Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Pont-Aven Ship Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
The Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries’ flagship — the largest and fastest purpose-built cruise ferry on the English Channel. Built at Meyer Werft in Germany and launched in 2004, she carries up to 2,400 passengers and operates on selected Plymouth to Roscoff sailings alongside the Armorique. This complete Pont-Aven ship guide covers the deck plan, all cabin types and prices, restaurants and bars, the pool, onboard entertainment, Wi-Fi, pets, accessibility, and practical tips for your crossing.
Last updated: May 2026 | All specifications verified from Brittany Ferries official sources.
🚢 Pont-Aven at a Glance
2004
Year Launched
2,400
Passengers
650
En-suite Cabins
650
Cars
27 kn
Service Speed
41,700
Gross Tonnage
✅ Route: Plymouth to Roscoff (selected sailings)
✅ Dining: Le Flora (à la carte) · La Belle Angèle (self-service) · Le Café du Festival
✅ Bars: Le Grand Pavois (show bar) · Le Fastnet (piano bar) · Les Finistères (pool bar, seasonal)
✅ Pool: Indoor swimming pool open May–September (weather permitting)
✅ Cabins: 7 grades from Commodore to 2-berth inside, plus pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible
✅ Flagship: Largest and fastest purpose-built cruise ferry on the English Channel
Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries’ flagship — the largest ship in the fleet and the fastest purpose-built cruise ferry on the English Channel. She takes her name from a delightful small town in Brittany well known for its links with artists, and her interior décor reflects that heritage through stylish furnishings and artwork, including a Gauguin painting on board.
Her construction was commissioned on 22 February 2002 when Brittany Ferries signed a letter of intent with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Her keel was laid on 9 April 2003, and she was formally handed over to Brittany Ferries on 27 February 2004 following sea trials in the North Sea where she recorded speeds of over 28 knots. She first arrived in Plymouth on 11 March 2004 and made her maiden voyage to Santander on 24 March 2004, with her naming ceremony taking place in Roscoff on 26 April 2004.
On the Plymouth to Roscoff route she operates on selected sailings — primarily during peak summer — alongside the Armorique. She is a noticeably different experience: larger, faster, with more dining options, a piano bar, swimming pool and a wider cabin range including Commodore cabins with private balconies. If your booking confirmation shows Pont-Aven, you are in for the fuller experience.
Pont-Aven Technical Specifications
Specification
Detail
Specification
Detail
Maiden Voyage
24 March 2004
Gross Tonnage
41,700 GT
Length (LOA)
184.60 m
Beam
30.90 m
Service Speed
27 knots
Max Draught
6.80 m
Passenger Capacity
2,400
Car Capacity
650 vehicles
Cabins
650 en-suite
Reserved Seats
47 reclining lounge seats
Engine Power
50,400 kW
Crew
183
Shipyard
Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Flag
France
Pont-Aven Deck Plan
The Pont-Aven has six passenger decks — decks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Decks 2 to 4 are the three vehicle decks. Deck 1 is engineering. The first digit of your cabin number tells you which deck you are on — cabin 612 is on deck 6, cabin 8216 is on deck 8. Wi-Fi is available in public areas on decks 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Deck by Deck — What’s Where
Deck
Primary Use
Key Facilities
10
Kennels
Dog kennels — accessed via lift E to deck 9, then a short flight of stairs from the dog exercise area. Small and large kennels available. Dogs are not permitted in standard cabins.
9
Pool, Games Planet, Reserved Seats, Promenade
Indoor swimming pool — open May to September, weather permitting. No lifeguard, children must be supervised. Showers by pool; towels from Information Desk. Diving forbidden. Les Finistères pool bar (seasonal). Games Planet — video games, air hockey. Reserved lounge seats 9001–9047 (47 seats). Open promenade deck.
