Want some winter sun without flying? A cruise from Southampton to the Canary Islands can be a great option. You simply board in the UK and, a few days later, can be walking around Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote.
1. Expect around 12 to 14 nights
The Canary Islands are a long way from Southampton, so most round-trip cruises take around two weeks.
You will usually have several sea days at the beginning and end of the cruise as the ship travels down through the Atlantic.
That makes these cruises particularly good for people who enjoy the ship itself rather than simply seeing it as transport between ports.
2. You can visit several islands in one holiday
A typical itinerary can include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma.
Madeira is often included too, even though it is Portuguese rather than part of the Canary Islands.
Some cruises also stop in places such as Lisbon, Cádiz, Vigo or La Coruña on the way there or back.
That means you can experience several very different destinations without unpacking your suitcase more than once.
3. Autumn and winter are particularly popular
Canary Islands cruises are especially appealing from autumn through to spring.
While the weather in Southampton might be cold and wet, the Canary Islands can offer much milder temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
P&O Cruises regularly operates Canary Islands sailings from Southampton on ships such as Iona, Britannia and Ventura.
Cunard also offers Canary Islands cruises on Queen Anne.
Christmas and New Year sailings can be particularly popular for people looking for a different way to spend the festive period.
4. They can be a good choice for families
Two weeks might sound like a long time on a ship with children, but choosing the right cruise ship makes a big difference.
Large ships such as Iona offer swimming pools, entertainment, children’s clubs, restaurants and plenty of activities.
Ventura is another family-friendly option, with sports, games and organised activities for children.
Queen Anne offers something a little different. It has children’s clubs and family facilities but has a calmer and more traditional Cunard atmosphere.
For families, the sea days can actually be a chance to slow down rather than rushing around sightseeing every day.
5. Think carefully about the sea days
The biggest advantage and disadvantage of sailing to the Canary Islands from Southampton is the same thing: the journey.
You will spend several full days at sea.
If you enjoy swimming, reading, eating, seeing shows and relaxing, that can be one of the best parts of the holiday.
If your main aim is to reach guaranteed sunshine as quickly as possible, flying directly to Tenerife or Gran Canaria may suit you better.
A Southampton cruise works best when you see the ship and the journey as part of the holiday.
Which Canary Islands cruise from Southampton is best?
For families, Iona and Ventura are both worth considering because there is plenty to keep children entertained.
For couples looking for something more traditional, Queen Anne is an attractive option.
It is also worth looking for an itinerary that includes Madeira alongside Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. The islands are very different from one another, so visiting several makes the long journey south feel worthwhile.
A cruise that also includes Lisbon or Cádiz can feel like two holidays in one.
See current sailings on the official P&O Cruises website and Cunard website.
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