By
Alice Chambers |
William the Conqueror famously crossed the English Channel in 1066 to change the course of English history. Guillaume de Normandie (William of Normandy), a hybrid-LNG ship, now makes that same journey regularly, connecting Normandy, France, and the UK as part of Brittany Ferries’ busiest route.
With this in mind, Brittany Ferries has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the onboard experience is shaped by the landscapes, culture and spirit of the region it serves.
From the moment passengers step onboard, Brittany Ferries encourages them to feel a connection with Normandy through the ship’s design. This approach is no accident. Brittany Ferries has committed to tailoring its onboard experiences to reflect the destinations its ships call home, aiming to provide passengers a sense of place as they sail.
To achieve this, Brittany Ferries partnered with Swedish design firm Figura to bring Normandy to life across every interior space, from cabins and lounges to restaurants and bars. Each area is crafted to echo the textures, colours and character of the region. Cabins, for example, include design features such as lightboxes that simulate a typical Normandy countryside view, giving interior rooms the ambiance of a scenic window.
The standout Admiral Cabin is a tribute to Brittany Ferries’ founder, Alexis Gourvennec. It features four portholes, a separate day and night area, and a lounge with a designer sofa by Breton Designers.
The Admiral Cabin onboard Guillame du Normandie is designed as a tribute to Brittany Ferries’ founder, Alexis Gourvennec
“When we designed this cabin, we thought of our founder Alexis Gourvennec,” says Joëlle Croc, group director of customer experience and onboard sales at Brittany Ferries. “The goal was to embody his spirit of innovation and adventure, which he always championed for Brittany and the region.” This led to a space that “perfectly represents the company’s DNA”.
The ship has also been designed to accommodate the trips taken by schools on both sides of the English Channel.
“A unique feature for Guillaume de Normandie is a dedicated space for school groups called ‘couchettes plus’ that can accommodate 76 students in an area specifically designed for them, with a private lounge,” says Yves Gouez, chief purser for Brittany Ferries.
Above all, the ship has been designed with comfort in mind. “When we chose to invest in hybrid ships, one of the reasons was passenger comfort,” says Croc. “The fact that these ships are quiet and free from vibration immediately adds an extra level of comfort to the journey. Other elements of cabin comfort include larger beds, mattress toppers that provide extra softness, and higher-quality bed linen and towels.”
Onboard dining also celebrates Normandy and French culinary culture. The Riva Bella brasserie offers sea views and a menu featuring locally sourced French ingredients. Meanwhile, Le Jardin, a new concept restaurant, offers a health-conscious alternative with its plant-based menu and market garden feel. For a relaxed drink or live entertainment, passengers can visit Les Planches Bar, inspired by Normandy’s iconic beachfront boardwalks and topped with a glass roof.
Guillame du Normandie’s Les Planches Bar
Additional onboard experiences include the private C-Club Lounge with panoramic views and curated contemporary art, an outdoor gym, onboard shopping, and entertainment spaces including a video game room and interactive play area.
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