Guest Speaker 
No single supplement 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Treasures of Ireland and the British Archipelagos
Fairlie (Glasgow), Scotland - Honfleur
Dates:
11/5/2023
to
19/5/2023
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you aboard Le Bellot for a 9-day cruise to discover the British and Irish treasures along the coastlines of the Channel and the Celtic and Irish seas.
Departing from Fairlie, a charming town on the west coast of Scotland, you will first sail towards Fort William. This harbour town on the shores of Loch Linnhe is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, close to the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Glencoe.
Your call in Belfast will allow you to visit the Giant's Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.
Next, Le Bellot will sail towards Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm.
Further south, Wicklow, a popular Dublin holiday destination with heather moors, mountains, pebble beaches and authentic villages, offers a great escape.
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.
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 before calling at Guernsey, whose green prairies and romantic cliffs welcomed Victor Hugo during his exile.
Then you will reach Honfleur, jewel of the “Côte Fleurie”, after a magnificent cruise.
Ref : EE110523
Your itinerary
A cruise off the British and Irish coasts to discover the treasures of these ancestral lands. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Belfast, the mysterious Giant's Causeway site, Dublin, city...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE SOLEAL
21/10/2022 to the 1/11/2022
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
4/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
9/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
*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 Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès 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)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
- A cruise off the British and Irish coasts to discover the treasures of these ancestral lands.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Belfast, the mysterious Giant's Causeway site, Dublin, city of literature.
- Discover the Giant’s Causeway and its thousands of basalt columns.
- Discover the stunning landscapes of Wicklow, a new call.
- Fort William and the discovery of Scottish traditions and history in the heart of the Highlands.
- The wild and romantic landscapes of Guernsey and Scilly.
Ports of Call & Excursions
11 May 2023 - Fairlie (Glasgow), Scotland
Embarkation 11/5/2023 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Departure 11/5/2023 at 5:00 pm
The village of Fairlie can be found less than an hour away from lively Glasgow. In the north of Ayrshire county, on the western Scottish coast, this charming little town faces the Isle of Arran. The originality of Kelburn Castle, built in the 12th century, stems from its façade covered in graffiti by four famous Brazilian graffiti artists. This artistic statement as well as the castle’s estate and gardens, which can be discovered during a pleasant walk, are well worth a visit.
12 May 2023 - Fort William
Arrival 12/5/2023 early morning
Departure 12/5/2023 mid afternoon
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.
13 May 2023 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Arrival 13/5/2023 early morning
Departure 13/5/2023 evening
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
14 May 2023 - Dublin
Arrival 14/5/2023 early morning
Departure 14/5/2023 late evening
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.
15 May 2023 - Wicklow
Arrival 15/5/2023 early morning
Departure 15/5/2023 early afternoon
Located some 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the Irish capital, County Wicklow is a favourite holiday spot for Dubliners. Known colloquially as “the Garden of Ireland”, its green and undulating landscapes attract those fond of walking through the moors and the romantic scenery of the wild coast. From Wicklow Port, you will be able to access the coastal path leading to the Black Castle. The ruins of a wall perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea indicate the location of an Anglo-Norman castle attacked for centuries by the Irish clans. Inland, the famous Wicklow Way runs through a magnificent national park with mountains, lakes, stunning mansions and archaeological sites.
16 May 2023 - Isles of Scilly
Arrival 16/5/2023 early morning
Departure 16/5/2023 early 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.
17 May 2023 - Dartmouth
Arrival 17/5/2023 early morning
Departure 17/5/2023 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.
18 May 2023 - Guernsey, Channel Islands
Arrival 18/5/2023 early morning
Departure 18/5/2023 midday
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.
19 May 2023 - Honfleur
Arrival 19/5/2023
Disembarkation 19/5/2023 at 7:00 am
A treasure of the Côte Fleurie, Honfleur is located on the edge of la Crique de Rouen in Normandy. You will no doubt admire the historical ships moored in its old port. With its tall, slate-covered houses, the quays provide a great setting for a very nice walk. In the streets behind the harbour, you will see many timber houses. These picturesque places were the cradle of several pre-impressionist painters. You can see their works in the Eugène Boudin museum. Exhibited works represent scenes of medieval streets and the coastline as it used to be, as illustrated by the Butin beach and its lush green hillsides.
