Day 4 Funchal, Madeira

We arrived around 8.30 to heavy cloud but it soon cleared to hot sun with white clouds, although, being the green and verdant island it is, there were a few spots of rain during the day. Already in port were Saga Ruby and Grand Mistral (a Spanish cruise ship).

 

I caught the free shuttle into the main town and explored for about three hours. I was debating whether to get the two cable cars up to the Botanic Gardens but it was 29 euros with entrance as well, so settled on the Hop on Hop off bus tour at 12 Euros. This was great value and as well as touring around Funchal it also took us high up into the mountains and round the coastline to a fishing village. I got back about 3pm and grabbed a bite to eat on the stern deck outside of the Conservatory.  The two other ships sailed first so we had great views as they passed Oriana. Then Saga Ruby stopped in the water outside the harbour and lowered two tenders. Goodness knows why! One circled round from the port side, steamed back and then they were raised! Curiouser and curiouser! We now face the five sea days, although the Captain says that Hurricane Nadine has now subsided somewhat so hopefully she won’t affect us. As we left Madeira, we sailed close along the coast for an hour or so so I saw the places the HoHo bus had taken me earlier from the sea this time. As we sailed there was a beautiful rainbow from the land across the water!

It is a casual night tonight and 60s/70s, I sat in Andersons for a pre-dinner cocktail and was surprised to be offered a plate of canapés. I have experienced this on Cunard but never before on P&O.  There were only three of us at dinner until a fourth turned up at around 9pm, having fallen asleep in her cabin! Our waiters are very friendly and give excellent service. We are usually through dinner by 10pm so plenty of time to get good seats for the shows – last night we all went to the Headliners. Our wine waiter is also very good and always there to top our glasses up as necessary. A good wine waiter is worth a good deal!