14 April 1951
Arrive Gibraltar 7.30am
…Britain's imposing fortress “Rock”…bounded on the East by the rolling countryside of Southern Spain…an impressive farewell to the Mediterranean
Gibraltar Arrival
The CARONIA is due to arrive at Gibraltar at 7am and lay at anchor about 25 minutes from Waterport Wharf Extension, the landing place. Tenders will take passengers to and from the shore on a schedule to be announced subsequently.
Departure Time
Promptly at 2pm for Lisbon.
Schedule of Shore Arrangements
There will be no organised shore excursion at Gibraltar. Passengers may obtain a good idea of this unusual place by strolling through the shopping section on Main Street, enjoying the atmosphere of this great naval base.
Those desiring may arrange independently ashore for a 1½ hours’ drive by automobile within the territory of Gibraltar, but excluding the Upper Rock.
Cruise Office Notes on Gibraltar
- GIBRALTAR
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known as the “Key to the Mediterranean”, guards the entrance to the sea around which lies the countries recently visited by this Cruise. Known to the Phoenicians, but not used by them, it was first used in 711 A.D. when the Moorish chief, Tãrik ibn Ziyãd, built a fort on the Rock.
It was then known as Gebel Tarik (Mountain of Tarik) and this name survives in the slightly altered form of “Gibraltar”.
- MOORISH CASTLE
- One OF the most interesting points of interest to the visitor is the Moorish Castle, built in 711 A.D. by Tarik, of which the Tower remains. At the foot of the Tower lies the civil prison.
- The GALLERIES
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During its long history Gibraltar has undergone many seiges, of which none is more famous than the great and last seige of 1779-1783, when a combined French and Spanish force of 40,000 shelled the Rock, defended by a British force of 9,000.
The remarkable Galleries were commenced at this time, during the strengthening of the fortifications. These Galleries have been hewn out as tunnels in the limestone rock with occasional chambers where complete batteries of guns were stationed.
- The WATERWORKS
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Another great site on the Rock is the waterworks with the tremendous catchment area on the eastern side of the Rock. A total area of 38-1 acres has been covered by sheets of corrugated iron and cement, which collects 600,000 gallons of rain per inch.
Reservoirs capable of storing 9,000,000 gallons of water lie below the catchment areas. The waterworks system is regarded as one of the engineering wonders of the World.
- The “NEUTRAL GROUND”
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On the way to the Catchments one passes the Neutral Ground, a narrow strip of “No Man's Land”, which separates the British territory of Gibraltar and the Spanish mainland by a narrow isthmus.
The Neutral Ground belongs to either nation. Special passes are necessary for travel between Gibraltar and the Spanish towns which lie beyond.
- EUROPA POINT
- ON THE southernmost point of the Rock is Europa Point, facing towards Africa. Looking across the twelve-mile stretch from Europa Point to the African shore one is impressed with the strategic position of Gibraltar.
- The ALAMEDA GARDENS
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Contains many beautiful walks which lead in all directions. This is one of the favourite resorts of the inhabitants who gather in the Gardens to listen to the band-music in the cool of the evening.
A bust of General Eliott, in command of the defences during the Great Siege, stands at the head of the Heathfield Steps. A bust of the Duke of Wellington stands in another part of the Gardens.
Geraniums, calla lillies, and other varieties of flowers may be seen in semi-tropical profusion. Many OF those killed in the victory of Trafalgar are buried in small Trafalgar Cemetery, close outside Southport Gate.
Facts and Figures About Gibraltar
- Population : 28,000 (including the Garrison)
- Area : 2 square miles
- Overall size of Rock : 3 miles long, 4-miles in breadth
- Maximum height of Rock : 1,361 feet
- Mean annual temperature : 64'F
Some Important Dates in Gibraltar's History
- 711 A.D. - Moorish occupation began
- 1309 - Captured by Spain
- 1333 - Lost to the Moors
- 1462 - Reoccupation by the Spaniards
- 1704 - Taken by the British
Departure
The CARONIA will sail from Gibraltar promptly at 2pm for Lisbon. Please notify your Bedroom Steward of your final return on board.