8
Le Grand Pavois, Boutique, Commodore Lounge, Cabins
Le Grand Pavois — main show bar, two decks with sweeping staircase and mezzanine lounge above. Live entertainment. La Boutique — duty-free shop. Commodore Lounge — exclusive lounge for Commodore and De Luxe guests, includes two side patio areas. Spa treatment rooms available on Plymouth to Santander sailings. Cabin numbers: 8101–8176, 8201–8263, 8301–8316, 8401–8418.
7
Le Flora, La Belle Angèle, Le Café du Festival, Le Fastnet
Le Flora — à la carte restaurant, aft, open kitchen, sea views. La Belle Angèle — self-service restaurant, French cuisine, minute steaks, salad buffet. Le Café du Festival — sandwiches, pastries, hot and cold drinks; large seating area with flat-screen TVs; children’s soft play area adjacent. Le Fastnet — piano bar adjacent to Le Flora.
6
Cinemas, Information Desk, ATM, Baggage, Promenade, Cabins
Two cinemas — surround sound, 90 seats total. Tickets on sale at cinema entrance 30 minutes before the film, or at the Information Desk 15 minutes after sailing. Information Desk. ATM next to Information Desk. Baggage room — locked during crossing, opens 20–30 mins before arrival. Full wrap-around promenade deck. Cabin numbers: 6101–6180, 6201–6297, 6301–6309, 6401–6498.
5
Passenger Cabins
Cabins only. Numbers: 5101–5175, 5201–5287, 5301–5379, 5401–5496. The lowest passenger deck — the most stable position for those susceptible to seasickness.
2–4
Vehicle Decks
Three garage decks — cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and freight. 4 stairways and 3 sets of lifts connecting to the passenger decks. Passengers may not return to vehicles during the crossing except via crew escort.
1
Engineering / Crew
Engine rooms, crew quarters and ship infrastructure. Not accessible to passengers.
Deck Plan Image
The Pont-Aven deck plan below shows all passenger decks including cabin locations, restaurants, bars, pool, entertainment spaces, the boutique and all passenger access routes. Click to view full size.
💡 Deck plan tips — choosing your cabin location:
Seasickness: Deck 5 is the lowest passenger deck and the most stable position on board — lower and midship means the least motion in rough seas.
Closest to dining: Deck 7 puts you steps from Le Flora, La Belle Angèle, Le Café du Festival and Le Fastnet. Deck 6 has the Information Desk, ATM and cinemas.
Premium experience: Deck 8 cabins are adjacent to Le Grand Pavois and La Boutique. Commodore guests on deck 8 have exclusive access to the Commodore Lounge and its two side patio areas.
Pool access: The pool is on deck 9, open May to September. Children must be supervised at all times; no lifeguard on duty.
Cabin numbers: The first digit tells you your deck. Keep your cabin keycard away from your mobile phone to avoid demagnetisation.
You cannot select a specific cabin number online. Call Brittany Ferries after booking on 0330 159 7000 to request a deck or location preference. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00–16:30, subject to availability.
Pont-Aven Cabins
On overnight sailings a cabin or reserved seat is compulsory — you cannot board without one, and the vehicle deck is sealed for the entire crossing. On daytime sailings, cabins are available at a reduced rate. All 650 cabins are en-suite, air-conditioned with individual temperature control, and include fresh linen and towels, soap and shower gel, comfortable seating, a radio, and at least one continental 2-pin plug socket (220v). A UK adaptor is needed — available from La Boutique on deck 8, subject to availability. Vacate your cabin 30 minutes before arrival.
👑 4-berth Commodore
From £195 · Twin beds plus sofabed. Private balcony, TV with Video-on-Demand, complimentary breakfast or hot drinks, minibar, macaroons, toiletries. Commodore Lounge access. Priority disembarkation available.
⭐ 4-berth De Luxe
From £125 · TV with Video-on-Demand, minibar, complimentary breakfast or hot drinks, Commodore Lounge access, macaroons, toiletries, en-suite.
🏠 4-berth Club
From £100 · Window, TV, tea-making facilities, bunk-style beds, en-suite.
