Ponant Cruise: My Review

My Ponant Cruise – An Enchanting Escape to the Hebrides and Faroe Islands

A few weeks ago, I decided to take my mum on an unforgettable journey: a cruise with Ponant, departing from Glasgow, exploring the Faroe Islands and the Scottish Hebrides.
Come along with me and relive this enchanting experience!

Before I tell you all about this cruise through the Hebrides and the Faroe Islands, find out what makes the Ponant experience so unique in my introduction article here!

Before Departure: Glasgow, the Pleasant Surprise

We chose to travel the day before to make the most of Glasgow, a city I had never visited despite my many trips to England.
Upon our arrival at the airport (very small compared to Edinburgh), we took a taxi to our hotel, the Voco Grand Central, which is directly connected to the central station – super convenient!

Glasgow truly surprised us: the university straight out of a Harry Potter set, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the cathedral… and even a tiny underground, probably the smallest I’ve ever taken! After a wonderful day of sightseeing and a lovely Italian dinner near the hotel, it was time for a good night’s sleep before the adventure at sea.

Day 1: Embarkation in Greenock

We headed to Greenock by train (50 minutes, £15 per person). At the station, there were no taxis in sight, but under a beautiful blue sky, we decided to walk to the port – a great warm-up before the cruise! There weren’t many signs, but you simply head downhill through the town and you’ll reach the port.

Le Boréal, our Ponant ship (264 passengers), is perfectly sized and embarkation was a breeze. Our cabin was ready, formalities were quick… and just like that, we were on board!

Boréal at Greenock

Muster Drill

Le Boréal – A Small and Intimate Gem

Le Boréal is one of Ponant’s “sister ships”, built in 2010 but regularly refurbished and impeccably maintained. With only 264 passengers, it offers an intimate atmosphere where everything is designed for comfort and tranquillity.

• Deck 6 (Upper Deck): Swimming pool with loungers, outdoor bar, and a buffet restaurant where you can enjoy meals al fresco when the weather is nice.

• Deck 5: Wellness area (gym with sea views, spa, hammam, hair salon, massage rooms) as well as the panoramic lounge with a piano bar and large terrace. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset aperitif or to enjoy live music after dinner.

• Deck 4: The theatre, where the naturalist guides hold their conferences and where evening entertainment takes place.

• Deck 3: Reception, excursions desk, boutique, and the main bar – a friendly and sociable place for a pre-dinner drink.

• Deck 2: Gastronomic restaurant where meals are served at the table (3-course menus). There are no fixed times or seating plans – you can dine as a couple one night, or join a table of eight to meet other travellers the next.

What did I love most? The ship’s human scale, which makes it easy to get around without feeling lost, and that lovely feeling of travelling “like at home”, but in a chic, refined setting.

Bonus: We took advantage of the Single Promotion, which meant we each had our own cabin with no single supplement! PS: Ponant offers many cruises without a single supplement, so if you’re travelling solo – or like me, you adore your mum, dad or aunt, but maybe not enough to share a cabin – Ponant is the cruise line for you!

Pool Deck

Restaurant at Deck 6

My Prestige Cabin – Elegance and Comfort

We stayed in a Prestige Cabin on Deck 5. All Ponant cabins come with a private balcony, which is a real luxury for enjoying the ocean in complete privacy.

• Space & Storage: A large wardrobe with hanging space, drawers, shelves, and a safe with an internal socket – perfect for charging a laptop or tablet securely. Right by the entrance, there’s a handy coat rack for jackets or rain gear.

• Bathroom: A comfortable shower and all the high-end essentials – shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, a shower cap, and even a manicure kit.

• Bedroom: A large king-size bed (or two separate beds), a desk, an armchair and a small table (ideal for room-service breakfast), a Nespresso coffee machine, a kettle with a fine selection of teas, and several drawers beneath the TV.

• Balcony: A table and two chairs – perfect for sipping coffee or watching the sunrise over the sea.

• Décor & Comfort: The décor is understated and elegant, the bedding is exceptionally comfortable, and the light flooding through the large window instantly makes the cabin feel spacious.

Honestly, you feel at home the moment you step inside – a real cosy cocoon after a day of excursions.

Day 2 – Iona & Lunga

In the morning, we stopped at the small island of Iona, home to just 177 inhabitants. My mum chose to visit the abbey, while I joined the naturalist guides for a 10 km walk around the island.
The reward? Pristine beaches, stunning azure-blue waters, and seals spotted from a distance.

In the afternoon, we landed by zodiac on the island of Lunga, a true paradise for puffin watching. Being able to see them so close, right in the middle of their nesting season, is a memory I will cherish forever.
Ponant even organised a special zodiac outing for guests with reduced mobility – a real plus!

Back on board: a relaxing session in the hammam, followed by an aperitif and a delicious dinner.

Day 3 – Sailing & Isle of Lewis (Callanish)

The morning was spent at sea, punctuated by fascinating lectures on Scottish wildlife and culture. I also took the opportunity to explore the ship in detail and do a bit of work from my cabin, with a wonderful view over the lochs.

In the afternoon, we visited the mysterious standing stones of Callanish, on the Isle of Lewis. These stone alignments are absolutely fascinating, especially because their true origin remains a complete mystery. I love these mystical places where no rational explanation seems to fit!

In the evening, we enjoyed a champagne welcome cocktail, followed by a gala dinner.

