Spirit of Discovery
The laurel forests of La Palma
El Charco de San Gines Lagoon, Arrecife
Lisbon’s vintage trams
A Standard Balcony Cabin
Enjoy Asian cuisine at East to West
Coast to Coast
Look forward to delicious cuisine
The South Cape Bar
The Lido
Spirit of Discovery’s sumptuous Spa
The Britannia Lounge
The Playhouse
Included afternoon tea
Best of the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
Additional cabin discounts of up to...
- £500pp off Superior Cabins
- £500pp off Standard Cabins
- £850pp off Suite Cabins
- £600pp off Deluxe Cabins
6th December 2026
Explore the Fortunate Isles
The four most popular Canary Islands are revealed on this all-inclusive cruise in 2026. Start with an overnight visit to Madeira – the perfect opportunity to enjoy the evening atmosphere of Funchal and appreciate the clear starry nights the region is known for. Continue towards the coast of Africa to step ashore in La Palma, whose rugged landscape is dotted with volcanoes and the pine forests of Taburiente National Park.
In the Spanish archipelago’s largest island, Tenerife, gaze in awe at the vast World Heritage Site Mount Teide. Further unusual volcanic terrain can be seen in the Bandama Crater of Gran Canaria and Lanzarote’s crater-studded Timanfaya National Park. Following your scenic Canary Island adventure, cruise to Portugal and enjoy the wealth of historic landmarks, from the Castle of Sao Jorge to the Terreiro do Paco square.
Included excursion in every port
Chartered Horticulturist and television presenter, David Domoney
David presents on Love Your Garden, ITV’s This Morning, and with James Martin on his Saturday Morning show.
He is the gardening correspondent for the Daily Express and is a bestselling author on the health benefits of gardening and enjoying nature. He was formerly a non-executive director of the RHS and a former governor of the London Colleges of Horticulture.
He is a Fellow of the Linnean Society, amongst others. He is an ambassador for the RSPB, Patron of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, and Patron of Pollinating London. David’s talks aim to uplift and inspire audiences by sharing the remarkable ways plants, gardens, and the natural world can enrich our health, happiness, and everyday lives.
Award-winning chocolatier Mark Tilling
Take your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure with award-winning chocolatier Mark Tilling.
Taste a selection of chocolates from Africa, Asia and the Americas, discovering how origin, terroir and craftsmanship create distinctive flavours. Experience chocolate from its very beginning by tasting raw cocoa beans and the fruit pulp that surrounds them, while learning the remarkable journey from tree to chocolate bar. A fun, interactive and flavour-packed experience for every chocolate lover.
During your cruise, join a Festive Chocolate Bar Workshop and create your own handcrafted festive chocolate bar. In this fun, hands-on workshop, you will learn the art of tempering chocolate to achieve a perfect shine and snap before designing your own bar using a selection of premium flavoured chocolates. Mark will share professional tips and techniques to help you produce chocolate creations that are perfect for gifting or enjoying over the festive season.
Astronomer, Tom Boles
Tom Boles is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and former President of The British Astronomical Association. He has been awarded The Merlin and Walter Goodacre Medals for his contribution to astronomy and has discovered more supernovae, dying stars, than any other individual in history. Tom’s television broadcasts include co-presenting BBC ‘Tomorrow’s World’ and guest appearances on programmes such as ‘The Sky at Night’, ‘Final Frontiers’ and ‘BBC Astronomers’. Tom will give a series of talks during your cruise covering topics including the Northern Lights, Black Holes, the lifecycle of stars and more…
Geology and landscapes lecturer, Isaac Kenyon
Isaac Kenyon is a distinguished Fellow of both the Geological Society of London and the Royal Geographical Society, with a Master’s degree in Geoscience from Royal Holloway University of London.
As an experienced geology and landscapes lecturer, Isaac delivers highly acclaimed enrichment talks, combining expert scientific knowledge with engaging storytelling. He brings the Earth’s geological wonders to life with lectures that explore volcanic islands, dramatic coastlines, mountain formation, glaciation, ocean exploration and the powerful natural processes that continue to shape our planet.
