This morning, cruise ship MSC Splendida, docked in the first and biggest ‘turnaround’ so far this year. A 199 passengers disembarked, while a further 342 travellers joined the ship at the Funchal hub.
The liner, which is currently carrying 2,320 passengers, also brought into force its new ‘Travel Bubble’ policy. This means that all trips and visits are organised by the cruise ship owner or operator, aiming to minimise contact with the local population, and therefore, no one can just wander off the ship, or book a private excursion.
This is the first Bubble Tour request that has been made since Funchal harbour re-opened ten days ago. Despite the restrictions, it was acknowledged that MSC Splendida passengers would be using specific tourism services, including the Monte toboggans, bars and restaurants.
The ship left at 17:00 this evening and is currently sailing to Malaga.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