A day along the Antrim Coast
Depart from the port of Belfast and drive along Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast. Some of the world's most unspoilt scenery is to be found in the county of Antrim. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the Glens, here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Travel via the Coast Road to reveal different seascapes, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks, as you make your way northwards. From the vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay you can enjoy views of Scotland's Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles (11 km) off the coast.
Stop to enjoy tea/coffee and scones at a local hotel along the coastal route before continuing to photograph Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet (25 m) deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island.
Continue to a local establishment to enjoy lunch before venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage Giants' Causeway site. The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant's Causeway. This new interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway's 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its stone formation. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. You can board the "Causeway Coaster" minibus to bring you to the causeway itself.
On your way back to Belfast, a photo stop will be made at Dunluce Castle, before returning to your ship.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour which includes 2 hours at the Giant's Causeway, the amount of walking is at guest's discretion. This tour includes a snack with tea or coffee and scone and a 3-course lunch.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Giants Causeway
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.
The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. This interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind’s eye before you make your way to the stones themselves, by boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, should you prefer not to walk.
Following your visit, you will drive back to Belfast and your ship.
- To fully appreciate the Giants’ Causeway, you will have to walk over uneven, slippery surfaces as well as steps. The amount of walking is at your discretion. We recommend you wear good and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Belfast & Titanic
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.
Next, you will visit the newly constructed Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.
After the visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Dublin
From the pier, head for the heart of the Irish capital. You will pass in front of the Customs House, completed in 1791 and designed by the architect James Gandon who was also responsible for some of Dublin’s loveliest buildings. Crossing the river Liffey to Dublin’s south side, the Bank of Ireland stands proudly, a 18th-century building which housed the Irish Parliament until its abolition as a result of the Union Act in 1800. On the opposite side, is the impressive gateway to Trinity College, the University of Dublin founded in 1592 at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth I.
A first stop is made to visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most famous monuments. Dating back to 1038, it is the country’s oldest and most important cathedral. The cathedral has resisted the trials and tribulations of time and history. The building underwent extensive restoration work in the Victorian era and is an active religious centre.
Next, discover Dublin Castle. The castle played an important role from the Middle Ages up until 1922 as it was the residence of representatives of the British monarchy. It has survived numerous rebellions during its history, such as the 1916 uprising, and is today the theatre of official ceremonies such as the investiture of the President of the Republic. It was here that the 1998 peace agreements with Northern Ireland were signed.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the return journey to the pier and your ship.
- Please note the castle may close with little to no notice due to State functions.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Buckfast Abbey & Totnes
Visit a fascinating abbey lovingly rebuilt in recent times and travel to a nearby medieval town that remains to this day a flourishing market town.
On the edge of the moor lies Buckfast Abbey, a thriving community of Benedictine monks. The original 11th century Buckfast Abbey fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries. In 1882, four monks returned and in 1906 they began the monumental task of rebuilding the church themselves. It took them 31 years; a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that only one of them had previous building experience. Now only the absence of the patina of age distinguishes this splendid church, a mix of early English and Norman styles, from original fabric.
A presentation and exhibition explains the monks’ achievement and their present-day work. Famed for its stained glass, fine examples of the monk’s own work adorn the abbey. You will explore at leisure and visit the garden sensory and the lavender gardens before visiting the produce shop which sells everything from bees wax to the much-enjoyed monastic beverage: mead!
Afterwards you will head to the thriving medieval town of Totnes and explore with your guide as you are taken on a short-guided walking tour of the town. Spend some time at leisure exploring the shops of Totnes before re-boarding your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 800 metres (0.5 mile) of walking on flat terrain with a gentle incline in places. Total walking distance in Totnes is at guests’ discretion. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed to avoid congestion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Steam train & river cruise
This lovely tour of Devonshire’s “English Riviera coast” will give you a real feel for the village life and delightful countryside in this part of the world. Start with a short walking tour of Dartmouth. This ancient port is perhaps best known for Britannia Royal Naval College which stands imposingly on the hill above. It has been the centre of naval training for centuries and so the town itself has a strong maritime history, which is echoed in its ancient taverns and well-preserved shops.
