A Canary Islands cruise from Southampton is the easiest way to swap a grey British winter for blue skies and warm sunshine, without going anywhere near an airport. You drive to the port, step onboard and, after a few relaxing days at sea, wake up to palm trees, volcanic landscapes and temperatures that feel more like a British summer.
It is one of the most popular no-fly cruises we book, particularly for autumn, winter and early spring. Here is what to expect from a Canary Islands cruise from Southampton, the islands you are likely to visit, the best time to go and how to choose the right sailing.
What is a Canary Islands cruise from Southampton like?
Most Canary Islands cruises from Southampton are round trips of around 12 to 14 nights. A typical itinerary looks something like this:
- Depart Southampton
- Two or three sea days crossing the Bay of Biscay and heading south
- Madeira (Funchal)
- Tenerife, La Palma or Gran Canaria
- Lanzarote or Fuerteventura
- A stop on the way home, often Lisbon, Vigo or A Coruna
- Two or three sea days back to Southampton
Some sailings add Cadiz, Malaga or Gibraltar, and longer voyages may include more islands or a call in Morocco. The sea days are part of the appeal for many people: time to enjoy the ship, the spa and the shows while the weather warms up day by day.
The Canary Islands ports to look out for
Tenerife
Ships dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s lively capital. The big draw is Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, in the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park, where the volcanic landscape feels like another planet. The historic town of La Laguna, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short trip from the port.
Gran Canaria
Las Palmas combines a cosmopolitan city with a great beach. Wander the old Vegueta quarter, with its cathedral and colonial architecture, or spend the afternoon on Las Canteras beach, right in the city.
Lanzarote
From Arrecife you can explore the lunar landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, where the ground is still hot enough to cook on, and the work of artist Cesar Manrique, including the cave venue Jameos del Agua. Lanzarote’s whitewashed villages and black volcanic vineyards are unlike anywhere else.
La Palma and Fuerteventura
La Palma is green, mountainous and much quieter, with a charming capital full of wooden balconies. Fuerteventura is all about beaches, with long stretches of golden sand and the dunes near Corralejo.
Madeira
Not technically one of the Canaries, but Madeira appears on most Canary Islands cruises from Southampton. Funchal is a favourite with British cruisers, with its botanical gardens, cable car up to Monte and the famous wicker toboggan ride back down. If you are cruising over New Year, Funchal’s fireworks display is one of the most spectacular in the world, best seen from the deck of your ship.
Best time for a Canary Islands cruise from Southampton
The Canaries are known as the islands of eternal spring, with warm weather all year round. Most Canary Islands cruises from Southampton run from autumn to spring, which is exactly when the islands are at their most welcome:
- October and November: still very warm in the islands, and a great way to extend the summer
- December and January: festive sailings over Christmas and New Year, with daytime temperatures in the islands typically around the low 20s
- February and March: a perfect cure for the winter blues, with spring flowers in Madeira
One thing to be aware of is the Bay of Biscay. In winter it can be lively, so the first and last couple of days can feel a bit rolly. Large modern ships have stabilisers that help a great deal, and a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck will feel the movement least. If you are prone to seasickness, mention it to our team when you book and we can steer you towards the best cabins.
Which cruise lines sail to the Canary Islands from Southampton?
Southampton has a strong winter programme to the Canaries, and the choice of ships changes from season to season:
- P&O Cruises: the biggest year-round presence in Southampton, with Canary Islands cruises on several of its ships every winter
- MSC Cruises: MSC bases a ship in Southampton over the winter, with MSC Preziosa sailing from the port in winter 2026 to 2027
- Cunard: Canary Islands voyages on its Queens, with a more traditional, elegant style
- Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises: selected sailings from Southampton in some seasons
- Fred. Olsen and Ambassador: smaller ships sailing to the Canaries from a range of UK ports, ideal if you live further from Southampton
If you prefer more time in the sun and less time at sea, a fly-cruise from Tenerife or Gran Canaria is another option, and our team can compare the two for you.
Tips for your Canary Islands cruise
- Pack for two climates: warm layers and a waterproof for Southampton and the Bay of Biscay, summer clothes for the islands
- Take sun cream, even in January, as the island sun is strong
- Book popular excursions like Mount Teide or Timanfaya early
- Make the most of the sea days with the spa, talks and shows
- Book early for Christmas and New Year sailings, which are always in high demand
For a real customer’s view, read Lianne’s Canary Islands cruise on MSC Virtuosa. Our Southampton cruise parking guide, our guide to no-fly cruises from the UK and our cruises from Southampton page will help with the rest of your planning.
Canary Islands cruise from Southampton FAQs
How long is a Canary Islands cruise from Southampton?
Most Canary Islands cruises from Southampton are around 12 to 14 nights. That allows for two or three sea days each way and four or five ports in between.
How many sea days are there on a Canary Islands cruise?
Usually four to six in total, with two or three on the way down and the same on the way back. The exact number depends on the itinerary and any stops in Spain or Portugal.
Is the Bay of Biscay rough in winter?
It can be. The Bay of Biscay is known for choppy seas, especially in winter, but modern ships have stabilisers and many crossings are perfectly calm. A midship cabin on a lower deck helps if you are worried.
What is the weather like in the Canary Islands in winter?
Mild and sunny. Daytime temperatures in winter are typically around the low 20s, which is why the Canaries are such a popular winter sun destination.
Can you cruise to the Canary Islands without flying?
Yes. Cruises sail to the Canary Islands from Southampton and several other UK ports throughout the winter, so you can enjoy winter sun without going near an airport.
Book your Canary Islands cruise from Southampton
Whether you are after a festive cruise, an escape from the January gloom or a spring break in the sun, a Canary Islands cruise from Southampton is hard to beat. Our team can compare the ships, itineraries and cabins for you and find the sailing that suits you best. Call us on 01724 808800, contact us here, or use our live chat to message the team directly.
