Norwegian Sun Docks in Funchal During 22-Day Cruise
Madeira GuideThe Norwegian Sun cruise ship, carrying 1,635 passengers and 893 crew, arrived in Funchal for a day's visit amidst its 22-day voyage from Cape Town to Southampton.
The Norwegian Sun, a cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, made a stop at the Port of Funchal on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The ship arrived from Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands at 8:00 AM and is scheduled to depart for Vigo, Spain at 11:00 PM the same day.
Built in 2001 at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Germany, the Norwegian Sun cost approximately 330 million euros and can accommodate up to 2,323 passengers and 906 crew members. However, the ship currently sails with 1,635 passengers and 893 crew on board.
This port call is part of an extensive 22-day itinerary that began on May 10 in Cape Town, South Africa. The journey includes stops at Walvis Bay in Namibia, Luanda in Angola, Takoradi in Ghana, Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Dakar in Senegal, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain, before arriving in Madeira.
After leaving Funchal, the Norwegian Sun will proceed to Vigo, followed by a final destination in Southampton, England, where the cruise is scheduled to conclude on the following Monday.
The visit of such cruise ships is a significant event for Madeira, drawing tourists to explore the island's rich culture and scenic beauty. The local agency, JFM Shipping, is responsible for handling the ship's logistics during its stay.
This arrival also highlights the importance of cruise tourism to the local economy, providing business opportunities for local vendors and service providers.
Sources

Madeira Guide
Author