Crossing on the Crown - Day 8: Rockin in Gibraltar

Sharon Miceli has successfully transited the Atlantic and reached Europe. She checked in with us after Gibraltar, her first stop on the continent:

It looked more like a foggy day in London town as we pulled into port today for a visit to the Rock. Although it is physically attached to Spain the tiny nation of Gibraltar maintains a staunch British identity and it seemed to underscore that point by rolling out dense clouds and light drizzle upon our arrival. Disappointing? To some, yes, but what makes a pub feel cozier and a freshly steeped pot of English tea more inviting than a gray day?

I did venture up to the top of the Rock for an attempt at a stunning view and the possibility of catching a glimpse of Africa and Europe at the same time.

The two tiny cable cars shuttled streams of gawkers to an observation station at the summit high above the clouds. It’s a strange sensation to be looking down on a commercial jet as it takes off.

Included in the lift fee is a multimedia gizmo about the size of a blackberry device that provides pictures and audio tour information that you can control on your own. It was very easy to use and quite interesting. 

As the storm clouds swirled and moved on we were able to catch intermittent views of the bustling port city below and our ship being attended to as it patiently awaited our return.

We did see the border of Spain and took lots of pictures of the Barbary Macaques, the furry monkeys that call the rock home, but that glimpse of Morocco will have to wait for another visit.

Tonight is our final formal night and I can’t wait to see the activity in the piazza later this evening when they release hundreds of balloons that they’ve suspended over it today.  But first, a knock on the door of my cabin announces the delivery of fancy canapes compliments of the Captain’s Circle for it’s Elite members on formal nights. I’ll explain the benefits in greater detail later but have I mentioned that it’s good to be Princess Captain’s Circle Elite!

Thanks, Sharon! Thanks for the great report!