When we woke up at 7am Aurora was just edging slowly along the seafront in Funchal towards the quay. We were breakfasted and docked by 830 and came ashore to find Happy Tours waiting outside. We were 8 in the group, Bob and I, 2 German couples and a pair of Norwegian girls, no one else from the ship. The tour was of the eastern part of the island and the scenery was spectacular. We started by driving up ot the highest accessible point at 1810m where the views...

At last! Woke up to blue, sunny skies and a flat calm sea. We were about 250 miles SW of Cape Vincent which is the southern point of Portugal. It should be calm like this now until we reach the southern tip of South America and getting steadily warmer. Some people were swimming today and sunbathing but I think I'll reserve that till we leave Madeira. The "usual" pattern of a sea day for us at the moment. Breakfast, then a bridge lesson, then Spanish. ...

A more peaceful night with the wind beginning to drop and we woke up to a much better day with moderate seas, force 6 dying away by afternoon to about 3. Really busy again. My nephew said that he was curious how we keep busy all day and I must admit this was the one thing that concerned me about the voyage. Although, I have to say that I am such an avid reader that provided I have my kindle and a GSM or wifi link to get new books, I would be happy almost any...

Slightly disturbed night with the ship pitching and jarring quite a lot at times. Not like being in a small boat but definitely noticeable. Had breakfast up in the buffet looking out at the stormy grey sea. It's about Force 8/9 with a 6m swell. The promenade deck is closed. Decided to keep ourselves active and try some new things on this voyage. So we began by going to Beginner's Bridge this morning. We learned the rudiments of Mini Bridge today - quite ...

The day finally has arrived! Absolutely horrific weather. Pouring, nay, torrenting rain, fog and wind…. We picked up the hire car from Enterprise at Dover Marina. £70 for a one way hire to Southampton. Loaded all our luggage aboard and amazingly it all fit in very easily. We were soaking by then so put our clothes in the tumble drier at home. Calls to both girls, a last gather up of perishable goods to take to some bins and we were off. The torrent...