The penultimate cruise ship call to Bergen in 2014 was a visit by Portsucale Cruises' MV Funchal last Saturday. She arrived on a wet and windy day, and had a very close scrape with the quayside as her crew struggled to control her during departure (scroll down for photos).
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| Funchal alongside at Bontelabo, Bergen |
Built in 1961, Funchal is the last of the classic Portuguese liners. In 1984 she joined the Classic International Cruises fleet and operated as a cruise ship for the British market until 2011.
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| Funchal's classic lines set her apart from more modern cruise ships |
Following two uncertain years, Funchal was purchased in 2013 for the newly formed Portsucale cruises. After a substantial refit she re-entered the cruise market and has already gained a loyal following.
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| Funchal alongside at Bergen on a rainy afternoon |
Throughout her 53 year career and multiple owners, Funchal has never had a name change, making her the oldest cruise ship still in operation under her original name.
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| Funchal's crew prepare to stow the gangway ready for departure |
Her visit to Bergen was part of her current cruise, being operated under charter to the British based Voyages of Discovery.
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| Despite a number of refurbishments throughout her career, Funchal has retained her classic profile |
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| Funchal's bow creeps back towards the quayside as strong winds catch the ship's side |
As she pulled away from her mooring at Bontelabo, Funchal struggled against the strong winds, and began to swing back towards the concrete quay.
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| Making contact: Funchal's bow brushes against the railings at Bontelabo |
As she swung even closer I had to leave my spot standing by the railings. Her sweeping bow was hanging overhead by the time I took a few steps back. The officers and deck hands on her bow were watching the scene unfold whilst shouting into their radios as they communicated the situation to the bridge.
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| Funchal pulls backwards as her bow lightly scrapes the quayside |
Funchal was swinging towards the quay at a steady speed. Her bow touched the gates on the quayside and there was a loud groan of metal on rubber as she brushed the quay, but with her engines in reverse her crew were able to narrowly avoid what could have been a far worse collision.
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| A lucky escape: Funchal finally clears the quay with only very minor superficial damage |
There was no significant damage to the ship, although light scrapes could be seen at the forward end of her bow, from contact with the quay.
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| Funchal's sleek bow is an impressive sight |
After the situation calmed down (the above 5 photos were taken around 30 seconds apart) I was able to watch Funchal as she slid stern-first into Byfjorden, before turning and making her way to Avonmouth in the UK to complete her cruise.
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| Funchal pulls out into Byfjorden on her departure from Bergen |
Unfortunately her onward voyage was not without incident, and due to a large storm in the Irish Sea, Funchal was forced to cancel her planned arrival into Avonmouth, and instead docked at Liverpool, where passengers for the next cruise were transferred by bus.
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