Hamburg

The summer weather brought on the urge for a visit to Herm which coincided with the arrival of the German Liner Hamburg on her way from El Ferrol, on the north west coast of Spain, to Honfleur in Normandy. With the sun shining from a cloudless sky and calm seas guests had good conditions for the short tender ride to St Peter Port. Behind the trees is Les Cotils, shortly to host one of the displays from the Chelsea Flower Show and only a 20 minute walk from the landing pontoon.

The first ferry to Herm always carries a good mixture of cargo; luggage for guests at the White House hotel, necessities for the running of guest accommodation, camping supplies for the visitors camping on one of the island's two campsites and the wine for tonight's dinner.

The Hamburg carrying just over 400 guests is one of those liners that can visit smaller destinations. In September 2014 she made a Great Lakes cruise, the first by a liner for many years. Milwaukee welcomed the liner commenting how she brought tourism money to the city. One of her destinations was Sarnia, the Roman name for Guernsey, with a local blogger reporting how she caught the eye of motorists on her way south to Detroit. Different surroundings today with the many German guests enjoying the sun-drenched island.

Hamburg

The Hamburg arrived in Guernsey from Fowey in Cornwall early on a quiet Bank Holiday Monday in the early morning sunshine with  her guests no doubt looking forward to their day ashore. The St Peter Port pilot boat marks the anchorage position with the anchor on the Hamburg ready to be dropped.

No sooner at anchor than the tenders were swung out allowing the guests on board to enjoy a full day in Guernsey. The Hamburg is a small  cruise liner by today's standards. With capacity for just over 400 guests she appeals to the German market, and is able to go to more minority destinations with her ice-strengthened hull. At the end of her current voyage she will undertake a short two day "taster" cruise out of the city of Hamburg.

Anchored off the newly revitalised Salerie Corner, the Hamburg would be a sight for the many ship builders who long ago used to work in this part of Guernsey. One of the gaps where there would have been a slipway is still visible from the beach by looking at the stones in the sea wall. This is a favorite spots for locals on a summer's evening at high tide to go swimming off the pier or just enjoy the view.