My view of ......... Gibraltar

[The Invigilator]

Another lovely sail in we had quite a short time here so decided to do an organised P&O trip, we chose The Secrets of the Rock which comprised of a short minibus ride to the cable car, a trip to the top of the rock and a fascinating talk by our tour guide all about the history of Gibraltar, we were there for about 20 mins and then the guide walked us down to St. Michaels Cave, - this cave is absolutely stunning, from here we returned to the mini bus (a very short walk) and proceeded to the siege tunnels, where our guide once again gave a fascinating talk. From here we were taken back to the ship - with the option of being dropped of at the main shopping centre if desired. Which we choose to do.

Now - Gibraltar is a country we all really wanted to see and it most certainly did not disappoint, however my recommendation would definitely be to DIY, the trip was advertised as being 4.5 hours long but in fact was 3.5. When visiting the cave our guide gave us a short talk and then said we had just 8 minutes to explore! Exploration of the siege tunnels were also done at the gallop! No real opportunity to take many photographs or read the information boards. We will definitely return to Gibraltar but in doing so will DIY.

For the sail out we sat up by the deck quoit area for ages and watch Gibraltar slowly disappear - just stunning

[gfwgfw]

Great for a few hours

I had a long two weeks there on business, nice people - weather was good

But other than the Main Street shops and Aircraft landing on the main route in/out of town that is about it

Though I did do a good job . . . convincing my company it was a "no go" for setting up an office there

[Manoverboard]

We did ' basic ' DIY which comprised of walking up and down the High Street due to time constraints, M&S was for us a big let down and we didn't need any ciggies or booze ... on balance therefore I prefer the sound of the P&O tour but your DIY option is probably better still

[The Invigilator]

Hello GFW - there is loads to do, would love to go back to the top of the rock and take in those amazing views again. There is so much more to explore at St Michaels cave and the siege tunnels. There are also the Second World War tunnels and to be honest I would just love to walk around the island. I don't think I would want a holiday there but certainly could cram a day with things to do. We did mooch the main shopping area briefly but it's not really our cup of tea. Although hubby did find an amazing deal on some scotch and port - happy days

[gfwgfw]

The Inv . . . . . . r

Very good point you make, most cruise ships make this a "short" port of call, mainly for the shopaholics I am afraid

[howard18]

The Inv . . . . . . r

Very good point you make, most cruise ships make this a "short" port of call, mainly for the shopaholics I am afraid

The call at Gib was covered a couple of years ago on the "old" site.
This has all to do with legalities and profit. If a ship leaves say Southampton and only called at ports within the EU the cruise line would have to pay VAT on all purchases. By calling at a non EU port they can claim back the VAT hence Gib. This, of course, does not mean that you get away with not paying VAT on your drinks etc. This cruise lines just make at least 20% more on their sales.
Spain as you probably know are the exception - they charge a proportion of their VAT on cruise lines whilst they are in Spanish territorial waters.
I expect before long to see other countries taking this route.

[emjay45]

Last year we did 'Panoramic Gibralter with tea'. It was an entertaining tour ending with tea at the Caleta hotel, where we had a delicious afternoon tea with scones that melted in your mouth. It was a very interesting tour where we learned a lot about the history of Gibralter and everything it experienced during the war. It's somewhere I really would like to go again.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I must admit we've been to Gib twice, did a tour first time and DIY the second, and wouldn't mind if we never went there again.

[MicheleW]

We spent a day in Gibraltar on our cruise last year, and have also stopped here before, but being here a whole day gave us time to do a lot more and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We did DIY and took a public bus up to the Moorish Castle where there are also fantastic views of the airport. Quite funny watching the traffic all come to a halt for a plane to land! We then visited the seige tunnels which were very interesting and from there walked across to St Michael's Cave. As mentioned before, this is beautiful. We then walked down the steps to the town, spending a short time exploring the Trafalgar Cemetery and then had a meander down the high street on the way back to the ship.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day here and are looking forward to our stop there this year - only half a day this time, but still plenty to see. We are thinking about catching the bus to Europa point or visiting the World War II tunnels.

Michele

[qbman1]

Gibraltar always gets mixed reviews but we like it. The town is about 15 or 20 minutes walk from the cruise terminal along a rather hot and busy road but there is a taxi/minibus service running the whole of the time the ship is in port. Last time we were there it was £1 or 2euros per person each way.

The town itself is much like any other - loads of duty free shops plus Marks and Sparks and Morrisons !! Booze is the cheapest you will get - the crew are off at the crack of dawn to their favourite Indian-run duty-free shop (sorry, can't remember the name) but someone will know. The cafes, pubs and bars are all very English in feel.

We have done a dolphin watching trip there, which was great. We did it through P&O but the departure point is less than 5 minutes from the ship so I am sure you could do it independently if you book in advance. We also did the cable car up to the Rock independently - it is quite a walk up through the town to the cable car station but do-able although I suppose you could get a taxi if you are short of time. It is worth the trip as the views at the top are spectacular - and you get the monkeys, of course. Apparently they are getting a bit bold and vicious now. Even when we were there, we saw one leap on a chap's back and open his rucksack. They are well worth seeing though. If you are interested in gardens, the botanic garden is right across the car park from the cable car station. We really enjoyed that.

There are a few other things we haven't done like the old military installations and Europa Point so it is well worth getting off in my view. We would certainly go ashore if we go there again.

[The Invigilator]

Hi Cubiecat

The views are incredible arn't they.

