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Portsmouth St Malo Ferry Onboard Facilities: Complete 2027 Guide
This complete Portsmouth St Malo ferry facilities guide covers everything onboard both ships operating this route in 2027 — from restaurants and bars to Wi-Fi packages, entertainment, duty-free shopping, and pet facilities. Whether you’re sailing on the MV Saint-Malo (primary vessel, launched February 2025) or the Armorique (a small number of sailings in March 2027), here’s what to expect during your Portsmouth St Malo ferry crossing.
Last updated: September 2026. All facilities, prices, and services verified from Brittany Ferries official sources
🚢 The Two Ships – Facilities Overview
Two Brittany Ferries cruise ferries operate the Portsmouth St Malo route in 2027. Which ship you sail on depends on your booking date. Here’s how they compare:
Feature
MV Saint-Malo
Armorique
Year Built
2024 (in service Feb 2025)
2009
Passengers
1,310
1,500
Cabins
386
247
Vehicles
470 cars
470 cars
Decks
10
9
Places to Eat
3 (Le Littoral, Le Jardin, CClub)
2 (self-service restaurant & café)
Cinemas
❌
✅ 2 cinemas
Reserved Seats
❌ (cabin required overnight)
✅
Premium Lounge
✅ CClub & Les 8 Trésors
❌
When does each ship operate? MV Saint-Malo is the primary vessel year-round. Armorique operates a small number of sailings instead of the Saint-Malo (7–20 March 2027). Your booking confirmation will state which ship you’re sailing on.
Both Portsmouth St Malo ferries offer French cuisine prepared by French chefs using locally sourced ingredients. The dining facilities differ significantly between the two ships, with MV Saint-Malo offering more variety – a brasserie, a counter-service restaurant, and the CClub lounge-restaurant. Meals are paid for on board on both ships; pre-booking a Food Pass is the easiest way to save.
🍽️ MV Saint-Malo Dining
Le Littoral
French brasserie | Deck 7
The larger of the ship’s restaurants, with sea views taking centre stage. Lunch and dinner offer Brittany Ferries’ popular buffet alongside main dishes and Breton specialities, all using seasonal local produce, plus a fine selection of French wines. Children can eat smaller portions of the adult menu, followed by a dessert buffet. Breakfast is a continental buffet, with a full cooked breakfast also available.
Le Jardin
Counter-service restaurant | Deck 8
A brand-new concept for Brittany Ferries’ newest ships – a relaxed (and, if needed, fast) counter-style servery with a contemporary market garden vibe. Healthy, plant-focused dishes alongside regional meats and sustainable seafood, with less salt and sugar and zero palm oil. Much of the produce comes from within 160km of the home ports, including the Prince de Bretagne brand. Savoury and sweet crêpes, Breton galettes, and good-value meal deals.
CClub
Lounge-restaurant | Deck 8 | Book ahead
Dinner buffet on overnight sailings with oysters, langoustines and Breton specialities (£47 per adult), and English and continental breakfast for morning arrivals (£16 per adult). On day sailings, an all-day buffet of sweet and savoury snacks with hot dishes at lunchtime. See Bars & Lounges below.
🍽️ Armorique Dining
Le Restaurant
Self-service restaurant | Deck 7
Wide choice of dishes from around the world alongside French favourites including minute steaks cooked to order – a customer favourite. Salad buffet, desserts, wines and beers. Spacious dining area with panoramic views. Children’s soft play area nearby, ideal for families.
Le Café
Café | Deck 6
Sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks. Relaxed atmosphere with flat-screen TVs and plenty of seating. Located next to the reserved seating lounge – a great place to relax with fellow passengers.
🍴 What to expect: French chefs prepare dishes using locally sourced ingredients on both ships. Meals aren’t included in your fare (breakfast is included for Commodore and Admiral guests on the Saint-Malo, and for Club Plus cabins on the Armorique). A pre-booked Food Pass (£25, £40 or £50) gives you 5–15% extra to spend on board. Wine delivery to your car is available if you purchase wine from the restaurant or boutique. Payment accepted in Sterling or Euros, by cash or card. Children’s portions and menus are available on both ships.
