Berth Inside

From £55 · No window. Upper and lower bunk arrangement, en-suite. The most cost-effective cabin option for two people travelling together.

🐾 Pet Cabins

Available in 3 formats: outside 4-berth (window, sea view), inside 4-berth, inside 2-berth. All have laminate flooring rather than carpet and space for a standard-size pet bed.

♿ Accessible Cabins

6 cabins — outside 2-berth configuration, both berths at lower level. Emergency alarm, bedside telephone and fully adapted bathroom with turning space. Wheelchair users given boarding priority.

Full Cabin Guide →

Reserved Seats (from £10)

336 reclining seats are available on deck 6, numbered 1101–4330 and 5101–5157. They are not compulsory but bear in mind that 11 hours overnight is a long time to spend upright in a chair. Sleep packs (pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs) and shower packs can be bought from the Information Desk for those travelling without a cabin.

Baby Cots

Cots are available for children under 24 months. Add an infant passenger during booking and the cot option appears at the accommodation step — maximum one per cabin. The cot is assembled and made up before you board. Internal dimensions: 110 × 77 cm base, 65 cm high. A fitted undersheet is provided; bring your own blankets.

⏳ Availability warning: The Armorique has 139 fewer cabins than the MV Saint-Malo. Combined with a sailing window of just two to three weeks, pet cabins and Club Plus grades sell out fast for these departures. Book your cabin at the same time as your crossing — don’t leave it for later. Brittany Ferries takes bookings up to 12 months ahead on 0330 159 7000.

Food and Drink on the Armorique

Three venues handle food and drink, grouped around the open deck 7 with sea views running the length of the ship. The key practical difference from the MV Saint-Malo: the Armorique has a self-service restaurant rather than the Saint-Malo’s waiter-service Le Littoral brasserie and Le Jardin. Everything is priced in euros and sterling; cash and card accepted.

🍽️ Le Restaurant

Self-service · Deck 7 forward · Full-width sea views

Considerably more impressive than the name suggests. Hot dishes including steaks cooked to order, a salad counter, daily specials and a full dessert selection. The children’s soft play zone sits inside the restaurant space, which makes it easier for parents to eat without taking eyes off small children. On a clear morning crossing into St Malo, the view from the forward windows as the walled city comes into sight is hard to beat.

☕ Le Café

Snacks and drinks · Deck 6 · Next to reserved seating

Pastries, sandwiches, cakes and a full range of hot and cold drinks in a relaxed setting with television screens. Works well as an early evening option after boarding at Portsmouth without needing to head up to the restaurant — or as a quick coffee stop before the St Malo arrival announcement.

🍷 Le Bar

Lounge bar · Deck 7 · Evening entertainment venue

French wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks. The bar is where the evening programme runs: expect a quiz, a game or a vocal set from the ship’s entertainers before the overnight crossing quietens down. A calmer zone sits within the space for those who just want a drink with sea views rather than the entertainment. Pick up the sailing programme from the Information Desk when you board.

💡 Food Pass: Pre-purchasing a Food Pass before travel adds 5–15% spending credit usable across all dining outlets except the bar. On Armorique sailings the available sizes are Small (£25), Medium (£40) and Large (£50). The C-Club Lounge package sold for MV Saint-Malo sailings does not apply on the Armorique. Wine purchased from the boutiques can be delivered directly to your car on disembarkation at St Malo — no carrying it off the ship yourself.

What to Do on the Crossing

Eleven hours gives you a proper evening on board before the crossing quietens down overnight. Here is what the Armorique has available.

🎬 Two Cinemas — Deck 6

Current releases running throughout the crossing, with separate screens for adult and children’s films. Tickets go on sale at the Information Desk 15 minutes after leaving Portsmouth. Prices: adults €9.00, children under 12 €7.50, family (2 adults + 2 children, U or PG certificate only) €30.00. All screenings in English, no subtitles.

🎮 Games Planet — Deck 6

Arcade-style video gaming and air hockey. Suits teenagers and older children wanting something to do in the early part of the evening before the night crossing. Tends to be popular after dinner as families settle in for the overnight.

