P&O’s Ventura, which can carry more than 3,000 people, arrived from Portugal.
Moored close by was the Silversea’s Silver Spirit, which arrived from Honfleur, France. It can can carry more than 600 people. The island was the last port of call for each of the ships before they sailed for Southampton last night.
Sitting at the bus terminus, clutching their maps, were Nigel and Tina Hodgson from Somerset, who had plans take in the sights and learn about the local heritage.
‘It’s our first time here, so we want to check out all the tourist spots before we head back to the ship,’ said Mrs Hodgson.
‘Castle Cornet and the German Occupation museum are definitely on the list.’
The couple were celebrating Mr Hodgson’s 60th birthday and had spent 10 days touring Spain and Portugal on the Ventura.
‘It’s our second cruise and it’s been amazing,’ said Mr Hodgson.
‘It’s not as expensive as you’d think, and it’s all-inclusive. It’s also quite casual. You don’t have to get all suited up. We’ve had theatre shows every night.
'We’re very impressed.’
Returning to the island, 10 years since her brother lived locally, was Caroline Rose from Sussex. She was joined by her husband Bruce and six of their family members including their two grandsons, three-year-old Brody and one-year old Axel Holden-Rose.
‘We love Guernsey,’ said Mrs Rose.
‘My brother passed away suddenly last year, so we’re going to go into the church and light a candle for him.’
The family said they were looking forward to having lunch at their old favourite spot, The Terrace and visiting some museums.
Ticking the island off her bucket list, after reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie, was Kim Stephenson and her husband Brad, who had come from Newcastle.
‘I loved the book, saw the film and thought, “I’ve got to go there”,’ she said.
‘It was the reason we chose this cruise. We went to Jersey in 1982, but never been here before and definitely wanted to. I want to go to some museums and get a photograph along the pier where the children were evacuated.’
Mr Stephenson added that the couple were excited to have direct flights from Newcastle and would look to return in the future.
‘One day is not enough,’ he said.
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