Armorique Ferry – Guide to Brittany Ferries’ Plymouth to Roscoff Ship

Armorique Ferry – Guide to Brittany Ferries’ Plymouth to Roscoff Ship (2025 Update)

The Armorique ferry is the main vessel used by Brittany Ferries on the Plymouth to Roscoff route. Designed specifically for this crossing, it offers a modern layout, family-friendly facilities and a comfortable onboard experience for both day and overnight sailings. This guide covers the ship’s cabins, facilities, vehicle deck, boarding process and what to expect when travelling on the Armorique.
To compare both ships on this route, see the Ferries page 

About the Armorique Ferry

The Armorique is Brittany Ferries’ purpose-built ship for the Plymouth to Roscoff route. It was designed and constructed by STX Europe in Helsinki and was built with families, motorists and foot passengers in mind, offering a practical layout that suits both day and overnight crossings.

As the primary vessel for most of the year, it forms the backbone of the route’s schedule and we’ve personally travelled on the ferry many times over the years.

Key Facts

• Year launched: 2009

• Passenger capacity: approx. 1,500 passengers

• Vehicle capacity: up to 470 cars (varies by sailing and vehicle mix)

• Top speed: approx. 23 knots

• Typical crossing time:

  • Day sailings: around 5 hrs 15 mins (fastest)

  • Night crossings: 8–11 hrs depending on schedule

These figures may vary based on loading, conditions and seasonal timetables.

What Makes the Armorique Unique?

• Purpose-built for the Plymouth to Roscoff route
  The layout, capacity and stabilisers were designed specifically for this crossing.

• Family-friendly design
  Clear signage, open deck spaces, play areas and practical cabin choices.

• Comfortable onboard environment
  Bright lounges, modern cabin layouts and good stability in rough conditions.

• Efficient loading and unloading
  The ship’s vehicle deck arrangements make the process smooth for motorists.

Cabins & Accommodation on the Armorique

The Armorique offers a clear and practical cabin layout suitable for families, couples, solo travellers and those on a budget. This photo is of the outside 4 birth cabin that we had on our trip in 2025. This was taken after we’d had a bit of a sit down hence the crumpled sheets!

All standard cabins include comfortable bedding, en-suite facilities and a simple, functional design ideal for overnight sailings. For full cabin details, see:

Types of Cabins Available

The Armorique includes several cabin categories:

• 2-berth cabins
  Ideal for couples or solo travellers wanting privacy.

• 4-berth cabins
  A popular choice for families or groups.

• Inside cabins
  Budget-friendly and quiet, located away from exterior decks.

• Outside (sea-view) cabins
  Offer natural light and outward-facing windows.

• Accessible cabins
  Designed for passengers with reduced mobility, with wider doorways and adapted bathrooms.

What the Cabins Are Like

Cabins on the Armorique are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. You can expect:

• Comfortable bedding with duvets and pillows

• Private en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin

• Storage areas including shelving and hooks for bags

• Temperature control for a comfortable night’s sleep

• Quiet corridors on most decks, especially on overnight sailings

Noise levels vary depending on location, but mid-ship cabins tend to feel most stable and quiet.

Best Cabins to Choose

For families:

• 4-berth outside cabins near central decks

• Close to play areas but not directly beside them

For couples:

• 2-berth sea-view cabins for light and comfort

For foot passengers:

• Mid-ship inside cabins (easy access and lower movement)

For budget travellers:

• Standard inside cabins on lower decks

• Still comfortable but more affordable

Onboard Facilities on the Armorique

The Armorique offers a clear and practical onboard layout with restaurants, lounges, shops and entertainment areas suitable for both day and overnight crossings. Facilities are easy to move between, and most public areas offer good sea views.

The resatuarant are is nice and spacious as you can see in the photo we took on our latest trip.

Restaurants & Cafés

The Armorique provides a range of food options, including:

• Self-service restaurant with hot meals, salads and lighter dishes

• À la carte options available on selected sailings

• Children’s meals with simple, family-friendly choices

• Café areas for coffee, pastries and snacks

Opening hours depend on the type of crossing, with extended service during busy periods.

Bars & Lounges

Passengers can relax in several lounge and bar areas throughout the ship:

• Main lounge bar with sea views

• Quiet seating zones for reading or resting

• Large windows providing natural light and coastline views

These spaces remain open for most of the sailing and offer a relaxed atmosphere.

Shops

The onboard shop includes:

• Duty-free products (where applicable)

• Perfume and cosmetics

• Alcohol and confectionery

• Travel essentials

• Toys, books and gifts

Prices vary seasonally and often reflect cross-border savings.

Entertainment & Amenities

The Armorique includes a mixture of entertainment options suitable for all ages:

• Children’s play areas

• Cinema screens (selected sailings)

• Quiet zones for reading or working

• WiFi access (free and paid options depending on tier)

• Open deck areas for fresh air and sea views

WiFi speeds vary based on ship position and signal availability.

Vehicle Deck & Boarding

The Armorique’s vehicle decks are designed for quick loading and unloading, with clear signage and staff guidance throughout. The ship can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from standard cars to larger motorhomes.