👧 Children’s Playroom — Deck 6

A supervised play space for younger children on deck 6, with an additional soft play area inside Le Restaurant on deck 7. Useful for getting energy out before settling children down for the overnight section of the crossing.

📖 Reading Lounge — Deck 7

A quiet, well-lit space with panoramic sea views and comfortable seating, away from the bar and entertainment. Well worth using for the hour or two after departure as the Hampshire coast disappears behind you — and ideal for early risers who wake as the Armorique enters the Rance estuary on approach to St Malo.

🎵 Evening Entertainment — Le Bar

The evening programme in Le Bar typically includes an interactive quiz, audience games and vocal performances from the ship’s entertainment team. The format is adapted per sailing and varies with the season. During school holidays Pierre the Bear — Brittany Ferries’ mascot — also makes an appearance for younger passengers. Collect the entertainment schedule from the Information Desk.

🎨 Breton Art Throughout

Three artists give the Armorique a genuine sense of place: Philippe Plisson’s maritime photography lines the public areas and features in some cabins; Alexander Goudie’s bronze figures of Breton fishermen and local women in traditional dress appear in selected cabins; Matthieu Dorval’s paintings are displayed throughout decks 6 and 7. It sets the tone for the Brittany coast waiting on the other side.

Onboard Facilities Guide →

📱 Remember — no Video on Demand in cabins: The MV Saint-Malo has on-demand films in every cabin; the Armorique does not. If you plan to watch something in your cabin on the crossing, download it to a tablet or laptop before you leave home. The ship’s Wi-Fi can handle light browsing but is not suited to streaming.

Duty-Free Shopping

Les Boutiques occupies deck 6 and opens roughly 15 minutes after departure from Portsmouth. It closes shortly before the St Malo arrival announcement. You can pay in either currency — sterling or euros — and split the payment between cash and card if you like.

🍷 Wine and Spirits

Broad selection of French wines plus whisky, gin and other spirits at duty-free pricing. Cases of wine can be taken directly to your vehicle on disembarkation at St Malo — Brittany Ferries will arrange delivery so you don’t carry them off yourself.

💄 Fragrance and Beauty

Designer fragrances and cosmetics from major brands. Testers available throughout — worth a browse on an overnight crossing when you have the time.

👜 Clothing and Accessories

Sunglasses, jewellery, watches, leather goods, cameras and seasonal clothing lines.

🎁 Gifts and Confectionery

Breton souvenirs, chocolates, sweets, books, games, newspapers, toys and tobacco products.

🔌 Things You May Have Forgotten

UK to continental plug adaptors (subject to stock), travel toiletries and accessories. The adaptor is particularly worth picking up here if you have not packed one — the Armorique’s cabin sockets are 2-pin continental only.

Wi-Fi on the Armorique

Four Wi-Fi packages are available on board, purchased through the ship’s onboard portal once you have connected to the network, or at the Information Desk. Given the 11-hour crossing duration, most passengers find the medium or full-crossing package worthwhile for keeping in touch during the evening before settling in for the night.

Package	Access Period	Recommended For
Complimentary	Short session	Sending a quick message once you are clear of Portsmouth
Light	1 hour	Email and messaging during the evening before bed
Medium	3 hours	Social media, browsing and evening communication
Full Crossing	Unlimited	Heavy use — but note the connection is not suited to video streaming

⚠️ Switch off mobile data before boarding at Portsmouth. Once at sea your phone may latch onto Telenor Maritime — an offshore network with charges well above standard UK roaming rates. Use the ship’s Wi-Fi only. And as noted above, the Armorique has no Video on Demand; the ship’s Wi-Fi is not a substitute for downloading content before you travel.

Taking a Pet on the Armorique Portsmouth to St Malo

Dogs, cats and ferrets are all accepted on the Armorique. There are no kennels on this ship — your pet travels either in one of the dedicated pet-friendly cabins or stays in your vehicle for the entire crossing. Registered assistance dogs are exempt from all restrictions and may accompany their owner throughout the ship at no extra charge.

