Guernsey and home

We were looking forward to seeing Guernsey for the first time to see how it compared to our own little - but 4 times larger - island.

After a lazy day at sea it was nice to have what was going to be a full on day! St Peter Port cannot take large cruise ships so we anchor in the bay and go ashore by tender - in fact the ships life boats!

We were of course on the first tender and were on dry land by 08 45 and set about exploring St Peter Port with its vast marinas full of posh yachts and narrow pretty shopping streets.

Need a few transport pics to keep everyone happy!

So back by tender for a swim in the now too warm pool, lunch and back to St Peter Port for an afternoon coach tour.

We first stopped at the little church, quaint but a bit too touristy!

and then on to the west coast and we drove along looking at the many sandy and very pretty beaches

 And back to St Peter Port too see Ventura was still waiting for us!

Back by tender to the ship

In time for packing, dinner and the last (so so) Headliners show

So we sailed into Southampton passing Britannia moored at Ocean Terminal

 We were followed by Arcadia before we berthed at Mayflower terminal and said goodbye to our cabin.

Off the ship by 7 15, caught the 07 35 train to Portsmouth and were home just after 10am. All in all a great cruise and we were glad to escape the heat and have cooler weather!

Porto

Porto ( why do us Brits insist on calling it Oporto?) was one of the main reasons for choosing this cruise and we were not disappointed

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 Porto is on the north Atlantic coast of Portugal.

Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK so we got back the hour we last on Sunday night. So it was easy to be up to see the Pilot come aboard.

The ship berths a few miles north of the City and we were on the correct side of the ship to see the coast line from the Douro Estuary where the main centre is up to the Cruise Terminal in the industrial port.

There were nice sandy beaches and rocky headlands - very touristy!

No rush for breakfast and we were easily on the first coach into Porto

 A very nice ride along the seafront

 and then along the Douro Riverside

 passing under Ponta da Arrabida

and on to our drop off point at the edge of the old City by a very nice square with a garden. (Actually it was a triangle not a true Square!)

We then strolled through the Old City looking at the Churches, Railway Station, Cathedral and general skyline views

We then crossed the Douro River on the Ponte Luis I which is tram at the top level and road traffic below. We had great views over the river and city from the top level!

 Walk down a narrow and very steep cobbled street to river level!

We could have Funiculared up to the Shuttle Coach pick up but being fit old fogies we walked!

Going past some interesting tiled and painted old buildings

On the trip back to the ship we past a 'dead' tram and got stuck with behind badly parked van!

So back to the ship for our usual poolside slumber, eats, and swim. Shortly after this pic was taken IB was the ONLY swimmer in the pool - bliss!

So as we set sail for Guernsey we see the Cruise terminal with its mad architecture and the lovely beach bathed in sunshine!

But we avoid the Great British sail away party

So we wave goodbye to Portugal for the second time in a month!

Tomorrow is a day at sea and a much needed rest after three hectic port days. Looking forward to the 'new' Headliners show tonight!