Madeira Wildfires Cause Cruise Cancellations

With a wildfire blazing through the Portugese island of Madeira, cruise ship port calls are currently being cancelled.

So far, at least one port call has been cancelled but with more ships due to visit the island in the coming days, it’s likely possible that this number will increase.  Aida Acara, Costa Magica and Fred Olsen’s Balmoral are due to visit in the next few days with P&O’s Aurora and Oriana and Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas due to visit in the next few weeks.

So far, P&O’s Azura has cancelled her visit which was scheduled for today and instead will spend an additional day at sea.

P&O’s Azura has cancelled her scheduled port call to Funchal in Madeira

It’s being reported that the fire started due to exceptionally high temperatures and high winds.  So far, four people have unfortunately lost their lives and hundreds have been injured according to the Weather Channel and Associated Press article.

An evacuation procedure is under way and so far, around 100 residents have been evacuated from the area.

I’ve visited Funchal in Madeira on a couple of occasions (once with NCL on Epic earlier this year and also with Royal Caribbean on Independence of the Seas in 2012) and it’s a beautiful area.  It’s a great port for being able to get off the ship and go for a wander without having to book an excursion – the harbour area is beautiful and there are lots of shopping opportunities too.

Hopefully, the wildfires will soon be under control and the damage limited!  Such a shame for such a beautiful destination.

Are you due to visit Funchal in Madeira soon?