Gibraltar 21 August 2023
The Rock of today is a bizarre anomaly of Moorish, Spanish, and—especially—British influences. There are double-decker buses, "bobbies" in helmets, and red mailboxes. Millions of pounds have been spent in developing its tourist potential, and a steady flow of expat Brits comes here from Spain to shop at Morrisons supermarket and other stores. This tiny British colony—nicknamed "Gib" or simply "the Rock"—whose impressive silhouette dominates the strait between Spain and Morocco, was one of the two Pillars of Hercules in ancient times, marking the western limits of the known world and commanding the narrow pathway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Ship arrives in Gibraltar at 07:00AM
Breakfast onboard ship at the Marketplace buffet.
PRINCESS MORNING TOUR: THE BEST OF GIBRALTAR (1.5HRS)
I will take a group excursion in Gibraltar to make sure I get to see all the sights without any hassle.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Board your motorcoach for a scenic drive en route to some of Gibraltar's most popular attractions. You'll pass the World War II airport runway, expanded with rocks blasted from the tunnels of Gibraltar, Princess Caroline's Battery, and the remains of an ancient Moorish castle, proudly flying the Union flag and still displaying the battle scars from the military sieges in Gibraltar's history.
The first thing that catches your eye on Europa Point is the beautiful, red and white striped lighthouse that dominates the landscape. Situated at the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean on Europe's most southerly point, the lighthouse stands proudly over the area and is visible for miles. First lit in 1941, the lighthouse was a welcomed addition for sailors who knew the difficulty of maneuvering around Gibraltar Bay. Sharing the grounds is the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, another important monument for the sailors. Before the lighthouse was built, it was the glow from within this little chapel which would guide them. Coexisting on the site is the most southerly mosque in Europe, Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque. Given as a gift in 1997 from the late King Fahd Al-Saud, this lovely domed mosque is also a school, library and meeting hall.
A short drive brings you to dramatic St. Michael's Cave, a series of underground limestone caves and tunnels located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve of Gibraltar, almost 300 meters above sea level. St. Michael's Cave has undergone a transformation in summer 2021, with a technology-led installation, creating a brand-new immersive experience inside the natural attraction. Opened to the public in summer 2021, 'The Awakening' highlights the history of the famous cave, explaining how the geological formation came to be through 360° light projection combined with immersive spatial audio.
A walk through this extraordinary natural phenomenon reveals illuminated stalagmites and stalactites, subterranean passageways and an unexpected amphitheater. One area, Cathedral Cave, was given its name because the formations hanging from the walls resemble organ pipes. You can also walk through an area which some believe is a bottomless underground link to Africa, through which the Barbary Apes made their way onto the Rock many years ago. Steeped in mythological legend, the cave has also been interpreted as the Gates of Hades and the passageway to the underworld.
No visit to Gibraltar would be complete without seeing the tailless monkeys also known as Barbary Apes. The only free-roaming monkeys in Europe, the Barbary Apes have been entertaining visitors with their playful antics for years and have mysteriously inhabited the area for centuries. If they did not make their way onto The Rock through the underground caves, the only other explanation for their appearance is that sailors and pirates brought them over from Africa on voyages. Currently, there are approximately 230 apes that reside on the Upper Rock. The apes are well cared for by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and are given fresh food and water every day to supplement what can be found in the wild.
Afternoon free to do some shopping in the town.
Ship departs at 5:00PM
Dinner at 7:30PM in the Capri diningroom
After dinner there is a show in the main show lounge.
The perfect end to a cruise day is a stop at the casino.
Overnight onboard enchanted Princess
