Like how the Canary Islands are a part of Spain, the island of Madeira is part of Portugal, and is about 310 miles (500 km) north of Tenerife. So we arrived in early afternoon and stayed the night. Trivia: soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Madeira.

Madeira is a very pretty island. Fortunately we arrived during the last weekend of the annual flower festival. We World Cruisers had a quick tour and then a dinner event.

We zipped to the central park.

A local festival thing is “flower carpets” sponsored by local organizations (business, school, church). They are rolled out right on the main sidewalk.

Our tour included a glass on poncha – a mix of rum and fruit juice, typically orange. It’s the traditional “fix what ails you” drink in Madeira. You got the sniffles? Poncha. Allergies? Poncha. Sprained ankle? Poncha.

We then traveled to dinner where we sat at tables with lovely centerpieces and entertained by a jazz trio.

There were two rounds of dancing “Flower Girls”. Seems the dresses are uniquely made every year. Here the younger team is peeking into the tent and captured by one of my cruise mates.

Then the older team came on. I think they were hired strictly on their ability to swish their dresses.

We then had our farewell with the ship’s officers – they took care of us for 144 days. They deserve the recognition.

Next is the Portugal mainland. Only two ports left.