We had a nice time on this cruise. The weather was perfect. The ports were small and doable in the 6 short hours allotted. Because schools had started, the cruisers were mostly quiet older people.
We spent no extra money on food. The dining available in the complimentary dining room and the buffet was more than adequate. Mostly we ate at our white tableclothed 6pm seating, a lovely table by the window overlooking the water (or port). Lots of choices and good service. The problem with the Windjammer buffet was the lack of tables. No matter when you came it was a scramble to find somewhere to sit. Not pleasant while balancing food and drink and leaving one of your party to hold the table if you did find one.
The main downside for me was the constant trying to sell you something else, whether photos, a bottle of water (really?!), more food, and so on. Getting on the ship was like walking on a beach in Mexico. I had the nicest foot reflexology massage at the spa, but a bit ruined by her wanting to sell me a brush, lotion, oil, and so on. Paying top dollar for the service so really do not need the hard sell.
This was a nice cabin. Loved the balcony in the warm weather we had. Near the elevators but not on top of them, and at the restaurant end of the ship so not constant walking.
Nice little fishing port. A square and a shopping center right by the ship's dock.
Bustling town. We did an hour Segway Medieval tour with Boost Tours for $40, very professional and fun.
Long walk to shops and cable car. Funchal had a massive fire come over the top of the mountains in August 2016 and the damage is still very evident. The beautiful orchid farm was ruined.
We took the extended trip to Santiago de Compostela, very worth doing if you have not been. Only an hour's drive and an informative tour with enough free time.
I should mention the RC bus transfers cost over $100 per person from/to Heathrow to the ship in Southampton. We booked Smith for Airports at less than $100 for all 3 of us each way. They meet you at the door and whisk you to your hotel, ship, airport or wherever. Great service!
We took the Hop On Hop Off bus on the one loop available. There were some very nice carriages with well kept horses there also but they were gone by the time we got back.