Arrecife Cruises

Castillo San Gabrielle Castle and Puente de las Bolas Bridge, Arrecife
Castillo San Gabrielle Castle and Puente de las Bolas Bridge, Arrecife
Castillo San Gabrielle Castle, Arrecife

The bustling port of Arrecife on Lanzarote’s east coast is home to the biggest fishing fleet in the Canaries. Back in the 16th and 17th centuries the city was regularly attacked by pirates. To defend against these raiders, the court of Spain ordered two castles to be built. The first built in 1590, Castillo San Gabriel, now houses the island’s Ethnographic Museum, which tells the fascinating story of the islands' original inhabitants: the Guanche.  [ReadMoreMob]

Castillo San Jose followed later, providing employment and alleviating poverty on the island following volcanic eruptions in the 1730s - it became known as the Fortress of Hunger. Today, it is home to the Museum of International and Contemporary Art, with a small but impressive collection of modern paintings and sculpture. The excellent restaurant in its basement offers diners panoramic views over the harbour. Today, Arrecife is a quirky hotchpotch of sun-bleached buildings and has a pleasant Mediterranean-style promenade.

Cruises to Arrecife

Exploring Cape Verde & the Canaries

Exploring Cape Verde & the Canaries

Departs: Southampton, United Kingdom • Fri 29 Jan 2021
18 nights • Balmoral • L2103

  • Immerse yourself in the colourful history and culture of Cape Verde; discover the iconic attractions of sun-kissed Canary Islands; and enjoy time to explore picturesque Portugal, on this epic 18-night adventure.
  • Be captivated by the African and Portuguese influences of Praia and Mindelo, where you can unearth fascinating archaeology, browse bustling authentic markets, indulge in traditional music, and much more.
  • In the Canaries, a smorgasbord of highlights await with calls to Tenerife and Lanzarote, including mighty Mount Teide and Timanfaya National Park; while there are chances to explore Madeira, Lisbon and Oporto too.

Sorry, this cruise has been cancelled.

Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth

Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth

Departs: Southampton • Tue 02 Feb 2021
14 nights • Balmoral • L2103B

  • After all the excitement, stress and strain of the hectic festive season, this enticing escape to the winter warmth of the beautiful Canaries and Madeira is the perfect way to settle into the new year.
  • You’ll have chances to unwind on Gran Canaria’s golden sands; marvel at the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife and Lanzarote; explore the verdant lands of La Palma; and stimulate your senses with Madeira’s fragrant gardens.
  • Before and after your island hopping adventures, two picturesque mainland cities provide plenty of highlights: Lisbon and La Coruña boast an abundance of architectural, historical and cultural delights.

From £1,599pp

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Offers available on selected fares and grades
Exploring the Canaries & Madeira

Exploring the Canaries & Madeira

Departs: Southampton • Mon 01 Mar 2021
13 nights • Balmoral • L2105

  • Recover from the long, cold winter with an indulgent island-hopping adventure in early spring, visiting five diverse destinations for soothing seasonal warmth, spectacular scenery and plenty of attractions.
  • Start things off with the lush, verdant landscapes, sweet smelling tropical gardens, and scenic trails of Madeira; then visit four breathtaking Canary Islands on consecutive days.
  • You can explore biosphere reserves and stargaze at La Palma; take in Tenerife’s Pyramids of Güímar and mighty Mount Teide; revel in Gran Canaria’s renowned warmth; and trail Lanzarote’s astonishing, lunar-like landscapes.

From £1,499pp

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Offers available on selected fares and grades
Exploring the Canaries & Madeira

Exploring the Canaries & Madeira

Departs: Newcastle • Thu 01 Apr 2021
16 nights • Balmoral • L2109

  • Unearth the true essence of the Canaries and Madeira, as you sail between five diverse islands to savour a tempting menu of arresting landscapes, glorious beaches and soothing spring warmth.
  • After an Easter weekend to remember, including three restful sea days and a chance to explore pretty Oporto, you get to experience Madeira’s fragrant gardens and lush landscapes in resplendent seasonal bloom.
  • The breathtaking attractions of four inspiring Canary Islands await discovery: highlights include the volcanic wonders of Tenerife and Lanzarote; Gran Canaria’s oasis-like sand dunes; and La Palma’s Los Tilos forest.