🏠 Pet-Friendly Cabins

Three cabin types are designated pet-friendly: outside 4-berth (sea view window), inside 4-berth, and inside 2-berth. All have hard laminate flooring rather than carpet and enough floor space for a standard dog or cat bed. On an overnight 11-hour crossing, a pet-friendly cabin is far preferable to leaving an animal alone in the car below decks — and the only option that lets you actually be with your pet overnight.

🚗 Pet Left in Vehicle

Pets can be left in your car for the crossing. Leave a window open a crack, ensure water is available, and the vehicle deck temperature is maintained once the ship is moving. The critical point for overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailings: no vehicle deck visits are permitted on overnight crossings. Your pet will remain in the car for the full 11 hours. For this reason, a pet-friendly cabin is strongly recommended on this route.

🐕 What to know before travelling with a pet from Portsmouth:

Dogs must be muzzled whenever outside your vehicle on the car deck
At Portsmouth check-in your pet’s microchip will be scanned and travel documents verified. A windscreen sticker is applied — leave it in place until you exit St Malo port
Pets are banned from all public areas of the ship and from standard (non-pet) cabins. Registered assistance dogs are the only exception
Taking a pet into a standard cabin carries a compulsory deep cleaning charge of €193.68 including VAT. A second offence doubles this to €387.36
Allow at least 90 minutes before departure when checking in at Portsmouth with a pet
You must travel with a valid EU Animal Health Certificate or Pet Passport. Brittany Ferries offers a free online pet travel pre-check from 96 hours before departure — use it to confirm your documentation is in order before reaching the port

Accessibility and Passenger Services

♿ Wheelchair Users

Three lifts connect all passenger decks. Six adapted cabins: outside 2-berth, both berths at lower level, emergency alarm, telephone and a fully accessible bathroom. Accessible toilets on decks 6 and 7. All public spaces are reachable by wheelchair except the cinemas. Add your requirements at the time of booking and inform Portsmouth check-in staff on arrival. For port-side assistance, contact Brittany Ferries at least 48 hours before travel: 0330 159 7005 or access@brittanyferries.com.

👁️ Visual and Hearing Needs

Introduce yourself at the Information Desk on deck 7 when you board at Portsmouth. Braille signage is in place for certain services, and an Access Guide for Visually Impaired Passengers is available from the crew on request. Passengers with hearing difficulties will be individually briefed on any safety announcements made over the ship’s public address system.

🧒 Autism Support

Ask at Portsmouth check-in for the Brittany Ferries sailing preparation booklet. It walks through the crossing stage by stage using simple eye-spy style illustrations, designed to help children on the autistic spectrum know exactly what to expect from departure through to St Malo arrival the following morning.

🍼 Families with Babies

Changing facilities on decks 6 and 7. Pre-booked cots available for under-24-months (one per cabin maximum, made up on boarding). Children’s meals in Le Restaurant. The soft play zone inside the restaurant means younger children can be supervised while parents eat.

ℹ️ Information Desk

Located on deck 6 or 7. Bilingual staff throughout the crossing for cabin queries, the evening entertainment schedule, lost property and general help. Cinema tickets go on sale here 15 minutes after leaving Portsmouth. This is also where the evening entertainment programme is distributed.

🧳 Left Luggage

A lockable baggage room on deck 6 is available for bags you do not need until St Malo. Once deposited, bags are locked for the duration and opened roughly 20–30 minutes before arrival. You cannot retrieve luggage mid-crossing, so make sure overnight essentials go in your cabin rather than the hold.

Accessible Travel Guide →

Where Is the Armorique Right Now?

Live position, speed and heading updated in real time via AIS.

IMO 9364980 · MMSI 228263700 · Live data via VesselFinder

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Armorique sail Portsmouth to St Malo?

The Armorique covers Portsmouth to St Malo for approximately two weeks each year while the MV Saint-Malo undergoes her annual refit. In 2026 she operated this route from 23 February to 10 March, with evening departures at 20:31 and a daytime sailing at 10:45 on selected Mondays. Outside this window the MV Saint-Malo handles all Portsmouth to St Malo departures. Your booking confirmation will state which ship is operating your sailing — check it before travel.