🛏️ 4-berth outside
From £85 · Window, twin and bunk-style beds, en-suite. Can be used as a large 2-berth with 2 lower berths.
🛏️ 4-berth inside
From £75 · Twin and bunk-style beds, en-suite, no window. Can be used as a large 2-berth with 2 lower berths.
🛏️ 2-berth outside
From £65 · Window, bunk-style beds, en-suite.
🛏️ 2-berth inside
From £50 · Bunk-style beds, en-suite, no window.
🐾 Pet-Friendly
2 options: 4-berth outside and 4-berth inside — both with laminate flooring and space for a standard animal bed.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
9 cabins — 4-berth outside. 2 lower + 2 upper berths, alarm and telephone, adapted bathroom. Wheelchair users given priority.
47 reclining reserved seats on deck 9 (seat numbers 9001–9047) are available as an alternative to a cabin on overnight sailings. Sleep packs — pillow, blanket, eye mask and earplugs — and shower packs can be purchased from the Information Desk on board.
Cots (infants up to 24 months):
Cots can be pre-booked for infants up to 24 months. Select infant as a passenger when booking and the cot option appears at the accommodation step. Maximum one cot per cabin. The cot will be made up and waiting in your cabin. An undersheet is provided — bring your own blankets.
⏳ Book cabins early: Commodore cabins and pet-friendly cabins are the first to sell out, particularly on peak summer Plymouth to Roscoff sailings. Book your cabin at the same time as your crossing — Brittany Ferries opens bookings up to 12 months in advance.
Dining on the Pont-Aven
The Pont-Aven offers three restaurants and two bars — more dining options than any other ship on the Plymouth to Roscoff route. All food is freshly prepared by French chefs on board. Payment accepted in Euros or Sterling, cash or card.
🍽️ Le Flora
À la carte restaurant | Deck 7, aft | Open kitchen | Sea views
Pont-Aven’s elegant à la carte restaurant situated at the aft of the ship. Watch the sea slide by and observe the chefs at work through the open kitchen. Seasonal menus prepared with regional produce, accompanied by a French wine list. The most premium dining experience on board — and one you will not find on the Armorique.
🍴 La Belle Angèle
Self-service restaurant | Deck 7 | Salad buffet
Self-service restaurant with a wide choice of French cuisine and world favourites — minute steaks cooked to order on the spot, a salad buffet, hot dishes, desserts and drinks including wines and beers. Passengers can also use the larger seating area in Le Café du Festival, which looks out from the bow of the ship.
☕ Le Café du Festival
Café | Deck 7, forward | Family-friendly
Sandwiches, cakes, pastries and hot and cold drinks. A large adjoining seating area with flat-screen televisions at the forward end of the ship. The children’s soft play area is adjacent — ideal for families who want something lighter without using the main restaurant.
🍷 Good to know: Restaurant opening times vary throughout the year — check on board once you have sailed. Wine delivery to your car on disembarkation is available when you purchase a case from La Boutique. Vending machines are also available. A Food Pass (pre-purchased before travel) gives 5–15% extra credit across all restaurants and cafés.
Bars & Lounges
🎭 Le Grand Pavois
Main show bar | Deck 8, forward | Two decks with sweeping staircase
Pont-Aven’s main lounge bar and entertainment space, seating across two levels connected by a large sweeping staircase. Cocktails, beers, wines, hot and cold drinks and snacks. Live bands, cabaret singers, tribute acts, magicians, DJs and children’s entertainers. Flat-screen TVs showing sports and news. The focal point of the ship’s entertainment on every crossing.
🎹 Le Fastnet
Piano bar | Deck 7, adjacent to Le Flora
A stylish cocktail bar with a resident pianist setting a relaxed mood. Adjacent to Le Flora — ideal for an aperitif before dinner or a digestif afterwards. One of the features that most clearly sets the Pont-Aven apart from any other ship on this route.
🏊 Les Finistères
Pool bar | Deck 9 | May to September only
Serves wines, beers and soft drinks beside the pool during the summer season and on busy off-season crossings. Open when the pool is open.
