06/10/2015 – Written by Melissa Lisell

LuAnn and I enjoyed brunch on the ship while overlooking the magnificent white cliffs of Dover, England. 

That afternoon, we joined a tour to Canterbury Cathedral and the surrounding town. The massive cathedral is famously known for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. There are many sections of the cathedral and almost all are open for guests to explore. LuAnn captured a few great shots of the stained glass windows, pews, and intricate designs on the floor. The Crypt is the oldest part of the Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century. (Helpful Hint: The sign at the entrance requesting silence and no photography is not a suggestion but a requirement. We encountered several people that disrupted those looking for a quiet place for prayer and reflection.)

We found that an hour was plenty of time to explore Canterbury Cathedral. Lucky for us, that left us with about an hour to wander the surrounding town. Starbucks provided an opportunity to grab a latte (hot chocolate for me) and try a new snack: fruit bread toasted with strawberry jam. Absolutely delicious!! While finishing our drinks, we were able to walk the entire length of the main street and back in about 30 minutes. This included time to stop for photos and window shop.

At that point, it was time for the group to board the bus. We stopped near Dover Castle for a quick photo opportunity before heading back to the ship. Several people on our tour mentioned getting up early that day and taking a shuttle to Dover Castle. After hearing about the tunnels used during WWII, this is something I would recommend adding to anyone’s itinerary in the future.

The port of Dover made for a great beginning to this cruise adventure. We are looking forward to all that is to come!