Eclipse British Isles and French Open June 2017 review (long with photos)

[texasgirl29]

Our Magical Mystery Tour began at 11 from the Albert Dock.

 

Paul, Rachel, Norene and I walked up the gangway and along the water to the Albert Dock. We passed the Three Graces -- the Liver Building, the White Star Building and the Cunard Building.

 

 

 

We passed chains loaded with locks of love, statues, singers and food trucks of many kinds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

We found the bright yellow bus and got in line just ahead of a group from upstate New York, chatting while we waited to board.

 

 

The bus was clean and modern, for some reason I was expecting a school bus type of bus.

 

The guide introduced himself and the driver as local guys who attended the same schools at John Lennon, although years later.

 

The music started "The Magical Mystery Tour is coming to take you away."

 

We drove by the houses of all four Beatles while we listened to stories. Think this was Ringo's street.

 

 

This was a pub where Ringo's mother sang. It's on the cover of his album Sentimental Journeys. His mother liked to sing the song Sentimental Journey.

 

 

The bus stopped near George Harrison's boyhood home and we all got out and walked to the street Arnold Grove to see it. Many people took their photo next to it while an amused neighbor came out of his house to watch.

 

 

Our guide told us that when George became a celebrity, he often checked into hotels under the name "Arnold Grove." He came from very poor roots and never forgot them.

 

 

Of course we had to take our photo by the Penny Lane sign.

 

 

We drove down Penny Lane while the music played, everyone singing along.

 

As we passed by, our guide pointed out Behind the shelter in the middle of a roundabout and yes, there is a bus shelter in the middle of a roundabout.

 

 

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

We stopped in front of the red gates of Strawberry Fields. Our guide told us the line "nothing to get hung about" was in response to John's aunt warning him he'd get in trouble hanging out there to get a glimpse of the girls who lived there.

 

 

We passed by John's home, owned by the National Trust, which also owns Paul's boyhood home. John's has a medallion on it because he has been deceased over 20 years. We got out of the bus and walked to Paul's home. He told us you can tour it by appointment.

 

 

 

We drove past the Catholic Church hall where Paul first played with John and his band. And the cemetery where Eleanor Rigby is buried.

 

The guide did a great job pointing out how the Beatles came together and also the things they did for their city and families as they became rich and famous. Our tour ended at the Cavern Club but we did not go inside as Julie, John, Louise and her husband were waiting for us. We walked back to the Albert Dock and had lunch, then took photos at the Beatles statue.

 

 

 

The city put on a great welcome for us, and a send off with live music and confetti cannons. Thus was the first time the Celebrity Eclipse has come to this port.

 

 

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[upwarduk]

Interesting to see the Beatles houses. One day we will have to book a tour!

 

My DH claims that Ringo Starr was the drummer in the backing group 'The Hurricanes,' in a singing competition that he took part in just before Ringo joined the Beatles.

 

Here are a couple of pictures from inside The Cavern, taken in February 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

Our grand daughter was our guide, as she is now a Medical Student at Liverpool University.

 

I just wish that we were able to embark on a cruise ship in Liverpool, as we only live 90 minutes away by train.

Edited July 13, 2017 by upwarduk

[texasgirl29]

Thanks, Jackie. I was so focused on meeting up with my cousins I completely forgot about going to the Cavern Club. I bet it would be great to sail from Liverpool. My mom sailed from there in the early 50s, but not on a fancy cruise ship. She was a bride of an American GI.

 

We live in Texas, and have sailed out of Galveston on the Disney Wonder. It does make it convenient. My dream cruise is to do a transAtlantic cruise and end up in Galveston or Houston so I can avoid the jet lag.

 

JoAnn

[HelenREMfan]

Liverpool for us was a highlight.... that send off with the "ticker tape" cannons was just something else. We live about 17 miles away - across the bridge from Widnes Joann! I teach very often pupils from Widnes schools.

The National Trust owns John and Paul's houses and yes you can tour them. Alas from a cruise ship point of view you have to book a trip with the Nat Trust which runs from Speke Hall, out near the airport, and they run minibus tours of the houses. Obviously a minibus doesn't hold too many people so they may well get booked up. Apparently Yoko gave items to be in John's Aunt Mimi's house and she asks the custodians to send her photocopies of the Visitor's book every month.

 

It is such a shame Celebrity didn't base the Eclipse at Liverpool.....there is so much right there by the dock to see. WE journeyed out to the Penny Lane area first then worked our way back towards the centre of the city, driving past the 2 so very different Cathedrals. We parked and walked to Matthew St passing the statue of Eleanor Rigby. Matthew St was buzzing with tourists and we stopped at the Beatles shop which is always interesting.

The Albert dock has something for everyone with the Maritime and Tate museums, shops, bars and restaurants. We ended up at the Liverpool museum. There are wonderful exhibits relating to life in Liverpool + the 60s with a short (8 minute) video experience of Beatles history. Then there is the viewing window on the 2nd floor with fabulous views of the estuary, pierced with the "Ferry" and of course the Eclipse.

