The first time I cruised around the Canary Islands was a revelation. Unlike previous cruises I’d enjoyed in the Caribbean, there was no pricey long-haul flight to budget for or any jetlag to spoil my first few days onboard. I’ve returned several times since, drawn to the warm weather, pretty port towns and range of adrenalin-fuelled shore excursions possible in the wildly beautiful mountains, forests and national parks of these eight Spanish islands. There’s also wine tastings, historic sights aplenty, countless beaches and some of the best seafood in Europe. It’s no wonder I’m already planning my next cruise to this sun-baked Atlantic archipelago. Here are some of the best to choose from.
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1. Marella Cruises
Best for all-inclusive
Sail away without worrying about the final bill on a Marella cruise to the Canaries. Prices include flights, transfers, food, drinks and even tips as standard, so you can relax and enjoy either the family-friendly Marella Explorer with its open-air cinema and Broadway show lounge, or the adult-only Marella 2 with its large spa, casino and champagne bar. Marella departs from Gran Canaria or Tenerife, time at sea is minimal and most itineraries include a stop in subtropical Madeira, where you can wander the cobblestoned streets of Funchal, ride a cable car to Monte and sample sweet Madeira wine.
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2. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Best for UK departures
There’s no need to even set foot on a plane with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, with regular departures from Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool and Portsmouth. Though be aware that all sailings from the UK spend several days cruising the Atlantic Ocean so it’s worth bringing travel sickness tablets in case of rough weather. However, there’s no risk of boredom at sea as sailings feature guest speakers including astronomer Dr Jenny Shipway and horticulturist Caroline Holmes, while on-board restaurants serve regional Canarian dishes to set the scene before you arrive. Shore excursions focus on the islands’ natural wonders including Lanzarote’s Fire Mountains and Tenerife’s Mount Teide, the highest volcano in Spain.
3. P&O Cruises
Best for families
From whale watching to water parks, the Canaries are an action-packed playground for kids. Get there with P&O and they won’t be fed up on board either. There are four family-friendly ships to choose from (avoid adult-only Arcadia and Aurora), school holiday departures and even early children’s dinners and theatre performances. Plus, five age-specific kids’ clubs so they can make new friends while a night nursery for the under fours means — rejoice! — you can eat dinner in peace. Tempt them onto dry land by booking shore excursions including a camel ride over the dunes in Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park and a surfing lesson on Las Canteras city beach in Gran Canaria.
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4. Oceania Cruises
Best for longer voyages
Looking for something a little more ambitious? Oceania Cruises call at the Canaries as part of several epic voyages all around the world. Try its 14-night Caribbean to the Canaries itinerary, which visits Gran Canaria before finishing in Tenerife; or its 37-night Romantic Atlantic Isles cruise which starts in Miami before heading to the Canaries, Morocco, Scotland and Ireland. There are plenty of bonus extras thrown in on board too, including a drinks package, airport transfers and even free shore excursions plus no surcharges or set times for complete flexibility when dining.
5. Ponant
Best for smaller islands
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Sun-drenched Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the Canaries’ big names and most Ponant cruises depart from one of them. But if you’re keen to explore the archipelago’s lesser-known islands, Ponant offers itineraries in ships with fewer than 300 passengers. These are ideal if you want to swerve the crowds and visit the places most big ships miss. Its Lands of Contrasts sailings include stops in remote El Hierro, a rarely visited Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and La Gomera, where complimentary land excursions include a hike in the Garajonay National Park and a trip to a banana plantation to taste the island’s famous palm honey.
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6. Princess Cruises
Best for longer cruises
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There are no quick Canary whizz-rounds with Princess Cruises but if you have more time to spare, the major ports of Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Arrecife in Lanzarote and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria are included on some of its bucket-list itineraries including the 116-day World Cruise from Florida. The 12-day Canary Islands cruise from Southampton is the shortest option with no flight required. Be sure to book some of the excellent land excursions offered including a half-day tour of Lanzarote’s wine route and an off-road dune buggy adventure in Gran Canaria.
7. Hurtigruten
Best for the adventurous
You don’t need to go all the way to Antarctica to experience an expedition cruise. Hurtigruten offers 21-day trips in either direction from Lisbon to Dakar, stopping off in La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. The cruise includes on board lectures from experts, use of a science centre, library and geological equipment, the loan of boots and trekking poles for shore activities and opportunities to assist with ongoing scientific research. Optional activities on dry land include hiking in La Palma’s Caldera de Taburiente National Park and a visit to La Gomera’s archaeological museum to learn about the Canaries’ indigenous Guanche people.
8. Norwegian Cruise Line
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Best for laid-back cruising
If the idea of dining times and formal dress codes fill you with dread, Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual cruising where you can dine wherever and whenever you prefer. Its on-board entertainment is also brilliant, with inventive theatre shows, full-length musicals, casinos, basketball courts, video arcades and golf driving nets available on its Canaries’ ships, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn. Bear in mind these big ships won’t call to smaller islands but itineraries generally include other major ports such as Gibraltar, Casablanca and Seville with its Moorish architecture, tapas bars and the world’s largest Gothic church.
9. Windstar Cruises
Best for smaller ships
Windstar’s ships offer a more intimate cruising experience, with around 300 guests on board its all-suite yacht Star Pride. Even the shore excursions offered on their regular Captivating Canary Islands sailings prioritise the personal touch with private car island tours, gourmet workshops and visits to local wineries. Looking for something even more exclusive? Choose its Canaries itineraries on Wind Star, a traditional four-masted yacht with just 148 passengers that will feel like your very own boat.
10. Seabourn
Best for luxury
We can’t guarantee you’ll want to get off the ship when it docks if you sail with Seabourn. From swish suites that come with free personalised mini bars and separate bathtubs to an extensive on-board spa from Dr Andrew Weil, the ships feel more like high-end hotels than cruise liners. Premium drinks are included, all restaurants and 24-hour room service are free and there’s even complimentary caviar if that’s a booking deal breaker. Its Canaries itineraries tend to be at least ten days long and include near neighbours including Morocco and Cape Verde but trust us, it won’t be a problem to spend longer on board.
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