P&O Ventura Cruise: Funchal Day 2 & Epicurean Restaurant Review

Funchal Port Challenges

• ⚠️ Plans to meet friends in Funchal were canceled due to bad weather, including heavy rain and high winds.
• ⚓ A broken gangway caused long queues for disembarkation, and people with mobility issues were barred from leaving the ship due to significant ship movement.

Onboard Activities & Preparations

• 🚫 Many areas of the ship, including Deck 7 and Metropolis, were closed or unavailable for filming or access.
• ☕ A disappointing coffee experience with excessive froth and poor taste led to a complaint.
• 💊 Anticipating a bumpy departure, seasickness tablets were taken in preparation for the evening.

Celebrating an Anniversary

• 🎉 The couple celebrated their 40th anniversary of being together while onboard.
• 🥂 They enjoyed prosecco, crisps, and a Christmas film in their cabin due to the inclement weather.

Epicurean Dining Review

• 🍽️ The evening featured dinner at the Epicurean restaurant, experienced amidst noticeable wobbly ship conditions.
• 🍲 Starters included a cheesy mousse and a tasty but only warm leek and potato soup.
• 🥩 Main courses were cooked beef and sirloin steak, with observations on doneness, accompanying vegetables, and a preference for fewer tomatoes.
• 🍦 Desserts featured creme brulee and a white chocolate sphere with a surprise inside, preceded by a lemon sorbet pre-dessert.

Overall Dining Impressions

• ✨ While the meal was good, the overall Epicurean experience felt like it had less "sparkle" or "theater" compared to previous visits.
• 🔊 The restaurant music was initially too loud but was kindly adjusted upon request.
• 🚢 The ship's departure from Funchal was accompanied by rain and a tugboat, with the captain advising continued use of seasickness tablets.