Spirit of Adventure blog

Our last port of call on this cruise was Funchal. Yet another busy morning with two ships already alongside. We picked up our pilot just off the breakwater, I swung us around and backed us down along the breakwater and opposite the CR7 hotel. The weather was perfect; a sunny day with temperature rising up to 26 deg C. After behaving for a week and watching my back slowly getting better, I needed a walk ashore and a lunch, which the Doctor approved.

My favourite tavern in Funchal is Casal de Penha, a hidden culinary gem with a beautiful terrace and a view. Beautiful (massive) fillet steak in mushroom and grilled apple sauce was recommended by the waitress. Steak was delicious, as well as mushrooms. Grilled apples were not my cup of tea. After lunch I went for a short stroll, as I was cautious not to overdo my back on the first day out.

Back on board we got ready for our departure, which was in the capable hands of Staff Captain Simon, who joined in Tenerife as Denis transferred to Discovery. The Lido deck was setup for the Sailaway party, so once we left the harbour and set our course for home we joined our guests, who were enjoying the live sounds of our Britannia band on the open deck.

Now, all that’s left for us is to tune our speed against the weather on our way back to Southampton. Weather forecast calls for Westerly winds and swell, that will be coming on our port quarter, so we will be surfing along for 3 days.

Kind Regards
Captain Franko Papić