Topic: Round Britain Cruises.

Hi Dancer, Yes it was such a pity, I sailed twice on the Van Gogh with friend, they did a world cruise Jan 2009 from Falmouth and we were on the Aurora, we met them in Bonaire. They went bankrupt I believe.:D Just click twice on the thumbnail.

I was interested in this one as I was on the last voyage of the van Gogh from Falmouth in 2008 - involving the demise of Travelscope and the ship being arrested in Madeira. Falmouth & the surrounding area is great, it was very convenient for anyone living in the West Country and I agree that the approach via Pendennis etc is lovely BUT, partly because the ship was 2 days late, we were pushed out into a berth in the furthest reaches of the harbour which was undoubtedly the worst dump that we saw on the whole round -the-world trip.
Looking at the Round Britain cruises, it seems to me that they concentrate on Scotland, Ireland and even France rather than English ports which is a shame, they also seem rather expensive.

Hi Royo,yes it is a shame, they desperatly need to dredge the harbour,so as to attract the large ships.

QUOTE:

As long as a small cruise ship didn't exceed 160m length, 16.3m wide and a draft of 7.3m then ships can dock via Liverpool in Salford Quays. Not many ships that small though.

From here it is easy to visit the Manchester United Museum, the Manchester Museum of Science & Industry, the Trafford Centre, The Imperial War Museum, The Lowry Centre plus a 101 other things.

It's far easier to dock at Liverpool and then hop on the train to Manchester................;)

Shelled Pea...As you enter the port and see the world famous Liver Buildings (part of Liverpool's UNESCO designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City) you will also see on the skyline the Catholic and Anglican cathedrals. But as you head for the station why not call in to the Maritime museum which is just across the dock from 'The Tate' in the Albert Dock complex. Maybe have a bite to eat at one of the hundreds of eateries before you have a look at 'Liverpool One' our newest Shopping centre. Then as the cab heads towards the station you will pass the Mersey tunnel 'Gateway to Wales' and just off Victoria street you might glimpse 'Cavern Walks' (an area which contained the Cavern (Beatles ??) You will undoubtably see William Brown Street which contains a National Museum, Library and world famous Walker Art Gallery. Lime Street Station has been improved recently and looks nice right opposite St George's Hall. Sadly, you wont get to see the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which is half a mile or so away, nor will you see Penny Lane, Strawberry fields or other Beatles sites. Nor Speke Hall (16th Century Tudor Mansion) nor the 1001 things we take for granted like the Architecture, The football clubs, the famous sons and daughters of etc. etc. Manchester is a great city but, things to see and do??? Did I mention the Ferry across the Mersey, or Gormley's Iron men, or ... I could go on but give me a call and I'll take you round sometime... Then maybe not as I might be half an hour away in the opposite direction in Southport, that Victorian seaside resort between Liverpool and Blackpool or twenty minutes away in the Cheshire countryside or even historic Chester (30 minutes).

Falmouth from Black Watch in 2006:


Black Watch from Falmouth:


We had a great day. It was hot and sunny, and Falmouth could have been a Mediterranean port of call.

Yes it's lovely when the sun shines, I was still working then so I would have missed the ship.Husband used to drive the cranes in the back ground.

Spartacus I do actually think that Liverpool is a stunning city and this was brought home to me yet again whilst stood on deck on Magnifica in Southampton it was just so dreary at port side.

Back in Liverpool in August for the Picasso exhibition with the kids as I mentioned it's dead easy on the train from here just the prices are a little steep at the mo.

QUOTE:

Thanks Heather - will be there soon for the second time. I will take you up on your 'local' suggestion.

Hi,
Just to say if you like shopping, and depending what day youre in there is St George's Market Friday Saturday and Sunday (great for jewellery and home crafts and local food eg three types of curry sauce in plastic tubs for 10.00 that you could take home.
etc and Victoria Square for new shopping and food recommend The Kitchen Bar or McHughs for lunch - all five mins from the ship by taxi?

There was a big ship in yesterday when I was going to work with a large yellow funnel - anyone know which line? MSC? are they yellow funnels

Heathr

QUOTE:

Hi,


There was a big ship in yesterday when I was going to work with a large yellow funnel - anyone know which line? MSC? are they yellow funnels

Heathr

Hi Heather

Being Yellow I'd have said P&O but can't see any sailings for yesterday calling to Ireland

MSCs Funnels are navy blue with a white Star/Compass points and MSC in the centre.

Costa also have yellow funnels but with a blue ring and a a blue "C" on them

Shell

Hi Shelly
I know most of the P&O and Princess - Crown Princess was in last week - think it must be a Costa ship then - will try to see the names next time. Its lovely to see the cruise ships in - Belfast was full of Italians today so maybe Costa - I had my first day off work for weeks and made the most of it - My husband was in Barcelona so instead of moping I went to the cinema to see Eclipse, bought some holiday clothes in the sales and even had my eyebrows threaded (never done this before, always waxed)
Heather
Heather