Isaac has travelled on expeditions across the globe, including a 3,000-mile Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, providing audiences with first-hand insights into exploration and extreme environments. His presentations are informative and visually engaging, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Maritime adventurer and World Record holder, Mick Dawson
Mick Dawson is a former Royal Marine, author and filmmaker recognized as one of the most experienced ocean rowers in the world. He has successfully rowed the Atlantic Ocean twice and skippered the first and only rowing boat to cross the North Pacific, completing a monumental voyage from Japan to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. In 2018, Mick returned to the Pacific, rowing from California to Hawaii with blind veteran Steve Sparkes, marking Sparkes as the first visually impaired person to row the Pacific. Look forward to insightful talks from Mick while on board.
Itinerary
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1700.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800 on Dec 10.
Depart 1230 on Dec 11.
Madeira is a verdant, mountainous island formed from a volcanic eruption and known for its namesake wine. Often described as the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic’, the island is home to the world’s largest laurel forest and Botanical Gardens where exotic indigenous plants grow.
Included excursion
See more of Funchal on a choice of included excursion.
Optional excursions
Explore the island by jeep. With an overnight stay, opt for one of our evening excursions, wine tasting at a local quinta or stargazing.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
La Palma is the greenest of the Canaries and large tracts of its laurel forests have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The capital, Santa Cruz, is set in a sweeping natural amphitheatre and was a hub for New World explorers and merchant traders during the Age of Exploration. Its history is reflected in the 16th-century Castilian architecture and the old quarter with its wooden balconies and cobbled lanes is set around the Renaissance Plaza Espana.
Included excursion
An included excursion offers a relaxing way to see some of the highlights.
Optional excursions
Visit the historic sugar producing farm of La Hacienda and learn more about the traditions of silk making at the Silk Museum; or explore Los Tilos Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, on foot.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.
Tenerife is crowned by the World Heritage Site, Mount Teide. Its capital Santa Cruz has a mix of old and new sights, from the central square of Plaza de Espana, which was built in 1929 to the auditorium, an expressionist structure that resembles a wave.
Included excursion
Explore further on a choice of included excursion.
Optional excursions
Take a cable car to the summit of Mount Teide, or enjoy tea at the Orchid Garden.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Nearly half of Gran Canaria has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island is fringed with beautiful coves and sandy beaches to the south and wild mountains to the north. The subtropical capital of Las Palmas is set beside two broad bays and features cafe-lined squares and charming courtyards. The oldest sights can be seen in a trio of historic neighbourhoods: San Antonio, Triana and Vegueta. Discover over 500 years of history in the landmark Santa Ana Cathedral which encompasses Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical styles.
Included excursion
A choice of included excursion will reveal some of the highlights.
Optional excursions
Explore the island by 4x4 or visit Firgas and taste the flavours of the Agaete Valley.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1630.
Named in Spanish after the reef that edges its shoreline, peaceful Arrecife has been the island’s capital since it took the title from nearby Teguise in 1852. This relatively sleepy port’s origins can be seen in the whitewashed fishermen cottages and 17th-century church set around the coastal lagoon of El Charco de San Gines. From Arrecife, you can discover the vast lava fields and crater-studded landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Included excursion
See some of the highlights on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Visit Timanfaya National Park or Trek El Cuervo Volcano.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0830. Depart 1700.
The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. Close by is the charming town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its 19th-century romantic architecture.
Included excursion
See more of Lisbon on a choice of included excursion.
Optional excursions
Wander on foot through Lisbon’s downtown area to see the city’s historic architecture, visit Arrábida Natural Park and the Azeitão Winery, or explore Lisbon’s highlights by Tuk Tuk.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Important Information
§ Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, subject to medical screening. A price reduction will be applied if the included travel insurance is not required. Pre-departure cover (cancellation rights) is provided by Saga and is only available when taking out the included insurance. Read More
Additional cabin discounts of up to...
- £500pp off Superior Cabins
- £500pp off Standard Cabins
- £850pp off Suite Cabins
- £600pp off Deluxe Cabins
6th December 2026
Spirit of Discovery
2019
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
Additional cabin discounts of up to...
- £500pp off Superior Cabins
- £500pp off Standard Cabins
- £850pp off Suite Cabins
- £600pp off Deluxe Cabins
6th December 2026