QF Focus Magazine


Habour Boat Trip by Michael Walter Smith


I was delighted to see the latest addition to P & O Cruises fleet, "Britannia" on my recent visit to Cartagena, as pictured here. This ship has a capacity of 4,324 passengers plus a compliment of 1398 officers and crew. It had arrived from Barcelona on a cruise commenced in Southampton and departed for Gibraltar on return passage to the UK.


On my regular visits to the cruise terminal I usually board the harbour trip boat, also pictured, allowing close-up sighting of ships alongside and briefly voyaging out to sea. On this boat there is a commentary, giving history of buildings and local scenery in English and Spanish. It also affords views of other shipping in Cartagena and Escombreras. The latter is situated at the entrance to the harbour containing an Oil Refinery and Gas Terminal able to take super tankers in excess of 300,000 tonnes, beside handling other types of vessels and cargoes.


A ship photographer is normally on board giving the opportunity of personal pictures with


local presented backdrops, in a glossy


brochure prior to disembarking.


Cartagena, being a Naval Base often affords sightings of warships including


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submarines


entering and leaving port, therefore, besides being a wonderful historic city, maritime wise, has a lot to offer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.


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