Canary Islands Cruises In 2024, 2025 & 2026

Best Canary Islands Cruise Destinations

You can visit all of the big six islands within the Canaries, although generally you'll only have 4 or so in an itinerary. So if you've never been to La Gomera and want to try the whistling language, or you just want to relax on the soft sandy beaches of Fuerteventura, be sure to book the right itinerary for you.

Tenerife

The main port for cruise ships on Tenerife is Santa Cruz de Tenerife which is in the north of the island. This is in contrast with the south of the island where most British tourist go on a flight and hotel package holiday, to resorts like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje. This can be great if you've been before but never visited the north of the island, including the mountain regions of Anaga Rural Park.

Gran Canaria

Ships visiting Gran Canaria will dock in Las Palmas in the north of the island. This is also in contrast with the popular tourist hotspots like Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles which are on the south of the island. Most ships will visit here as part of their trip and there are plenty of great excursions, but if you just want to relax on the beach, Playa de las Canteras is the closest beach to the port.

Lanzarote

If you've never been before, stopping off at Lanzarote is a great opporunity to see the island, with tours and day trips taking in plenty of sightseeing opportunities like Timanfaya National Park and the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Alternatively you hop off at your own leisure to explore the local area, or chill out at the beach.

Fuerteventura

Puerto del Rosario is the main port in Fuerteventura for cruise ships. From here, you can head up to the amazing sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park, or head inland to explore more of the authentic side of this Spanish island.

La Palma

As the fifth largest of the islands, La Palma offers more of the same, with everything from Muchachos Observatory to dramatic scenery and rugged terrain.

Madeira & The Azores

Although not part of the Canary Islands, Madeira & The Azores are frequent ports of call on cruises to the Canary Islands. As part of Portugal, you'll get a different vibe here, but just as fascinating. And no trip to Madeira is complete without a trip on the famous Madeira Toboggan ride.

Activities & Shore Excursions

For many, a holiday to the Canary Islands is all about the sunshine, especially in the winter months. And you might be inclined to stay onboard the ship in some ports to enjoy a quiet ship and empty sunbeds by the pool, but there are plenty of great trips and organised excursions to try as well.

Sightseeing Tours

Most ports will have a couple of half day or full day sightseeing tours. These can give you a great introduction to each island if you've never been before. You'll meet your coach driver and tour guide at the port and mean you don't have to worry about anything as everything is taken care of.

Sports & Adventure

If you're more of an active sort, there are some great sports and adventure activities to do at each location. From sea kayaking with dolphins to hiking in the mountains, you're bound to have an exhilarating experience.

Beaches

Of course, if you miss the feeling of sand between your toes, you can simple get off and either walk or jump in a taxi to the nearest beach. Just remember to be back on board in time for sail away! TOP TIP: At breakfast, make sandwiches and snacks to take with you to the beach.

Departure Ports

Southampton

If you hate flying, or simply love days at sea, cruises from Southampton to the Canary Islands are a great opportunity to take advantage of all the activities and entertainment on board. From poolside fun to meet-ups and much more. The itineraries will generally be between 10-20 days long, with most around the 12-16 day mark, due to the extra sea days, although you'll be able to take in extra destinations on the way, such as Lisbon, La Coruna and Madeira.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife

For Canary Island fly-cruises, Tenerife is by far the most popular port to start in. You'll likely embark your ship in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north of the island (the main airport for flights from the UK is Tenerife South Airport), and with many packages when you book through P&O Cruises, Cruise 118, Cruise Nation and Marella, you're flights will be included, although check to see if your airport to port transfers are included as this will vary depending on who you book with.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Cruises from Gran Canaria will depart from Las Palmas, about a 30 minute drive from Gran Canaria airport. This means you can take an early flight, land, and board your ship on the same day, however, cruise and stay options are great here allowing you to extend your holiday by a few days in a resort. And why not treat yourself and upgrade to a 5-star resort, or all inclusive hotel.

Cruise Types In The Canaries

Canaries Fly Cruises

If you don't mind flying, fly-cruises are the ideal way to get to your destination quickly. These can be particularly good if you live north of the Midlands when getting to Southampton port can be a bit of a lengthy journey. Instead, you can fly from your local airport and hit the sunshine ASAP.

Adults Only

Like many hotels in the Canary Islands, if you prefer a child-free holiday, an adults only cruise in the Canaries can be ideal. Marella and P&O Cruises both have adults only ships, while brands like Fred Olsen and Saga are aimed at the over 50s traveller.

All Inclusive

There's nothing like heading away on holiday, knowing that you really don't have to spend any more if you don't want to. Several lines offer all inclusive cruises like Marella, while others can allow you to add on things like drinks packages to help ease any onboard spending.

Free Child Places

Family holidays are the perfect time for everyone to be together and have plenty of fun, but they can often cost a lot, especially during the school summer holidays. Certain brands like MSC kids sail free offers which help you cut the cost of your cruise holiday, plus there are some great kids' clubs and activities on board to keep them busy!