Bars & Lounges
🍷 MV Saint-Malo Bars & Lounges
Breizh Ma Bro Bar
The beating heart of the ship, on Deck 8 – its name means “Brittany, my country” in Breton. Take a seat under the skylight decorated in the style of the region’s Gwenn-ha-Du flag with a gin, wine, beer, cocktail, or soft drink, and enjoy performances by singers, musicians and magicians on stage. An adjoining lounge offers a quieter atmosphere, surrounded by portraits of Breton crew members in traditional costume. Large-screen TVs let you catch your favourite sports games and matches.
CClub ⭐
Exclusive lounge-restaurant – Deck 8. Created especially for the Saint-Malo, with panoramic sea views over the bow. Head chef Patrice Pantalini and his team offer three dining experiences: a refined dinner buffet on overnight sailings (oysters, langoustines, Breton specialities and French desserts, £47 per adult), English and continental breakfast for morning arrivals (£16 per adult), and an all-day buffet of sweet and savoury snacks with hot lunchtime dishes on day sailings. Contemporary art pieces complement the stunning seascape. Space is limited – book when you book your crossing or later through “My Account”.
Les 8 Trésors
Private lounge exclusive to Commodore and Admiral cabin guests, with complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks, and where the breakfast included in your cabin price is served. On overnight sailings, you can choose a continental breakfast in your cabin instead.
La Plage
Beach-themed lounge on Deck 7 with incredible sea views – a perfect escape for unwinding with friends or family. Relax with a book, step out onto the outdoor terrace for fresh sea air, or grab a summertime smoothie from the beach-hut counter. Wi-Fi available if you really must check your emails.
🍷 Armorique Bars & Lounges
Le Bar
Main lounge bar offering finest French wines, cocktails, and hot/cold drinks. Open plan feel with quiet zone. Light and airy area ideal for relaxing over a drink and enjoying terrific views. Flat-screen TVs showing sports matches and news updates. Deck 7.
Reserved Seating Lounge
More than 300 reserved lounge seats spread through the ship for passengers without cabins, including the lounge next to Le Café on Deck 6 – on overnight Armorique sailings you need either a cabin or a reserved seat. Sleep packs with a few essentials can be bought on board. Relaxed atmosphere with flat-screen TVs and plenty of space. Reserved seats are not available on the Saint-Malo.
Shopping – Les Boutiques & Duty Free
Both ships offer onboard boutiques (Les Boutiques) selling a wide range of duty-free goods at competitive prices. Perfect for gifts, souvenirs, or treating yourself during the crossing. Brittany Ferries is France’s 3rd largest perfume retailer.
🛍️ What’s Available
Spirits & Wines
Budget and premium wines, spirits, whisky, gin. Large wine cellar. Look out for special promotions, wine tastings, and talks about specialty products and brands.
Perfumes & Cosmetics
Luxury brand perfumes and cosmetics. Sample fragrances or indulge in tastings of exquisite spirits to find your perfect match.
🚗 Wine delivery service: Purchase a case (or two!) of wine and Brittany Ferries will deliver it directly to your car when you disembark – no need to carry it yourself.
🍇 Delicatessen (Saint-Malo): Just outside the boutique, find a delightful delicatessen brimming with fresh regional products. Stock up on gourmet gifts or grab a cold drink and sandwich for your onward journey.
Payment: Euros or Sterling accepted (cash or card). You can combine payment methods. Prices shown in both currencies. Locations: Deck 6 (Armorique), Deck 7 (Saint-Malo). Opening times: ~15 minutes after departure until shortly before arrival.
Entertainment & Activities
🎬 Cinemas (Armorique only)
Armorique features 2 onboard cinemas on Deck 6 showing the latest films, including options for children. Tickets go on sale at the Information Desk 15 minutes after leaving Portsmouth: adults €9, under-12s €7.50, and a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children, U/PG films only) €30. The cinemas are not wheelchair-accessible. MV Saint-Malo does not have onboard cinemas – entertainment on Saint-Malo is centred around the Breizh Ma Bro bar, live acts, La Plage, and the Exhibition Gallery.
👧 Children’s Entertainment
🐻 Pierre le Bear
Look out for Pierre le Bear – Brittany Ferries’ beloved mascot – especially during school holidays! Children are in for a treat with activities, magicians, competitions, and games led by Pierre. He has his own song and dance, loves to meet children, and plays lots of fun games (but can be a little cheeky too!). Have your photo taken with Pierre, but please be gentle with him.
