Madeira and Morocco

[mikedge]

We are thinking of going on a cruise next march with NCL Jade to Casablance and Agadir (Morocco), Funchal (Madeira) amongst others. Has anyone any experiences with these destinations??

[FionaMG]

Funchal is a fabulous port of call. You will never be able to see and do everything in a single day but that will just give you an excuse to go back again (and again). There's tons of information on Funchal right here on this board, but just to whet your appetite...

 

You can walk from the port into the city centre but it's a bit of a hike. There are plenty of taxis waiting on the dock and the city centre itself is beautiful and walkable. You can take a (long) cable car up the mountain, enjoy the fantastic views and ride a wicker sledge (part way) back down. Taxis are available where the sledges stop. Or you could go to the rugged east coast for some fabulous scenery or Santana to see the colourful triangular cottages. You can go wine tasting or for a levada walk. Or, and especially so as you're going in spring, visit the botanic gardens which will be in full bloom and stunning. The people are very friendly and the food is wonderful. And the cherry on the cake is the sight of the colourful twinkling lights as you sail out of the harbour at the end of the day. This is one of the most beautiful harbours to sail away from. Magnificent!

[kruzin']

:) last year our group from the roll call did a whole day tour in Madiera with Strawberry tours for the whole day..they met us at the pier in a big blue leather seated bus..We did the west side of the island tour..its a lot of driving up hill on winding roads etc..If I were to do it again knowing what I know now I would go for a 1/2 day tour and roam the city center for the other half...It is a very low keyed port , just what we needed after a port intensive cruise to other ports...

[tally10]

Funchal, Madeira is a wonderful place. It is one of our favorites. We were there in 2005 and 2007 as a port of call on our cruises. It is beautiful with lush vegetation, flora, and fauna. If you are there on a sunday, you must take a tour because everything is closed except for the ship's tours. You must sample the Malmsy wine at Blandy's Wine Lodge. There is nothing like it and it is very expensive here in the states.