DEBARKATION DAY
Yes as with all cruises there comes a debarkation day. We were up early to get some packing done before breakfast. We bid farewell to the serving team and did our final packing and made our way to the gangway.
Off the ship and into the Taxi Queue. The line was not too bad and we were in no rush. Most people waiting were wanting to go to the train station and soon a bus arrived and took the lot of them to the station. We were then the only ones waiting for a taxi. We got to our lodging at about 0930 and stowed our bags and went for a walkabout. First stop was Poundland for only those things one finds there. Then to Greggs (think starbucks/dunkin) for a morning drink of chocolate milk and orange juice.
Then back to the room to reorganize. I feel we will be constantly reorganizing the next few days. Still hope we can make it home with just carryon.
We took a short walk along the Marine Front to take in the fresh sea air. Then off to Blakes for dinner and a drink. Sadly the kitchen was closed so we went next door for takeaway fish and chips. They were ok to good but definitely not as good as Blakes. We did enjoy catching ups with Joe and learning most of the other locals were busy or away. It is still always nice to visit Blakes. We then called it a night.
Our cruise to Calais on 5/9/2026:
As Lynn is having a bit of a rough go with her hip I thought a simple activity would be to take the P&O ferry to Calais France and back. Something I have always talked about doing. Our round trip fare for both of us was only £57. In our more mobile days we would have just walked to the ferry terminal, but today we have a cab on order.
For breakfast this morning I walked over to Greggs and got us a couple bacon rolls. They are big enough they will also serve as lunch.
Soon it was time to make our way to the P&O Ferry Terminal.
One must arrive no later than 2 hours prior to your ferry scheduled departure time. First you check in, then board a bus that takes you to passport control which is away from the terminal, then there is a random security check before you finally board the ferry.
We made our way to Deck 8 and found some seats right up front affording us a nice view.
On the ferries there is a food market with hot and cold items. There is a kids play area. Then there is a Pet Lounge with nice size individual stalls for you to sit with your pet. They also sell dog treats. There is also a lounge where more food items are available as well as a full bar. There are also some gambling machines and duty free shopping.
On can also up grade for £29 pp to a more private lounge where drinks and food are included.
The crossing takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival you board a bus which takes you to the Calais Cruise Terminal. Here you can rent a car or take a shuttle into the city center.
In the Calais Ferry Terminal there is, I am guessing, a replica of the aircraft which first flew across the English Channel. On July 25, 1909, French aviator Louis Blériot made history by completing the first airplane flight across the English Channel, traveling from Calais, France, to Dover, England, in 36.5 minutes. Flying his self-designed Type XI monoplane, he won a £1,000 prize and solidified the practicality of aviation. The spot where he landed is just outside of Dover Castle and accessible by a short walk.
As we were on the turnaround ferry to return to Dover we had about an hour wait before we started the return process. Passport Control, immigration, and security check points need to be navigated.
Back on the ferry we went to have a look at the Pet Lounge. (Photos Below)
We decided to have our dinner on the return trip and had a pepperoni pizza.
Upon our arrival we took a cab to the M&S store to get some breakfast items. This will save us some time in the morning before we take the train to London.
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