Falmouth, England, & Milford Haven, Wales: Charm, Architecture, and Pastry and Pubs

Continued sunny weather gave us an opportunity to walk the main streets of our next ports, Falmouth, England, and Milford Haven, Wales, end to end.

Falmouth Harbor, England, At Dusk

We chose strolling over the typical range of excursions to compensate for too many hours sitting on our 10-hour transatlantic flight and to shake off remaining jet lag.

The towns maintain some of the charm, architecture, and monuments earned through past centuries' importance as strategic and commercial centers during the complex history of what is now the United Kingdom. Yet neither town has fared particularly well since the decline of seaside tourism after budget holiday packages were offered to the Mediterranean beginning in the 1960s.

Today Falmouth's main street is mostly tourist oriented, with one after another pastry shops, cafes, and pubs. Milford Haven is a bit less touristy but neither town seems to have within walking distance of its center the line of traditional green grocers, fish mongers, butchers and bakeries that you still would have found decades ago and in movies set here.

Other guests reported successful ship-conducted excursions from these first ports, including a trek along a beautiful shoreline and a two-hour Zodiac run. The latter is part of Seabourn's expanded “Ventures” program that was launched with the Quest's first visit to the Antarctic. Now Ventures offers what it sometimes calls “soft” explorations using the same kayaks, Zodiacs, and professional guides as the “hard” Antarctic adventures.

The Quest has been refreshed since our last trip two years ago, with new fabrics covering seating in some public areas, new pool-side furniture, and other steps to brighten the overall aesthetic. The Keller Grill replaced Restaurant 2 as one of four dining venues, including the main Restaurant, Colonnade buffet, and the poolside Patio cafe. Coffee and lights snacks are available in Seabourn Square facing the customer service area.

Some new economies are visible. In the popular Observation lounge with its sweeping forward views neither teatime scones nor Cocktail hour snacks are passed by staff; guests must make their own food runs to a small buffet. Caviar, advertised in past years as always available, is increasing portrayed as part of some Seabourn “Signature Event,” though one can still ask for it anytime, anywhere in board.

Next: Douglas, Isle of Man, and Rothesay, Scotland.