St Malo to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries MV Bretagne. Part 2 - A Closer Look.

[@steve-marsh]

Love the wee cinema! I can't work out if I'd enjoy being below the waterline or totally freaked out. Great 2nd part Mark, thanks!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Steve, there are loads of cinemas on ferries that have absolutely no character so yep, I think this one was quite charming really and as close to a proper one as you could get. I’m not one for watching films on ships tbh, I’d much rather be out on deck. And the lower decks, well, maybe I should try it one day, looked a bit eerie down there but I’d give it a go.

[@christopherhunter2892]

I love the Bretagne. I last sailed in her back to France in July. I asked in the shop if it was true that she was being retired from the fleet. The cashier said yes and that she was a favourite with customers and crew alike. Last sailing is on the 3rd Nov.

[@tsr207]

Fascinating couple of videos - really enjoyed both of you travelling to St Malo and back - thanks for all the enjoyment you deliver over the year - really excellent quality !

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate and cheers for the support. It’s great to have the comments come through - much appreciated 😊👍

[@sheilam4525]

Very good price for everything you got, Mark. The breakfast looked very nice and I loved the cinema!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I reckon the food alone wouldn’t have been far off the price (pp). Really enjoyed it and definitely recommend 😊👍

[@ChrisGullick]

Great Part 2. The Bretagne was the same ferry I travelled on to St Malo in October, so its good to see what the cabins looked like, as I slummed it in the reclining chairs on my trip (only traveled the one way). Also, what a great price, I might give that a go myself

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Chris. You should try it before she goes. I’m too old for sleeping in chairs these days tbh but I’ve paid my dues in the past!

[@Markmeister1989]

The cruiseferries built around 1987-1993 are my absolute favorites. One prime-example is Viking Lines m/s Viking Cinderella which is built in 1989 at the finnish shipyard Wärtsilä (Now called Meyer Turku). Love ships with atriums, it gives the interiors a sense of air and volume. : )

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Such a classic ship this one Markus, if I do get up to the Baltic, I’ll try something similar hopefully. Cheers mate 😊👍

[@Tyley61]

Absolutely love the Bretagne. We've sailed on her many times and have just booked one final trip (she's being retired in November). Les Abers is without doubt the best restaurant in the BF fleet, and the buffet is always good. I've never had a problem with the lower deck cabins - it really doesn't bother me that they are below the water and I seem to sleep better down there. We have also dined at Cafe de l'Ouest in Saint Malo a couple of times - fish and seafood is great - and they do like to set fire to things for a bit of theatre! Great value 'gourmet cruise' and a good review of the grand old lady. Ferry travel just won't be the same when she's gone.

[@lawrencemain9436]

Whenever we travelled to St Malo we took an overnight bag with a mini kettle some coffee etc so that we could have a drink first thing in the morning! Lovely😁😁

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ve heard others doing that with the kettle, definitely worth if though I reckon you’re better organised than me Lawrence! Cheers 😊👍

[@mikewhite8056]

The focsle on the Bretagne is a must to visit. open for an hour or two after departure an prior to arrival . If you enter the stairs in either corner in la Baule self service, go down to deck 6, the access doors are there. Always best to check both sides as often only one is open.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Mike, yep I noticed on the deck plan you have to go past the cabins on deck 6. Pretty sure I’ve done that on one of the previous sailings I was on. Hopefully get to do it again before she goes and when there’s a bit more daylight around. Cheers 😊👍

[@yonmons]

We live in Southsea at Portsmouth did that trip a good few years ago now, I remember ST Malo was absolutely bitter cold with a wind that cut you in half. Don’t remember them giving a voucher for lunch in town, BUT like you we got absolutely stuffed with the food on offer liked how you had room for a cheeky baguette after that HUGE chicken I’m sure it was meant for a family of four and given to you by mistake, they are probably still talking about it in that little cafe the day Anglaise eat the full chicken 😂👍🐔. Enjoying your videos there’s something about a trip on a bus that’s special. Keep up the good work.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep tbh if I lived down there I’d be on loads of those ferries - such a great area for travel options. And yes that chicken would’ve done me for a week. Should’ve asked for a doggy bag! 😂

[@andywillis2650]

Great part 2 video Mark. Definitely good value for money. Have to say i did lol when you turned to Jo to ask if she wanted to say "Cheers for now" at the end !! :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

She wasn’t keen!

