This was our first cruise on P&O Britannia calling in France and Spain before returning back to Southampton via Guernsey.
Day 2 At sea going South
We sailed overnight from Southampton through the channel and into the Bay of Biscay. It was plain sailing through the Bay passing islands off the coast of France such as Ushant which we could see in the distance through the haze,
In the evening we went to the Limelight Club to see Madeline Bell.
Day 3 La Rochelle
We docked just as dawn was breaking over the port. Not the most pretty of places to dock.
After walking alongside the dock we stopped for a coffee and a cake (and access to wi-fi).
We then walked towards the two towers
Looking back towards the town
Close by the two towers we stumbled across buildings and walls that were covered in street art.
We stopped for a beer at one of the cafes on the quayside. As we stood up to leave we discovered that Linda’s iPhone had been stolen off the table at the cafe. The waiters and cafe owners showed complete disinterest in helping us and we had to put it down to experience.Take care in the cafes should you stop for a drink or to eat.
Day 4 Bilbao
In Bilbao we went for stroll to the Guggenheim Museum and then along the banks of the river.
We were fascinated by the shoals of fish in the river lazily feeding in the gentle current.
We thought about visiting the beach, Playa de Ereaga, on our next visit but now we understand that swimming is not advised!
Here is Britannia docked in Bilbao.
Day 5 La Coruna
We walked around the quayside looking at the boats.
Here is the street art that we found.
It was a beautiful evening as we sailed out.
The Tower of Hercules can be seen away on the right of this image.It is believed to be the only Roman lighthouse still in operation.
As we were leaving La Coruna the Captain of Britannia joined in the sailaway party!
Day 6 At Sea going North
Britannia sailed North through the bay of Biscay and turned due East in the middle of the day, the Bay was flat calm and I had the opportunity to see dolphins
and basking sharks.
The evening was equally glorious.
Day 7 St Peter Port Guernsey
We skipped breakfast on-board ship in order to catch the first tender taking passengers to the port. We had breakfast in one of the many cafes that line the quay.We walked to the castle and watched the kick off ceremony for the Food Festival which was a race of waiters from local restaurant started by the 12 o’clock gun.
We walked around the shops which were open this visit and had a morning coffee. I am fascinated by the local telephone boxes being painted yellow.
We had a locally brewed beer at The Yacht Hotel.
and then caught a tender back to the ship.
Day 8 Docking in Southampton
It was not the greatest of mornings as we docked next to my favourite street art container.
