Gibraltar

The island of Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

Introduction
Cruises
Practical Info
Excursions
Weather

A unique natural environment

The island of Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

This tiny territory of just four square miles is home to 30,000 residents and shares a border with Spain. Gibraltar is famous for its limestone rocky mass which rises impressively from the surrounding seas and your MSC cruise ship is the perfect place from which to experience this impressive landmark.

Gibraltar is home to countless species of wildlife and is a paradise for nature-lovers. Unique to Gibraltar are the Barbary Apes - the only wild primates left in all of Europe. These curious monkeys can be seen in their natural habitat and are sure to be a key attraction for our younger guests!

Gibraltar is widely recognised as a unique natural environment; a section of the Rock is a nature reserve. Ideal for a relaxing day away from your luxury MSC cruise ship, Gibraltar’s small size belies the large amount of attractions in this popular holiday destination.

One of the best ways to view Gibraltar is on foot, although the nature reserve can be accessed by cable car. British cruise passengers will feel at home in familiar retail outlets such as Marks & Spencers and BHS!

Make the most of your time in Gibraltar by choosing our day trip packages that offer the best deals on sights and attractions. From nature-lovers to history buffs and children, Gibraltar is a small but perfectly-formed destination on your Mediterranean cruise vacation!

Directions

Ship docks at 1.5 Km from the city centre. A shuttle bus service and taxi service is available.

Port average temperature

The climate is Mediterranean / Subtropical with mild winters and warm summers. There are two main prevailing winds, an easterly one known as the Levante coming from the Sahara in Africa which brings humid weather and warmer sea and the other as Poniente which is westerly and brings fresher air in and colder sea. Its terrain consists of the 430 metre high Rock of Gibraltar and the narrow coastal lowland surrounding it. Rain occurs mainly in winter, the summers are generally dry.

Its average annual temperature is 18-21 °C during the day and 15 °C at night. In the coldest month January, the typically temperature ranges from 10–17 °C during the day and 5–12 °C at night. The average sea temperature is 15–16 °C. In the warmest month - August, the typically temperature ranges from 25–31 °C during the day, above 20 °C at night, the average sea temperature is 22 °C .

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

GIBRALTAR	Months
GIBRALTAR	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average high °C	16	16	17	18	21	24	27	27	26	21	18	16
Average low °C	11	11	12	13	15	17	20	20	20	16	13	12

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GIB03 - THE BEST OF GIBRALTAR (2 hours) - 2013

The perfect excursion for history lovers, you can spend a few hours learning about the turbulent history of the Fortress of Gibraltar. We will drive from the pier to the British-Spanish border before continuing to the southernmost point of Gibraltar, known as Europa point for a view of the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Great Britain. On clear days, one can glimpse the African Continent so have your cameras at the ready ! The tour will continue to the top of Gibraltar Rock and to the Upper Galleries, a system of tunnels carved out of solid limestone. Next stop will be a visit to the first building ever constructed by the British in Gibraltar, now home to “A City Under Siege” exhibition. The excursion also includes a visit to around the pleasant and winding streets of the Upper town area. At the end of the excursion you may opt to stay in the town and return independently to the ship. Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as at the Upper Galleries there is a steep incline.

Price per person $43.00 Adults $30.00 Children

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GIB04 - THE ROCK TOUR & CABLE CAR (approx. 2.5 hours) - 2013

The Rock of Gibraltar stands at the gateway to the Mediterranean and is reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules. We will leave the pier and drive towards the British-Spanish border and on to the southernmost point of Gibraltar, known as Europa Point. Our next stop will be at St. Michael’s Cave, a Neolithic settlement; the caves seem to have attracted visitors since Roman times. The visit to the Cathedral cave will offer the opportunity to gaze upon stalactites and stalagmites sculptured down the centuries by nature. Next you will reach the base station of the Cable Car with which you will travel up to the very top of the Rock. Here you will have a breathtaking view from what is reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules. At the end of the excursion you may opt to stay in the town and return independently to the ship. Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as there are over 70 steps to get in/out of the caves. At the cable car there are numerous steps to reach the different terraces.

Price per person $49.00 Adults $34.00 Children

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GIB05 - DOLPHIN WATCH ( approx. 1 hour 45 minutes) - 2013

Few people are aware that Gibraltar is one of the best places in the world to view dolphins year round and that the local waters are home to three different species of dolphin. If you have always dreamed of seeing these gentle creatures close up, join us on this memorable excursion. A short coach transfer from the pier to a sightseeing boat will take you out to sea where you can learn more about these friendly mammals. Please note: some information may be given, only in English, by the boat pilot. The tour is dependant on weather conditions on the day of call. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.

Price per person $51.00 Adults $36.00 Children

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GIB06 - THE TOP OF THE ROCK (approx. 1.5 hours) - 2013

Standing proud at the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, the Rock of Gibraltar is not only reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules, but is also home to the only troop of wild Barbary macaque monkeys on mainland Europe. Your tour begins with a short coach ride down to Europa Point, a beauty spot at the Rock’s southernmost tip from which the African continent is often visible. A photo stop will be made at this special place, which affords panoramic views of the world’s busiest shipping lane, the famous Strait of Gibraltar that both links the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean and serves to separate Europe from Africa. The journey then continues on to the Botanical Gardens and the base station of the cable car, which will first take you to the so-called Ape’s Den (even though macaques are monkeys!) before carrying you right up to the top of the Rock. In addition to amazing views, you will find a restaurant, bar and cloakroom facilities at the summit. A coach service leaving from the cable car station at approx. 20-minute intervals will be provided to take you back to the ship. However, if you prefer you can also spend some time in town before making your own way back to the ship. Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems. At the cable car there are numerous steps to reach the different terraces. The cable car is a popular attraction and queues may be encountered. This tour is available only on 02 October 2013 (MSC Magnifica).

Price per person $39.00 Adults $27.00 Children

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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.