Seasonal programme: Entertainment adapted for each crossing during summer and autumn school holidays. Collect your sailing entertainment programme from the Information Desk or see the display board at the main bar.
Children’s Playroom
Soft play area for younger children featuring digital and interactive games, arts and crafts, and physical activities. Complimentary children’s entertainment programme with dedicated supervisors. On the Saint-Malo it’s on Deck 8; on the Armorique the soft play area is next to the restaurant – great for families.
Games Planet
Video games area featuring the latest games, air hockey table, and foosball. Challenge family and friends to nostalgic battles on vintage arcade games. Keeps teenagers and older children entertained throughout the crossing. Available on both ships.
🚀 Ferrynauts App
Ages 7–13: Download the Ferrynauts app before you travel and embark on a special quest around the ship. Find and scan 15 hidden stickers to play with Molly (marine biologist), Louis (marine engineer), and Sofia (travel blogger) in augmented reality. Complete all challenges to win a prize!
Outdoor Play Area
Outdoor playground on Saint-Malo’s sun deck (Deck 10) with climbing equipment and space for kids to burn off energy in the fresh sea air. Perfect when the sun is shining.
📚 For Adults
Quiet Spaces
Armorique: a reading lounge on Deck 7 with comfortable chairs and panoramic sea views, plus a quiet zone off the main bar. Saint-Malo: head for La Plage on Deck 7 or the quieter lounge next to the Breizh Ma Bro bar – perfect for a book or a newspaper.
Outdoor Decks
Plenty of deck space on both ships to stretch your legs and enjoy the sea air. Sun deck on Saint-Malo (Deck 10) includes an outdoor gym, sunbathing areas with deckchairs, canopy-shaded seating, and an outdoor play area for children. Incredible views when entering or leaving port.
Exhibition Gallery
MV Saint-Malo only. An art collection celebrating Breton culture, including 150 works by Scottish artist Alexander Goudie alongside sculptures, ceramics, and photographs. Miniature replica of Saint-Alexis statue on display. Street art by Retro Graphitism on outside decks. Deck 6.
💆 Wellness Room
MV Saint-Malo only. Ultimate onboard relaxation. Eco-friendly, sea-based skincare treatments by Phytomer. Facials (from €42), pampering foot treatments, manicures using O.P.I nail polishes, and massage therapy (Amma massage and massage chair). 10% off cosmetics with treatments. Deck 7.
🎵 Live Entertainment: Entertainment is adapted for each crossing. In the main bar, expect performances from singers, musicians and magicians, plus children’s activities, interactive quizzes, games and silent discos. Collect your entertainment programme from the Information Desk.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Both Portsmouth St Malo ferries offer onboard Wi-Fi provided by satellite. Four packages are designed to suit your needs, including a free option, and the paid packages are 10% cheaper if you add them when you book. The service won’t be as fast as home or work Wi-Fi due to satellite limitations – downloading media before you travel is recommended.
Package
On Board
Pre-Booked
Duration
Description
Surf Free
Free
–
1 hour
Browsing, chat, and email
Surf Small
€3.50
£2.65
1 hour (Pausable)
Browsing, chat, email, and social media – one device
Surf Medium
€9.00
£6.80
3 hours (Pausable)
Browsing, chat, email, and social media – up to two devices
Surf One Way
€15.00
£11.70
Whole crossing
Browsing, chat, email, social media (streaming enabled) – up to two devices
Prices apply to: Armorique, Barfleur, Cotentin, Guillaume de Normandie, Mont St Michel, and Saint-Malo (France routes). Admiral suite guests on the Saint-Malo get Surf One Way free for two devices. Video on Demand (VOD): Free throughout the ship and in every cabin on Saint-Malo (not available on Armorique). Connect your device using onboard Wi-Fi, settle in with earphones, and enjoy films, radio, and TV shows. Also available on your in-cabin TV.
Accessibility & Passenger Services
Both ships are designed with comfort and accessibility at the forefront. Services are available to assist all passengers throughout their journey.
