Cruise from England to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands
A cruise to the region of Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands combines unique ports, pleasant weather, and attractions suitable for all ages. The Canary Islands—despite their proximity to each other—differ greatly in terms of landscapes, atmosphere, and touring options. The cruise provides a wonderful opportunity to travel among volcanoes, sand dunes, natural pools, and more, all combined with a cruise on a luxurious and pampering ship that is no less than a floating city where you can find a bit of everything.
Below is a description of a 14-day cruise on the ship Adventure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean. At each of the ship's destinations, you can take independent tours on foot or in a rental car, or you can join organized tours provided by the ship: The cruise departs from the port of Southampton in England. From there, the ship sails to the ports of Gijon and Vigo in northern Spain, Funchal in Madeira belonging to Portugal, and then to four destinations in the Canary Islands: La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
Afterwards, the ship continues to Lisbon and returns to England. You can, of course, combine a multi-day trip in England before or after the cruise.
The ship Adventure of the Seas, launched in 2001, is about 140,000 tons and designed for approximately 3,100 passengers. The ship is part of a five-ship series, the Voyager class, which were considered the largest cruise ships in the world at the time of their construction.
Did you know? On a one-week cruise, the ship uses about 6,000 kg of beef, about 3,600 kg of chicken, over 11,000 kg of flour, about 2,000 kg of sugar, and over 29,000 kg of fresh vegetables. Bon appétit!
Information about the cruise line Royal Caribbean
This is the second largest company in the industry with over twenty large and impressive ships. About half of the company's ships are over 100,000 GRT, including the company's massive ships, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, each with a volume of 220,000 GRT! These ships are the largest in the world. They are about 40 percent larger than the ships that held the record previously, until 2009, also belonging to Royal Caribbean (the three Freedom-class ships).
The company's ships are known for their many impressive and special facilities, such as basketball courts, mini-golf, climbing walls, and even an ice skating rink. A cruise on the company's ships is especially suited for the active traveler who can run between the many activities and impressive facilities without a dull moment. The company especially attracts passengers aged 30-50 and many families.
The company's logo: the Viking Crown, is famous in many ports worldwide. Despite its name, the company has many routes in addition to Caribbean cruises: it also has a strong presence in Europe, Alaska, and other exotic destinations around the world.
Each of the company's ships features a lounge called the "Viking Crown Lounge" located on the highest deck of the ship, offering panoramic views. Additionally, every company ship features a climbing wall, spa, and fitness center.
10 of the company's ships from the "Oasis", "Freedom", and "Voyager" classes (including the Adventure of the Seas, whose route is described above) have a huge indoor shopping mall called the "Royal Promenade" featuring pubs, bars, a café, shops, and entertainment. Colorful parades and "street shows" are held here. On these ships, in addition to regular performances in standard venues, impressive ice skating shows are also held.
The company offers many activities and a selection of social games with passenger participation, both poolside and in various halls.
Royal Caribbean has an extensive and diverse children and youth activity program called Adventure Ocean, held in spacious, designed, and attraction-packed youth and children's rooms.
Ships featuring the "Royal Promenade" offer a new type of room: interior rooms facing the central promenade. These are essentially interior rooms with a window facing the shopping center. These rooms are extremely popular and, along with suites, are the first to sell out.
Itinerary
Departure from the port of Southampton in England, and arrival at the following ports: Gijon, Vigo, Funchal, La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Lisbon. Return to the port of Southampton in England. Total of five sea days and eight varied and successful ports.
Hotels for those interested in a multi-day trip in London before or after the cruise:
Recommended hotels in London:
Cheval Three Quays at The Tower of London
A 5-star aparthotel located near the Tower of London, overlooking the River Thames. The hotel offers well-equipped, modern apartments.
Knightsbridge Hotel
A luxurious 5-star hotel on a quiet street yet in a central location near Hyde Park and London's upscale shopping streets.
Apex City Of London Hotel
A modern 4-star hotel near Tower Bridge with rooms suitable for 2-4 guests, including family rooms.
