Cruising out of Maderia, Portugal

There is something to be said for the majesty of two cruise ships passing each other - especially in close proximity - and even if sped up. :)

You are observing the MSC Sinfonia, built at a cost of $245 million in 2002, she is 903 feet long and can handle 2,163 passengers and 721 crew.

Behind us is the city of Funchal, Mederia - one of our Canary Island Cruise ports on this overcast September afternoon in 2014.

The Sinfonia is part of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world's second-biggest container shipping operator. In addition to being the world's largest privately held cruise company, employing about 23,500 people worldwide and with offices in 45 countries, MSC Cruises is the fourth-largest cruise company in the world, with a 7.2% share of all passengers carried in 2017.

And awaaay we go!