Day 121 - Dover, United Kingdom

Weather
Partly Cloudy, low 60's

Map

What we did
Waking up to the sounds of the ship's fog horn, we went out on our balcony as we slowly approached Dover. The views of the town’s iconic white cliffs were stunning, despite the fog. We hurried up to the Explorer’s Lounge for a better vantage point and took the opportunity to finally try the famous Viking waffles at Mamsens, topped with fresh berries. As we drew closer, the fog lifted a bit, revealing even more spectacular scenery.

Once ready for the day, we joined the included walking tour in Canterbury, which was about a 40 minute bus ride away. We began our walk from a large bus parking area and, as part of a group of 46, we made our way on foot toward the town center. Along the way, Amy reflected on her last visit in 1987, when she attended an evening concert at the cathedral with her dad and her friend Michelle, who had been studying abroad at the time. The town center was busy and beautiful, filled with old style houses and lots of walls made of flint stone. We could definitely have spent more time here.

Our guide shared plenty of insights both on the bus and during the 20 minute walk, before giving us about 75 minutes to explore independently. Feeling the chill and realizing she had not dressed warmly enough, Amy quickly ducked into a souvenir shop to pick up a hoodie. After a bit of window shopping, we settled on lunch at the Thomas Becket tavern, a cozy and very dog friendly spot. Tom chose the hunter’s schnitzel with chicken, while Amy went with a lunch special of Cumberland sausage and mashed potatoes.

Back at the ship, we hopped on a shuttle that loops between Dover and the castle every 30 minutes. We stayed on board for the full ride sitting up front on the upper level of a double-decker bus, enjoying the views along the way.

Later, we began some preliminary packing ahead of our departure in two days. Bringing an extra empty suitcase turned out to be a great decision, as everything fit. The evening wrapped up with a lively show by the Viking singers celebrating the music of ABBA, and a relaxing drink in the Explorer’s Lounge.