Cruise’n’Travel Journalist / Cruise Reviewer
& Maritime Historian
MV Funchal
Information you might like to know about
the Funchal
MV Funchal is part of the long
established Arcalia Shipping Company and has been successfully serving the
British cruise market over the past 20 years, carrying thousands of satisfied
customers. She was the first vessel to join the Classic International Cruises
fleet back in 1984. Now after two very successful Western Australian summer
cruise seasons, Funchal returns again to Fremantle in 2008/09.
Carrying no more than 550 passengers,
the delightful Funchal is a classic cruise liner with an elegant profile and
charming interiors. She has a fascinating and proud maritime heritage, having
served as a Portuguese presidential yacht for state visits. Funchal was also
once owned by one of the wealthiest families in the
Funchal is a small to medium sized
cruise ship by today’s standards but has a wide selection of
well-appointed public lounges and comfortable cabin accommodation spanning six
passenger decks serviced by three lifts.
Her range of facilities include
convenient one-sitting dining in two restaurants and a choice of four
comfortable lounges and five bars. There is a main show lounge, casino, shop,
photo shop, card room, library and an outdoor swimming pool.
The majority of cabins enjoy a sea view
and all 241 passenger cabins have private en-suite facilities with a shower, and
in some cases, a bath. Some of the higher cabin categories have the added
advantage of a fridge, hairdryer and television for in-house movies. There is a
selection of well-appointed twin bedded cabins and larger suites with a
separate sitting area. A limited number of cabins also have double beds and
extra fold-away pullman berths or sofa beds in the suites.
Classic International Cruises, whose
chefs are long established members of culinary institutions such as Les Amis d’Escoffier and the Academie
Culinaire de Lyon, firmly believe that one of the
great pleasures of cruising is good food and fine wine. Whether you are dining
in the elegant restaurant or having a buffet-style breakfast or luncheon in
more casual surroundings, you will not be disappointed.
Our light and airy restaurants let in
the sunshine so you can enjoy a full English breakfast or a four-course lunch,
whilst in the evening, with the subtle changes of atmosphere, there is a
stylish elegance. Enjoy a beautiful setting and savour the culinary delights
designed to appeal to the most discerning palates.
Certain shipboard traditions such as
the Captain’s Gala Welcome and Farewell Dinners, afternoon teas, late
night snacks and a Buffet Magnifique are all
scrupulously observed. A deck barbecue, while sailing away from
Air Conditioning:
All cabins and public rooms are fully air-conditioned. Cabin air conditioning
can be individually controlled.
Baby Sitting:
We regret that baby-sitting facilities are not available.
Baggage:
All baggage must be stored in the guests cabin as there is no separate Baggage
Room facility. There is storage space under the bed, which can accommodate
suitcases of approximately 30 cm depth.
Beverages:
Bar and Wine lists are available to assist you in your choice of beverages.
Beach Towels:
Towels from the cabin may not be taken ashore. Beach towels will be made
available for use ashore, under deposit.Bridge
Visits:
There will normally be an opportunity during the cruise for passengers to visit
the
Buffets:
Buffet breakfasts are served in the Lisboa restaurant &
Casual Dining:
Our buffets may be used as a casual dining alternative, at your choice.
Cabin Breakfast:
A light continental breakfast may be requested in the cabin and the menu can be
found in your cabin information pack. This should be completed and handed into
reception the day before the service is required.
Card Room:
An area for card players is located on Promenade Deck.
Casino Zarco Hall:
Located forward on the promenade Deck, The gaming facilities consist of 1
Blackjack Table, 1 Roulette Table and 16 slot machines. Your onboard
ship’s charge card cannot be used in the Casino.
**PLEASE NOTE that the casino is
not permitted to open during the 2 or 3 night ‘Cruises to Nowhere’.
Children’s & Teen’s Activities:
Children, teenagers & parents will be invited to join in special activities
during cruises over the school holiday periods.
Cinema-Movies:
Video films are shown on a large screen in the Gama Lounge through the
ship’s TV system and, in addition, on dual televisions in the Club Bar.
Club Room:
Accessed from the reception foyer on Azores Deck, this smaller bar provides
comfortable surroundings to relax with friends over a drink or watch a movie
through the ship’s TV system.
Coimbra Restaurant:
Located forward on the
Communications:
For incoming calls to the ship, the satellite telephone number is +871(or 872)
(or 873) 763642129 or +871 (or 872) (or 873) 763642130 and the fax is +871(or
872) (or 873) 600153591. Two public credit card phones, one located by
Reception on Azores Deck and the other in the forward lobby of Madeira Deck,
are available for passengers to make outgoing calls. Alternatively, outgoing
telephone calls can be arranged through the Radio Room at international
satellite communication rates. Details are available via the Radio Room.
