Gibraltar is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. They have their own local government whose main function is to provide affordable housing, healthcare and education for the population of 40,000. Surrounded on three sides by water, and the fourth side by Spain, this territory has been a part of Britain since 1713.

Today we took a small-group tour offered by Princess, “A Stroll on the Rock”. Debarking the ship went very smoothly and the cruise terminal is small and efficient. Our bus, which held approximately 20 people, was soon on its through town and up the rock. Our guide told us that much of the affordable housing in Gibraltar is built on infill, recaptured from the sea.

Our first stop was Saint Michael’s Cave, a massive underground structure of stalactites and stalagmites, which have been lit up to highlight their massive scale. We visited here on the World Cruise but we enjoyed seeing it again.

The next stop was the Monkey’s Den, a location on the rock where many of the 300 Gibraltar monkey’s likes to hangout. These monkeys, though wild, are well cared for by a team of veterinarians who vaccinate and track their movements. There is a total of 5 families of monkeys, each with their own “alpha male”.

The final stop was the Siege Tunnels which are located in the north of the Rock of Gibraltar. The Great Siege of Gibraltar was an attempt by France and Spain to capture Gibraltar from Great Britain from July 1779 to February 1783. The British were able to dig these tunnels and establish a line of defense, ultimately securing their victory. This was the fourteenth and final attempt to capture this strategic location.

Our guide dropped us off in town and we headed to Roy’s Fish and Chips for lunch. Back on board, the sail-away was special with pods of dolphins swimming along the side of the ship.

Tomorrow: Cartagena, Spain