A few weeks ago some friends mentioned they had read somewhere that the Portimão to Funchal ferry service had returned after its six year absence. How exciting we thought as it is a voyage we have wanted to take for years. So on our return I immediately began investigating to see whether we could take it this spring.
Unfortunately however this is a journey we will not be taking anytime soon. It did return briefly last summer, and nearly 7,000 residents of Madeira took full advantage of the discounted ticket price of 29euros each way. However the numbers travelling were far below that envisaged, and only 35% of the passengers paid the full price. Consequently it seems there is much uncertainty as to whether or not this ferry route will return this summer let alone increase to weekly trips year round. More info here.
And even if it did return I must admit the full price of 374 per couple one way for an exterior cabin plus an additional charge of over 100euros for the car is daunting. Looking at the ferry website there were chair only prices last year at 87 euros per person one way but for a journey of just under 24hours I am not sure it’s a voyage I want to take in a chair! I will though continue to keep a look out because if the campaigners are successful in their efforts to get this ferry route reinstated with state subsidies and increased freight traffic to ensure its long term survival, then just maybe the prices will reduce.
Looks like it will need subsidies but hopefully will return. There must be a car ferry from somewhere else though. But expensive. I am not into any long ferries now after my Santander Portsmouth experience.
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No not a single ferry from anywhere. They see plenty of cruise ships but nothing else. It’s a huge political issue.
But what on earth happened on your voyage between Santander and Portsmouth?
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24 hours of storm and even the channel quite rough, in a chair not a berth.I think you need to lie down to lessen the effects of seasickness. Never again.
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Horrid! Fortunately I don’t suffer too much from sea sickness but not sure I’d cope in a chair either. We’ve yet to try the route.
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We went in May and thought we had missed the worst of the stormy weather. It’s a good route if you have a dog!
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or cat, which is why we keep pondering it!!
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We also thought we’d take the trip last summer but like when you we saw the prices we changed our minds. Not being able to get a cabin sealed the (no) deal! We contented ourselves with watching it sail each week from Portimao.
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Oh my no cabin availability, that definitely is a no deal! Really hope the campaigners are able to work magic so it can return at reasonable prices.
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It is a shame. We looked at some ferry pricing for last time we were in Europe. It is expensive for us budget travellers. When I saw the heading I thought it was for Debbies Voyager challenge
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It originally was going to be, but then as usual I waffled on for far too long!
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I like your waffle 🙂
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Phew, glad someone does 🙂
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❤
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That’s an awful lot of money!
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Definitely not aimed at the general traveller!
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that’s a hell of a lot money!
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That’s what we thought, such a shame as could be a great holiday and it’s better for the environment. Just have to hope the campaigners are able to persuade the Government to come up with a better plan.
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