Thursday 17 April 2025 

Portsmouth/Weymouth, UK

This morning we are docked at a commercial and former military port in Portsmouth, a small island on the English Channel, now attached by causeway to the larger town of Weymouth. But this blog will focus on my very pleasant time in Falmouth yesterday.

If you are wondering about all of the many towns that end in "-mouth" all along Britain’s south coast, it’s because each town sits at the mouth of its namesake river as it empties into the English Channel:  the rivers  “Fal,” or “Wey,” for example. But the Nieuw Statendam's day in Portland must wait until tomorrow. Today I return to Wednesday in Falmouth.

Wednesday 16 April 2025

Falmouth, Cornwall, UK 

As we drop anchor off the coastal town of Falmouth this morning, I am pleasantly surprised to see the sun shining in a bright blue sky. For the past two weeks weather reports have predicted medium to heavy rain in this part of England. But contrary to the pundits pundifcating, the weather has turned delightful. My appointment with British immigration isn't scheduled until 9:00am. When I am finally called into the World Stage, the whole process takes less than the blink of an eye, after a very long waiting time.

I am not taking a shore excursion today but plan to wander around Falmouth on my own. Since we are using tenders to go ashore, each passenger must get a tender ticket and wait for those tickets to be called. But one of the useful perks for 4- and 5-star mariners, is the ability to board a tender immediately when ready. The ride to shore is a rather long 30 minutes, but the sailing is smooth and pleasant.

Although there are free shuttle buses for cruise ship passengers, I decide to walk to the farthest point of the town, Pendennis Castle. The Castle was built from 1539 to 1545 when England faced a possible invasion from the united powers of Catholic Europe. To defend against this, Henry VIII implemented a national program of military and naval preparations, including new coastal artillery forts. 

On the way to Pendennis Castle (above and below)

The small round fort is set in extensive grounds open to the public. The last part of the walk to get there is a long incline that almost takes my breath away, but I make it at last.

Pendeniss Castle Gate (above and below)

The Castle (1539-45)

Royal Artillery Barracks (1901)

Views of the bay and surrounding area:

The downward return is easier and I have fine views of the nearby beach.

Back in the town center I stop for a local lunch before visiting the Cornwall Maritime Museum, an important national institution.

A Hot Fresh Vegetable Pasty and Coffee for Lunch 

After a lovely half-day I take the waiting tender back to the ship. Soon enough it's time for my now daily before-dinner martini and a return to the dining room:  Bibb lettuce salad with sliced tomatoes, dried cherries, and balsamic dressing; traditional French onion soup; lightly breaded plaice with vegetables; Sacher torte for dessert.