[@tonycook603]

That looks great value, I think you've been to the Pompey Continental Ferry Port more times than me, and I'm a local....

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, cheers Tony. Tell you what, if I lived in Pompey, I’d be on these ships all the time! Such a great place for travel options 👍

[@marklewarne239]

Lovely video mark you have given me some inspiration for doing this trip myself in the new year! Great insight into what's available and seems great value. Cheers

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Great, that’s what this channel is all about Mark. Cheers 😊👍

[@garethdavies1000]

Enjoyed these mate 😊 great value! a Cheers For Now from Jo would have been the icing on the cake lol 😉 good work as always!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Gareth, I did well just getting her on camera tbh. Didn’t want to push my luck 😂

[@pontecarlo4354]

I wouldn’t be able to sleep below the waterline. Surely the cabins on deck 1 would vibrate because of the engines. I remember the shop, I was last in there loading crates of beer on a trolley and trying to make sure they wouldn’t fall off. It looked a great cruise and well worth the money. Thank you for the memories, it was a very entertaining video.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate. Yes I believe the cabins down there could be affected by noise. Not sure about movement, whether it’s better or worse down there tbh. I’d be interested to see what they’re like in a storm!

[@pontecarlo4354]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Remember the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster. I think most people below the waterline drown. I always stay up top now when a ferry leaves port. Just in case it capsizes.

[@shanghai7572]

Great video Mark! Love the little quirks of such an old vessel and what a price as well😄

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate, so do I. Will be a shame when she goes.

[@baseballfan99]

The ship reminds me of the old DFDS ships that used to cross to Norway and Sweden. I once stayed in shared berths that were on deck 2 which was ok and very cheap compared to a solo cabin though these days I would much prefer the privacy. There are not many of these ferries left so I guess it is taken them whilst you can. The cinema looks very good as sometimes they just have basic chairs set out rather than a full cinema set up. The price looks great for what you receive when you add in all the extras over and above the just the ferry and cabin.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep such a classic ship and a lot of thought for the detail (like the cinema because these days like you say, it would just be a room with normal seats and a screen). Overall, a good price. You do get quite a lot for your money 👍

[@quicksesh]

Both deck 1 and 2 are below the waterline ... they are generally quiet except you may feel the throbbing of the engines and if the sea is rough they barely move. Loved both videos BTW and you have made me look about booking a cruise for myself next year :-)

[@erik_griswold]

Hmm, I thought that cabin location was no longer allowed after the Estonia sinking.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Quicksesh, maybe I’ll try it one day. Not sure how many other ships have this layout or even whether you can request them but I guess all you can do is ask. Thanks for the comment 😊👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I guess not as they were definitely in use on the Bretagne.

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

The lower cabins are for the truck drivers. The PAX terminal at St Malo is due to be replaced I believe. Make the most of Bretagne, she has only one more season in service with BF. I will be sailing on her lots next year before the she departs the fleet for yet another copy/pasta E-Flexer sometime next autumn/winter. Did you find external bow access area? Wonderful point that hardly anyone ever finds or visits. Have loved sailing her since her maiden season.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers for the info mate. Yes I hear she’s going in 2025 which will be very sad indeed. The external bow area I believe is past the cabins on deck 6 just didn’t get round to it on this voyage mainly because both legs were pretty-much in darkness. Will try and get back on in the summer 😊👍

[@ed_menno]

Jo. It's 'Cheers'. Then 'for'. Then 'now. You were brilliant Jo. Always be yourself.