Currency:
For cruises departing from Fremantle the onboard prices are indicated in
Australian Dollars. A cashless system operates throughout all onboard services
(except casino). Passengers sign for their purchases at the point of sale and
settle their account at the Pursers’ Office at the end of the cruise by
payment in cash, and/or traveller’s cheques, and/or Visa & Mastercard credit cards. We regret that personal cheques
and cash cards cannot be used to settle the account. The Purser’s Office
also operates a Bureau de Change facility to enable passengers to exchange and
re-exchange foreign currency for use in many of the ports of call
Daily Program:
A program of the events on board is produced daily and delivered to the cabin
each night.
Diets:
Certain special dietary requirements can be catered for on board if sufficient
advance notice is given to the Ship’s Administration.
Disabled Passengers:
The vessel is regrettably not specifically equipped for guests with mobility
difficulties or confined to a wheelchair.
Disco:
An evening disco with international music is available.
Dress Code:
Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for daytime wear onboard. Whilst in the
evening the dress would be smart Casual. There will be 2 formal nights onboard
the 12 & 13 night Cruises (4 on the 36 night voyage) On the formal
evenings, jacket and tie or dinner jackets are more suitable for men, whilst
the ladies opt for evening or cocktail dresses.
Early Morning Tea or Coffee:
Complimentary tea and coffee are available each morning in Coimbra Restaurant
between 06.30 – 07.15 hours. Alternatively by completing the breakfast
menu service and handing into Reception, early morning tea or coffee can be
ordered for cabin service.
Electrical Appliances:
The voltage on board is 220AC and each cabin is equipped with (European style)
round two pin electrical sockets, suitable for small appliances only. An
adaptor will be necessary. Reception should be consulted if passengers intend
utilizing electrical items other than razors and hairdryers.
Entertainment:
A variety of daytime and evening entertainment is arranged onboard. During the
day, activities such as arts, and crafts, exercise classes, table tennis, deck
quoits, shuffleboard, movies, games and quizzes are arranged for those who wish
to participate. A range of floorshows and/or other events are offered on a
nightly basis, as well as music for dancing.
Environment:
Classic International Cruises is committed to a policy of environmental protection
through prevention and the ship adheres to the latest standards and regulations
applying to pollution control. (Marpol)
Gamma Lounge:
Situated forward on Promenade Deck. This room has a bar, TV facility for
in-house movies, & facilities for live music.
Hairdressing:
The Hair Salon, which can cater for both ladies and gents, is located on
Promenade Deck. An additional charge applies Health & Beauty: The Hair
Salon can offer a limited beauty treatment service An additional charge applies.
Ilha Verde Lounge:
The main show lounge is situated on promenade deck and seats 350 persons. There
is a good sized dance floor at the aft end of the room and bar at the forward
end which offers waiter service to the tables.
Laundry:
A laundry service is available by contacting your cabin steward and the price
list of the services can be found in your cabin information pack. The cost of
the services used is added to your onboard account. We regret no dry cleaning
services are available onboard.
Library:
situated on Promenade Deck, the ship’s library offers a range of books,
which are available during the cruise. A nominal charge is made in case of loss.
Lido Buffet:
Is located aft on Navigators Deck and is used as an alternative to the
restaurant for buffet breakfasts and lunches. (Weather permitting)
Lift:
There are three passenger lifts on board situated in the forward, mid-ship and
aft lobbies. The forward and mid-ship lifts operate between the Madeira and
Promenade Decks, whilst the aft lift operates from the Estoril
and Algarve Decks up to the Promenade Deck. Navigators deck is not served by a
lift.
Lisboa Restaurant:
The larger of the two restaurants located on the Azores deck.
Mail:
Mail may be handed in at Reception for posting at the next port of call.
Incoming mail for passengers may be sent to the ship via the local port agents,
whose addresses and contact details will be sent with the travel documents.
Meals:
Meals are taken in one sitting, or on occasion 2 sittings, in the Lisboa and Coimbra
restaurants. Timings on days at sea are usually: Breakfast: 0730hrs - 0930hrs.
Lunch: 1230hrs - 1400hrs. Dinner: 1930hrs. Times indicated are based on one
sitting for dining.
In addition, mid morning tea and coffee
is served around 1030hrs. Afternoon Tea is normally served at 1630hrs. Late
Night Snacks are available from 2330hrs and will be brought around to the
public rooms by the restaurant waiters.