Park Lane Apartments/Shaw House
A luxurious aparthotel in the heart of Mayfair, located near Hyde Park and Oxford Street. The hotel features 10 apartments in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 bedroom and living room up to 4 bedrooms accommodating up to 9 guests. The high-end apartments include a modern, fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, dishwasher, and washing machine.
Day One: Departure from London to Southampton Port and Boarding the Ship
The journey from the city of London to the port in Southampton takes about two hours. It is advisable to book a private transfer in advance, although you can also book an organized transfer through the cruise line.
Recommended private transfer bookings between London and Southampton from Viator:
♦ Private transfer from London to Southampton: London to Southampton Cruise Terminals Private Port Transfer
♦ Private transfer from Southampton cruise port to airport or hotel in London:
Southampton Cruise Terminals to London Private Arrival Transfer
Southampton Port
Another successful option is to arrive in Southampton for 2 nights, tour the city for a full day, and board the ship leisurely the next day. Recommended hotels and recommendations for tours in the city can be found in the article: Trip to the Port City of Southampton
It is recommended to arrive at the port around 11:00-13:00.
If you arrive in Southampton before the cruise and have time to tour the city, it is recommended to visit the SeaCity Museum .
The museum describes the city and its port, which is the most important in England. One of the central exhibits is, of course, about the Titanic, which departed from Southampton on its tragic voyage.
Upon arrival at the passenger terminal, luggage is handed over to the ship's crew, who ensure it is brought to your room by evening. Please note, luggage is sometimes received after dinner time, so it is recommended to keep a side bag with you containing a change of clothes, swimwear, toiletries, etc. Rooms are available at 14:00.
After boarding the ship, it is recommended to take a tour of its various areas, get acquainted with the decks and attractions, and get a feel for the different options. Starting at 11:30, you can have lunch at the rich buffet, Windjammer, located on deck 11. In addition, before sailing, a mandatory safety drill is held in which all passengers must take part.
The ship offers diverse and fun entertainment options for all ages. Every evening you can enjoy shows held in the main theater, The Lyric, located on decks 2-3.
In addition, you can spend time in cafés, small lounges offering various evening entertainment programs (70s party, Elvis Presley tribute party, James Bond movie trivia quiz, etc.), pubs, a casino, spa, Jacuzzi, pools, fitness center, jewelry, clothing, and souvenir shops, and of course, the highlight of the ship - the gorgeous promenade, Royal Promenade. This is the area that forms the beating heart of the ship where you can find Café Promenade, serving pizzas, sandwiches, and cakes 24 hours a day. In addition, the café also has a Ben & Jerry's ice cream stand (additional fee).
Extreme sports enthusiasts will also enjoy spending time at the ice skating rink, climbing wall, mini-golf course, and rollerblade area. Additionally, the sports deck also includes ping pong tables and a basketball court.
Aside from the rich buffet, the ship has 3 impressive, large dining rooms serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, the ship has several specialty restaurants for an additional fee: the Italian restaurant Portofino and the authentic diner Johnny Rockets.
Day Two of the Cruise
This is a full day at sea, and everyone chooses the activities that suit them best. Every evening, leaflets containing the variety of activities and their times for the following day are placed on passengers' beds, so it is worth reading them carefully to make the most of your time. For example: pool activities, sports competitions, fitness classes in the well-equipped gym, an Indian cooking workshop (additional fee), movie screenings, trivia quizzes on various topics, and more.
Dinner on this day is a formal gala dinner with a tie and jacket (don't panic—formal wear is not mandatory, but it is worth attending with at least a tie). Additionally, a festive cocktail party with the captain is held in the evening, where you can also take a picture with him on the red carpet in the ship's main atrium.
♦ Day Three: Gijon, Spain
The port in Gijon is about a 15-minute drive from the city center, so it is advisable to take a taxi or, alternatively, use the shuttle services offered by the ship (extra charge).
The city itself is pleasant to walk around, and the sites worth visiting are within walking distance of each other.
