MV Funchal

MV Funchal was built in 1961 under the guidance of Rogério d'Oliveira (Portuguese naval engineer), and is currently operated by the Portuscale Cruises company. Previously, the cruise ship was owned by one of the richest families in the Azores.

In 2013, Rui Alegre (Portuguese entrepreneur) bought from Classic International Cruises Funchal plus three other ships - Princess Danae (Lisboa), Athena (Azores) and Arion (Porto). With these liners he established the company Portuscale Cruises (based in Lisbon, Portugal). MS Funchal was extensively drydock refurbished in Lisbon (at Naval Rocha shipyards) and upgraded to a 4-star passenger vessel at the cost of nearly EUR 10 million. The hull was re-painted black (its original colour).

MS Funchal is a classic-design ocean liner, and sadly - among the last remaining cruise ships of the once great fleet of Portuguese passenger ships. The vessel has been operated by the Portuscale cruise line since the beginning of 2013. The ship was constructed in 1961, under the guidance of the naval engineer Rogerio d'Oliveira. Its features include air-conditioning, full stabilization, three lifts, piano bar, main show lounge, lido bar, club room, library, card room, shops. The Funchal ship also served as a presidential yacht owned by one of the wealthiest families in the Azores.

In August 2013, MV Funchal left the drydock to arrive on August 27 in Gothenburg (Sweden), starting a new career. However, on August 28, the ship was not released from Goteborg's harbour due to security issues (officially denied by Portuscale Cruises). On September 2, 2013, the issues were resolved, certifications granted, and the ship left Port Goteborg heading to Scotland.

On December 5, 2018, via bank auction the vessel was sold (for EUR 3,91 million / USD 4,45 million). This news also meant that the ship will not be scrapped. Soon was reported that the liner was acquired by the Liverpool hotel operator Signature Living to start a new life as hotel ship in Central London. At the auction, Signature Living was represented by QPS Marine Ships (Florida USA-based cruise vessel purchase finance firm). In the auction were represented all 4 bidders. Signature Living via QPS Marine Ships negotiated for nearly 2 years with the bankruptcy administrator for purchasing the vessel. QPS Marine Ships also acted as consultant in liner's repositioning and management during the conversion project (to a hotel ship).

In the period 2015-2018, both Portuscale Cruises ships (Funchal and Porto) were laid up at Port Lisbon. Company's only operational ship (Azores) was chartered to CMV (Cruise and Maritime Voyages) and renamed Astoria.

MV Funchal was an example for a classic ocean liner cruising around the world. Ship's routes and destinations included South America, Arctic Circle, Norwegian Fjords, Atlantic Islands, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Red Sea, Australia-New Zealand, Far East Asia.

In late-December 2018, the new shipowner Signature Living revealed an ambitious refurbishment project for converting the cruise liner into a luxury party hotel ship. The vessel will be homeported in Liverpool, from where will be operated roundtrip cruises to popular Spanish port destinations in the Mediterranean, including Ibiza Town, Palma de Majorca, Marbella (Malaga). Ship's inaugural cruise will be in Spring 2019. The onboard experience will feature gourmet dining and superior bar service (via partnership with Alma De Cuba), 5-star hotel accommodations and amenities, live entertainment and beach-style deck parties (with guest DJ performances).

Cabins

The Funchal accommodates just 524 passengers and has updated Suites, Mini-Suites, Staterooms and Cabins. All accommodations are beautifully fitted out and contain the latest facilities.

Shipboard facilitiess and activities

MV Funchal offers her passengers two fine Dining Rooms located on Azores Deck. One of these is The Coimbra, an intimate restaurant located on the starboard side, aft of the Main Lobby. The spacious Lisboa stretches right across the liner and is accessible from the aft Lobby or amidships stairwell and lift.

What is significant in MS Funchal is its design - combination of a beautiful ocean liner and fascinating interior. The beautiful shape of this classic cruise liner offers a yacht-like atmosphere to its passengers. Funchal's crew members are higly trained and dedicated to their work. Most of them are Portuguese and have been sailing with the ship for more than 20 years. Passengers are loyal and come back on board the ship again and again.

The features of Funchal include stabilisation, three lifts, air-conditioning, a Main Show Lounge called Ilha Verde, Porto Bar (piano bar), Lido Bar, Excursion Office, Medical Centre, Reception with exchange facilities, Club Room, Casino, Card Room, Library, Iteen room, Internet Cafe, Gym, Wellness & Beauty Center, Sauna or Hammam, Photographer & Photo Shop, Shopping Arcade, Laundry and Internet Service.

Activities for young travelers on offer include treasure hunt, painting, collage, and fun at the Iteen Room, that was specifically intended for adult and teen interaction. Following a sophisticated dinner at Coimbra or Lisboa restaurant, passengers can have a fine coffee while listening to live piano music at Porto Bar, or enjoy Havana Bar while watching the show performed by international casts of musicians, singers and dancers.

Cellar, tastings, workshops, and contests help passengers develop and further their knowledge on wine. The cruise line offers a wide choice of nectars in the cellar, produced in well renowned wineries from recognized castes by popular winemakers.