Is a cabin compulsory on the Armorique Portsmouth to St Malo overnight crossing?

Yes. Brittany Ferries requires every passenger on the overnight Portsmouth to St Malo sailing to have either a cabin or a reserved seat — you cannot board without one. Given the crossing is around 11 hours, a cabin is strongly recommended over a seat. The Armorique has 247 en-suite cabins across five grades, plus accessible and pet-friendly options. With fewer cabins than the MV Saint-Malo, availability for peak grades is limited — book alongside your crossing rather than adding it later.

What is different about the Armorique compared to the MV Saint-Malo?

The practical differences to be aware of: the Armorique has 247 cabins vs the Saint-Malo’s 386; cabins have continental 2-pin sockets only (the Saint-Malo has UK, EU and USB); there is no Video on Demand in cabins (the Saint-Malo has it throughout); the restaurant is self-service rather than the Saint-Malo’s à la carte Le Littoral brasserie; and there is no equivalent of the Saint-Malo’s C-Club Lounge or Admiral suite. The Armorique remains a comfortable, well-regarded ship — these are differences in grade rather than fundamental comfort. The key things to bring: a UK adaptor and any downloaded content you want to watch in your cabin.

Can I take my dog on the Armorique Portsmouth to St Malo?

Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets are all accepted. The Armorique has no onboard kennels — your pet must travel in a dedicated pet-friendly cabin or remain in your vehicle. Given this is an overnight crossing of around 11 hours with no vehicle deck access permitted overnight, a pet-friendly cabin is the right choice for most pet owners. Three cabin types are available: outside 4-berth (window), inside 4-berth and inside 2-berth, all with hard flooring. These cabins are limited and sell out quickly for the short early-season Portsmouth window — book as soon as the schedule opens. You will need an EU Animal Health Certificate or valid Pet Passport, and should arrive at Portsmouth at least 90 minutes before departure.

What time does the Portsmouth to St Malo Armorique sailing depart?

In 2027, evening departures from Portsmouth were scheduled at 20:15 or 23:00. A daytime sailing at 10:45 and evening sailing at 20:30 also run on returns from France during the Armorique’s window on this route. Always verify times from your booking confirmation — minor variations can occur. Arrive at Portsmouth International Port at least 60 minutes before departure, or 90 minutes if travelling with a pet. Portsmouth International Port is roughly a 10-minute walk from Portsmouth Harbour railway station.

How long is the crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo on the Armorique?

Around 11 hours on the overnight crossing. The return sailing from St Malo to Portsmouth takes approximately 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on conditions. Remember that St Malo operates on French time — one hour ahead of the UK — so if your confirmation shows an 08:30 arrival at St Malo, that is 07:30 UK time. You will receive a wake-up call approximately one hour before arrival.

Does the Armorique have a cinema on the Portsmouth to St Malo route?

Yes — two cinemas on deck 6 screening current releases. Tickets are sold at the Information Desk 15 minutes after leaving Portsmouth. Adult tickets are €9.00, children under 12 pay €7.50, and a family ticket covering two adults and two children (U or PG films only) is €30.00. All screenings are in English without subtitles. Note that the cinemas are not wheelchair accessible.

Plan the Rest of Your Portsmouth to St Malo Trip

🛏️

Cabin Guide

Every cabin grade on both the Armorique and MV Saint-Malo — specs, prices and which to book

Cabin Guide →

⏰

Timetables

Full 2026 Portsmouth to St Malo schedule — which ship, departure times and seasonal dates

Timetables →

🗺️

St Malo and Brittany

The walled city, Mont Saint-Michel (35 miles away), Dinard, Dinan, Cancale and the Emerald Coast

Explore St Malo →

💷

Prices and Booking

2026 fares for foot passengers, cars, motorhomes and motorcycles — and how to book

See Prices →

Ready to Book Portsmouth to St Malo?

Foot passenger from ~£49 · Car + 2 passengers from ~£181

Pet-friendly cabins on the Armorique cover just two to three weeks of sailings each year and sell out quickly. Check your booking confirmation for which ship is on your date, and secure your cabin at the same time as your crossing.

Check Availability & Book Now