Whitby, England
Whitby - a town with a very special connection with this ship. Today we are in the hometown of Captain James Cook and the place where his ship Endeavour was built. To honour the spirit of discovery exhibited by Cook, the ship we are travelling on was renamed here a little over two years ago. Whitby also has close links with another destination visited by the Endeavour – it is twinned with Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
Today, after a Zodiac ride past flocks of gannets, guilleots and kittiwakes, we followed in the wake of Cook and entered the River Esk and the historic harbour of Whitby. On a beautiful sunny day, our guests went ashore where they explored the Cook Museum and saw a replica of the original Endeavour, currently moored in Whitby following a re-enactment of Cook’s voyages. We also visited the ruins of Whitby Abbey, an 11th century Benedictine monastery that was largely demolished in the 16th century after the Abbey was suppressed by Henry VIII.
We were back on board in time for lunch and departed to the south, London-bound, and the end of our voyage of discovery. A leisurely afternoon was punctuated by presentations by Dennis Cornejo and Lisa Trotter, an entertaining double act who gave us an introduction to dressing for diving and Steve Blamires who related the story of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Soon we were dressing for dining and the Captain’s Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner – good company and fine food to the high standards we have come to expect from our excellent staff.
Tomorrow morning we will complete our circumnavigation of these islands. We will return home inspired by the riches we have discovered together, new friendships and fond memories.
Whitby - a town with a very special connection with this ship. Today we are in the hometown of Captain James Cook and the place where his ship Endeavour was built. To honour the spirit of discovery exhibited by Cook, the ship we are travelling on was renamed here a little over two years ago. Whitby also has close links with another destination visited by the Endeavour – it is twinned with Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
Today, after a Zodiac ride past flocks of gannets, guilleots and kittiwakes, we followed in the wake of Cook and entered the River Esk and the historic harbour of Whitby. On a beautiful sunny day, our guests went ashore where they explored the Cook Museum and saw a replica of the original Endeavour, currently moored in Whitby following a re-enactment of Cook’s voyages. We also visited the ruins of Whitby Abbey, an 11th century Benedictine monastery that was largely demolished in the 16th century after the Abbey was suppressed by Henry VIII.
We were back on board in time for lunch and departed to the south, London-bound, and the end of our voyage of discovery. A leisurely afternoon was punctuated by presentations by Dennis Cornejo and Lisa Trotter, an entertaining double act who gave us an introduction to dressing for diving and Steve Blamires who related the story of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Soon we were dressing for dining and the Captain’s Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner – good company and fine food to the high standards we have come to expect from our excellent staff.
Tomorrow morning we will complete our circumnavigation of these islands. We will return home inspired by the riches we have discovered together, new friendships and fond memories.