Day 4 – Inverewe Gardens & Zodiac Ride

In the morning, we disembarked by zodiac to visit the Inverewe botanical gardens, created in 1862. Home to over 2,500 plant species, this place is a true paradise for botany enthusiasts.

After lunch, we set out on a zodiac excursion to explore the coastline, followed by a luxurious tea time by Pierre Hermé (his macarons are simply divine!) and a caviar tasting. Luxury and indulgence were definitely on the menu!

Day 5 – Ullapool & Corrieshalloch Gorge

In the morning, we explored Ullapool, a charming little harbour town, though rather quiet.

In the afternoon, I went on an excursion to the Corrieshalloch Gorge, a 6 km walk offering some beautiful viewpoints. Meanwhile, my mum enjoyed the activities on board (I think she may have fallen in love with the hammam!).

Back on board: a Pata Negra tasting, followed by an aperitif and dinner.

Day 6 – Portree & Isle of Skye

We started the day with a visit to Dunvegan Castle, which is still inhabited, followed by a stop at an artisan tannery. I was worried it might be a “tourist trap”, but I absolutely loved meeting these passionate women who are keeping their ancestral craft alive. I couldn’t resist buying a sheepskin hot water bottle – simply irresistible!

In the afternoon, I set off alone for a wild 10 km hike on the Isle of Skye. The dramatic landscapes, constantly shifting with the changing light, made me want to return one day for a road trip with my dogs!

Day 7 – Tobermory, Isle of Mull

In the morning, we went on a hike to the Tobermory lighthouse with the naturalist guides, who shared countless fascinating stories about the surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, I strolled around the village, went on yet another 10 km hike, and did a bit of souvenir shopping before indulging in a delicious room service treat (crab burger & chips) – one of Ponant’s great perks, as 24/7 room service is included!

Day 8 – Back to Glasgow

One last breakfast on board, then a transfer to Edinburgh (1 hour drive) for our return flight. The driver, booked through one of my trusted partners (I like to test the services I recommend to my clients!), was punctual and lovely – complete with a complimentary bottle of water.

The Ponant Atmosphere: Chic, Relaxed, Engaging and Safe

With Ponant, there is never a dull moment: captivating lectures from naturalist guides, gourmet tastings (caviar, Pierre Hermé macarons, Pata Negra), film screenings, lively quizzes… Each evening, the next day’s programme is delivered to your cabin so you can plan your activities on board or ashore.

The all-inclusive formula is simply wonderful: all drinks (including alcoholic beverages), 24/7 room service, excursions included in the itinerary, and thoughtful little touches (afternoon treats, Pierre Hermé chocolates on your pillow). The result? We didn’t have to take out our credit card once during the entire cruise!

As for wellbeing, my personal indulgence was spending time in the hammam every evening, after a day of exploration – a moment of pure relaxation before enjoying an aperitif and a delicious dinner.

Ponant’s Safety: A Reassuring Asset

Ponant also stands out for its impeccable safety standards. A French-speaking doctor and a nurse are on board and even accompany the excursions (with a distinctive emergency bag!), ready to step in whenever needed – so a twisted ankle is never an issue.

The crew is highly skilled and attentive. One moment that really impressed me: the captain decided to alter the itinerary to spend the night in a loch, sheltered from the wind and waves, ensuring passengers could enjoy a proper night’s rest before resuming navigation in the middle of the night. Decisions like these highlight just how much care is given to passenger comfort.

The naturalist guides are equally incredible. Their knowledge of the terrain, wildlife, and flora is truly impressive, and they share their expertise with such passion – both during hikes and through their onboard lectures.

Conclusion: Would I sail with Ponant again?

YES, a thousand times YES!
Why? Because Ponant brings together everything I look for in a cruise:

- Ships on a human scale, elegant and intimate.
- A truly all-inclusive formula: excursions, drinks, 24/7 room service, gourmet treats… with no hidden costs.
- Impeccable safety, with a doctor and nurse on board (and even accompanying excursions!).
- An exceptionally skilled and attentive crew, ready to adjust the itinerary for our comfort (like the evening when the captain chose to anchor in a loch to avoid the swell and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep).
- Passionate naturalist guides, who share their knowledge with enthusiasm.
- Outstanding gastronomy (special mention for the Pierre Hermé macarons and the crab burger!).
- And that discreet touch of luxury, like the hammam every evening after excursions, which turns the journey into a true enchanted interlude.

Ponant is more than just a cruise – it’s a refined, human, and unforgettable experience.

The only slight downside, for me? The evenings can be a little too quiet and the overall atmosphere a bit slow motion. It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing cruise, but as someone who enjoys a bit more energy in the evenings, I would have loved some livelier music or a few more festive activities.

Despite this, the overall experience was exceptional, and I would sail with Ponant again in a heartbeat.

Want to experience a Ponant cruise?

Thanks to my in-depth knowledge of itineraries and ships, I can help you choose the Ponant cruise that best suits your dreams (polar expeditions, cultural cruises, sunny escapes…).
There are no agency fees – you get exactly the same price as booking direct, with the added value of my expertise and personalised advice to help you prepare your trip (cabin choice, excursions, flights, transfers, etc.).

👉 Contact me to plan your next Ponant cruise with complete peace of mind!
By phone: 020 4576 2793
via WhatsApp: +44 2045762793,
or by email: a.demoreau@ifyoucruise.com.