Location: Ceuta, Spain
Summary: A surprising and enjoyable day in Ceuta, exploring historic sites, beaches, and the fortress, sharing good food and company, and ending with an unexpected lost‑and‑found moment and a light‑hearted evening onboard.
Today the MSC Lirica docked in Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa. I hadn’t heard of Ceuta before this cruise, but it turned out to be a fascinating blend of cultures and history.
Exploring Ceuta on Foot
After breakfast, I joined Helen and Shaw for a walk through the city. We met Tony and Kathy, who, coincidentally, live near me in Spain and know my friend Chris. Together, we explored:
- Shrine of Our Lady of Africa.
- Monument to the fallen in the African War.
- Ceuta Cathedral.
We walked along the southern beach, watching locals fish and enjoying the coastal scenery. A local told us the furthest visible point was Morocco, but the border was closed. It was a reminder of the political tension; Spain doesn’t recognise Gibraltar as English, and Morocco doesn’t recognise Ceuta as Spanish.
Fortress
After a long beach walk, we visited Ceuta’s walled fortress and made our way back toward the port. Shaw returned to the ship, while the rest of us explored the shopping district and stopped for drinks at a small café bar.
Mediterranean Maritime Park & Lunch
We headed to the Mediterranean Maritime Park and found a restaurant inside. The food was delicious, and I enjoyed a long, relaxed meal with Helen, Kathy, and Tony. We talked for hours before returning to the ship.
As we approached the port, I realised I’d lost my ship ID card. We had walked miles, visited bars and restaurants, and seen many sights. Kathy spoke to port security in Spanish, and they contacted the ship. Amazingly, someone had found my card and returned it. The ship’s scanner confirmed my identity, sparing me the hassle of replacing it.
Dinner & Evening Entertainment
This evening, I joined Helen and Jean for dinner. We enjoyed a great meal and watched a guitarist perform in the theatre; he was excellent. Later, Helen and I attended a couples’ game show in another bar. It was so bad, it was funny, like a 1970s holiday camp show. Afterwards, I had a pint at the bar and returned to my cabin.
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