♿ Wheelchair Access
Lifts serve all passenger and vehicle decks on both ships. Wheelchair-accessible cabins available (8 on Saint-Malo, 6 on Armorique). Accessible toilets on Decks 7 and 8 on the Saint-Malo, and on Deck 7 on the Armorique. The Armorique’s cinemas are not wheelchair-accessible. Visit the Information Desk (open 24 hours) for specific assistance.
Baby changing facilities in the public bathrooms (Decks 7 and 8 on the Saint-Malo). Cots available for infants (must be pre-booked when selecting infant passenger). Children’s portions and menus available on both ships.
🧳 Baggage Room
Locked baggage storage available. Enquire at the Information Desk. The room is locked during crossing and opened ~20–30 minutes before arrival. On the Armorique it’s on Deck 6; on the Saint-Malo, ask at the Information Desk.
ℹ️ Information Desk
Deck 7 on the Saint-Malo, Deck 6 on the Armorique. Staff assist with cabin enquiries, lost property, onboard facilities, and travel information about your destination. Cinema tickets sold here on the Armorique. Open 24 hours.
💳 Paying on Board
Sterling and Euros are accepted throughout both ships, by cash or card, and you can combine payment methods. Prices are shown in both currencies.
⚡ Priority Disembarkation
You can book priority disembarkation on board for £15 per vehicle, each way, so you’re one of the first off on arrival. You must arrive at the port 1 hour 15 minutes before departure. Not available for passengers with vans, motorbikes, or pets.
Pet Facilities
Brittany Ferries is a DEFRA (UK and EU) approved pet carrier under the Pet Travel Scheme (ET140). Pets must travel with a vehicle – foot passengers cannot bring pets (registered assistance dogs are treated differently – contact Brittany Ferries). On the Saint-Malo, pets can stay in your vehicle, a pet-friendly cabin, or an onboard kennel; the Armorique has pet-friendly cabins but no kennels.
🐕 Important Pet Rules:
Pets must stay in pet-friendly cabins, kennels or your vehicle – not allowed in standard cabins or interior public areas
Dogs must be muzzled and leashed when in the outdoor exercise area
Dedicated crew greet pet-carrying vehicles in the car deck and escort owners to/from cabins
At check-in, your dog’s chip is scanned and its Animal Health Certificate (AHC) checked – since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents. A sticker is placed on your windscreen – do not remove during voyage
Guide dogs are exempt from kennel restrictions
Exercise and toilet your dog before boarding
In bad weather, pets must remain in cabins – access to exercise areas forbidden for safety
Pet-Friendly Cabins
Saint-Malo: the first ship on this route with pet-friendly cabins – 28 in total (including 2-berth Commodore, 4-berth inside, 4-berth outside). Vinyl flooring. Armorique: Pet-friendly cabins available (2-berth inside, 4-berth inside, 4-berth outside). Laminate flooring. Book early – very limited availability.
Kennels
Saint-Malo provides 12 dog kennels (small and large sizes) on Deck 7. Must be pre-booked. Small kennels: Toy Poodle, King Charles Spaniel, Terrier, Jack Russell. Large kennels: German Shepherd, Labrador, Dalmatian, Boxer, Pointer, Setter. There are no kennels on the Armorique.
Exercise Areas
Designated outdoor pet exercise area on both ships – on the Saint-Malo it’s on Deck 7, starboard side. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed at all times in this area. Access restricted in bad weather for safety.
Cabins – Quick Overview
All cabins on both ships are ensuite and air-conditioned, with bed linen, towels, and toiletries provided. Video on Demand is available in every cabin on the Saint-Malo. The cabin options differ significantly between the two ships:
🚢 MV Saint-Malo
386 cabins across 6 grades: Admiral suite (27m²), Commodore (Les 8 Trésors access and breakfast), Club (2-berth), standard 4-berth and new 6-berth, pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, allergy-friendly. UK, EU, and USB A+C sockets. A cabin is compulsory on overnight sailings – there are no reserved seats.
🚢 Armorique
247 cabins across 5 grades: Club Plus 4-berth (breakfast included), Club 4-berth, standard 2/4-berth inside, pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible. Continental plug sockets (UK passengers need adaptors). Reserved seats available as an alternative to a cabin.
