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Funchal: when your ship stops here

A tiled market hall, a cable car up to Monte, and sea cliffs along the coast road.

Facts checked Nov 5, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Funchal is the capital and largest city of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, with 105,795 people. Wikipedia calls it the leading Portuguese port for cruise ships. A cruise port guide says ships dock alongside about a 20 minute walk from the historic downtown, and that the port uses several berths, so check which gate to use when you return.

Sources: Wikipedia: Funchal; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Funchal

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Mercado dos Lavradores

    The farmers market of Funchal, with fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish. The building opened on 24 November 1940, and its facade, main entrance and fish market carry traditional tile panels (azulejos) with scenes from the region.

    Tip: A cruise port guide says to check the market's opening times for your call, especially on Sundays and public holidays.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Mercado dos Lavradores; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Funchal

  2. 2. Monte by cable car

    A cable car carries people from the lower part of the city up to Monte, and a second lift runs from Monte to the Botanical Gardens. A cruise port guide says the ride takes about 15 minutes each way, from the Old Town waterfront to a station beside Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and that you can ride a wicker toboggan back down.

    Tip: The same guide allows 3 to 4 hours from the ship and back, and warns of queues in both directions.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Funchal; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Funchal

  3. 3. Cabo Girao and Camara de Lobos

    A cruise port guide calls Cabo Girao the second highest sea cliff in the world, and names the fishing village of Camara de Lobos as a stop on the same trip. It gives about 20 to 30 minutes by road from Funchal to the cliff in normal traffic.

    Tip: The guide suggests a prearranged driver or an organized excursion on a short call, and says to agree the return pickup before you leave Funchal.

    Source: CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Funchal

What to skip

  • Cutting the return close

    A cruise port guide says to be back at the port entrance at least 30 minutes before all aboard, and to leave a larger margin for the cable car or any trip outside Funchal, where queues and road traffic can hold you up.

    Source: CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Funchal

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Funchal

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Funchal, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 5, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Funchal

Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Funchal on the way.

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