Saturday 11 September 2010

The delightful MS Funchal


Built in Elsinore in Denmark in 1961, the Funchal is practically unique, having operated her entire career under her original name. She was originally constructed for the Empresa Insulana de Navegacao's liner service from Portugal to the Azores, but has spent most of her career as a popular cruise ship. She is superbly maintained by her present owners, Classic International Cruises, and remains full of typically Danish 1960s shipboard details. The images were taken during a short cruise from Lisbon to Gibraltar, Malaga and Ceuta in September 2010.


Leaving Lisbon; Captain Alberquerque keeps watch on the bridge




Expanses of scrubbed teak decking







The forward saloon





The elegant forward spiral staircase





The main dining saloon

Utzon lamps galore



Original tapestry panels



Door handles

Details of the bridge




Danish-made lifeboat davits

Passengers on the promenade deck; me on the fantail

Bow and stern

4 comments:

  1. So glad you enjoyed my beloved FUNCHAL... Excellent photos. She sailed today again for Funchal, Madeira and was particularly beautiful...

    Luís Miguel Correia

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  2. Just found this...thanks for sharing...

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  3. Lovely pics Bruce. Pity the cabins just aft from the Porto Bar are no longer there, You would find many more Danish design details on them. I wonder how much of this wood panelling was left on board since the last upgrade. Trying to sail on her this summer as she is doing cruises chartered to Hansa Touristik. Thanks

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  4. An interesting blog! Good luck!
    Greetings from Russia!

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