Portsmouth St Malo Ferry Facilities – Frequently Asked Questions
Is food included in my Portsmouth to St Malo ferry ticket?
No – meals are not included in the standard fare, on overnight or daytime sailings. You pay as you go in the restaurants, cafés and bars. Breakfast is included with Commodore and Admiral cabins on the Saint-Malo (in the Les 8 Trésors lounge or, on overnight sailings, in your cabin) and with Club Plus cabins on the Armorique. The easiest way to save is a pre-booked Food Pass (£25, £40 or £50, giving 5–15% extra to spend on board). On the Saint-Malo, CClub breakfast (£16) and dinner (£47) can also be booked in advance.
Is Wi-Fi free on the Portsmouth St Malo ferry?
Yes – 1 hour of free Wi-Fi is available on both ships (Surf Free package). This includes browsing, chat, and email. If you need more, paid packages are available: Surf Small (€3.50 for 1 hour, pausable), Surf Medium (€9.00 for 3 hours, pausable), or Surf One Way (€15.00 for the whole crossing, streaming enabled). Book them in advance and they’re 10% cheaper (£2.65, £6.80 and £11.70). The Wi-Fi is satellite-based so won’t be as fast as home broadband.
Can I buy duty free on the Portsmouth to St Malo crossing?
Yes – both ships have onboard boutiques (Les Boutiques) selling duty-free wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, gifts, souvenirs, tobacco, and more at competitive prices. Payment accepted in Sterling or Euros. If you buy wine, Brittany Ferries will deliver it to your car when you disembark. Opening times: approximately 15 minutes after departure until shortly before arrival.
What entertainment is there for children on board?
Plenty! Armorique has 2 cinemas showing films for kids. Both ships have children’s play areas with soft play and digital games, and a video games area (Games Planet) with air hockey and foosball. The Saint-Malo also has an outdoor play area on the Deck 10 sun deck. Pierre le Bear – Brittany Ferries’ mascot – makes appearances during school holidays with activities, magicians, and competitions. On Saint-Malo, children aged 7–13 can download the Ferrynauts app for an augmented reality quest around the ship.
Are there cinemas on the Portsmouth St Malo ferry?
Armorique has 2 onboard cinemas showing the latest films, including options for children. Tickets go on sale at the Information Desk 15 minutes after leaving Portsmouth (adults €9, under-12s €7.50, family ticket €30). MV Saint-Malo, which operates the route for most of the year, does not have onboard cinemas – entertainment on Saint-Malo is centred around live acts in the Breizh Ma Bro bar, the Exhibition Gallery, and Video on Demand available in all cabins and throughout the ship.
Can I take my dog on deck during the crossing?
Yes, but only in the designated outdoor pet exercise area (on the Saint-Malo it’s on Deck 7). Dogs must be muzzled and leashed at all times in this area. Pets are not allowed in any interior public areas or on other outdoor decks. In bad weather, access to the exercise area is restricted for safety reasons and pets must remain in pet-friendly cabins. Guide dogs are exempt from these restrictions.
What plug sockets are available in the restaurants and lounges?
MV Saint-Malo has UK, European, and USB A+C sockets in public areas and cabins – no adaptor needed for UK passengers. Armorique has continental 2-pin sockets (220v). UK passengers on Armorique will need a travel adaptor for use in cabins and some public areas. Adaptors can be purchased from the onboard boutique but availability is not guaranteed – it’s strongly recommended you bring your own.
What is the CClub Lounge and can I access it?
The CClub is an exclusive lounge-restaurant on MV Saint-Malo (Deck 8), created especially for the ship, with panoramic sea views over the bow. Anyone can book it: a dinner buffet with oysters, langoustines and Breton specialities on overnight sailings (£47 per adult), English and continental breakfast for morning arrivals (£16 per adult), and an all-day buffet on day sailings. Space is limited, so book when you book your crossing or later through “My Account”. The CClub is not available on Armorique.
Continue Planning Your Portsmouth to St Malo Trip
🛏️
Cabin Guide
Complete cabin comparison – Admiral, Commodore, Club, pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, and 6-berth family options
Foot passenger from £53 | Car + 2 passengers from £184
Facilities differ between the two ships, so check which one you’re sailing on. Commodore and pet-friendly cabins sell out fast – book early for the best choice.
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