Medical Facilities:
The services of qualified medical staff are available from the medical centre, situated
aft on Madeira Deck. Normal surgery hours are 0800-1000 and from 1700-1800.
Additional charges apply.
Officers and Crew:
The ship’s compliment is predominately Portuguese and total’s
around 150 persons. For cruises departing from Fremantle, cruise staff from
Britain and Australia will also be onboard.
Passenger Identity cards:
This card is issued by the ship on embarkation and must be produced at the
gangway when going on or off the ship at ports of call. It also is used as an
onboard charge card and must be shown each time you make an onboard purchase.
Photography:
The Photo Shop is located on Promenade Deck, where photographic souvenirs of
the cruise may be purchased.
Porto Bar:
A small intimate bar, seating just 70 people, centrally located on the
Promenade Deck , adjacent to the Casino, and is where our pianist plays at
cocktail time.
Promenade Deck:
There is an attractive walkway around covered promenade, passing the swimming
pool and Lido Bar. Whilst inside one can find the Ilha Verde Lounge, the
Shopping Arcade (Gift Shop, Hairdresser and Photo-shop), the Porto Bar, the
Casino and the Gama Lounge.
Radio Room:
The Radio room is situated on Navigators deck and can be used for international
phone calls and fax transmissions. The opening hours are 0900hrs- 1100hrs and
1600hrs- 1800hrs whilst at sea. Although the Radio Room is closed in port,
genuine emergency situations can be dealt with at any time. Please note
telephone calls and faxes use International radio satellite services. The price
details are available on request.
Reception:
Situated by the gangway, forward on the Azores Deck, the Reception is divided
into the Purser’s Bureau and the Cruise Office. The purser staff offers
safety deposit storage (122 boxes - small fee applies for the use of safety
deposit boxes) and a foreign exchange service, whilst the shore excursions and
other cruise activities are arranged from the Cruise Office.
Religious Services:
Inter-denominational church services can be held by prior arrangement with the
Ship’s Administration
Room Service:
Limited room services are available in the cabins and may be arranged by
contacting the Reception desk. A small range of complimentary sandwiches may be
ordered throughout the day. Drinks from the bar are available during bar opening
hours, and are charged to your shipboard account.
Safety:
The vessel complies with all current SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) and
Security:
Security of the vessel is maintained by the Deck Officers. All current
International Maritime Security procedures are strictly maintained. The company
and the vessels comply with
Shipboard Account:
All purchases of items and/or extra services on board (except in the Casino)
are signed for by passengers, and added to their shipboard account. This is
settled at the end of the cruise and payment may be made in cash, by
traveller’s cheques or by Visa or MasterCard credit cards. We regret that
personal cheques and cash cards cannot be accepted.
Shopping:
The gift shop is located forward on Promenade Deck. Gifts, souvenirs as well as
cosmetics and toiletries are stocked. The shop is not open during the 2 or 3
night ‘Cruises to Nowhere’.
Shore Excursions:
Exciting tours on shore are available for purchase. Details of recommended
tours are available via the cruise staff and administered from the cruise
office in the Reception area.
Smoking Policy:
As a consideration to all passengers, there are smoking and non-smoking areas
on board. The restaurants are totally non-smoking areas. Smoking is also not
permitted in passenger cabins & the Gamma Lounge, while the Ilha Verde
Lounge is maintained as a non-smoking area during the main evening show.
Sports Areas:
Sports facilities, consisting of table tennis, darts, deck quoits and
shuffleboard are located under a covered deck area aft on the Navigators Deck
Sun Loungers:
Sun loungers, mattresses and towels are available free of charge for sunbathing
and relaxing on board.
Swimming Pool:
The pool and Lido area are located aft on Promenade Deck.
Tipping:
Tips have been prepaid with your cruise fare.
Valuables:
Items of value may be stored in the safety deposit boxes available at the
Purser’s Office in Reception on Azores Deck. A small fee applies
Visitors:
For security reasons, as on
MV Funchal - INDEX
Page One …
Page Two … Deck Plan
Page Three …
Page Five
… SS Funchal - her
History page on ssmaritime.com
MV Athena … She
will be cruising from
MS Stockholm … Athena’s
history page on ssmaritime.com
MV Princess Daphne
… Cruising from
MS Port Sydney
… Princess
Daphne’s history page on
ssmaritime.com
For Information and Reservations
contact:
Or visit the Classic International
Cruises Website
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Commenced in the Passenger Shipping Industry in May
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