[@romuald9625]

I think these mini-cruises started to be popular in the80s, I booked one Hoek-Harwich-Hoek on board of St. Nicholas, which was a top North Sea ferry at 1983, incl nice trip to Colchester.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks, I think you’re right though they were probably just ‘booze cruises’ as they were known the . I think Brittany Ferries try and do a ‘classier’ experience these days and this was certainly a good one. Might try one or two more next year 👍

[@wokingjames]

I used to go to St Malo from Jersey over 20 years ago, they had the Tesco Trolley seating even then!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, yeh I was trying to think what it reminded me of! Terrible seats tbf 😂

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video as always!! Definitely agree about the older ships on some of the routes, was the same with the Stena Europe on the Fishguard to Rosslare route. Love the views of arriving back into Portsmouth. Hope all is well, take care.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Peter, I heard somewhere the Stena Europa may be coming back to the Irish Sea for a bit (never been on it). Might have to investigate further. 👍

[@peterdnreynolds777]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yes I've heard it will be returning for a short period next year to cover refits and overhauls of the other ships in the fleet on the Irish sea. Hope all is well and I'm not disturbing your day, take care

[@AndysAdventures1963]

Loved the vlog and thanks for all the other one's this year. Happy New year to you and your family.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Andy, same to you mate 😊👍

[@richardstreet7518]

Did similar trip on Pont Aven probably 10 years ago. Like you we were lucky with the weather and thought it excellent value. Went midweek and upgraded to lower berths.. No I wouldn't fancy being on deck 1 or 2 I am sure you could hear the water !!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Interesting that Richard. I wonder if it is noisier down there (or quieter) not sure tbh. Not sure it’s for everyone no.

[@richardstreet7518]

@@LetsMakeaTrip not for me....

[@chriswarbey]

Ive stayed in one of those underwater cabins before and its no different . Also not sure if you were aware but you missed the viewing deck at the bow of the ship on deck 6. Great boat that will be very much missed from the sounds of it.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I am aware of the deck 6 area yes and of course you can see it on the deck plans. Just didn’t get around to it on this trip. I will sail on her again before 2025, preferably in the summer where there’s a bit more daylight. Cheers Christopher😊👍

[@colinbeech5463]

Quality videos as always Mark. Really enjoyed them . Shame Jo couldn't quite do the Outro for you. Maybe next time?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, cheers Colin. She was brave being on camera so I think I was pushing my luck a bit at the end!

[@alanwheeler3696]

Those lower decks (1 and 2) for are horrible and yes I’ve stayed on both. On deck 1 you have the noise of the engines to keep waking you up. On deck 2 I keep waking up with the sound of the water thinking I’m drowning! Which is why on busier crossing I now always book a window cabin to ensure I’m upstairs!

[@shanewaterman4125]

That was flippin good value Mark! Any idea how much more an outside cabin with a view would have been?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

There is a supplement for that kind of upgrade but I don’t think it’s much. Around £20 each way something like that I reckon it was.

[@shanewaterman4125]

@@LetsMakeaTrip and that's still a bargain. Never knew you could get a mini-cruise like that with nearly all the meals included that close to home. My only concern is, if the ship is already 34 years old, how much longer has it got until it's replaced with something more economical to operate? You can guarantee the replacement won't be as 'cruise oriented' now as the market has changed since 1990... sadly...

[@TravelSignal]

Nice 2nd part mate! And indeed, excellent value. I think I went on that ship back in the early 90s (when it would have been brand new!) on a Portsmouth - St Malo crossing as a teenager.. You sound like you're going down with something, hope you're feeling better now. And finally, one bonus of a trip to France is to stock up on exotic groceries - did you buy much in the shops and supermarkets of St Malo?

[@seaspirit5087]

Missed the bow the best part of the ship!

