m.s. FUNCHAL sea trials on 15 August 2013

The Portuguese newly refited cruise ship FUNCHAL underwent sea trials yesterday 15 August 2013 and here we have some more original photographs by L.M.Correia of the ship running her trials of the Portuguese coast outside the river Tagus mouth as seen in the AIS map. 

Speed developed slowly up to about 16 knots. Sea trials were first scheduled for 13 August but minor technical issues associated to a deeply extensive refit and the fact that the main engines had not been running for more than 30 months slightly delayed the return of FUNCHAL to the sea. She is now back in Lisbon getting bunkers and stores in order to sail on a positioning voyage to Goteborg on 24 August. 

I have not yet been able to see her finished interiors, she looks quite different from what I saw so far. Her magnificent decks look better than ever and I wish the FUNCHAL refit and return to cruise service will be a lasting success. She can not compete with today's giants either in terms of facilities or economics but the new owners believe she can find her niche. The first important step associated to FUNCHAL's magic rebirth was her short return to the Atlantic after 35 months ydle in Lisbon. Now she needs all our support more than ever. Let's sail on the FUNCHAL...