⭐ Commodore Lounge
Deck 8 | Commodore and De Luxe guests only
An exclusive lounge on deck 8 reserved for Commodore and De Luxe cabin guests, with access to two side patio areas. A quieter, more private alternative to Le Grand Pavois.
🛋️ Mezzanine Lounge
Le Grand Pavois mezzanine | Open to all
A spacious lounge on the mezzanine level of Le Grand Pavois, with comfortable lounge chairs and sofas. A calmer option for those who want to relax with a drink away from the main entertainment area.
Entertainment & Things to Do on Board
The Pont-Aven carries significantly more entertainment than the Armorique. Entertainment is adapted per crossing — collect the programme from the Information Desk once on board.
🏊 Swimming Pool (Deck 9)
Indoor pool with sea views, sun loungers and showers. Open May to September, weather permitting. No lifeguard on duty — children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Diving is forbidden. Towels available from the Information Desk. Not available on the Armorique.
🎬 Two Cinemas (Deck 6)
Two cinemas with surround sound seating 90 passengers in total. Tickets on sale at the cinema entrance 30 minutes before the film starts, or at the Information Desk 15 minutes after the ship sails. All films in English with no subtitles. Not wheelchair-accessible.
🎮 Games Planet (Deck 9)
Teenage games room with the latest video games and an air hockey table on deck 9 — well suited to older children on the crossing.
👧 Children’s Playroom
A dedicated playroom for younger children, plus the soft play area adjacent to Le Café du Festival. During peak season a special children’s entertainment programme runs — games, treasure hunts and more.
🐳 ORCA Whale & Dolphin Watching
ORCA wildlife officers join the Pont-Aven to monitor whales, dolphins and porpoises from the upper deck. Talks take place in Le Grand Pavois bar on most crossings. ORCA works to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats in UK and European waters.
🐻 Pierre le Bear & Headline Acts
Pierre le Bear appears on school holiday sailings with activities, magicians and competitions for younger passengers. Headline acts — tribute artists, live bands and cabaret performers — take the stage in Le Grand Pavois on selected summer sailings.
La Boutique duty-free shop is located on deck 8. Note that wines, spirits and tobacco cannot be purchased within 20 minutes of the UK port — the boutique may open for browsing and other sales closer to Plymouth, but alcohol and tobacco sales begin only once clear of UK territorial waters. Payment accepted in Euros or Sterling, cash or card.
🍷 Wines & Spirits
Wide range at French prices. Wine delivery to your car on disembarkation available when purchasing a case.
💄 Perfumes & Cosmetics
Luxury brand perfumes and cosmetics at duty-free prices. Sample fragrances before buying.
Toys, confectionery, books, games, newspapers, tobacco and Breton souvenirs.
🔌 Travel Essentials
UK plug adaptors (subject to availability) — all Pont-Aven cabin sockets are continental 2-pin (220v) so a UK adaptor is needed.
Wi-Fi on the Pont-Aven
Wi-Fi is available in public areas on decks 6, 7, 8 and 9, provided via satellite link. The Pont-Aven offers 90 minutes of free access — more than the 60 minutes offered on other ships in the fleet. Connect to the network named Brittany Ferries Connected. Club Voyage members save 50% on the Surf One Way package — ask at the Information Desk before purchasing.
Package
Price
Duration
Best For
Surf Free
Free
90 minutes
Browsing, chat and email
Surf Small
€3.50
1 hour (pausable)
Email, messaging and light browsing
Surf Medium
€9.00
3 hours (pausable)
Social media and extended browsing, up to 2 devices
Surf One Way
€25.00
Unlimited
Streaming and heavy use, up to 2 devices
⚠️ Important: Turn off mobile data roaming before boarding. In the Channel, your phone may connect to an offshore maritime network with significantly higher charges than standard UK rates. Use only the ship’s own Wi-Fi network. Downloading and streaming are restricted on the free and lower-tier packages — download any content you want to watch before you travel.
