The ship doesn't have a berth in Funchal today. This would be because there are only four, and they have to be booked six years in advance. When we arrived, there were four ships ahead of us already berthed, (The Balmoral, The Saga Saphire, The Aida and The Aurora), The Braemar and the Saga Ruby had also arrived ahead of us and were anchored out in the bay. Our ship took up position a little way from them and then let down an anchor.
Without a berth, the only way ashore is by tender. We were in no hurry, and the excursions had to get ashore first, so we didn't get out tender ticket until about 10.15. Trouble is, for whatever reason, the tenders were running very slow. We ended up having lunch before we got onto ours at about 1pm.
It was a frustrating start to a frustrating day. Our plan had been to go and find the tourist office, obtain a map of walking routes on the island, get the cable car up to Monte and then take a scenic walk back.
First, we couldn't find the tourist office, despite wandering about according to various instructions for at least 30 minutes. In the end we decided to wing it and go to the cable car anyway.
The cable ride is a lovely trip, with views across the island and down onto the bay. It takes about 8 peaceful minutes to get to the top, and on a sunny day like today, it should have been brilliant. And it would have been if it wasn't for the two disgruntled passengers we shared the car with. They moaned about the ship all the way up and completely spoilt the ride.
At the top, we went to visit the wonderful little church in Monte. They've opened the bell towers, which extra to our last visit, and we were able to go to roof height and look out across the bay.
Then made a decision about the way down. I wanted to walk down alongside a deep valley, underneath the cable car. Peter wanted to follow the sledge route because it was a way we knew. We followed the sledge route which I found disappointing as I was looking forward to views but the high walls along most of our way prevented them.
But it wasn't all bad. We'd done a quick circuit of the town centre before making our way to the cable car, and we wandered back after our trek downhill. The streets were buzzing with New Year festivities, with craft stalls and costumes everywhere. Every bar and cafe getting busier by the minute as more of the locals came out to add to the crowds. The tourists would all return to their ships by dark, and then the people of Funchal could have their city back to let the New Year in Madeira style.
As we made our way back to the Marco Polo, we could see that several more had arrived into the bay, including the huge Mein Schiffe 1 that we'd seen yesterday. As the evening wore on, we watched as the ships manoeuvred themselves around the bay, vying for the best position. You could feel the excitement building up amongst the passengers as the night progressed. We were all waiting for midnight. Dinner was eaten, the ships entertainment enjoyed, but everyone wanted to be out on deck to watch the sky.
Madeira lets in the New Year in record breaking style with one of the most spectacular, awe inspiring, explosive, heart stopping and ear popping firework displays in the world. At midnight, the whole sky above the island suddenly lit up. The noise and the colour was incredible, you could feel the sound in your chest as you tried to take it all in through the eyes. And it went on and on and on.
Absolutely truly amazing, and one of the main reasons why so many people decide to go on a Canaries Cruise at Christmas.
Everybody was in a good mood after that. The ship immediately set sail, the music played into the wee hours and the passengers of the Marco Polo gave 2014 a very warm welcome with a raised glass, music, dancing and a big smile.
Funchal, Madeira 2011
Funchal, Madeira 2012
Travelling to Funchal, Madeira 2013
B&B in Funchal, Madeira 2014
Funchal, Madeira 2014
Without a berth, the only way ashore is by tender. We were in no hurry, and the excursions had to get ashore first, so we didn't get out tender ticket until about 10.15. Trouble is, for whatever reason, the tenders were running very slow. We ended up having lunch before we got onto ours at about 1pm.
It was a frustrating start to a frustrating day. Our plan had been to go and find the tourist office, obtain a map of walking routes on the island, get the cable car up to Monte and then take a scenic walk back.
First, we couldn't find the tourist office, despite wandering about according to various instructions for at least 30 minutes. In the end we decided to wing it and go to the cable car anyway.
The cable ride is a lovely trip, with views across the island and down onto the bay. It takes about 8 peaceful minutes to get to the top, and on a sunny day like today, it should have been brilliant. And it would have been if it wasn't for the two disgruntled passengers we shared the car with. They moaned about the ship all the way up and completely spoilt the ride.
At the top, we went to visit the wonderful little church in Monte. They've opened the bell towers, which extra to our last visit, and we were able to go to roof height and look out across the bay.
 |
| The view from the church at Monte. The Marco Polo is on the left, and you can see all the other ships around the Port |
But it wasn't all bad. We'd done a quick circuit of the town centre before making our way to the cable car, and we wandered back after our trek downhill. The streets were buzzing with New Year festivities, with craft stalls and costumes everywhere. Every bar and cafe getting busier by the minute as more of the locals came out to add to the crowds. The tourists would all return to their ships by dark, and then the people of Funchal could have their city back to let the New Year in Madeira style.
As we made our way back to the Marco Polo, we could see that several more had arrived into the bay, including the huge Mein Schiffe 1 that we'd seen yesterday. As the evening wore on, we watched as the ships manoeuvred themselves around the bay, vying for the best position. You could feel the excitement building up amongst the passengers as the night progressed. We were all waiting for midnight. Dinner was eaten, the ships entertainment enjoyed, but everyone wanted to be out on deck to watch the sky.
Madeira lets in the New Year in record breaking style with one of the most spectacular, awe inspiring, explosive, heart stopping and ear popping firework displays in the world. At midnight, the whole sky above the island suddenly lit up. The noise and the colour was incredible, you could feel the sound in your chest as you tried to take it all in through the eyes. And it went on and on and on.
Absolutely truly amazing, and one of the main reasons why so many people decide to go on a Canaries Cruise at Christmas.
 |
| Beginning of the New Year fireworks display, Madeira 2014 |
Funchal, Madeira 2011
Funchal, Madeira 2012
Travelling to Funchal, Madeira 2013
B&B in Funchal, Madeira 2014
Funchal, Madeira 2014
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