Joining other invited guests I took a tour of the cruise ship Funchal and enjoyed luncheon onboard when she came back from her South to the Sun cruise.

Passengers taking a cruise from Falmouth in August will be travelling on a ship steeped rich in maritime history as Funchal served as the presidential yacht for Portugal in the early stages of her distinguished career.

Funchal has undergone a multi-million pound refit and refurbishment programme bringing her in line with the latest international safety regulations. The classic ocean liner has been refurbished to a very good standard.

For those who want the glitz and glamour found on the larger cruise ships, which can carry 3,000 passengers plus 2,000 crew, then Funchal is not the ship for them. The vessel probably best suits the first-time cruisers or the more mature passenger wanting to relax in the intimate atmosphere on a smaller much friendlier vessel.

The standard of the food and wine from the Douro region of Portugal, which I enjoyed was commendable, served by smart, attentive and courteous stewards some of whom sailed on the Van Gogh cruise ship from Falmouth.

The 10,000-ton Funchal has four bars, well-appointed lounges, a dedicated smoking room and a reading room. Right aft on the promenade deck is a large, open space for sunbathing or just relaxing by the poolside.

On August 11, Funchal returns for a further cruise – Madeira, Canary Islands and Casablanca – a 12-night cruise to Oporto, Funchal, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Casablanca, Lisbon, Falmouth.