Private Guided Tours in Gijon (also suitable for cruise passengers) from Viator:
Recommended sites in the city are the Santa Catalina Headland sculpture park with its spectacular viewpoint, the Campo Valdes Roman Baths (admission fee), San Lorenzo Beach, and the Calle Corrida shopping area.
In addition, families with children are recommended to visit the large Aquarium, which houses over 400 species and types of fish. The aquarium is located near Poniente Beach, between the port and the city center. Admission is paid; it is recommended to check the venue's website for opening days and hours.
The tourist symbol of the city:
Santa Catalina Headland Park:
Alternatively, you can take a day trip outside the city. There are two main options:
One is a trip to the city of Oviedo, located about a half-hour drive from Gijon. Oviedo, the capital of the Asturias region, is famous for its old town, which offers ancient buildings and squares, as well as many cafes selling local cider, Sidra. The old town is small and convenient for independent walking tours; it is recommended to visit the cathedral located in the square, which features two ancient castles and a church. While most buildings in the old town are built of yellow bricks and red tile roofs, the cathedral is mostly white. The architectural style is predominantly Gothic, but due to the long construction period, other period influences are evident.
Other squares worth visiting are Plaza de Daoiz y Velarde, which features another ancient castle, and Plaza de la Constitucion, home to the church of San Isidoro el Real and the town hall. The old town also features an attractive indoor market.
Another option for a trip outside Gijon is a trip to the Picos de Europa National Park. This is the second-largest national park in Europe, located about a two-hour drive from the city. The mountain range offers alpine scenery, magnificent peaks, and beautiful, dramatic landscapes. Recommended attractions in the park are its scenic walking trails of varying difficulty levels. It is also recommended to visit the beautiful caves and lakes, especially Lagos de Covadonga.
You can tour the park independently using a rental car or, alternatively, use guided tours of the park, which usually depart from Gijon or Oviedo. It is recommended to take a guided tour offered by the ship, given the limited time available in this port and the distance from it to the national park.
♦ Day Four: Vigo, Spain
The port in Vigo is located right in the center of the city, so from the ship's deck you can overlook the city streets and the A Laxe shopping center. Here too, as on the previous day, it is recommended to tour the city independently and on foot to discover its special and symbolic buildings.
Recommended sites in the city are Porta do Sol, one of the seven main entrances to the old town walls. There you will find Sireno, a half-man, half-fish statue symbolizing Vigo's connection to the sea. Another recommended site is the main square Praza da Constitucion square, where the old city hall is located. It is also worth visiting Colegiata de Santa Maria, the most important and central church displaying 16th-century art. Additionally, it is recommended to climb Mount O Castro for a nice view of the city.
Booking tours in Vigo from Viator:
Further details on tours in Vigo and its surroundings can be found in my article on Tours in the City of Vigo.
Day Five - Fun Day at Sea
This is another fun day at sea. Use this day to try out additional activities offered by the ship, as well as for rest and relaxation. On this day as well, dinner is a formal gala dinner.
♦ Day Six: Madeira (Funchal), Portugal
♦ Detailed article on Madeira: Attractions for the Traveler on Madeira Island
Madeira was established under the Portuguese constitution, but it has self-government and is a separate entity from Portugal itself. The residents, however, are Portuguese through and through: they speak Portuguese, vote in Portuguese elections, and celebrate traditions practiced in Portugal.
For this touring day, there are several options. One option is to stay in the city and tour it on foot. If you choose to do so, do not miss the cable car to the mountains. The ride takes about a quarter of an hour and ends with a wonderful view of Funchal's old town. Another experience is a ride on the famous local sledges, Toboggan. In 1850, some locals decided to build sledges to serve people wanting to get to the city from the mountains. The tradition has remained to this day and has become a touristic and experiential attraction.
Funchal:
Typical banana plantations on the island:
Another way to get acquainted with the area is via a jeep tour. It is important to pay attention when booking that the tour matches the port docking hours so you don't miss the ship!
Booking a guided tour from Viator:
♦ Jeep tour of attractions across Madeira island -
Volcanic Pools and Northwest 4WD Full Day Tour
The tour departs from the cruise port/hotel and lasts 8 hours.
