MV Funchal

MV Funchal in Helsinki, June 2009
Career
Name:	MV Funchal
Namesake:	Funchal
Port of registry:	Portugal
In service:	1961
Status:	in active service, as of 2011[update]
General characteristics
Tonnage:	9,563 gross register tons (GRT)
Length:	503 ft (153 m)
Decks:	6
Speed:	16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Capacity:	524 passengers
Crew:	155

MV Funchal is a Portuguese-registered passenger and cruise liner.

Funchal has been successfully serving the British cruise market over the past 20 years carrying thousands of passengers and was the first vessel to join the Classic International Cruises fleet in 1984. Funchal is a classic cruise liner with a beautiful profile and charming interiors and has a fascinating and proud maritime heritage having served as a Portuguese Presidential yacht for state visits. Funchal was also once owned by one of the wealthiest families in the Azores.

She will begin a cruise program in South Australia in January 2009.

Stabilised, air-conditioned, three lifts, main show lounge (Ilha Verde), piano bar (Porto Bar) Gama Lounge, Club Room, library, card room, lido bar, shop, photo shop, medical centre, excursion office and reception with exchange facilities

Having gone through extensive works in 2010 (to comply with SOLAS 2010) the ship went back to a Lisbon Shipyard in February 2011 for a lengthy refit which should include changes to its power plant as well as passenger and crew cabins and public lounges. The idea is to make the ship fit for service for at least another ten years. In November 2011 she will completed 50 years of service and always under the same name.