Travelling with Pets on the Pont-Aven
The Pont-Aven accepts dogs, cats and ferrets. Unlike the Armorique, she has onboard dog kennels — so passengers travelling with dogs have three options: pet-friendly cabin, kennels, or leaving your pet in your vehicle. Assistance dogs travel free and are permitted in all areas of the ship.
🏠 Pet-Friendly Cabins
Two types: 4-berth outside (window, sea view, laminate flooring) and 4-berth inside (laminate flooring). Both have space for a standard-size animal bed. Pets in pet-friendly cabins use the exercise area on deck 6. Book early — these sell out quickly for peak sailings.
🐶 Dog Kennels (Deck 10)
Kennels on deck 10, accessed via lift E to deck 9 then a short staircase. Dogs in kennels use the exercise area on deck 9. Small kennels suit: Toy Poodle, King Charles Spaniel, Terrier, Jack Russell. Large kennels suit: German Shepherd, Labrador, Dalmatian, Boxer, Pointer, Setter. Must be pre-booked.
🚗 Leaving Pets in the Vehicle
Pets may stay in your vehicle for the duration of the Plymouth to Roscoff crossing. Leave a window slightly open for ventilation and leave water. The vehicle deck temperature is regulated once the ship is under way.
🐕 Key pet rules on the Pont-Aven:
Your dog must be muzzled at all times in the port and on board whenever outside your vehicle or pet accommodation — including in the exercise area
At check-in your pet’s chip will be scanned and documentation checked. A sticker is placed on your windscreen — do not remove it until exiting your arrival port
Pets are not permitted in any public areas or standard cabins (except registered assistance dogs)
Taking a pet into a non-pet-friendly cabin incurs a deep cleaning charge of €193.68 (VAT included). A repeat offence increases this to €387.36
One hour before arrival, an announcement asks pet owners to return to their cabin or kennels. A crew member escorts pets to the vehicle deck via lift E; pets remain in vehicles until arrival. Pet owners are not permitted to stay in the car during this time
In bad weather, pets must remain in their cabin or kennel — the exercise area will not be accessible
Arrive at Plymouth at least 90 minutes before departure when travelling with a pet. Use Brittany Ferries’ free online pet travel pre-check (available from 96 hours before departure) to verify your documentation
Lifts access all passenger decks. Nine wheelchair-accessible cabins (4-berth outside, 2 lower + 2 upper berths, alarm and telephone, adapted bathroom). All passenger areas wheelchair-accessible except the cinema. Notify requirements at booking and again at check-in. Request port assistance at least 48 hours before: 0330 159 7000 or access@brittanyferries.com.
👁️ Visual & Hearing Impairments
Report to the Information Desk on deck 7 on boarding. Braille signage available for some services. An Access Guide for Visually Impaired Passengers is available from the crew. For hearing impairments, the crew will ensure all important announcements are communicated to you.
🧒 Autism
At check-in, Brittany Ferries can provide a booklet explaining the stages of the sailing process using eye-spy style games — designed to help children on the autistic spectrum understand what they will see and hear at each stage of the crossing.
🍼 Baby Facilities
Cots pre-bookable for infants up to 24 months (maximum 1 per cabin). Children’s meals available in all restaurants. The soft play area adjacent to Le Café du Festival is ideal for families with small children.
ℹ️ Information Desk (Deck 6)
Bilingual staff on hand throughout the crossing. ATM located next to the Information Desk — useful for drawing Euros before arrival in Roscoff.
🧳 Baggage Room (Deck 6)
Locked baggage storage on deck 6. Enquire at the Information Desk. Locked for the duration of the crossing and opened approximately 20–30 minutes before arrival.
Track the Pont-Aven live – the map below shows the exact position, speed and heading right now.
IMO 9268708 · MMSI 228183600 · Live data via VesselFinder
Pont-Aven — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pont-Aven?
The Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries’ flagship cruise ferry — the largest and fastest purpose-built cruise ferry on the English Channel. Built at Meyer Werft in Germany and launched in 2004, she carries up to 2,400 passengers and 650 cars across 650 en-suite cabins. She operates on selected Plymouth to Roscoff sailings, primarily in peak summer. On board she offers three restaurants, a piano bar, a two-deck show bar, an indoor pool (seasonal), two cinemas, a games room and a duty-free boutique — significantly more than the Armorique.
Is there a deck plan for the Pont-Aven?
Yes — the full deck plan image is shown above, with a deck-by-deck breakdown alongside it. In summary: deck 1 is engineering; decks 2–4 are the three vehicle decks; deck 5 is passenger cabins only (5101–5496); deck 6 has the cinemas, Information Desk, ATM, baggage room and cabins (6101–6498); deck 7 has Le Flora, La Belle Angèle, Le Café du Festival and Le Fastnet; deck 8 has Le Grand Pavois bar, La Boutique, Commodore Lounge and cabins (8101–8418); deck 9 has the pool, Games Planet, reserved seats (9001–9047) and promenade; deck 10 has the dog kennels. Your cabin number’s first digit tells you your deck.
Which deck is best on the Pont-Aven?
For the least motion in rough seas, deck 5 is the lowest passenger deck and the most stable. For convenience to dining, deck 7 puts you closest to all three restaurants and Le Fastnet. For the premium experience, deck 8 is adjacent to Le Grand Pavois and La Boutique, and Commodore guests here have exclusive Commodore Lounge access. To request a specific deck, call Brittany Ferries after booking on 0330 159 7000 (Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00–16:30).
Does the Pont-Aven have a pool?
Yes — an indoor swimming pool on deck 9 with sea views, sun loungers and showers. Open May to September, weather permitting. No lifeguard on duty — children must be supervised at all times. Diving is forbidden. Towels from the Information Desk. The pool is not available on the Armorique.
What plug sockets does the Pont-Aven have?
All cabins have continental 2-pin sockets (220v) and a shaving socket (110v). UK passengers will need a travel adaptor for standard UK 3-pin plugs. Adaptors are available to purchase from La Boutique on deck 8, subject to availability.
Can I take my dog on the Pont-Aven to Roscoff?
Yes. Dogs can travel in a pet-friendly cabin, in an onboard kennel (deck 10), or stay in your vehicle for the crossing. A pet fee applies and you will need a microchipped pet, valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued no more than 10 days before travel. Arrive at Plymouth at least 90 minutes before departure with a pet. See our full pet travel guide for all documentation requirements.
How does the Pont-Aven differ from the Armorique?
The Pont-Aven is larger (2,400 passengers vs 1,500), faster (27 knots vs 25 knots) and carries more on board. Key things only the Pont-Aven has: an à la carte restaurant (Le Flora), a piano bar (Le Fastnet), an indoor pool (seasonal), Commodore cabins with a private balcony, De Luxe cabins with Video-on-Demand, and onboard dog kennels. Both ships have two cinemas, a games room, duty-free shopping and the same continental 2-pin plug sockets. See our Armorique ship guide for a full comparison.
How do I know if I’m sailing on the Pont-Aven or the Armorique?
Your booking confirmation will show which ship you are on. The Armorique operates the majority of Plymouth to Roscoff sailings throughout the season. The Pont-Aven operates on selected sailings — typically in peak summer. If you specifically want the Pont-Aven for the pool, Commodore cabin, Le Flora or Le Fastnet, check your booking confirmation before finalising. See our onboard facilities guide for a full comparison of both vessels.
Continue Planning Your Plymouth to Roscoff Crossing
🛏️
Cabin Guide
All cabin types on both ships compared — prices, specs and which grade to book for your party
Foot passenger from £38 · Car + 2 passengers from £117
Commodore and pet-friendly cabins sell out fast on Pont-Aven summer sailings — book your cabin at the same time as your crossing for the best availability.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We also use affiliate links, please see our privacy policy.
