Last night we saw the fireworks. Several people have said over the last week or so how fantastic they are, and even the Captain's enthusiasm and determination to get here on time couldn't be disguised. Like many things, though, I couldn't imagine how a firework display might transcend others that I'd seen. The Stockton-on-Tees fireworks this year were pretty amazing (as they were last year); surely all this is just hype - isn't it?

Not so.

I can honestly say last night's display was one of the most awesome things I've ever seen in my entire life. We arrived off Funchal at about 10:20pm, at the tail end of our formal Hogmanay Dinner in the Dining Room, and during showtime in the Grand Ballroom. As the show ended, passengers slowly made their way upon deck, where a live band played and complementary glasses of champagne were being freely distributed. There were about 5 other cruise ships in the harbour, including The Saga Ruby, which was staying for the fireworks but would be leaving immediately afterwards because they'd already spent the day in Funchal, and the Fred Olsen Ship, 'The Black Watch'. It became obvious very quickly that positioning was crucial, and ships continued to manouvre themselves in attempt to try and bag the best positions and ensure no-one was blocking anyone else, right up until the last few minutes before midnight. I found myself a position on the highest point I could find and checked that my video camera was on a stable surface. The tension in the air was tangible; you could sense the anticipation in the air as the minutes ticked by, and passengers awaited the sound of the ship's bell.

At exactly midnight, they started. Many had wondered, looking at the shoreline; where exactly would the fireworks would be launched from? Funchal is a large, sprawling city, clothing the hillside right up into the high mountains. House lights and Christmas lights twinkled - and the odd early rocket from private parties shot up into the air. The answer to the question was: everywhere! The entire length of the city as far as the eye could see, became a shimmering blaze of light. Not one or two points of source, but 10 or a dozen, or more. Fireworks of your dreams. They were FANTASTIC!!! Being reflected in the sea enhanced the effect even more so. Had the 2000-odd mile trans-atlantic journey been worth it? You bet your life it was!!! For about 20 magical minutes, the sky above Madeira glowed, sparkled, exploded and crackled, and with one final rash of high-energy, blinding flashes and cracks, it was over. 2008 had truly been brought in in style.

The partying went on until about 2:30am. During this time, the ship came into dock, and the clearance awaited for. Whilst many headed off for their cabins and much need sleep, about half a dozen of us late-night revellers decided to go ashore as soon as clearance was granted. It was plain to see, even from the ship, that the party was still going on on the mainland and we wanted to be a part of it. By 'we', I'm referring to Peter Fisher, our virtuosos violinist, Dulcie and her friend June, the ship's Pastry Chef, whose name I don't know (he's German) and Steve, the bloke who'd entertained us with stories of The Royals the other night.

At 3:10am, we went ashore - and Funchal was indeed stil buzzing!!! We strolled into town, taking pictures of the Christmas Lights, dodging the revellers and resisting the lure of the pulsating night-clubs. A live band were still playing on a huge stage erected in one of the squares, to hundreds of people who were dancing and enjoying themselves and not looking like they were planning on going home to bed soon. We were actually quite restrained and well behaved, but pleased with ourselves that we'd taken the trouble to see the city at its liveliest. Funchal is celebrating 500 years of existence, and so this year's celebrations were extra special, apparently.

I hit the sack at some minutes after 5am.

Several folks had mooted the idea of creating a short excursion of our own for New Year's Day. There were 4 official tours, none of which I'd been asked to join as an escort - such is the problem of joining a cruise halfway through - so I was more than happy to join the small band of lecturers and entertainers on a trip up the mountainside on a cable-car. The trip lasted about 15 minutes and cost €14.50 return, and was well worth every cent. At the top there are wonderful views across Funchal, a botanical garden and an old church. Also, from here, it is possible to take what they describe as a bobsleigh ride, down the hill for 2km, but there were no takers today.

Lunch at an outdoor table of one of the small restaurants along the front capped the day off nicely (the service was so slow that by the time we'd finally been served and the meal eaten, it was time  to be heading on back towards the Rose).

An announcement from the Captain a short while ago, just before setting sail, has confirmed the worse: He referred to the storm that is heading in a South-Easterly direction and is due to hit us at around midnight tomorrow evening. He's been tracking it, and decided; instead of hugging the coast of Portugal and meeting it head-on in the Bay of Biscay, to head directly North and try to minimise conditions by catching its tail-end, where the swell should be smaller and the winds less severe. He has warned us that 24-hours of tracking weather conditions is like 24-hours in politics; difficult to predict with any great accuracy, and highly volatile. Passengers have been advised to batten-down their belongings and make their cabins as safe as possible. We're due to arrive in Southampton on Saturday morning, but the journey ain't over until we get there - things are probably going to get a little rough over the next few days!!

well you certainly know how to do it in style, sounds like one of the best New Years you've ever had!You party animal 5 a.m lovl!!! Glad you had a fantastic time!
My best ever New Year was spent in Glencoe staying at the doss Next to the Kings House hotel, we had about 8" or more of snow!!!Spending it with aload of Glaswegians & English guys & girls too, perfect company! and jake was with me too!

see you soon & have a safe journey back!
CaZ xXx

hi the picture is fantastic, you never mentioned whether you got a piper for hogmanay or not! just picture the poor bloke frantically learning to pipe - hopefully not under the dripping roof! have a good trip back - no hurricane i hope though with this cruise i wouldnt be surprised c u soon