I agree about the monkeys we saw a lot and hubby even managed to get that iconic picture I.e. monkey on railings with Azura in the background. But they do seem to be pretty grumpy and extremely forthright, whilst walking down the hill to St. Michaels cave a number of mini buses were coming up and stopping for various reasons and some of the monkeys would use that opportunity to jump in through the windows to try and grab some food. Us 4 ended up being split from the rest of our group because a monkey jumped into one of the buses right in front of us and suddenly all the doors are flung open and all the people were jumping out screaming and it's a very narrow road down so we had nowhere to go. Is it so wrong to confess at this point that we found it hysterically funny?? Although if I was one of the people in the bus I would be out like a shot too

[qbman1]

Yep, I've got a monkey on the wall but with Arcadia behind.

Point of order, though, they are really Barbary Macaques. No wonder they are getting shirty, with everyone calling them "monkey" !!

[Princess]

Hi MicheleW

Could you give me a little more information on the public bus? Where did you catch it from?
Did you do the WW11 tunnels? Do you know where abouts they are on the walk down the rock?

Many thanks.

[MicheleW]

Hi Princess,

We caught the bus just outside the main gateway which leads through into the town - it is like a little bus station and most of the buses seem to go from here. There is a tourist information office just inside the gateway and they told us which bus to catch up to the Moorish Castle. We didn't do the WWII tunnels last year, but are definitely hoping to do them this year - depending on time, as we are only there for a half-day this time. The WWII tunnels are the same side of the rock as the siege tunnels and Moorish Castle. The bus driver was really helpful and told us where to get off for the Castle and which direction to walk.

Hope this helps.

Michele

[Princess]

MicheleW,

That information is great.
Many thanks.

[Silver_Shiney]

Is there a bus or something to get you to the top of the Rock? I'd really like to explore the tunnels but I have a fear of cable cars.

[Peter D]

I always believed that Gib was a non place to visit. However, on asking for information on things to do prior to a visit many years ago I compiled this list from many seasoned cruisers of things to do.

On arriving in Gibraltar it will become clear which way is town. Be aware, it can be VERY hot in summer as there is no shade en route, but it is all on the level. So, you have the choice; there are shuttle taxis that charge £2 each way, you can walk it is about 15 mins into town.

Such a proud history, lovely friendly people. Do not just think of shops, even with a half day stop you can still see some of the history, do some shopping, have a coffee in Casement and get back to the ship on time as the Taxi drivers are so well organised.

Excursions:
This is an easy DIY. The walk from the port to Casemates square (town) is around ten minutes if you are a fast walker but it can be VERY hot as there is no shade. Once in town it is about a 15 mins walk to the cable car station to go up the rock.

The local taxis operate people carriers with about six seats. They do tours up the rock and operate on a price per person basis, around £20. This includes all entrance fees. There will be lots at the cruise terminal.

Town Area: You can go up Main Street and see many UK shops, plus the local traders who you must barter with for good prices. There are good prices on cameras, videos, computers, jewellery etc.

Half way up the street you will reach the RC Cathedral which used to be a mosque! A few minutes further on there is the C of E Cathedral and even a bit further on the Governor’s residence.

If you walk right along and under Southport Gates you will reach Trafalgar cemetery where some of Nelson’s crew are buried after battle of said name! If you like cable cars you would just need to carry on up the hill and into Alameda Grand parade. If flowers are more your liking the Botanical Gardens are there too.

Cable Car: This will take you right up to the very top of the Rock and also to the apes den. Be very wary as they do bite if annoyed. One woman had a necklace on and the ape fancied it. He grabbed it and she did as well. She ended up with 36 stitches!! and no necklace.

St. Michael’s caves, you need a taxi really as these are half way up the Rock although you could access them from the cable car.

Great Siege Tunnels: Again, you need a taxi, but these are handmade tunnels dug by soldiers at the time of the Great Siege 1700’s.

Moorish Castle: This is just the keep of the castle made by the Moors.

Europa Point: You can get bus number 3 from Wall Road. This will take you to the outside of the lighthouse and also the Mosque paid for by King of Saudi Arabia.

Catalan Bay: A quaint fishing village, bus number 4, ask the driver which way he is going - to Rosia or Catalan Bay. Also nice for a seafood lunch

Museum: this is near the RC Cathedral in town.

Beaches:
The one on the west side of the Rock is all pebbles and on the east side sandy.

[gfwgfw]

Perchance

There was a dear lady who regularly posted on the now "defunct" P&O confection

Sadly I lost contact with her - but she was a brilliant gem to me when I was in Gib for two rather slightly lonely long weeks for my then company vision of having an office on Main Street

Does any one from "tother" side remember her

Any lead gratefully received

Graham x

[gfwgfw]

BTW

I must have had the power of persuasion

The project was "shredded" and I had an enviable rich all over golden tan and a "Ken hairstyle" - but mine was a very sexy blonde . . . . to start 1966 with

[Silver_Shiney]

BTW

I must have had the power of persuasion

The project was "shredded" and I had an enviable rich all over golden tan and a "Ken hairstyle" - but mine was a very sexy blonde . . . . to start 1966 with

ALL over?

too much information!

[Meg 50]

Perchance

There was a dear lady who regularly posted on the now "defunct" P&O confection

Sadly I lost contact with her - but she was a brilliant gem to me when I was in Gib for two rather slightly lonely long weeks for my then company vision of having an office on Main Street

Does any one from "tother" side remember her

Any lead gratefully received

Graham x

wasn't her name Anthea?

I wonder if anyone is friends with her on FB?

[gfwgfw]

Meg

Thank you . . . spot on

I remember her as being a regular poster, but she seems to have dropped out of posting

She did give the will to live during my sojourn to the Rock

Lubooo

Graham