[@robertalan3214]

For the money you paid, I'd say bargain break, lots of food included in the price, great report guys, thanks again 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep I think most are in agreement that the price was decent (which is reassuring). I’d definitely recommend it 😊👍

[@seancoleman8528]

Good journey exceptional value nice to see your partner Jo happy Christmas mark

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Sean. Happy Xmas to you too mate 😊👍

[@johnmullin1188]

😮 wow absolutely so cheap Mark 😮 what a bargain and beautiful food thanks for the 🎥 m8 all the best John 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers John, thanks as always for the comment. I think I did alright with the price then judging by yours and others comments. 👍

[@BSW150]

On the mini 2 night trips, can you leave luggage on board the boat during layover, and do you have the same cabin on the return crossing?

[@kevingreene853]

Great vlogs and personally in todays environment I think £155 is good value

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Kevin and I agree the price was really good 👍

[@218colin1]

Great 2nd video. What’s the parking like in Portsmouth and the cost please.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Colin, all the details on that are in part 1. 😊👍

[@218colin1]

@@LetsMakeaTrip cheers mark must of missed the parking cost will rewatch now.

[@enricomonti156]

The cinema is a great addition in my opinion for some good extra entertainment. And indeed you can't go wrong for such a price, yet they should advertise the supplement for weekend travel as whilst it may be small it can be misleading

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s probably in the small print Enrico somewhere but yep, for the money, it was a pretty decent price 😊👍

[@peterskegness3204]

Considering it was two nights accommodation and three meals, I'd say it was a bargain at that price.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think so. The restaurant on the first night was €42 and we reckoned the lunch was around €60? If you had to pay for these you’re 2/3rds there already.

[@geoffisaac3511]

Cargo ships I have worked on over the years its usually deck hands have cabins below the water line 😢

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

There were some crew cabins down there I noticed.

[@grahambell5865]

When are you going to do video on P&O ferries on the Hull to Rotterdam a good two nights out 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Oh I will get around to it at some point Graham. I have been on it before tbh (before I did KZbin) and was quite impressed 👍

[@tonys1636]

Does the Weymouth - St Malo crossing still operate, my last time on that was early 80's and it called at Guernsey and Jersey. My boss was in favour of long crossings as the driver could get the daily rest period in and he saved fuel, road tolls and wear and tear on the vehicle with the right crossing. He loved booking us on North Sea crossings for Northern and Eastern Europe, Harwich - Hamburg a favourite, but not mine in winter. Having a lower deck cabin was normal and one just hoped it wasn't next to the engine or a machinery room so was fairly quiet. My favourite was any South Coast ferry port to Santander in summer, a mini cruise at the start and end of a trip.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yea Condor Ferries do this route I believe. Agree the Santander route in the summer is fantastic. Busy I reckon but if you’re on the Pont Aven with it’s swimming pool well, that’s another lovely ship 👍

[@tonys1636]

@@LetsMakeaTrip No swimming pools in the 70's sadly, a shame container ships and the Chunnel has killed many routes and ports. Services to and from Ireland and France and Spain have increased since Brexit though, goods going via the UK to and from Europe is reams of digital paperwork and customs delays now, we have lost Cork as a busy ferry port to the UK and Europe all moved to Rosslare Europort and Dublin/Dun Laoghaire, Cork now a deep water container and cruise ship port. It was heading in that direction before Brexit since the demise of the Swansea - Cork ferry.

[@sarahillingworth2718]

U sounded bunged up lol.. nice boat 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I was a bit. Sea air helped to a point 😊👍

[@sarahillingworth2718]

@@LetsMakeaTrip 👍

[@melaniechesnel9094]

it's a 4 course dinner in the restaurant. French people always have cheese before the pudding , making it a 4 course meal. No one mind how many times you go back to the buffet as long as you eat all you take on the plate.

[@Kenleaty]

Brave staying in that cabin...sod that for a laugh.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep I’m not sure it’s for everyone Ken. Jo wasn’t keen tbh so I’d be in them on my own if I did try it!

[@41djbrooks]

wifi which did not work we used this ferry a lot we had a rough crossing and the poor piano person struggled to play it but he was a professional and carried on. Good nemories strict cafe staff, they wake you up with the music and then they ask you to leave.

