Funchal Port Welcomes Thousands During Christmas Octave

The Port of Funchal experienced a vibrant scene this Friday during the Christmas Octave, a significant period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, characterized by its cultural and religious festivities. The port welcomed four cruise ships simultaneously, bringing a total of over 9,200 individuals, including 6,375 passengers and the rest being crew members.

The ships include the Le Laperouse, Queen Anne, Borealis, and Marella Explorer 2. The Queen Anne was the first to dock, arriving from Cádiz, Spain, at the early hour of 5:45 AM. It carried 4,265 people onboard, comprising 2,765 passengers and 1,500 crew members. This ship embarked on an 18-day journey from Hamburg, Germany, and will visit several other ports including Gran Canaria and Lisbon before concluding its voyage back in Hamburg.

Following the Queen Anne, the Borealis arrived at 7:00 AM with 1,108 passengers and 614 crew members. Its 13-day cruise started in Portsmouth, UK, and will continue to various destinations like Tenerife and Lanzarote, before returning to Portsmouth.

Later in the day, at 4:30 PM, the Marella Explorer 2 entered the port with 2,502 passengers and 757 crew members. This ship, operated by Agencia Ferraz, will stay until Saturday evening before heading to its next destination.

The compact Le Laperouse had been docked since Wednesday and left for La Estaca, Canary Islands, at noon on Friday. Notably, on Saturday, the MSC Musica is scheduled to return for its weekly turnaround, bringing an additional 3,600 visitors from Gran Canaria.

This influx of cruise ships and tourists underscores Madeira's strategic position as a pivotal stop for Atlantic cruise routes, enhancing its reputation as a desirable destination for both cultural and leisure travel.

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