Cars, Vans & Motorhomes

The Armorique supports a broad variety of vehicle types:

• Cars and estates

• Motorhomes and campervans

• Vans and minibuses

• Trailers and roof boxes

• Motorcycles

Important notes:

• Vehicle height limits:
  Most vehicles fit comfortably, but high-roof vans or tall motorhomes may be directed to specific lanes.

• EV rules:
  Electric vehicles are permitted, but must park in designated areas based on crew instructions.

• Luggage stowage:
  Travellers cannot return to the vehicle deck during the crossing, so hand luggage should be taken upstairs.

Foot Passenger Boarding

Foot passengers board separately from vehicles:

• Access is through the terminal walkway or a shuttle system depending on the port.

• Staff guide you through security, check-in and walkway boarding.

• Foot passengers typically board before vehicle drivers.

What It’s Like Sailing on the Armorique

Sailing on the Armorique is generally calm, comfortable and straightforward. Whether you’re travelling during the day or overnight, the ship offers a simple layout, plenty of seating, and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families and foot passengers.

Day vs Night Crossing Experience

Day crossings:

• Plenty of natural light and open deck access

• Lounges, cafés and shops stay open throughout the sailing

• Ideal for those who want sea views or time to relax onboard

• Shorter duration on the fastest timetable (approx. 5 hrs 15 mins)

Night crossings:

• Cabins recommended for rest and privacy

• Quieter public areas, especially after departure

• Restaurants and bars open early in the crossing

• Typical duration: 8–11 hours, depending on the schedule

Day and night sailings both have clear announcements and well-organised onboard routines.

Stability & Rough Weather

The Armorique has a modern stabiliser system, designed to keep the ship steady even when seas are unsettled. While the western English Channel can occasionally be choppy:

• The ship handles rougher conditions well

• Mid-ship cabins experience the least motion

• Crew provide updates when weather changes

Most passengers report comfortable crossings.

Tips for First-Timers

• Book a cabin for overnight sailings to ensure proper rest

• Arrive early at the port for a smoother boarding process

• Bring layers for time spent on the open deck

• Choose mid-ship cabins if you’re sensitive to motion

• Take essentials upstairs, as you can’t revisit the vehicle deck mid-crossing

Route: Plymouth to Roscoff on the Armorique

The Armorique operates the majority of Brittany Ferries’ Plymouth ↔ Roscoff sailings. Its timetable varies by season, but it remains the primary vessel for both daytime and overnight crossings.

Crossing Length

Typical crossing times on the Armorique are:

• Day sailing: approx. 5 hours 15 minutes (fastest timetable)

• Overnight sailing: 8–11 hours, depending on schedule and tidal conditions

These times may vary slightly throughout the year.

Typical Departure Times

Exact departure times change with seasonal schedules, but you can expect:

• Morning or early afternoon departures for day crossings

• Evening departures for overnight sailings

• Return times often mirror the outbound pattern

Ports:

• From the UK: Plymouth, Devon

• From France: Roscoff (Bloscon), Brittany

When the Armorique Is Scheduled

The Armorique is usually:

• Scheduled daily during peak season

• Used for most overnight departures

• The default ship unless the Pont-Aven covers certain dates

FAQs About the Armorique Ferry

1. Does the Armorique have cabins?

Yes. The Armorique offers 2-berth, 4-berth, accessible and sea-view cabins suitable for day and overnight crossings.

2. Is the Armorique good for families?

Yes. The Armorique was designed with families in mind, with play areas, family cabins and easy-to-navigate public spaces.

3. Is the Armorique bigger than the Pont-Aven?

No. The Pont-Aven is the larger ship with more premium cabins and wider public spaces.

4. What facilities are onboard the Armorique?

Facilities include restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, lounges, play areas, cinema screens and outdoor deck areas.

5. Can I take my car on the Armorique?

Yes. Cars, motorhomes, vans, trailers and motorcycles are all accepted on the Armorique.

6. Does the Armorique have WiFi?

Yes. Free and paid WiFi packages are available, depending on the sailing and signal strength.

7. Is the Armorique a stable ship?

Yes. It has modern stabilisers designed to reduce motion in rough weather.

8. Does the Armorique operate every day?

It operates most sailings on the Plymouth ↔ Roscoff route, with the Pont-Aven covering selected dates.

9. Are pets allowed on the Armorique?

Yes. Pets can travel in pet-friendly cabins or onboard kennels.

10. How long is the crossing on the Armorique?

Crossings take around 5 hrs 15 mins during the day and 8–11 hours overnight.

Related Guides

For more detail on cabins, the sister ship, and the route, see the following pages but dont’ forget to always check out the Gov.uk travel page prior to travelling to make sure nothing has changed:

• Pont-Aven Ferry Guide

• Armorique vs Pont-Aven Comparison

• Cabins & Seating Guide

• What to Expect Onboard

• Boarding Guide

• Taking Your Car on the Ferry

• Foot Passenger Guide

• Plymouth Port Guide

• Roscoff Port Guide