FishinChris Posted September 2, 2017 #1 Share Posted September 2, 2017 This was our First British Isle Cruise and most enjoyable itinerary so far. We are from Northern California and have cruised mostly on West Coast itinerary's ( Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico). We stayed in London 3 days pre-cruise and we could have easily stayed 3 more. We were on the Caribbean Princess for the August 17th sailing. The ship recently went through an extensive dry dock earlier this year and we appreciated the upgrades to the ship. Most improved was Sabintini's and World Fresh Marketplace (buffet) which we found ourselves in more due to the port intensive itinerary. There has been many recent reviews of the Caribbean Princess so I will focus more on what we did while in port. We flew nonstop on British Airways from San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR), it was a 10.5 hour flight with a 8 hour time change. British Isle 2017-004.jpg Our First view of the UK. British Isle 2017-011-2.jpg We used a car service to get to our Hotel from the airport. The Chesterfield Mayfair is located on a quiet street close to Green Park and within walking distance to most places we went. We would highly recommend staying at the Chesterfield, The service was second to none. https://www.chesterfieldmayfair.com/ British Isle 2017-405.jpg Our stay at the Chesterfield included breakfast. Their English Breakfast should not be missed. British Isle 2017-020.jpg We also had dinner at the Chesterfield, they have a 5 star restaurant called Butlers. The fish and chips were very tasty. British Isle 2017-017.jpg Once we were checked in, we hit the road. So much to do so little time. Sleep will have to wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 2, 2017 Author #2 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Time to hit the streets. We had purchased 3 day London Passes with an Oyster card for public transportation. I don’t think we used it enough for what we paid for it but the time savings for not having to stand in line was worth it. British Isle 2017-005.jpg Our first stop was the Handrel and Hendrix House. https://handelhendrix.org/ British Isle 2017-012.jpg untitled shoot-006.jpg Next stop was the British Museum. You could definitely spend a few days trying to see everything inside. We chose not to carry any bags or backpacks while we were touring London, we carried our cameras by their sling straps. If you did carry a bag of any kind you had to get in a pretty long line for a bag inspection. If you want to save time then leave the backpack/tote bags at the hotel. British Isle 2017-009.jpg Once inside you can buy a map for 2 GBP British Isle 2017-011.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 2, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted September 2, 2017 The Marbles were very impressive at the British Museum. The Rosetta stone was the busiest artifact in the museum, don’t miss it. After our trip to the museum we headed back to our hotel for dinner and much needed but hard to get sleep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsetbeachgal Posted September 2, 2017 #4 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Loving this review! We are hoping to do this cruise next summer. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 2, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted September 2, 2017 There definitely is no shortage of pubs anywhere we went in London. British Isle 2017-060.jpg We were up early the next day and headed over to the Victoria Monument in front of Buckingham Palace. British Isle 2017-103.jpg The gates of Buckingham Palace. untitled shoot-035.jpg Plenty of souvenir stores nearby. British Isle 2017-117.jpg After breakfast we headed over to Westminster Abbey and took the obligatory photo of the phone booth with Elizabeth Tower in the background. British Isle 2017-140.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrak Posted September 2, 2017 #6 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Someday... Someday.... Thanks for the pictorial review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted September 2, 2017 #7 Share Posted September 2, 2017 It was great meeting you on this cruise. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trosebery Posted September 2, 2017 #8 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Thanks for posting! I'm looking forward to reliving our cruise via your photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Woobstr112G Posted September 2, 2017 #9 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Outstanding pictures. Thank you for taking the time to post and share.....:):):) Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiqittaq Posted September 2, 2017 #10 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Thank you for starting this thread and posting the photos. It was very nice meeting both of you and many other CC cruisers. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare georgiacat Posted September 2, 2017 #11 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Thank you for posting. We plan to do this cruise next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 3, 2017 Author #12 Share Posted September 3, 2017 We were there just in time, the bells were silenced the following week. British Isle 2017-084.jpg We recommend going to Westminster Abbey first thing in the morning to avoid the lines. No photography is allowed inside any of the cathedrals in London. It was quite the experience not to be missed. British Isle 2017-144.jpg Photographers everywhere! British Isle 2017-169.jpg British Isle 2017-175.jpg The Banqueting Hall was pretty awesome. https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/#gs.cSI6lDQ British Isle 2017-185.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 3, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted September 3, 2017 The Horse Guards. British Isle 2017-188.jpg British Isle 2017-191.jpg We headed to the Road Mews next. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/royalmews British Isle 2017-197.jpg The Gold State Coach untitled shoot-146.jpg Trafalgar Square British Isle 2017-238.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky TGO Posted September 3, 2017 #14 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Thanks so much for sharing. The photos are great. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted September 3, 2017 #15 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Thanks for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellipooh Posted September 3, 2017 #16 Share Posted September 3, 2017 More, please!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makin'n'Bacon Posted September 3, 2017 #17 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Great photos! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted September 3, 2017 #18 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Very nice photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Woobstr112G Posted September 3, 2017 #19 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Love the second batch of your pictures. Can't wait to see more.....:):):) Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 3, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted September 3, 2017 The National Gallery was our next stop. British Isle 2017-242.jpg The Sir Peter Paul Rubens were fantastic. British Isle 2017-251.jpg After dinner we did venture out to the Victoria Monument for some night photography. Most of these places are less crowded and well lit at night. Just remember your tripod. British Isle 2017-267.jpg The Mall. British Isle 2017-271.jpg Green Park gate. British Isle 2017-288.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 3, 2017 Author #21 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Remember to follow the signs on the road. British Isle 2017-229.jpg We rode to Tube to Tower Hill station so that we could start our day at the Tower of London. British Isle 2017-028.jpg Stand on the right! British Isle 2017-027.jpg If your going to the Tower of London than make sure your are there early to avoid the lines. British Isle 2017-292.jpg We followed Rick Steves advice and made a beeline to the crown jewels and then returned to this spot on the left for the Beefeater tour. British Isle 2017-295.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 3, 2017 Author #22 Share Posted September 3, 2017 This is one of the Beefeater tours at the Traitor’s Gate. British Isle 2017-325.jpg This place gets crowded fast. Make sure to give yourself enough time, you could spend most of the day here. British Isle 2017-329.jpg The White Tower. British Isle 2017-304.jpg There is a large and entertaining armor collection in the White Tower. British Isle 2017-333.jpg Out London Passes included a ride on one of the City Cruises river tours. British Isle 2017-354.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishinChris Posted September 3, 2017 Author #23 Share Posted September 3, 2017 London Bridge seen from the river cruise. untitled shoot-232-Edit.jpg Victoria Embankment. British Isle 2017-379.jpg Saint Paul’s Cathedral. British Isle 2017-399-Edit.jpg I found the streets in London much more interesting then the Streets in San Francisco. They were definitely much cleaner and orderly. I hope to return soon. British Isle 2017-402-Edit.jpg We had dinner at Ye Grapes our last night in Shepard’s Market and then we proceeded to Prince Of Wales Theatre to Watch The Book Of Mormon. British Isle 2017-033.jpg This is the extent of our pre cruise activities, I hope you enjoyed them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutensteve Posted September 3, 2017 #24 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Great review and fantastic pictures. You sure crammed a lot into your 3 days !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJVKN Posted September 3, 2017 #25 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Thanks for sharing, was on this cruise in May with my daughters. Great memories. Love your pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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