8 Best Cruise Ships in the Canary Islands

Spirit of Discovery is a Sophisticated Option for Solo Over Fifties Traveller

Saga Cruises' Spirit of Discovery, debuted in 2019. (Photo: Saga Cruises)

The 999-passenger Spirit of Discovery, one of Saga Cruises' two custom-made ships that is superb for over fifty travellers, including solo travellers, with a glorious Art Deco-style pool deck, cabins all with balconies and marble-clad bathrooms and complimentary room service.

Spirit of Discovery is a beautiful and feels more like a luxury vessel, with a large number of inclusions, including all dining, including speciality restaurants; unlimited drinks; WiFi; gratuities and a taxi to and from the port, within 250 miles.

The ship offers a selection of no-fly Canary Islands including "Capitals of the Canary Islands" and "Christmas in the Canary Islands" departing from Portsmouth. As well as visiting several of the Canary Islands, the ship calls to Funchal in Madeira, with a selection of included excursions.

A boon for solo cruisers: There is 109 dedicated solo occupancy cabins -- 20 percent of all accommodation onboard.

Marella Explorer is a Top Choice for All-Inclusive Fun in the Sun

Marella Explorer Pool Deck (Photo: Marella Cruises)

The 1,924-passenger ship has some lovely amenities, including a Champneys spa, a gin- and whisky-tasting bar and a large number of new shows.

There are 20 restaurants and bars, including the seaside-themed Snack Shack for casual poolside meals and Kora La for Indian. There's an indoor cinema, a Sports & Family Deck, kids clubs and nighttime entertainment including movies shown on a big-screen under moonlight and excellent West End-style shows.

Seven-night itineraries cover Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma and Madeira, offering plenty of opportunity to delve into the region's volcanic national parks, golden beaches and quaint old towns.

Queen Victoria is the Best Canary Islands for a Luxury "Golden Era" Experience

Having undergone a $40m refit in recent years, Cunard took the opportunity to extend Queen Victoria, increasing the number of cabins to 1,035 and adding a new dining room to the ship. As a result, it can now host more than 2,000 passengers on each voyage.

Although the facilities are modern, the ship retains the classic charm you’d expect from Cunard, recalling the heyday of the 1930s. With stunning chandeliers and polished-wood finishes, there’s an air of elegance throughout the public areas. In keeping with the luxury vibe, you could choose to indulge in wine-tasting experiences, afternoon teas, gala dinners and fine-dining during your voyage.

Cunard's Canary Islands voyages are no-fly itineraries from Southampton. Typically 12-nights or more during the winter season, they are a fantastic winter sun option without needing to fly.

Look out for the line's Canary Islands voyages on Queen Anne, Cunard's new ship debuting in May 2024.

Celebrity Apex is a Chic Ship that's Well-Suited to Couples

C E L A X Retreat Sundeck1a

We adore Celebrity Cruises' Edge-class series, which strikes the right balance with a relaxed vibe and fanciful design, including chic Kelly Hoppen-designed spaces.

The 2,190-passenger Celebrity Apex — based in Southampton for a long summer season — features nifty innovations such as the ground-breaking Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that juts from the side of the ship and can move up and down, from where you could sip on cocktails as you watch the sunset while sailing from island to island.

There's Eden, a light-filled space for entertaining, a plush resort-style sun deck with padded loungers and a lively Grand Plaza. The spa is decadent, the cabins are spacious and food is, generally, excellent. Oh, and there are a range of flight-free cruises to the Canaries from Southampton. What's not to love?

P&O Azura is the Best Ship for Home Comforts in the Canary Island

Azura (Photo: P&O Cruise Line)

This much-loved Brit-centric ship is one of P&O Cruises' family-friendly vessels offering failsafe fly-cruises to the Canary Islands. While Azura is now close to 15 years old, it remains in great condition. Currency is in pounds sterling. There's Brodie's sports bar to keep up with Premier League football (as well as evening bingo and pub quizzes). Ballroom dancing lessons take place in the atrium. A fancy curry is available at Sindhu and kettles are in cabins for a morning brew.

Highlights of the 3,100-passenger Azura include the extra-fee Retreat, an uncrowded sun deck area with healthy breakfast and lunch options, fantastic kids' clubs, the Oasis Spa and the Glass House, a bar serving wine selected by expert Ollie Smith.

Fred. Olsen's Bolette is the Best for a Regional No-Fly Cruise to the Canaries

Bolette Departing Dover (Photo: Fred. Olsen)

With capacity for 1,338 passengers, Fred. Olsen’s Bolette is a small-to-medium-size ship offering a traditional cruise experience (and a fair price point) to the Canary Islands. Bolette has a wide selection of cabins, including 50 rooms dedicated to solo travellers, plus wheelchair accessible options.

There are six restaurants, and 11 bars and lounges include a split-level show lounge for after-dinner entertainment and smaller bars and lounges; some of them also featuring live music and comedy. There are two pools — one with a retractable roof and the other overlooking the aft of the ship — two hot tubs and a spa with a thermal area, providing plenty of facilities for languid sea days and sun-soaked afternoons in port.

If you're less inclined to laze on a sun lounger, there's afternoon tea, a culinary theatre for cooking classes and ballroom dancing. What's great for fans of Fred. Olsen is the line's regional departures — meaning there's no need to schlep down to Southampton if you live in Southport. Simply book one of the ship's Liverpool cruises to the Canary Islands.

7. Explorer of the Seas

More floating resort than cruise ship, you might be tempted to stay onboard Explorer of the Seas for the duration of your holiday. There’s so much for guests of all ages to enjoy, you’re unlikely to get bored while at sea. With activity clubs for children and teens, three swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall, a gym, a casino and lots of shops, the hardest part will be knowing where to start. Food more your thing? Take a tour of the restaurants, which serve up everything from fresh sushi to authentic American hamburgers.

8. Sapphire Princess

Refurbished in March 2018, Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess is a modern-looking ship, with onboard activities catering for guests of all ages. From sports like basketball and bocce, to Movies Under the Stars, you can get involved with as much or as little as you want. At full capacity, the ship can accommodate more than 2,000 passengers, but it rarely feels cramped or crowded. In general the atmosphere is relaxed and the dress-code is smart-casual -- although there are opportunities to get dressed up on formal nights.