Authentic sailing experience
Feel the power of wind in the sails and take part in a real sea adventure – without commercial gimmicks and crowds of tourists.
Round trip from Funchal · 23–28 December 2026
Celebrate Christmas in a truly special way aboard the Santa Maria Manuela, sailing between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. This unique voyage blends the festive spirit with the excitement of traditional sailing, creating unforgettable moments at sea and ashore.
23 December 2026 – 28 December 2026
5 nights
Funchal
Santa Maria Manuela
from€1,225/ person
Celebrate Christmas in a truly special way aboard the Santa Maria Manuela, sailing between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. This unique voyage blends the festive spirit with the excitement of traditional sailing, creating unforgettable moments at sea and ashore.
Route
Funchal – Porto Santo - Funchal
Port
Funchal
A tall ship cruise is more than a journey - it's an experience that stays with you for a long time
Why choose a Tall Ship cruise?
I want to set sail →Closeness to nature and peace
Immerse yourself in a world where time flows slower, and the only sound is the rush of waves and the crack of lines.
Cruises for everyone
Whether you have sailing experience or are taking your first steps on deck – you'll find a cruise tailored to your expectations and abilities.
Diversity of routes and ships
From short Baltic cruises to multi-week transatlantic voyages. Choose a cruise that fits your rhythm and dreams.
Check the voyage itinerary
Funchal, the capital of Madeira on the Atlantic coast, combines maritime scenery, culture, and food. Its harbor and crystal-clear surrounding waters make it a strong sailing stop, while ashore you can explore cobbled streets and vibrant markets. Mercado dos Lavradores is a key place to experience the local culinary scene, with fresh produce, exotic fruits, and Madeira’s black scabbardfish. Local specialties also include bolo do caco, a garlic bread, and Madeira wine. The city’s cultural highlights include the 15th-century Funchal Cathedral and the colorful murals of the old town. For maritime context, visitors can explore the Museum of the History of Madeira or see the Santa Maria, a replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship. Funchal offers a destination where time on the water connects naturally with food, architecture, and maritime history ashore.
Arriving in Funchal, you are met by Madeira’s steep green slopes rising above a broad harbour, with white buildings climbing the hillside and the Atlantic stretching open beyond the breakwaters. Nearby, the old town, waterfront promenade and the terraced landscape above the city give the port a bright, relaxed subtropical feel.
Porto Santo is a relaxing stop known for golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a 9-kilometer beach that is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The island’s therapeutic sands, believed to have healing properties, add a distinctive well-being element to your visit. Beyond the beach, Porto Santo offers historical and cultural interest. A visit to Christopher Columbus’ house, now a museum, highlights the island’s past as a stopping point for explorers. The island is also a good place to enjoy traditional Madeiran cuisine. Local specialties include lambecas, Porto Santo’s popular ice cream, and peixe espada com banana, a dish of black scabbardfish with banana. With its calm atmosphere, cultural heritage, and beautiful coastline, Porto Santo is a memorable destination for a day ashore.
On the night of 23 December, Funchal’s historic Farmers’ Market and surrounding streets host one of Madeira’s most cherished Christmas celebrations. Locals and visitors gather to enjoy music, Christmas carols and a lively atmosphere that continues into the early hours. Colorful stalls offer fruit, flowers, traditional sweets, homemade bread and liqueurs, alongside the typical “carne de vinha-d’alhos”, Madeira’s festive pork speciality. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the island’s flavors and share in its Christmas traditions.
Arriving in Funchal, you are met by Madeira’s steep green slopes rising above a broad harbour, with white buildings climbing the hillside and the Atlantic stretching open beyond the breakwaters. Nearby, the old town, waterfront promenade and the terraced landscape above the city give the port a bright, relaxed subtropical feel.
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Places you'll visit
Funchal
Arriving in Funchal, you are met by Madeira’s steep green slopes rising above a broad harbour, with white buildings climbing the hillside and the Atlantic stretching open beyond the breakwaters. Nearby, the old town, waterfront promenade and the terraced landscape above the city give the port a bright, relaxed subtropical feel.
Frequently asked questions about tall ship cruises and sailing ships
Many leisure and introductory voyages accept guests without sailing experience. Training and expedition voyages may require active participation, minimum ages or a particular level of mobility. Check the operator's conditions for the exact voyage before booking.
Start with the operator's joining instructions because space, dress rules and required equipment vary by ship. Soft luggage, layered clothing, a waterproof outer layer, sun protection and operator-approved non-slip footwear are common recommendations. Ask a medical professional about suitable seasickness precautions if needed.
Choose a cruise on the Cruise Tall Ships site, click the offer and go to the operator's booking page. We do not charge fees – we connect you directly with the cruise organizer.
Choosing a tall ship cruise is more than just booking a vacation; it is an invitation to experience the timeless romance of the sea. Unlike modern, crowded cruise liners, a traditional sailing vessel offers an intimate atmosphere where the sound of the wind in the canvas replaces the hum of engines. Taking part in such a unique voyage allows you to connect with maritime heritage while enjoying the comforts of a modern leisure cruise. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing the horizon from a wooden deck, the spectacular sight of a full press of sail, or the chance to visit hidden coastal gems inaccessible to larger ships, a tall ship voyage offers a sense of freedom that is simply unmatched. It is the perfect choice for travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and a truly luxury sailing experience that stays with them long after they return to shore.
Tall ships cruises take place on many waters: Baltic, North Sea, Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean and others. Each offer indicates the region and route.
Safety rules, vessel certification, briefings and required equipment depend on the ship, flag state, route and operator. Review the operator's current safety information and ask them directly about certification or accessibility before booking.
Follow our website and newsletter – we regularly add new cruises and news. You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive information about offers.
Swimming requirements vary by operator and voyage. Do not assume that a life jacket removes an operator's swimming or mobility requirement; confirm the conditions for the specific departure.
