Ireland, Brittany & the Atlantic Coast: Dublin and Bordeaux
From the Celtic shores
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Glasgow (Greenock) → Bordeaux
This eight-night voyage aboard Le Champlain runs from Glasgow along the Irish east coast and the coast of Brittany to Bordeaux. The 184-guest Explorer-class ship links the Celtic harbours of the British Isles with the Atlantic ports of France. Smaller harbours such as Concarneau and Royan can be reached that remain inaccessible to large cruise ships. The transit of the Gironde estuary into the heart of Bordeaux is itself an experience. Full board, beverages and excursions are part of the premium all-inclusive concept.
Route highlights
- Glasgow (Greenock): Scotland's Atlantic harbour at the gateway to the western Highlands.
- Belfast: Northern Irish capital with the Titanic Quarter on the former shipyard site.
- Dublin: Irish capital with Trinity College, the displayed Book of Kells and the pubs of Temple Bar.
- Cobh: harbour for Cork, the Titanic's last port of call in 1912.
- Brest: Atlantic port of Brittany with the Océanopolis aquarium and the sheltered Rade.
- Concarneau: Breton harbour with the Ville Close, a walled old town on an island.
- Saint-Nazaire: shipyard town at the mouth of the Loire, home to the U-boat bunker and the dockyard quarter.
- Bordeaux: UNESCO World Heritage city on the Garonne, with mooring in the heart of town.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Glasgow (Greenock)
8 nights
Bordeaux
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Glasgow, Schottland · Embarkation
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Belfast, Nordirland
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and birthplace of the Titanic. The Titanic Belfast Museum at the original dry dock, the political mural heritage of the Troubles and the literary tradition (C.S. Lewis, Seamus Heaney) make Belfast multi-layered.
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Dublin
Dublin is the starting point for Ireland's wildest coastal landscapes. Excursions head to the Cliffs of Moher (214 m above the Atlantic) and to Newgrange - a megalithic tomb more than 5,000 years old, older than Stonehenge and Egypt's pyramids. The Guinness Storehouse and the Book of Kells at Trinity College are city must-sees.
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Cobh
Cobh sits on one of the largest natural harbours in the world on the southern coast of Ireland in County Cork. The neo-Gothic St Colman's Cathedral, whose carillon of 49 bells ranks among the largest in the British Isles, rises above the colourful harbour town. Between 1848 and 1950 around 2.5 million Irish people emigrated overseas from here, a story the town still tells today.
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Brest
Brest sits at the western end of Brittany on France's Atlantic coast and boasts one of the finest natural harbours in Europe, the Rade de Brest. The city has been France's main naval base since the 17th century and hosts the international tall ship gathering Les Tonnerres de Brest with over 1,000 historic vessels every four years.
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Concarneau
Concarneau is a major Breton fishing port in the Finistère département and France's third-largest fishing harbour. Its landmark is the Ville Close, a walled Vauban old town on a rocky island in the harbour, linked to the mainland by a narrow bridge.
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Saint-Nazaire
At the mouth of the Loire on France's Atlantic coast, Saint-Nazaire is home to one of Europe's largest shipyards. The vast WWII submarine base still dominates the harbour skyline.
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Royan
Set where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic, Royan is an elegant seaside resort on France's west coast. The bold 1950s concrete church of Notre-Dame recalls the town's post-war reconstruction.
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Bordeaux · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Glasgow (Greenock)
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Sea °C | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 150 | 170 | 110 | 106 | 132 | 148 | 190 | 283 | 271 | 259 | 235 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Norwegian coast / Scotland (Bergen)
Disembarkation: Bordeaux
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 52 | 66 | 58 | 52 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Balearic Islands (Palma)
Destination
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
In northern Europe, Le Champlain sails through the fjords of Norway, the Baltic Sea and along the coasts of Scotland - expedition routes with cultural depth.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Champlain
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 5.160 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 5.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 7.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.620 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.620 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 8.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 8.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 11.250 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 8 nights from EUR 4.580 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Glasgow (Greenock) the best time to sail is May to September; for disembarkation in Bordeaux it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
