Canary Islands Cruises

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Scattered 70 miles off the coast of Africa, the Canaries combine European sophistication with a superb African climate. The islands are known for their year-round warmth, which is why a Canaries cruise is the perfect adventure for sun worshippers or those who wish to swim, sail, snorkel or simply stroll their way around magnificent landscapes. [ReadMoreMob]

This dramatic region is beyond most people’s expectations. The varied landscapes include the subtropical national park of La Gomera, the cascades of La Palma’s waterfalls and the pine canopy across Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior. Vistas that are in stark contrast to the barren lands of Tenerife - home to majestic Mount Teide - and the extravagant rock formations of Lanzarote’s lava fields. The Canaries offers a broad range of accessible outdoor activities. Many visitors enjoy hiking the signposted footpaths that criss-cross the islands, or to vary the pace with horse rides, boat trips and rounds of golf. [ReadMoreDesk]

While the Canary Islands may not offer the punch of galleries and museums of mainland Spain, there is much in the way of culture and art across the islands. The region’s architecture is also a draw for visitors, as the Canaries’ characteristic wooden balconies, leafy patios and brightly-painted façades around every turn are a joy to discover. All of which can be taken advantage of on a memorable Canary Islands cruise.

Top Experiences

Arrecife, Spain

Lanzarote Volcanoes

Covering over 12,600 acres of land, the legendary Timanfaya National Park is a geological wonderland of steaming volcanic tuff, fascinating rock formations and striking volcanic cones glowing in a variety of colours. The park can be explored by camel, too.

César Manrique

The Manrique Cactus Garden features over 1,000 species. Constructed on a volcanic ash quarry, the terraced garden was the artist’s final project and is arranged in the shape of a large amphitheatre, framing its inhabitants against a stunning backdrop.

Jameos del Agua

This rock formation is the result of a lava tube cooling into the sea around 5,000 years ago. The cave has since been converted into a majestic auditorium, including underground gardens and a beautiful clear azure lake. Blind crabs are endemic here.

Gran Tarajal, Spain

World Biosphere Reserve

Volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and the largest desert in Europe are among some of the natural features that have earned Fuerteventura its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island is also one of 50 paleontological sites of global importance.

Goat’s Cheese

With more goats than people living on Fuerteventura, it’ll come as no surprise that the island is renowned for its goat’s cheese. Majorero cheese, in particular, is a must-try. Also known as Queso Fuerteventura, it’s semi-hard with a nutty, milky flavour.

Entallada Lighthouse

Built in 1953, this unique lighthouse was the last of its kind in the Canary Islands to be constructed as a habitable dwelling. Sitting atop a 200-metre-high cliff at the end of a narrow, winding road, it’s the closest point to Africa in the Canaries.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Sand Dunes at Maspalomas

This iconic 400-hectare stretch of dunes is part of a beautiful low coastline of sandy beaches and shallow waters. Despite the desert-like climate, rare plants can thrive, alongside lizards and rabbits. The dunes have been protected for over 100 years.

Pine forests

The Canary Island pine uses its needles to condense moisture from the air (which falls as rain), allowing it to grow high in the mountains of Gran Canaria. The needles also protect the trees from fires by burning quickly before heat damages the growing buds.

Canary Wrinkly Potatoes with Mojo

Papas arrugadas (Canarian wrinkly potatoes) is an authentic Canarian potato dish, typically served with a chili pepper and garlic sauce called ‘mojo rojo’. Boiling the potatoes in salt water creates the shrivelled, ‘wrinkly’ effect.

San Sebastian, Spain

Links to Fred. Olsen

The Fred. Olsen Group has historical links to the Canary Islands, having had operations here since 1904. In Gomera, you will find a road named Paseo Fred Olsen, a ferry service, and a family-owned hotel - Hotel Jardin Tecina.

Landscape

While much of La Gomera is rocky and mountainous, the island is also home to lush valleys, palm trees, banana plantations, black sand beaches, forests and even a tropical
jungle in the Garajonay National Park. La Gomera has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Christopher Columbus

Columbus and his crews used this island as a port of call on their voyages both to India and to Central and South America.

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Biosphere Reserve

La Palma retains a unique edge over the rest of the Canary Islands, boasting the most glorious flowers, the most worthwhile walking trails and the clearest skies. It’s Biosphere Reserve status has deservedly covered the entire island since 2002.

Stargazing

As the first 'starlight reserve', La Palma represents a perfect place to stargaze, as various lighting laws are in place to ensure it retains its unique status. The observatories at Roque de los Muchachos contain the largest optical telescope in the world.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Mount Teide

Standing over 3,700 metres tall within Teide National Park, Mount Teide dominates the landscape of Tenerife and is the highest mountain in Spain. A cable car ride to the summit affords unprecedented views over this geological treasure and beyond.

Pyramids of Güímar

These six terraced structures made of lava stone are believed to date back to the 19th century AD. So much mystery surrounds the pyramids in terms of their origin, but according to researchers, they are aligned astronomically with the winter and summer solstices.

Historic banana trade

Tenerife is the largest banana exporter in the Canaries. At the plantations, you’ll be in touch with Fred. Olsen history. The family were involved in the fruit trade between the UK and the Canaries, and in naming ‘Canary Wharf’, the quay where the ships landed.

Ports

Arrecife

View of Las Plamas with red flower bush, Spain

Las Palmas

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura

Traditional building with balcony flowers, Spain

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Beautiful coastal view of Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Reviews

Interested in booking one of our cruises? Why not have a look at our latest Feefo trusted reviews for this destination and see what other guests have said about their experience.

Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks (L1933)

Trusted Customer (27/03/2020)

Service Rating:

Fabulous Funchal

Staff amazing food amazing service amazing. Weather good for December. No complaints

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Miss Selby (10/03/2020)

Service Rating:

Poisoned

It was pretty much as expected until I got food poisoning on board. This was definitely as a result of eating the ship's food. I was then confined to my cabin for 24 hours. The boat refused to acknowledge any responsibility. I was offered a 'reward' of £80 against another cruise with restrictions that were so tight it was impossible to use. Then I complained to the UK HQ and have yet to receive so much as an acknowledgement.

Product Rating:

See comments above wrt food poisoning.

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Ms Alexander (06/03/2020)

Service Rating:

Like coming home again to be back onboard Black Watch.

I would absolutely recommend Fred Olsen's Black Watch. It is the friendliest of ships and the entire crew from the Captain to the entire staff could not have been more helpful and pleasant. It's been a while since I last did a "Fred" cruise (pre refurbishment in fact) and I was pleased to find the friendly warm atmosphere on Black Watch was still there. Fred Olsen has managed to retain the atmosphere of "real cruising" and not contributed to the massive "floating blocks of flats" that many people today think of as cruising. That's not for me! The entertainment was top notch and varied. (I still can't quite fathom how the Show Company dancers and singers managed not to drop anyone when performing on a rolling ship!) What a splendid troupe of young entertainers they are. I particularly enjoyed the activity "Singing for Fun" with them. The cuisine and choice of food was, as ever, excellent. Though I felt the seating in Brigadoon was rather cramped at lunch times. This in no way spoiled the excellent quality of food available - I just felt a bit sorry for the staff. All in all really relaxing holiday.

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Trusted Customer (02/03/2020)

Service Rating:

Good bu apoiled by noise

They had excellent speakers The catering, food and service were very good in flavour, range of choice and courteous service. BUT the musack/noise playing on the ship was AWFUL. We used to enjoy sitting in the Observatory Lounge on previous cruises. We appreciated the sea and the peaceful quiet, after working pressures. That has changed with a continuous nasty repeated loop of canned noise. I observed other people were not sitting in the observatory except when the 10pm quiz was on, they then left. I asked 3 times to have it turned off or down and was told it could not be. It began to affect my mental wellbeing. Only quiet place was Deck 7 and it was packed. We will not be back if this is a permanent feature on Fred Olsen LInes.

Product Rating:

As I wrote: Horrible noise in Observatory Lounge spoiled the place. Great speakers Good meals, flavours and courteous service

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Mr Galloway (28/02/2020)

Service Rating:

Excellent, Couldn't fault it

Very well looked after by all staff. Ship was immaculate.

Product Rating:

Good itinerary. Very prompt

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Mr Selby (26/02/2020)

Service Rating:

The experience was excellent all round, especialy the embarkation and disembarkation which due to current health conditions was the first time e had to se the system. We have trvelled many times before and felt that the service and staff were all up to the very high standards we expected. If our health holds up we will certainly travel again.

Product Rating:

We had been to all the ports before and found it a bit mundane, however the total excperience was excellent.

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Trusted Customer (25/02/2020)

Service Rating:

Very good

Lovely, friendly ship - especially good for solos - and outstanding staff. Food, in the main, very good. Entertainment and lectures on this cruise a bit below par.

Product Rating:

Overall very good. Why, however, did we have to leave Cadiz so early? Lisbon too. Initially I had a deck 3 cabin and experienced AWFUL maintenance noise from below. After several complaints, I was moved to deck 5 which was brilliant, but I shouldn't have had to suffer the noise for about 3 days. The only other serious downside was the public announcements given by the Cruise Director one day when we were in port - either Gran Canaria or Lanzarote - regarding the shuttle buses. They were deafening and went on and on and on. We were trying to enjoy our breakfast outside and the whole experience was totally ruined. The singers and dancers weren't anywhere near as good as on my previous two cruises.

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Trusted Customer (25/02/2020)

Service Rating:

Loved our cruise with Fred Olsen!

Such a friendly, small ship, lovely crew. we were very well fed and entertained.

Product Rating:

Just enjoyed the whole experience.

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Mr Pillans (25/02/2020)

Service Rating:

lots

Product Rating:

Islands of the Canaries (W2002)

Mrs Leeming (25/02/2020)

Service Rating:

Departs: Southampton • Tue 22 Dec 2020
15 nights • Balmoral • L2033

Sailing to the gorgeous, sun-kissed islands of the Canaries and Madeira to uncover a seemingly endless list of highlights, you’ll experience a magical, memorable and laidback festive season.
Spend Christmas at sea, indulging with delicious food, festivity and fantastic entertainment; then enjoy a relaxing and rewarding Boxing Day exploring the scenic trails and floral gardens of Madeira.
In the Canaries, visits to four spectacular destinations renowned for their year-round warmth, breathtaking beaches and volcanic landscapes culminates with a spectacular New Year’s celebration in Tenerife.

From £1,999pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

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0800 035 5130

Reservations
0800 035 5130
Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed
Call us free today
Customer support

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Canary Islands Cruises

Top Experiences

Arrecife, Spain

Lanzarote Volcanoes

César Manrique

Jameos del Agua

Gran Tarajal, Spain

World Biosphere Reserve

Goat’s Cheese

Entallada Lighthouse

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Sand Dunes at Maspalomas

Pine forests

Canary Wrinkly Potatoes with Mojo

San Sebastian, Spain

Links to Fred. Olsen

Landscape

Christopher Columbus

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain

Biosphere Reserve

Stargazing

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Mount Teide

Pyramids of Güímar

Historic banana trade

Ports

Reviews

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