From £1,899pp

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Four Ladies in Lisbon with the Canaries

Four Ladies in Lisbon with the Canaries

Departs: Dover • Mon 18 Oct 2021
15 nights • Bolette • T2125

  • Experience an enriching, in-depth discovery of the Canaries, with consecutive visits to five of the archipelago’s most beautiful, vibrant and culture-rich islands.
  • Enjoy time in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and Lanzarote to seek-out volcanic wonders, sample local culture or perhaps simply relax in the sunshine on glorious beaches.
  • What’s more, there’s also a special visit to Portugal’s capital, to experience a memorable day of celebration and festivity at the unmissable ‘Four Ladies in Lisbon’ event.

From £1,899pp

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Offers available on selected fares and grades
Winter Warmth of the Canaries

Winter Warmth of the Canaries

Departs: Portsmouth • Wed 17 Nov 2021
13 nights • Balmoral • L2136

  • Visiting four fabulous islands with a wealth of breathtaking attractions, you’re in for an incredible journey of Canarian discovery on board Balmoral.
  • Volcanic landscapes will beg for your exploration at La Palma, Tenerife and Lanzarote, while enchanting forest, mysterious pyramids, subterranean caverns and much more awaits you too.
  • There’s also a visit Madeira, to explore famous botanical gardens and unique walking routes; and you might even witness the awe-inspiring wonder of the Leonids meteors at night.

From £1,499pp

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Offers available on selected fares and grades
Canary Islands Winter Escape

Canary Islands Winter Escape

Departs: Liverpool • Tue 07 Dec 2021
14 nights • Borealis • S2128

  • Prepare for the busy festive period on a pre-Christmas getaway packed with the sun, sand and sights of a string of gorgeous islands.
  • Tenerife is sure to be a highlight; an extended stay timed to offer a chance to witness the magical ‘shooting stars’ of the Geminid Meteor Shower.
  • You could also see Mount Teide in Tenerife; explore the volcanic landscapes and verdant forests of La Gomera, La Palma and Lanzarote; and indulge in the warmth and laid-back lifestyle of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

From £1,499pp

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Offers available on selected fares and grades
Canaries Christmas & New Year

Canaries Christmas & New Year

Departs: Liverpool • Tue 21 Dec 2021
14 nights • Borealis • S2129

  • Escape to sunnier climes for a magical and memorable festive season filled with unforgettable island sights, experiences and spectacular celebrations.
  • Enjoy a magical Christmas, with a feast of fun, food, and festivity on board Borealis and time in Tenerife; and see in 2022 with one of the world’s greatest New Year’s fireworks displays in Madeira.
  • In between the Christmas and New Year celebrations, there are visits to four beautiful, culture rich islands on consecutive days – Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera await.

From £2,299pp

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Canaries & Madeira Winter Warmth

Canaries & Madeira Winter Warmth

Departs: Southampton • Wed 05 Jan 2022
14 nights • Balmoral • L2201

  • Enjoy the comfort of Balmoral and the soothing warmth of the Canaries and Madeira – the perfect way to escape the winter cold and recover from the hectic festive period.
  • Uncover the delights of Madeira, with its tropical gardens and lush landscapes, and gorgeous Gran Canaria, famed for its tropical climate and oasis-like beaches.
  • Four days of engrossing Canary Island discovery includes a visit to Tenerife, home of mighty Mount Teide and the mysterious Pyramids of Güímar, and lunar-like Lanzarote too.

From £1,699pp

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Canaries & Portugal with Funchal Flower Parade

Canaries & Portugal with Funchal Flower Parade

Departs: Newcastle • Mon 02 May 2022
16 nights • Balmoral • L2211

  • Experience the excitement and traditions of Madeira Flower Festival, and immerse yourself in a fusion of floral colour, fragrance and beauty, on this very special springtime cruise celebration.
  • Explore Madeira’s lush landscapes and tropical gardens too; and seek out horticultural wonders – such as Tenerife’s poison gardens and the cactus gardens of Lanzarote – in the Canaries.
  • You can also delight in the maritime history of La Coruña and Lisbon, Portugal’s capital; and visit Claude Monet’s iconic house and gardens from Honfleur.

From £1,999pp

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