Our first port of call is Falmouth, just a little way along the coast from Southampton. Despite its diminutive size (in terms of Princess Cruises) our ship is too big to dock in the harbour proper, so this will be a tender port. In his early morning address, the captain advises us that the transfer will take about 45 minutes, which seems like an extraordinarily long time compared to other ports.
Top tip: Tenders operate on a ticket basis – collect yours from the Crooners Bar on Deck 7, then hang around in the central atrium area until your number is called. Tender embarkation takes place on deck 4, Gala.
Once washed, dressed and breakfasted, we head down to the tender embarkation point and onto the small boat which will take us into town. The journey is quite long, weaving around various sailboats and naval transport ships. Eventually we are deposited at a dock where buses are waiting to take us into the centre of town proper.
With no definite plan about what to see or do, we tap up one of the local escape rooms. Located on the main tourist road, Market Street, Eureka Escape is able to fit us in, although we do have to book by phone.
We stop into the Prince of Wales across the road for a quick beer first. Neither the pub nor ale is particularly impressive, but it does seem to delight the American tourists from our cruise.
Beer drunk, we head back to Eureka Escape to try out the Nocturnal Alchemist game. It’s a multi-room affair with some nifty little puzzles, searching for various chemicals and ingredients – along with the key to the exit. We complete the escape room with just over 3 minutes to spare which is a relief. The gamesmaster claims that although one of their oldest rooms, the Nocturnal Alchemist is also one of their hardest. We did ask for five clues, but this is well below the twelve average – particularly impressive for a team of two apparently.
Was it worth visiting? Absolutely. There are some good, tricky puzzles to be solved here.
Afterwards I pick up a Cornish pasty from Rowe’s Bakers to eat on the walk back to the port. It is delicious – and face-meltingly hot.
Top tip: Port transfer buses are free and run from the dock to the Maritime Car Park. Simply follow the road straight ahead to get to the centre of the town.
At the port, we are serenaded by a Cornish men’s choir which is nice and entertaining. There is something very special about a group of men’s voices in song.
On every trip we take, something unusual happens. One event that will stick in our memories for years to come. This has ranged from meeting the presidents of several countries to gatecrashing an international footballer’s funeral. But today it was getting lost on a tender.
As we left Falmouth dock, we quickly became engulfed by fog, severely limiting visibility. Not a problem in the age of radar – or so you would think. After 45 minutes or so, we noticed that our tender driver could not find the Island Princess – despite being one of the largest vessels for miles around. And so we looped and circled for another twenty minutes or so while the bridge issued instructions via radio.
Eventually the Island Princess loomed out of the mist and we were able to disembark. Some people were worried, some people were angry. Linda and I were just greatly amused; ‘This is that memorable thing, isn’t it?‘ Linda laughed. At least we didn’t end up gatecrashing a funeral this time.
Other activities in Falmouth
Award-Winning Historical Walking Tour
Step back in time on a guided walking tour of Falmouth, where the town’s colourful past comes vividly to life. Your journey begins with the notorious Killigrew family—the piratical rogues who first founded the town—and a glimpse of their atmospheric, and rumoured haunted, home. From these unruly beginnings, you’ll follow the story of how Falmouth rose to prominence on the global stage, shaped by the sea and the characters it drew to its shores.
As you stroll through the winding streets, your guide will set the scene with lively tales and traditional melodies played on a button accordion, transporting your imagination to old Falmouth. You’ll hear of the town’s boom years, when adventurers, cutthroats, cannibals, and curious travellers from across the world mingled here, creating a dynamic hub of cultures and maritime trade.
With its mix of history, music, and atmosphere, this tour is far more than a simple walk—it’s an immersive step into the past, revealing the fascinating and sometimes scandalous stories that define Falmouth’s unique character.
Book now
2 Hour Wildlife Watching RIB Tour
Set off from Falmouth aboard Seaquest, the UK’s largest purpose-built wildlife-watching RIB, for an unforgettable marine adventure along Cornwall’s spectacular coastline. In just two hours, you’ll cover up to 30 miles of stunning scenery while keeping a lookout for dolphins, seals, seabirds, and other incredible creatures in their natural environment.
Your experienced skipper will not only help you spot wildlife but also bring Cornwall’s stories to life with fascinating tales of shipwrecks, smugglers, and the region’s rich maritime heritage. With the salty breeze in your hair and panoramic ocean views all around, every moment on board promises discovery and excitement.
As a WiSe Master Accredited operator with nearly two decades of expertise, the team’s commitment to responsible tourism ensures your adventure is both thrilling and sustainable. It’s the perfect way to experience Cornwall’s wild beauty and vibrant history while leaving only waves behind.
Book now
Afternoon Cream Tea Half-day Tour & Marazion Visit
Set out from the picturesque port of Falmouth on a leisurely afternoon excursion through Cornwall’s rolling countryside, complete with the comfort of an air-conditioned coach and the insights of an official guide. Your first stop is the iconic St Michael’s Mount, where you’ll have time to capture stunning photos of this legendary tidal island rising out of the sea.
From here, the journey continues into the charming village of Marazion, where a traditional Cornish afternoon tea awaits. Savour freshly baked scones with jam and cream—served in the proper local order—alongside a choice of tea or coffee. With extra time to browse quaint shops, snap more photos, and admire the view of St Michael’s Mount (often compared to France’s Mont St Michel), the stop is equal parts indulgence and discovery.
The return trip takes you on a scenic route via Helston, where, if time allows, another photo stop offers a chance to enjoy Cornwall’s countryside beauty before heading back to Falmouth. You’ll arrive with plenty of time to rejoin your ship, carrying with you the flavour of Cornwall and memories of a perfectly English afternoon.
Book now
Article continues after the jump…
Please note that we use sponsored links on this blog. Although we may earn a referral fee or bonus points on some of these products and services mentioned, we never recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves.
Check out our full Affiliate Disclosure Policy for more info.