♦ Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a catamaran -
Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a
Ecological Catamaran
The cruise departs from the marina in Funchal port and lasts 3 hours.
Island attractions: A breathtaking viewpoint - Cabo Girao. In October 2012, a glass floor was built on the viewpoint, allowing a unique and breathtaking viewing angle. The viewpoint is located on top of the highest cliff in Europe, rising almost 600m above sea level. After the viewpoint, continue exploring the town of Ribeira Brava located along the southern coast of the island and the town of Porto Moniz. What is special about this town is the large natural pool that allows swimming in rough sea waters without risking swimming alongside dramatic and sharp cliffs. The ability to swim in a natural pool, fed by the sea and crashing waves, is unique and exciting. The landscapes of Madeira will leave you wanting more, and you will undoubtedly want to return to the area once again...
Cabo Girao
♦ Day Seven: La Palma La Palma, Canary Islands
La Palma is known by its nickname "The Green Island". Although it is a relatively small island, only 60 sq km, its landscapes are diverse and varied. The south of the island is desert-like and volcanic, while in other areas you can find beaches, waterfalls, banana plantations, and many trees.
The port is located in the town of Santa Cruz where you can also tour independently for an hour and a half to two hours. There is a circular route departing from the tourist information center, located at the exit from the port. The route passes through the ancient streets of the city, central squares, and a replica of Columbus's ancient ship, the "Santa Maria".
Afterwards, it is recommended to proceed to a guided tour. A recommended company operating such tours is Natour; the company offers several guided routes, including the Roque & Garafia route. The tour departs from the pickup point at the port, but the first stop is "Rock of the Friends", Roque de Los Muchachos, standing 2,426 m above sea level. There you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the volcanic crater, Caldera de Taburiente. The crater width is 10 km and its height is 2,400 m, making it the most visited place on the island. Nearby is also one of the largest astronomical observatories in the world, which is also one of the most important sites for stargazing in the Northern Hemisphere.
Next, you will continue by bus to the town of Garafia, where you will visit the farmers' market in Puntagorda offering fruits, vegetables, cakes, baked goods, and natural juices alongside cigars, clothing, and bags.
Observatory:
Rock of the Friends in La Palma:
♦ Day Eight: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands, spanning 2,059 sq km, and it is also the most populated with over 900,000 residents. In the center of the island is the Teide National Park, Parque Nacional del Teide, which houses Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano on Earth (3,718 m).
Warm and sunny Tenerife offers quite a few attractions for visiting families, all of which you can read about extensively in my article on the
Canary Islands.
Tours for Cruise Passengers in Tenerife with Port Pickup:
♦ Day Nine: Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canary Islands and, like its predecessor, offers summer and sunny weather year-round.
Tours tailored for cruise passengers with port pickup:
You can also rent a car and tour selected areas of the island independently, especially the intriguing and special towns of Maspalomas and Mogan, both located in the south of the island. In Maspalomas, do not miss a visit to the impressive sand dunes, spreading over a vast area and reaching right down to the water. You can climb the dunes, surf, and hike. In Mogan you will also find a lovely beach, fishing port, and yachts, alongside small bridges over water canals, which earned the town the nickname "Venice of the Canaries". Full details on attractions can be read in my article on the Canary Islands.
♦ Day Ten: Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote is the most northeastern island in the Canary Islands chain, smaller than Tenerife and Gran Canaria but special and different from all other islands. The island is built of 300 (!) volcanoes, mostly extinct, but some dormant; its soil is mostly black/basaltic, and all houses are built in a uniform style unique to the island: white walls with green or brown windows, no advertising signs, and clean streets and roads. On the unique landscapes of the island, attractions, and areas you must visit, you can read in the article Lanzarote - A Black and White Island in the Canaries.
Day Eleven: Sea Day
After five fascinating and special ports, use the sea day to relax, enjoy, and pamper yourself with the various options offered by the ship: pool competitions, trivia games, entertainment shows, and casino tournaments late into the night. On this day as well, dinner is a formal gala dinner.
