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Celtic Shores (L’Austral)

Celtic Shores (L’Austral)

From AUD $5,300

Description

From Portsmouth to Dublin, PONANT invites you to discover an itinerary in the heart of the Celtic Sea.

Step aboard the L’Austral for an 8-day cruise to lands of legend and romance.

Your first port of call will be at Guernsey, then at the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton’s famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Here, long sandy beaches stand alongside green fields, while ruins of old castles stand proud on hilltops.

Step ashore at Cobh, a maritime port in County Cork in south west Ireland, and take a trip to discover the picturesque village of Blarney – a village famous for its castle – and Kinsale – a charming little port sheltered within the Bandon Estuary.

L’Austral will take you to Liverpool then to the Isle of Man, located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. You will discover the capital Douglas, a postcard from United Kingdom of yesteryear with a Victorian atmosphere.

During your stopover in Belfast, you can visit the Giant’s Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.

You will disembark at Dublin, end of this beautiful cruise.

Trip Name
Celtic Shores (L'Austral)
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 PORTSMOUTH
Located to the south-east of London, Portsmouth is one of the three most important military ports in England. This maritime tradition takes shape in the Historic Dockyard, the home of Portsmouth's arsenal, where emblematic ships are to be found, including HMS Victory, captained by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The home town of Charles Dickens, and the adopted home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the celebrated adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Portsmouth is not short of attractions with its parks, sea fronts and city walls. Do not miss the view over the city from the Spinnaker Tower, taking the form of a great sail and soaring from 170 metres into the air, making it one of the highest monuments in the United Kingdom.
Day 2 - Day 2 GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS
Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.
Day 3 - Day 3 ISLES OF SCILLY
Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.
Day 4 - Day 4 CORK
This charming stopover on the southern coast of Ireland will certainly win you over with its pastel-shaded houses layered up the hillside. A little train avoids you from having to climb the steep streets of the historic centre. Once you’re there, you come to Saint Colman cathedral overlooking the coastline. The extensive panorama provides views of the little islands in Cork Harbour. Down below, the pubs complete with their floral window displays are enough to catch your eye. The pubs are famous for their traditional dishes like “colcannon” - a steaming hot soup made with cabbage served in a bowl, or a plate of boxties - crispy potato cakes with horse radish.
Day 5 - Day 5 LIVERPOOL
The fast-moving and appealing city of Liverpool sprawls along the banks of the River Mersey. This former bastion of industry in England's north-west has found its second wind, thanks especially to the highly successful redevelopment of its docks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The city, the Beatles' birthplace, has lots to offer to its visitors. While a walk down the Waterfront from Pier Head to Albert Dock is a major highlight youメll also love the quality of ᅠmuseums such as the Walker Art Gallery and the wealth of architecture in the city. But what will really impress you is the playful and open-minded spirit of its inhabitants, which John Lennon referred to as "positive energy".
Day 6 - Day 6 DOUGLAS
Douglas ᅠis the capital of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is best-known for its gruelling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. Take a stroll or horse tram along the busy promenade and visit the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. You can take a steam train into the mountainous interior, where you'll see medieval castles and pretty villages and farms.
Day 7 - Day 7 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.
Day 8 - Day 8 DUBLIN
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $5,300Superior Stateroom
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $5,760Deluxe Stateroom
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $6,510Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $6,860Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $7,230Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $10,340Deluxe Suite
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $14,250Prestige Suite Deck 5
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $14,990Prestige Suite Deck 6
11-05-202118-05-2021AUD $17,310Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Between Portsmouth and Dublin, sail into the heart of Celtic shores, lands of magic and legends;
    • Unesco World Heritage Sites: from Belfast, the mysterious Giant's Causeway site, the old port of Liverpool, Dublin, city of literature (disembarkation port);
    • From Cork, there will be the possibility to visit Blarney Castle, an imposing fortress with numerous hidden treasures, including the famous “Blarney Stone”;
    • After your cruise, discover Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm.

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