Remembering the month of April in Funchal's port

We portuguese have a saying regarding the month of April, "Abril, águas mil", in english meaning April, thousand rains and the ship enthusiasts associate that to cruise ship activity during April in the port of Funchal, "Abril, navios mil", April, thousand cruise ships".

Busy morning sceane in Funchal with cruise ships THOMSON DREAM and LE LEVANT underway and the french navy auxiluary ship MONGE out in the bay. 05/04/2011

It has the reputation of one of the busiest months of the year alongside November as regarding to this activity. Eastbound positional cruising, mainly from the Americas, which tend to occur in the refered season,  is the responsible factor for this high peek of calls. Cruise ships take advantage of Madeira's strategical location on transatlantic crossings to the Med, to refuel and to stop in these long voyages allowing their passengers to strench their legs after so many days at sea.

Three, four or even more cruise liners are frequently seen simoultaniously in Funchal in April, sometimes the harbour size isn't enough to accommodate so many visitors, as it is visible in these images.
With so many ships in port, it's inevitable that a few of them are newcomers, inaugural calls if you prefer, always a special event for the port's history.

Needless to say, at the current time of the year, where cruise ship activity in Funchal is made by the regular Winter calls, we, ship enthusiasts, are very excited for this upcoming April, that promises an impressive number of 50 calls, as sheduled by the port authorities.

Imagens taken in Funchal during the past month of April in 2011. © João Abreu.