♦ Day Twelve: Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon - the city where modernity goes hand in hand with ancient buildings from days gone by - is an intriguing and special tourist city where history is woven into almost every step. The city is built on seven steep hills, with narrow and picturesque alleys between them. The city is best explored on foot, but it is highly recommended to enlist an experienced local guide.
In addition to city tours, it is recommended to take tours to the town of Sintra, located 40 minutes from Lisbon.
Recommended Viator tours tailored for cruise passengers with port pickup:
Sintra is a picturesque town located in the middle of a hill range overlooking the sea. In the past, kings and lords lived in Sintra, and to this day it is full of mansions and palaces from ancient times. Do not miss a visit to the huge and colorful Palacio do Pena. The palace, painted entirely in yellow and pink, looks as though it was taken from a children's fairy tale, and indeed a visit to the palace and its surrounding park creates a magical atmosphere: wooden bridges, many statues, green vegetation, beautiful gardens, and small ponds with swans inside—all this is only part of the magic of the place. In addition, you can also visit the palace itself and its magnificent rooms.
A visit to the palace and park takes about an hour and a half. Admission is paid.
After visiting Sintra, return to Lisbon where you can take a walking tour and visit the Tower of Bethlehem, Torre de Belem, and the adjacent Jeronimus Monastery. In the Belem area, do not miss the famous and ancient bakery Pasteis de Belem, which specializes in a local pastry that gave the bakery its name. This is a small, warm, and sweet pastry made of thin puff pastry filled with vanilla cream. Not to be missed!
After visiting the Belem area, continue touring the central Alfama district. In the district, it is worth exploring the ancient and unique neighborhoods, which are the only ones that survived the devastating earthquake that destroyed the city in the 18th century. The district offers authentic cafes where local Fado music constantly plays, small shops, and narrow alleys where it's easy to get lost. In this district, it is recommended to visit St. George's Castle, Castelo de Sao Jorge. The castle was built in the 6th century by the Romans and later also served as a royal palace for several centuries. Today, you can climb the fortress walls and enjoy the impressive view of the city.
After visiting the ancient neighborhoods, you can also tour the more modern streets and especially the Commerce Square, Praca do Comercio, where the blend of modernity and history is felt more than ever. This is an 18th-century square, though today it houses most local businesses. It is also worth visiting the tourist district of Baixa, built more orderly than the rest of the winding city. This is a very central district, packed with luxury shops, cafes, and restaurants, but it also houses the busy train station, the national theatre, as well as several ancient buildings such as the "City Gate" square and the famous Santa Justa iron elevator, which grants another view of the entire city.
Please note, those arriving in Lisbon on a cruise have limited time in the city. Therefore, it is advisable to divide the day and spend half of it in Sintra and the second half in Lisbon. However, both in Lisbon and in Sintra, you have the option to spend extra hours and even a full successful day in each area. Therefore, it is entirely possible to choose to spend only in Lisbon and get to know the city more deeply. More on recommended tours in Lisbon in the article: Lisbon Traveler's Guide Lisbon
Days Thirteen-Fourteen: Days at Sea
Concluding an intensive and special trip, two days at sea await you before returning to England. Use these days for additional attractions on the ship that you may not have tried yet, like ice skating, mini-golf, and a host of other activities. According to the ship crew's instructions, on the last evening you pack luggage and place it outside your room near the door before 23:00. You receive them the next morning on the pier when disembarking the ship.
Day Fifteen: Return to England
The ship arrives early in the morning back at Southampton Port. Disembarkation is well-organized, with exiting according to tags with different colors and numbers. A few days before the end of the cruise, passengers are asked to fill out a form stating whether they want to disembark first due to an early flight, etc., or if it doesn't matter when they disembark. Accordingly, you receive numbered colored tags in your room matching the desired disembarkation time and stick them on your luggage.
From the port, it is advisable to book a private transfer to London in advance as written at the beginning of the article.
Another option is booking a tour, independently or through the ship, on the way back to London or to the airport.
Two recommended trip options are a trip to Stonehenge, the famous prehistoric site, or to Windsor Castle.
