Friday, August 21, 2026

Day 27 - Dover, England

 I got up at 6 as the pilot was boarding, got dressed for the day. I took some photos of the White Cliffs of Dover from my verandah as we were docking and went to breakfast at 6:35. After breakfast, I returned to the cabin and read until 8 when I went to the World Stage to get my tour sticker and wait to be called. Our tour was called at 9:05 and I was on the bus at 9:15. We first drove to a photo stop below Dover Castle. We took pictures from the parking lot and from across the street. We then drove into Canterbury and got out of the bus for a walk along the river Stour to Canterbury Square and we entered the cathedral at 10:45 for 1 hour to look around and take pictures. Then we walked up to High Street and walked along hearing some of the history of the buildings and we saw the dunking seat used to determine if a person was a witch. We walked all the way to the West Gate, the original entrance for riders from London who cantered in on their horses hence the name of the city. We then walked back to the bus station to re-board the bus for the drive back to the ship. I got back on the ship at 12:45 amid the boarding of new passengers. I went to lunch in the Lido at 1:45 after uploading my photos. At 3, I went to my last happy hour and saw some people that I knew. At 4, I returned to the cabin to finish packing and clean  up for dinner. Bags have to be out by midnight and my tag is green 2 estimated to be called at 9 tomorrow morning. At 5:35 I went to the photo shop to get my video of the cruise and went to dinner at 5:50. After dinner, I went to the Billboard for my last drink and listen to the pianists play requests. I returned to the cabin at 7:25 to put the finishing touches on my luggage and get it out in the hall since we lose another hour tonight. I finished up the blog entry and read until bedtime. 

The White Cliffs of Dover from my verandah as we sailed into port

 


Dover Castle






Old remaining wall in Canterbury

A gargoyle on one of the buildings
A grotesque over the doorway

The buildings remain authentic 


Were the charter for the Mayflower was signed




The Cathedral
















The current Archbishop of Canterbury is a woman









Chaucer 

West Gate to the city
A shot of the cathedral from High Street