I must start by saying that the cost of this trips is at par with other "boat" tours ... but all similarities to other "boats" ends there ... The ship is a replica of Christopher Columbus' Santa Maria - not a 'pirate ship' - however that being said it does evoke the image of pirates of years gone by. The ship was built on the island between July 1997-July 1998 in the fishing village of Camara de Lobos. The Santa Maria is on Madeira because Christopher Columbus actually visited the island during his years in the Portuguese Merchant navy. Columbus was also fortunate enough to marry a "local" girl - Dona Filipa Perestrello e Moniz daughter of the first governor of Madeira.
The trip that you are taking is by a crew in period dress a bit for history and a bit for sailing and of course lots of fun! ... if you are lucky you will be there on a windy day when the crew will let loose the billowing sails and the ship will sail accompanied by dolpins cavorting in the waves. But even on calm days with no sails you will feel the waves in this ship like in no other ... The seas are typically a lovely temperature to swim (I brought my googles and flippers to get around a little quicker). The waters where the ship stops are clear and allow you a perfect view of the islanders use of terraced planting and utilizing every bit of land possible. Farmers plant year-round crops of tomato, potato, grapes, banana as well as areas where farmers keep some livestock ... ask the crew members they will explain. You must realize by now I have taken a few trips on this particular ship ... it is true whenever I make it to Madeira it is my favorite trip. Colombo the little dog is a joy to watch run around the ship and climb the stairs ... and the two parrots Laura and Bosco are gorgeous and very talkative when they are in the mood! And the crew are wonderful fun especially when the mood strikes and they start to sing! I have seen whales, a turtle and loads of dolphin but the joy of the sail is what brings me back time and again. I hope you take a morning or afternoon to enjoy this trip it really is worth it!

The Madeiran wine and the honey cakes are a nice snack as well and included as part of the price. Other small snacks and drinks are available as well ... and though Colombus didn't have one I believe they just installed a cappuccino maker! I think it would be a special day to have a wedding at sea on this ship but I don't think they have offered this as yet...

The photo jacket was a nice momento for me but the trinkets and pirate type head covers were a hit with my nieces and nephews. So enjoy your stay on Madeira and try out your sea legs on this wonderful trip ... I have and will again (soon in fact I will be there again on May 27 for a month).