Then join a public boat for a transfer up the pretty River Dart, passing stunning scenery all the while. Agatha Christie’s House, Greenway, sits here on the banks of the river in its idyllic setting.
After 1h15 hour of sailing, arrive in medieval Totnes. Explore this town with your guide before travelling by coach to the pretty seaside resort town of Paignton. Here, board a traditional steam train for a picturesque ride through the rolling scenery to Kingswear, nestled on the banks of the river Dart. Then a short ferry crossing brings you into the town centre of Dartmouth.
- As the 2022 timetable is not available at the moment we are publishing, please note the tour may need to be extended slightly, depending on what time the trains and river cruises are running. This tour is conducted in English only.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Greenway House & gardens
Depart from the pier by boat and make the delightful journey up the river Dart. After a 30-minute sailing, arrive at Greenway House and Gardens.
Agatha Christie made Greenway her holiday home from 1938 until 1959. Take the opportunity to view the many personal collections and mementoes of our best-loved mystery writer and her family in a house that portrays the spirit of a holiday home in its 1950s heyday. Here, Agatha Christie gathered with her family and friends for long summer days together, often to celebrate a novel just completed for publication. Visit the house before taking a stroll around the gardens.
The most nostalgic and magical of gardens, evoking a past world of long summer holidays and secret places waiting to be discovered, was described by previous owner Agatha Christie as “the loveliest place in the world”. The beautiful garden is renowned for its rare half-hardy plants, under planted with drifts of native wild flowers. Among the many corners to explore are a Victorian fernery, an exquisitely restored vinery and the enigmatic “Raleigh’s boathouse”.
- The walk from Greenway quay to visitor reception is steep in places along a winding bark chip path through the Greenway woodland. The 750 metres (800 yards) walk takes about 10 minutes and there are plenty of benches for resting or admiring the view on the way. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility due to the steep hill and getting on and off the boats. Walking in the gardens is at guest’s discretion. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothes. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 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.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
A day along the Antrim Coast
Depart from the port of Belfast and drive along Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast. Some of the world's most unspoilt scenery is to be found in the county of Antrim. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the Glens, here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Travel via the Coast Road to reveal different seascapes, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks, as you make your way northwards. From the vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay you can enjoy views of Scotland's Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles (11 km) off the coast.
Stop to enjoy tea/coffee and scones at a local hotel along the coastal route before continuing to photograph Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet (25 m) deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island.
Continue to a local establishment to enjoy lunch before venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage Giants' Causeway site. The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant's Causeway. This new interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway's 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its stone formation. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. You can board the "Causeway Coaster" minibus to bring you to the causeway itself.
On your way back to Belfast, a photo stop will be made at Dunluce Castle, before returning to your ship.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour which includes 2 hours at the Giant's Causeway, the amount of walking is at guest's discretion. This tour includes a snack with tea or coffee and scone and a 3-course lunch.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Spectacular Giants Causeway
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.
The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. This interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind’s eye before you make your way to the stones themselves, by boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, should you prefer not to walk.
Following your visit, you will drive back to Belfast and your ship.
- To fully appreciate the Giants’ Causeway, you will have to walk over uneven, slippery surfaces as well as steps. The amount of walking is at your discretion. We recommend you wear good and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Belfast & Titanic
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.
Next, you will visit the newly constructed Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.
After the visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Historic Dublin
From the pier, head for the heart of the Irish capital. You will pass in front of the Customs House, completed in 1791 and designed by the architect James Gandon who was also responsible for some of Dublin’s loveliest buildings. Crossing the river Liffey to Dublin’s south side, the Bank of Ireland stands proudly, a 18th-century building which housed the Irish Parliament until its abolition as a result of the Union Act in 1800. On the opposite side, is the impressive gateway to Trinity College, the University of Dublin founded in 1592 at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth I.
