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Known as Pearl of Atlantic the Island of Madeira is situated on the same latitude as the north-west African city of Casablanca. It enjoys a good climate warmed by the winter Atlantic currents and cooled by the summer trade winds.
The 13 miles wide by 35 miles length volcanic island is noted for its landscape comprising colourful plant life, trees, waterfalls and mountainous regions. Funchal is the largest city on this Portuguese island, which as European Community member currently has the lowest VAT at 13%. During our short visit the area appeared to be prosperous, no doubt assisted by good tourism and business links.
We were greeted on our approach to the island by a number of Dolphins. Unfortunately, they were too quick for me to catch on camera, but the island looked great in the glistening early morning sunshine surrounded by fairly tranquil waters.
 After spending the morning on the boat lazily taking in the surrounding views of Funchal and its picturesque harbour, after yet another good Cunard lunch, we spend three hours in the afternoon touring parts of the north-eastern and northern areas. A number of the photos were taken whilst on the move in the coach, so the more observant of you may spot blurring or reflections off the glass. Unfortunately, the last leg of the journey was in deep mist, a not unusual occurrence according to the local and very knowledgeable tour guide who managed to talk for nearly the whole journey...
At 18:00hrs the ship slipped anchor and we said goodbye to the now cloudy island. To the sounds of the Caronia Band, cocktails in our hand, chatting with fellow passengers on their impressions of the island, contemplating what was on the dinner menu that night and the decision that the island warranted a separate holiday there within the next few years, the ship headed for our next port of call, Santa Cruz Tenerife.
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