Galeon Andalucia

 

 

The final ship of the Nao Victoria Foundation's Tallship replica trio. The biggest of the bunch, the Galeon Andalucia.

She came to our local port this time so we barely needed to travel. Docking in Dover, we took it in turns to board the ship and admire her in her glory (we had Yogi) and it was the first adventure that Lauren has driven us to as Jamie's car is currently out of action. We have our roles, Ren's the historian and planner and Jay is the designated adventure driver, having the role swap felt odd and even confused Yogi who couldn't comprehend the change in car and the fact his mum was in the seat with the wheel. Confusion on a Chow's face is the most hilarious and adorable thing you can ever see.

Also known as El Galeon, the ship is a replica of the 17th century galleon tallships used for cargo and then battle. With three masts and several decks, the ship is much bigger than the Naos/Carracks that we have previously seen from the Nao Victoria Foundation. It isn't based on any specific ship, but looks to have been built in 2009 with the knowledge gained from replicating the most famous Spanish Tallships. Designed by Ignacio Fernandez Vial, the ship as since sailed across the world as a floating museum.

Now, we had to go on separately due to Yogi being with us but that wasn't an issue at all and to be honest with the amount of people standing there shooing people out of the way to take the perfect selfie it was easier to navigate by ourselves anyway. Ren went first and explored it all with glee, her favourite was the little rat on the lowest deck in the cargo hold.

   

Jamie went up next when we swapped and he loved the pirate skeleton hidden in the cupboard on the top deck, but the crowds taking family photos were in the way so we couldnt snap that. We were pleased to note however, that out of all three ships, El Galeon was not only the biggest, but the most like a museum. It had full recreations, interactive and informative areas, and more props than any of the other ships put together. Granted it was much, much bigger, but this one truly counted as a floating museum and was so special to view.

We lived our best Pirates of the Caribbean lives that sunny Saturday afternoon as while it was merely a Spanish Galleon, it is the closest we could get to a pirate ship. These models of ship spanned three centuries and lets face it, they would have been pirated and looted and possibly converted, so it was good enough for us. The love and care that went into this ship is plain to see and the volunteers were so lovely, Jamie chatted to the people running the ticket booth with Yogi as did Ren, but he can chat for England so he spent longer there. We adored this visit the most and it is the most impressive of the three. Lauren's main motivation to see the Andalucia was because it was featured in the Sherlock & Co podcast which she loves so there was no missing this really.

Haunted: No

Worth the visit: 10/10

Giftshop: 4/10

Ghost count: 0

Dog friendly: No

DISCLAIMER: Now for the official bit. This blog does not receive any paid promotions from the places mentioned above. We have not been approached to promote or act as spokespersons for any attraction mentioned within this post and this is simply a post intended to act as a day in the life of a couple on a cute date. All photos included are taken by ourselves and as such the rights for these images our ours, no links, brands, or companies mentioned otherwise belong or are associated with Phantom Adventures UK. We are responsible only for this blog. Opinions are our own and not influenced by any third party source.. 

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