Source Diário de Notícias 11/11/2007

A new ferry boat will almost certainly replace the existing one that runs the service between Madeira and the Canaries Islands in April 2008.

The brand new spanish built ferry 'Volcán of Tijarafe', weighs 20,500 tons and was formally launched on the 30 of August.  The cost of construction was around €90 million.

The 'Volcán of Tijarafe', is a sister ship of the 'Volcán of Tamadaba', currently in service.

The new ferry measures 154.35 meters in length, and has a maximum capacity of 1,501 passengers, with 100 staterooms, for a maximum of 300 beds.  It can also transport 500 light vehicles. 

Madeira was also previously served by the ship 'Volcan of Timanfaya' .

Sorry, but I have a motive for choosing this news item.

Have any readers actually tried the ferry? I ask because people tell me its cheaper (and obviously quicker) to fly. It's something I would like to try in 2008, but although I would enjoy the voyage, I am not sure I would want to spend so much time at sea in what would probably be a fairly short holiday.

http://www.madeira4u.com