 

I too have memories of my Nana who with her Canadian husband would sail from Liverpool on the old Empress of Canada or France ships as they went to stay over there for 18 months. To be able to sail into Liverpool and set sail from there was a huge reason for me in selecting this cruise.

It did not disappoint.

[texasgirl29]

I can't believe I'm only today stumbling upon your report. I'm filled up to now. Thank you for posting! I'm looking forward to more.

 

 

 

Glad you found it. I still have a few more stops to go.

 

JoAnn

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

Thursday, June 15

Dublin, Ireland

 

We docked in a very industrial area with container stacks all around. We paid €10 each to get the shuttle to the city center. The traffic was heavy and it took about an hour to get to the drop off point. We were immediately barraged with three different HOHO representatives. We choose City Sightseeing as we have used them in other cities and they are owned by Greyline. The salesperson escorted us around the corner to stop #5. He did not mention they had no facilities on board to take credit cards which I found unusual as the HOHOs always take credit cards. Since we had insufficient cash with us, Dave paid for us €15 each in cash. The rep also told us there was wifi aboard but the driver said no.

 

 

 

 

 

I really liked these lamp posts.

 

 

 

The traffic was pretty heavy due to construction, I have to confess while I usually enjoy taking hop on hop off busses this was not my favorite.

 

 

 

 

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[dodger1964]

Thursday, June 15

Dublin, Ireland

 

We docked in a very industrial area with container stacks all around. We paid €10 each to get the shuttle to the city center. The traffic was heavy and it took about an hour to get to the drop off point. s

 

Do you remember about where you were dropped off?

 

And was that same place to get bus back to ship...assuming it was 10 for roundtrip??

 

Thanks for info!

 

We have overnight there on our cruise next week and are renting a car from Sixt which is located downtown.

 

I thought we would just walk if there was some kind of "port shuttle" that takes to the entrance to port...but not sure if they have that or just the bus you took??

[texasgirl29]

Do you remember about where you were dropped off?

 

And was that same place to get bus back to ship...assuming it was 10 for roundtrip??

 

Thanks for info!

 

We have overnight there on our cruise next week and are renting a car from Sixt which is located downtown.

 

I thought we would just walk if there was some kind of "port shuttle" that takes to the entrance to port...but not sure if they have that or just the bus you took??

 

We were dropped off at the Oscar Wilde House 2 Marino Park, Merrion Square West,

Yes, we got the bus back to the ship there, and the 10 euros was round trip.

I can't remember how far it was from the ship to the port gate but it took about an hour to get from the ship to the drop off as the traffic was pretty heavy.

JoAnn

[kevinyork]

Do you remember about where you were dropped off?

 

 

 

And was that same place to get bus back to ship...assuming it was 10 for roundtrip??

 

 

 

Thanks for info!

 

 

 

We have overnight there on our cruise next week and are renting a car from Sixt which is located downtown.

 

 

 

I thought we would just walk if there was some kind of "port shuttle" that takes to the entrance to port...but not sure if they have that or just the bus you took??

 

 

 

The port is industrial and the road into town has lots of roadworks so the journey is slow. You could walk from the port to the point and get the tram but it's a messy journey and not easy. The only shuttle is the €10 into town.

 

 

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[dodger1964]

We were dropped off at the Oscar Wilde House 2 Marino Park, Merrion Square West,

Yes, we got the bus back to the ship there, and the 10 euros was round trip.

I can't remember how far it was from the ship to the port gate but it took about an hour to get from the ship to the drop off as the traffic was pretty heavy.

JoAnn

 

Thanks.

 

 

That is a mile away from where I need to be!

 

We get to the port at 5am (originally scheduled for 10am...email from Celeb said it was because of tides). So we will see what is available.

 

Thanks again for info, and great review!

[macaroni]

We took a taxi early before the roads got crowded...it only took about 20 minutes...the driver said that from about 8am it gets very crowded and slow....taxi was about 15 euros each way but well worth it...there were just 2 of us...

[texasgirl29]

We got off at #14 stop for Guinness Storehouse tour. Rachel couldn't appreciate the beer but the wifi was fast and strong so she was happy. The tour was well designed visually and interactively but if you're looking for large cylinders of beer or clanking bottle on conveyor belts, you won't find it here.

 

 

 

 

 

They said the starter yeast is kept in this safe. Somehow I don't think so.

 

 

And water....

 

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

There was a section devoted to the barrels. My grandfather was a cooper (barrel maker) in England but for industrial chemicals.

 

 

And another section about transporting Guinness all over the world -- their history parallels the history of airplanes, trains and ships.

 

 

 

We kept going up and up to new exhibits. Next was marketing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

We had a taste in small glasses after first going into a room where the essence of the ingredients were misted in through these things.

 

 

 

We worked in small groups of six with a guide to learn how to pull a perfect pint of Guinness which we could then drink.

