10 July
Gibraltar today. Had no real expectations of Gibraltar. Years ago, I sailed from Algerciras, just next door in Spain, to Tangiers but didn't go to Gibraltar. We took an Official Rock Tour which was 90 minutes. There are lots of these 8 seater minivans waiting to sell you a tour, just as you leave the terminal. Price was 22 pounds sterling. The charge is actually 12 pounds but there is a 10pound charge to enter the park at the top of the rock. We went to all the places the Princess tours went to – Jews Gate, Pillars of Hercules (which in ancient times designated the end of the world). They thought that, if you sailed through there, you would fall off the edge of the Earth. The tour went to St Michael's Cave which was amazing. It was used as a hospital during the War but is now used for concerts. It's huge with fascinating formations inside. Then to the Great Seige Tunnels – tunnelled through the rock in the 1800s during a war with Spain. Of course, we saw the barbary apes and there were stops at lookouts along the way – could see the Atlas mountains in Morocco. Next year's cruise goes to Morocco so you'll see them close up. We spent the rest of the morning (we sailed at 2.00pm) just wandering through the town and having a drink at the Lord Nelson pub before walking back to the ship – about 10 minutes. There was a shuttle bus for 2 Euros per person. One note about the Official Rock Tours – they have small vans which can go all the way up the hill to the apes and the tunnels. We passed some Princess tour passengers slogging up on foot because their buses couldn't pass through the narrow road. Back at the ship, there were schools of thousands of fish swimming around so the water in the harbour must be clean. A pod of dolphins accompanied us out. Loved Gibraltar. Next stop Le Havre – then that's all folks!!!! Still haven't had any word from the purser's office, despite several enquiries, about the discrepancy when our bills were added and charged to the credit card. Make sure next year's people check and have access to checking your credit card while you are away.
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