The departure of cruise ships Britannia and AIDALuna this afternoon, from the Port of Funchal, suddenly became a tourist attraction for residents and visitors to the island.
The Britannia was supposed to leave at 5:30 pm and the AIDALuna half an hour later, but they ended up leaving almost at the same time, the first bound for Antigua, and the second for Bridgetown. The five-mast Royal Clipper sailboat, which was also expected to leave at 6 pm, stayed in port. As normal, the ships said their farewells to each other, and the island in their own particular fashion, while many used the ships departure as a photo and video opportunity.
The departure of AIDALuna from Pier 6 coincided with the inauguration of the new pier, by the President of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque.
Attending the ceremony were the captain of the AIDALuna and other crew members who presented the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, with three ship replicas, who in turn presented them to the Regional Secretary for the Economy, Rui Barreto and the Mayor of Funchal, Pedro Calado.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
