Funchal, Maderia - Doing a food tour with company, or on your own?

[RiceAndKimchi]

I have a cruise stop in Funchal (MSC Poesia, Oct 28).  It says it is there from 4pm-10pm. 

 

There is this food tour that is looking interesting (Madeira Food, Wine, & Culture Tour 2024 (viator.com)).  it is about 4 hours, from 5pm-9pm.  

 

But the meetup spot is about a 30 min walk depending on where the ship docks on the port (so could be bit shorter if closer to land, or longer if docks at the end of the port strip).  But it also doesn't take into account if the ship even gets there in time, and when I can get off the ship, which is what I am worried about most.  So just because MSC says 4pm, I am not sure if they mean that to be open cruise ship doors to leave time, or when the ship comes into the harbor and docks (I am not sure how long the process takes from the ship docking to allowing people to walk off).  And cruisemapper states the ship to be there from 5pm-10pm (though I am more inclined to believe MSC).

 

So not sure if I should even try the excursion?  (I have to make a decision 24 hours before, otherwise, non-refundable).  But maybe was thinking on just getting some recommendations for places/restaurants to try out?

 

I am not sure what else to try out there since we get in so late.  Lot of people say go up mountain on the cable car, but that closes at 5:45pm.  MSC's cruise excursion possibilities leaves much to be desired.  (Then again, MSC's excursion offerings as a whole is kinda pathetic if you ask me.  Only 4 options per port, but I digress)