Cruising Europe: The Channel Island of Guernsey

Vivian Vassos | May 20th, 2014

A cruise is a wonderful thing: it allows you to unpack once, yet visit much more than just one place. Itineraries vary, but Crystal Cruises opts for some very interesting ports of call, including the Channel Island of Guernsey.

We spend an afternoon in Guernsey, where fans of the bestselling, Second World War-set novel Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society can visit actual sites from the book’s pages. In the coming weeks, look for more from Crystal’s Western Europe. Next week, travel with us on AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto along the Danube. So pack your bag – you’ll only have to unpack it once. www.crystalcruises.com

At the gates: a welcoming entry into St. Peter Port’s Old Town

The war memorial, featuring the words of Winston Churchill engraved along the low wall

Flowers and gardens are in bloom all over St. Peter Port

Curving architecture highlights historic paths

Victoria Tower

A view of the port from Victoria Tower

A town view from Victoria Tower

The Beatles played here, too

Artisanal chocolates by local boy Ben Le Prevost, showing the French influence on the British island

A gargoyle bridges the gap at the Albion House

A historic plaque

The defensive walls, resplendent with blooms

Motorcycles parked among the fuchsia petunias