HOME > VACATIONS > 2003 > CRUISE > BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Norwegian Dream Cruise : Trip Report

Buckingham Palace

This was one of the first sites we visited since it was closest to our hotel. We made it to the palace just in time for the changing of the guard. It was interesting but like our Frommer's says "overrated." I guess it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so crowded. We could barely see anything. What we were able to see was filled with the pomp and circumstance we would expect. Notice especially the crowds in the shots below. I couldn't believe it.

Unfortunately the Palace itself was not open for tours since the Queen was home this time of year. We were told that it's typically only open for tours in August and September and even then only when the Queen is away.

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Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is responsible for local ground travel for the Queen when she's on royal business. They handle travel via carriage and via car. I was hoping to see the fancy carriages I've seen on TV as well as her fleet of cars. Unfortunately no cars but the carriages were pretty cool.

The first display was of classic carriages. Lily was amazed how tiny the really old carriages were. Then there was a display of the "official" attire of the Mews and finally the display of carriages. Most of these coaches are quite old and some are still occasionally used by Queen Elizabeth for special events.

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Next Section: The next site is The British Museum which was incredible.