Funchal - Days 3-6

Thursday 23rd October – Sunday 26^th October

During the first four sea days, it was immediately apparent that MV Funchal rolled incessantly and severely, even when we reached Madeira and flat calm conditions. The only time we could relax was when she was tied up ashore. We soon found our way around although it was a bit confusing that we had to go down one flight of stairs from our cabin and then along and down again to the MDR.

I loved the 1960s style that was evident around the ship - particularly in the chairs in the Gama Lounge and the tapestries in the Lisboa restaurant. I don't know if these were original to the vessel, which was built in 1961.

The days passed with breakfast in the MDR – a buffet with separate areas for hot food, juice, breads, muffins and cereals, and fruit. There were quizzes in the morning followed by games such as beanbag bowls, bucketball and hoopla (called quoits). Outside was shuffleboard – played regardless of weather conditions! And later in the morning was a Wii game such as tennis or bowling.

 

We always ate lunch in the MDR as well. The Lido Buffet wasn’t opened until around Day 3 or 4 as it was open on one side to the elements, although hot drinks were available there most of the day. There was a craft lecturer making Kusadama flower wreathes and cards and two lecturers – one on photography and one on footballers!!  Sometimes there was a demonstration such as how to make cocktails. I managed to walk in on that one just as he was asking the question who sang the song The Rose (Bette Midler) and won the cocktail to drink!  Afternoon was served in the Lisboa Restaurant with rolls, sandwiches and cakes. They also had scones and jam and a strange bowl of pink goo that may have been supposed to be strawberry cream? As we were eating early (for us) at 7pm, we usually did the 5.30pm quiz and then go and shower etc before a cocktail in the Porto Lounge.  There was a very good pianist and singer Luisa Maio, who sang in the Portuguese Fado style. Then dinner and the show. The eastern European dance troupe was excellent and were often followed by a different show by the entertainment officers.

Taking the noon-day sighting.

One highlight was seeing a large whale not too far from the ship, as well as many dolphins.

On the evening of Saturday, when we back to the cabin to find our pillow chocolate, latest towel animal and the following day’s programme, we noticed it said not to forget to put your clocks back one hour that evening. That was the ONLY notification – no announcement, no card in cabin etc, and many people didn’t spot it in time so got up an hour early!

At dinner on Sunday evening 26^th October, as we were still heading for Tenerife, we heard an announcement over the ship’s tannoy. It was not loud and it was a while before everyone noticed and went quiet. The gist of it was that due to Funchal experiencing strong currents there was no way we were going to make it to the Canaries and the decision had been made to turn 90 degrees and head for Madeira after all, followed by Portimao in Portugal on the 29^th. Although we were pleased to be going to Madeira, Portimao was disappointing as we were there in August! This came as a complete surprise. A letter was waiting for us in our cabins that night with the re-revised itinerary and the offer of 40% refund on our cruise.