A first stop is made to visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most famous monuments. Dating back to 1038, it is the country’s oldest and most important cathedral. The cathedral has resisted the trials and tribulations of time and history. The building underwent extensive restoration work in the Victorian era and is an active religious centre.
Next, discover Dublin Castle. The castle played an important role from the Middle Ages up until 1922 as it was the residence of representatives of the British monarchy. It has survived numerous rebellions during its history, such as the 1916 uprising, and is today the theatre of official ceremonies such as the investiture of the President of the Republic. It was here that the 1998 peace agreements with Northern Ireland were signed.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the return journey to the pier and your ship.
- Please note the castle may close with little to no notice due to State functions.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Buckfast Abbey & Totnes
Visit a fascinating abbey lovingly rebuilt in recent times and travel to a nearby medieval town that remains to this day a flourishing market town.
On the edge of the moor lies Buckfast Abbey, a thriving community of Benedictine monks. The original 11th century Buckfast Abbey fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries. In 1882, four monks returned and in 1906 they began the monumental task of rebuilding the church themselves. It took them 31 years; a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that only one of them had previous building experience. Now only the absence of the patina of age distinguishes this splendid church, a mix of early English and Norman styles, from original fabric.
A presentation and exhibition explains the monks’ achievement and their present-day work. Famed for its stained glass, fine examples of the monk’s own work adorn the abbey. You will explore at leisure and visit the garden sensory and the lavender gardens before visiting the produce shop which sells everything from bees wax to the much-enjoyed monastic beverage: mead!
Afterwards you will head to the thriving medieval town of Totnes and explore with your guide as you are taken on a short-guided walking tour of the town. Spend some time at leisure exploring the shops of Totnes before re-boarding your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 800 metres (0.5 mile) of walking on flat terrain with a gentle incline in places. Total walking distance in Totnes is at guests’ discretion. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed to avoid congestion.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Steam train & river cruise
This lovely tour of Devonshire’s “English Riviera coast” will give you a real feel for the village life and delightful countryside in this part of the world. Start with a short walking tour of Dartmouth. This ancient port is perhaps best known for Britannia Royal Naval College which stands imposingly on the hill above. It has been the centre of naval training for centuries and so the town itself has a strong maritime history, which is echoed in its ancient taverns and well-preserved shops.
Then join a public boat for a transfer up the pretty River Dart, passing stunning scenery all the while. Agatha Christie’s House, Greenway, sits here on the banks of the river in its idyllic setting.
After 1h15 hour of sailing, arrive in medieval Totnes. Explore this town with your guide before travelling by coach to the pretty seaside resort town of Paignton. Here, board a traditional steam train for a picturesque ride through the rolling scenery to Kingswear, nestled on the banks of the river Dart. Then a short ferry crossing brings you into the town centre of Dartmouth.
- As the 2022 timetable is not available at the moment we are publishing, please note the tour may need to be extended slightly, depending on what time the trains and river cruises are running. This tour is conducted in English only.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Greenway House & gardens
Depart from the pier by boat and make the delightful journey up the river Dart. After a 30-minute sailing, arrive at Greenway House and Gardens.
Agatha Christie made Greenway her holiday home from 1938 until 1959. Take the opportunity to view the many personal collections and mementoes of our best-loved mystery writer and her family in a house that portrays the spirit of a holiday home in its 1950s heyday. Here, Agatha Christie gathered with her family and friends for long summer days together, often to celebrate a novel just completed for publication. Visit the house before taking a stroll around the gardens.
The most nostalgic and magical of gardens, evoking a past world of long summer holidays and secret places waiting to be discovered, was described by previous owner Agatha Christie as “the loveliest place in the world”. The beautiful garden is renowned for its rare half-hardy plants, under planted with drifts of native wild flowers. Among the many corners to explore are a Victorian fernery, an exquisitely restored vinery and the enigmatic “Raleigh’s boathouse”.
- The walk from Greenway quay to visitor reception is steep in places along a winding bark chip path through the Greenway woodland. The 750 metres (800 yards) walk takes about 10 minutes and there are plenty of benches for resting or admiring the view on the way. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility due to the steep hill and getting on and off the boats. Walking in the gardens is at guest’s discretion. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothes. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.