The Port of Funchal was the destination for nearly 10,000 people aboard the cruise ships Iona and MS Nieuw Statendam. According to the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM), the MS Nieuw Statendam arrived first, carrying 2,571 passengers and 1,001 crew members, having departed from Rotterdam.
The ship, operated by Holland America Line, began a 27-night voyage and, after its stop in Funchal, continued its journey to Santa Cruz de La Palma in the Canary Islands. The Iona, with 7,066 people on board (5,396 passengers and 1,668 crew), arrived shortly after, with its itinerary starting and ending in Southampton, England.
Madeira is the first stop on the Iona's 14-night voyage, which includes visits to the Canary Islands, Lisbon, and Spanish ports before returning to Southampton. For Thursday, the arrival of the MSC Virtusosa, carrying approximately 6,500 people, is scheduled.