 

The famous bar at the top was way too crowded for my taste. Speaking of taste, we had lunch in the cafe -- best Irish stew ever.

 

Here's the recipe:

 

 

After leaving Guinness where we had spent several hours we got back on the HOHO bus and rode back to the area where we would get the shuttle to the ship.

 

 

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

Frday, June 16

Cobh, Ireland

 

We docked in Cobh, beneath the beautiful cathedral and the houses on the hillside.

 

 

 

We were to meet our guide with Butler Tours at 8:00 so we started out at 7:30 just to be sure.

 

At the immigrant statue, I saw a sign for eCoach which is how I signed up for the tour. The statue commemorates the first person to be processed at Ellis Island.

 

 

 

The bus drivers from different tour companies were all standing around, talking and kidding with each other. I asked for Butler Tours and they directed us up the short street and to the left behind the welcome center.

 

 

There were two large Butler busses and the driver named Kevin stood outside of the first one. He checked us off his list and we sat in the first seats.

 

Kevin announced at 7:45 there were still four people missing and we would wait until 8 but no longer. That set the tone for his no waiting policy which I like. ("What's the difference between a tourist and a hitchhiker? One minute.") this enabled us to be one of the first groups at Blarney Castle and avoid a long wait in line.

 

And we are off!

 

 

Like our guide in Scotland, Kevin was both driver and guide and was very comfortable talking about the history and customs in the areas we passed.

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

First of all, let me say the grounds of Blarney Castle are worth the trip alone. I regretted my mother in law had to miss (she was staying back at the ship with Brian who was still getting intravenous medicine every morning) as she would have loved the gardens.

 

 

 

 

Our tour included the entrance fee, so we sailed on through. Here's a tip -- if you arrive and need a bathroom break, bypass the one just past the entrance where you're sure to find a line. There is another, smaller facility closer to the castle. Time is of the

 

 

 

We entered into the ruins of a "great hall" which was actually pretty small.

 

[texasgirl29]

We began the ascent via a small stone spiral staircase.

 

 

 

The woman behind me was kind of clastrophobic and asked me, are there any windows? Yes, a few, but the stairs are rough-hewn and the "hand rail" is a rope. Finally we emerged.

 

 

 

 

 

Kissing the Blarney Stone can only be described as one of those things that may be on your bucket list so you want to do it. Paul and Dave did. Rachel was too short to get into position quickly enough. I realize there are lots of people waiting in line but it's a very rush-rush-rush thing and the helpers left their Irish charm at home. If you have backpacks, purses, phones, cameras etc, on your person take them off before you get to the kissing position because there is no time for fussing about. Personally, I had no desire to lay down backwards and put my mouth on a stone that's been in contact with thousands of others. But that's just me. Paul was psyched he got to do it.

 

 

 

 

 

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[upwarduk]

We too used Butlers Tours in Cobh.

We went to Lismore Castle, which is the Irish holiday home of the Duke of Devonshire.

 

I cannot find the name of our guide in my notes, but he was excellent.

[texasgirl29]

And lest anyone be confused, the tour company is Butler Tours, but the website is eCoach.ie which is their cruise excursion division.

[dutchclogs]

Did you pre book the Guinness storehouse or buy the ticket on the bus?

Did you have to queue or is there a skip the line line??

 

Cheers :D

 

ETA I'm enjoying your review very much. We also hope to meet family in Liverpool.

[texasgirl29]

Did you pre book the Guinness storehouse or buy the ticket on the bus?

Did you have to queue or is there a skip the line line??

 

Cheers :D

 

ETA I'm enjoying your review very much. We also hope to meet family in Liverpool.

 

 

 

We bought the Guinness tickets there. No real line to speak of. We got a small discount (1 euro I think) when we told them we arrived on the HOHO bus.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

JoAnn

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

After the stone, we had some great views from the top of the castle.

 

 

 

 

 

Once down, we walked through the Poison Garden.

 

 

 

 

I wanted to make sure we had enough time to go to Blarney Woolen Mills store. I am not a shopper but I loved all the many, many beautiful sweaters, scarves, hats, mittens as well as other souvenirs, Waterford crystal, Guinness shirts and sample size bottles of whisky and fudge. There just wasn't enough time to see it all.

 

We had to leave PROMPTLY at 11:15 so we quickly made our purchases. I thought the prices for sweaters was very reasonable. I bought a blue knit sweater -- good for those couple of blustery winter days in Texas.

 

Kevin drove us through Cork's city center, pointing out buildings of interest. It seemed very interesting and I would have liked to spend some time there. The city gave way to green fields and black and white cows as we drove toward Kinsale.

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

Before we arrived at Kinsale, we stopped for a brief (10 minute) photo opp at Fort Charles. The sky was incredibly blue and the air was crisp.

 

 

 

 

Back on the bus for a quick ride into Kinsale.

 

 

 

 

 

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