English Channel, Southern England & Ireland: Guernsey and Cork
British archipelagos and Celtic coasts
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Honfleur to Cork
Seven days through the British archipelagos and along the Celtic coasts, from Honfleur to Cork. Your Ponant Classic sister ship for 184 guests links Normandy with southern Ireland, passing the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles. With premium all-inclusive service, a marina platform and Zodiacs you explore small harbours, hidden bays and quiet coastal villages that remain closed to larger ships. The voyage combines English seafaring tradition with Irish charm and Celtic heritage. Maritime history, Georgian port towns and Atlantic nature accompany you every day.
Route highlights
- Honfleur: Picturesque Normandy harbour around the Vieux Bassin with timber-framed facades and Impressionist heritage.
- Guernsey: British Channel Island with Saint Peter Port, a Victorian harbour and maritime semi-autonomy.
- Cowes: Sailing capital on the Isle of Wight, home of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
- Dartmouth: Romantic port at the mouth of the Dart with the Royal Naval College and Tudor quarters.
- Isles of Scilly: Subtropical archipelago off Cornwall with granite coves, white-sand beaches and rich wildlife.
- Kinsale: Colourful Irish port town with celebrated cuisine and the star-shaped Charles Fort above the Bandon estuary.
- Bantry: Deep bay in southwest Ireland with Bantry House and the Wild Atlantic Way on its doorstep.
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
Honfleur
7 nights
Cork
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Honfleur · Embarkation
Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine is one of the most picturesque harbour towns in France. The narrow slate-clad houses around the Vieux Bassin, once home to the Impressionists Monet and Boudin, are among the most painted scenes in Normandy.
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Guernsey, Kanalinseln
In the English Channel, Guernsey serves as the main island of its namesake bailiwick, a British Crown Dependency with its own constitution and tax law. The capital and harbour Saint Peter Port with its 13th-century Castle Cornet watches over the bay, and Victor Hugo's house recalls his years of exile here.
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Cowes (Isle of Wight)
Cowes lies on the north coast of the Isle of Wight on the English Solent and, since 1826, has been one of the world capitals of sailing thanks to Cowes Week. The harbour at the mouth of the River Medina is home to the venerable Royal Yacht Squadron, whose cannon-armed clubhouse starts the annual regatta.
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Dartmouth
Dartmouth lies at the mouth of the River Dart on the English Channel on the south coast of England in Devon. The Britannia Royal Naval College on the hill above the town has trained Royal Navy officers since 1905, the ferry across to Kingswear plies the river, and 14th-century Dartmouth Castle still guards the estuary.
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Scilly-Inseln
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Kinsale
Colourful harbour town on a sheltered bay in southern Ireland's County Cork, around 30 kilometres south of Cork city. Known as Ireland's culinary capital with starred restaurants, Charles Fort and memorials to the sinking of the Lusitania.
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Bantry
Bantry is a small port town at the head of the deeply incised bay of the same name in south-west Ireland in County Cork. The stately 18th-century Bantry House overlooks the bay with terraced gardens and houses an important collection of European art.
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Cork · Disembarkation
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
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 · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 3.980 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 4.270 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 4.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 4.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 4.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 6.290 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 6.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 6.950 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 9.510 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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. 7 nights from EUR 3.500 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