[@paulhellander2791]

A cruise or not a cruise? That is the question. It looks like a great breakaway trip. I think the interior ship environment is very comfy and inviting and the meals are sumptuous. How did you score a WHOLE chicken in St Malo? That would be enough to feed off for the whole trip! Not impressed at all by your cabin. Too pokey and I would feel claustrophobic without a sea view (that's a cruise). How much difference to the cost would an outside cabin make? Great vid BTW (as always) so enjoyed watching both. Still left scratching my head as to whether I would do it as you guys did. Yea, nah - prolly not. A cruise for me means a bit of luxury or enhanced comfort at least. That cabin broke it for me. Keep looking and we'll all keep watching ;-) Paul in Oz

[@kw2142]

Pretty good value to me

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think so yes, cheers 😊👍

[@dadachoski5946]

I would have enjoyed more input from Jo on this to get a more rounded perspective..

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

OK, I’ll pass this on 🤔

[@UptonMagnets]

I would have paid £155 for that chicken alone!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, yeh it was a great chicken 😊👍

[@lindajoy7208]

A really enjoyable trip and I loved the boat too. Shame there wasn't a hot vegetarian option. Apart from that it's a really economical trip.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Linda, yes I’d definitely recommend it. I don’t know much about vegetarian choices tbh but Jo does struggle sometimes in that respect.

[@poshgoth]

A cabin below the water line sounds very 3rd class Titanic to me!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’m sure they’re the same inside, just that overriding feeling of claustrophobia might get some.

[@seaspirit5087]

Stayed on Deck 1 very stuffy!

[@argyle83]

When I use to go Plymouth to Roscoff as a kid with my parents it was either the Quiberon or Bretagne and was normally the Quiberon which was a disappointment as the Bretagne was the flagship back in the day , I was a member of the matalots club for kids and they use to let you go onto the bridge and steer the ship which I did and obviously that was back in pre terrorist/ woke times , the best times have gone but brings back great memories of this ferry for me .she will be missed !

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I never went on the Quiberon unfortunately. Just seen pictures in my book. If I go down to Plymouth these days it’s the Pont Aven or Armorique really (I do like the Pont Aven though).

[@glenlockyer775]

Used to go on the quiberon out of Plymouth to roscoff, a good old tub. The one you needed to avoid was the "duke" aka ...duc de Normandie...that was an absolute barge (previously called Princes Beatrix if memory serves)

[@garethsmith2250]

Police launch outside the aircraft carrier as always.. live nr Pompey whenever nr port always see the police launch

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes same here, always see it when we go past.

[@mufc77]

After the cinema, if you fell down that stairs you’d keep going down another 😅

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

and another and another 😂 not great if you’ve had a few!

[@glenlockyer775]

I've done "wet" cabins before..not very relaxing ,always a feeling of claustrophobia

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I didn’t know they were called that, but yes I get that. I’m sure they’re the same inside as the upper inside cabins but could be noisier and the thing with them being below the waterline is going to play on your mind a bit I reckon. Cheers Glen 👍

[@glenlockyer775]

Usually the freight guys/gals get thrown in the wet cabins. Never had one travelling personally. Plus you're near the Bow thrusters so it can get noisy

[@41djbrooks]

there was a lot of unusual sounds next cablin a lot of pumping noises eneded up the man was blowing up the inflatable bed for their child. Without being inappropriate

[@andrewwheat4601]

The vegetarian options were not the best. My other half if a vegetarian and also does not like mushrooms so would have struggled. Still £155 is a bargain- as long as you like meat ! So ok for me .

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I was a bit like that Andrew, I wouldn’t fancy vegetarianism much tbh, I’d struggle with the limited choice.

[@tube.brasil]

It's a gourmet trip to France, not to India...

[@Didderly]

According to the ship plans deck 1&2 are under sea level.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep I think that’s probably about right 👍