In only the second week of passenger operations, I’m taking an overnight crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo on Brittany Ferries’ brand new hybrid ferry the Saint-Malo.
It is definitely going to be new, but how does it stack up for a trip to France with Grandad? Yes, it isn’t just me this time, I’m bringing along my daughter and my lovely little one-year-old grand-daughter.
One of them has never been on a ferry before and one of them has never done an overnight trip, so it will be nice to hear what they think of the idea of using a ferry. I’ve booked a pretty nice room for us all to share, which really shows you can get some great deals on a lovely cabin if you travel off-season
Departure: Portsmouth, UK
Destination: St Malo, France
Date of Travel: February 2025
Operator: Brittany Ferries
Motive power: Saint-Malo (2025) – hybrid electric/LNG
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27 Comments
A disappointing review. Most viewers will be wanting to compare the new ship with the much loved Bretagne. Eating in a pub before sailing was a strange move, thus depriving us of details of the dining available, and a look at the menus. Comparisons of the noise, vibration and ride should also have been with similar ships. Those from Harwich are the biggest in Europe.
New ferry to Santander the santona isn't as stable as the boat it replaced. Also.the food isn't good on that boat either..plus side these are lovely ships. The santona is really nice . Worth a trip for you and yours ?
Wonder why it loops round Guernsey instead of straight south between Alderney and the French coast.
But quite an improvement over the Channel ferries I used to take from Jersey to Weymouth. The train used to go direct to the dock.
And there was a sea lock in St Malo I seem to remember, because of the extreme tidal range.
Like a ghost ship😮
Hi Johnny, hope all is well with you. Please will you help solve a mystery? The Mrs and I were visiting the area and on the train to Exmouth at around 12pm on Monday (24th) and saw somebody in a very similar coat and cap to those you wear in this video walking parallel to Topsham station. Was it you? Best wishes.
Grandpa Johnny got a nice ring to it ❤👌
Nice family trip to France. Shame about the weather but still a great video and was a great spacious cabin
With a new ship, one might have hoped that the design – and build quality – might be better. We returned from France on this ship earlier this week – to find sharp edges on the metal handles, half projecting screws on the handrails, and a silly sharp mattress retained on the side of the (narrow) bunks. Cheap synthetic floor coverings and blinds, and too short duvets on the bunks.
No chance of getting a meal – 32 Euros for the evening offering – just three very basic courses, and get this – 18 Euros 50 for a standard fried breakfast!! No tea nor coffee in the cabins as we have become used to over many years, and no free croissants if you pay for a decent cabin.
Pity that the ferry from Plymouth does not run in the winter months – the Amorique and the Pont Aven may be older vessels, but they are far more comfortable than this new offering. Now waiting our statutory three months (thank you for Brexit, stupid David Cameron) and then back on the bikes to Roscoff once again. Happy days.
Britny down care if your hgv driver they treat drivers like crap
Most boring thing ever.. You need to get out More.. BF is the Best at Sea ..
I'm hoping to do this trip in September, so thanks for sharing all the details! 🎉
I have a problem with the bar on these new vessels. Too small, too bright. I prefer the bar on the Mont St Michel even though it is a bit like one you'd find at a Butlins holiday camp.
All pretty good – just the non-car connection to the Brittanny terminal AT Portsmout disappointing. Portsmouth needs a tram/LR system!
is there any ferry go to Russia? or any alternative way to Russia? cheers
Been on a lot of the BF ferries over the last 3 years and also before covid. Best by far is Pont Aven, which usually does Plymouth – Santander but occasionally other routes.
Real pity you didn't review the onboard food?
People who have been on mint st Micheal and bretenge or Normandie or st Malo and the Guillaume de Normandie
I enjoyed this vid, thank you very much. I have been travelling with Brittany Ferries since 1992. Bon voyage!
This vid pissed me off after five minutes
Hi Johnny, no it was the same on Bretagne, we had to be bussed off
Welcome to Britain, nothing runs on time, buses to ferry port are not frequent, I’m going to Caen, foot passenger 😊tomorrow night
love France only only best country to visit St Malo is my fave area whats the name name again of that cafe u got got those sticky pralines and coffee only way to tavel is by Ferry keep traditional i always say think about it years and years ago it was the only way to get to france b4 the tunnel and Air ive not as of yet been on the new ship yet look forward to the day when i do board it of course yeah portsmouth port is indeed a 25 min walk through the city high street from southsea station i walked it back in feb when i went back over to st malo its a pleasant walk or a under a 10 min journey from the taxis outside the station they roughly charge a fiver or so for the port run whats that pub like how far past portsmouth terminal entrance is it.
BOOOORING! Far too much YOU in view. Wish you well.
Why pay to park it be cheaper to take your car across
I thought you were in Brittany NOT France?
First time I've watched you. It was ok but one or two dustbuster mentions might have been amusing but after numerous repeats, it got too tedious for me and definitely not amusing anymore. Just my opinion. Sorry but won't be watching again.
Many years ago; friends and family including myself took this overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo in France and I can tell you – at least 3 days later i still felt as if I was bobbing up and down – as if you were still at sea.