Funchal / Madeira
Botanical Garden


Published: 18.11.2025
Thanks to our overnight stay, we have the opportunity to explore the city today until 2 PM, or until everyone is back on board by 1:30 PM. After breakfast, we head out immediately. From the dock, we walk through the harbor area to the promenade. There we find the currently most famous resident of the island with his hotel, shop, and museum.


Directly across the street is the Santa Catarina Park. A small park offering a beautiful view of the city. There is also a statue of Columbus here.


Leaving the park from the upper end, you reach the casino and the statue of Sissi.


We now walk along the street towards the city center. Passing the Ritz

we arrive at the cathedral of Funchal.

Now, you are just a few steps away from the harbor promenade with the Madeira logo, strolling back to the ship.

We spend the remaining morning on the pool deck. Departure was on time at 2 PM. The wind picked up, and we were really rocking. We retreated for a coffee in the indoor area. At 3:30 PM, looking out the window, we saw land again. The explanation came from the captain; there were medical emergencies among the crew. A crew member was taken off the ship, and at around 4 PM, we start our voyage to Santa Cruz on La Palma for the second time. Again, strong winds, rocking - rolling - pitching, and the bags hang in the stairwell.
Since it was already rocking in our cabin on Deck 3, I skipped my workout on Deck 15. However, the weather is supposed to improve tomorrow.
Dinner in Atlantik Mediterran on Deck 4. I stick to the daily menu today.

