- Enjoy the festive celebrations
Celebrate in style on board Spirit of Discovery.
- The Aloe Vera plantation, Fuerteventura
Make your own Aloe Vera face mask during an optional visit to a plantation.
- Canarian wildlife
Perhaps join a whale watching cruise aboard a luxury yacht.
- Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
This UNESCO-listed park is criss-crossed by scenic walking trails.


Saga Cruises
Festive Celebrations in the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £6,008 per person2 passengers 19 nights 18th December 2021 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
-
All Inclusive
Journey south for winter
Look forward to welcoming in the New Year under the warmth of the Canarian sun.
Celebrate Christmas and see in the New Year, whilst soaking up the warmth of the Canary Islands. Plus, contrast the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Oporto, and the floral island of Madeira.
Uncover hidden gems and well-kept island secrets as you head off the beaten track during this festive cruise to the Canaries. Celebrate Christmas Day in style on board Spirit of Discovery, where we’ll spare no expense to make sure you have a day to remember, and you won’t have to lift a finger, let alone peel a potato or stuff a turkey! New Year’s Eve will also be a momentous occasion, with champagne off the shores of Tenerife. There is no better way to welcome in 2022.
Among the smallest and least visited of the Canary Island archipelago, La Palma and La Gomera are also the most peaceful and picturesque. From the prehistoric jungle of La Gomera’s UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Los Tilos Forest that graces La Palma, both islands offer magnificent walking opportunities and are most definitely a nature lovers paradise. The charming little capital cities of Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastian are also a delight to explore with their quirky museums, colourful Canarian architecture and relaxed cafe culture.
Included sightseeing tours- Funchal, Madeira
- Santa Cruz, La Palma
- Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
- Santa Cruz, Tenerife
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Funchal, Madeira
- Santa Cruz, Tenerife
View Full Itinerary
Festive Celebrations in the Canaries
18/12/2021 Southampton
Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

19/12/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
20/12/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
21/12/2021 Leixoes, Portugal
Leixoes, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Leixões offers a gateway to the city of Oporto, which is perched on the banks of the Douro. Portugal’s second largest city preserves its ancient roots with pride and its old quarters are packed with charm and character. Highlights include the Manueline Church of Santa Clara, the cathedral which has a Romanesque choir and the neoclassical stock exchange.
Also of interest is the bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. See pretty ravelo boats on the River Douro which were once used to transport port upriver and perhaps treat yourself to a glass of this deliciously sweet wine in a local taverna. There are also plenty of patisseries and chocolate shops thanks to explorers who introduced cocoa beans from the New World during the Age of Discovery.

22/12/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
23/12/2021 Funchal, Madeira
Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 1300 on December 23. Depart 1700 on December 24.
The densely wooded slopes of Madeira have provided a welcome sight to seafarers since 1419 when the Portuguese first discovered it.
Cruise in to the capital, Funchal, which has a fine setting in a natural amphitheatre on the south coast. You can set your compass by its 16th-century cathedral’s twin towers – from here shady lanes and cool squares fan out up the hillside. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere during an included sightseeing tour.

25/12/2021 Christmas Day
Relax and enjoy the festive celebration on board Spirit of Discovery.
26/12/2021 Santa Cruz, La Palma
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Banana plantations, fruit orchards and primeval forests carpet La Palma, the greenest of all the Canaries. The diminutive capital of Santa Cruz rests on the slope of a volcanic crater and was once an important trading port between Africa and the Americas. Head out on an included sightseeing tour and peep behind its modern facade to uncover a charming old quarter of historic Canarian mansions decorated with fanciful latticework balconies.
This is the Santa Cruz once ransacked by French pirate Jambe de Bois – better known as ‘Pegleg’ – in 1553. The city was later rebuilt with renewed fortifications, many of which remain today.

27/12/2021 San Sebastian, La Gomera
San Sebastian, La Gomera
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The ‘Round Isle’ of lesser-explored La Gomera offers a wilder view of the Canary Islands.
Aside from the capital and main port of San Sebastián – whose claim to fame is as the last stop for Columbus before he inadvertently discovered the New World – the occasional terraced hillside and twisting mountain road, there’s little evidence of civilisation here. Head into its vertiginous interior that’s creased by deep ravines and discover the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park which is almost entirely cloaked in misty laurel forest or perhaps go in search of marine life on an optional whale-watching cruise aboard a luxury yacht.

28/12/2021 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With half of all Canarians living on Gran Canaria, the capital of Las Palmas has the most electric atmosphere across the archipelago and you will see for yourself during an included sightseeing tour. Its vibrant ambience has drawn parallels with its Latin counterparts thanks to its fantastic beach setting too.
Enjoy shopping in big department stores and quirkier boutiques, soak up the sun at one of the many beachfront cafes or explore the small old quarter of Vegueta.

29/12/2021 Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Named after the black volcanic reef that protects the city's coastline, Arrecife once provided the perfect cover for ships hiding from pirates. Nowadays, the vibrant seafront acts as a gateway for travellers wishing to explore the town or the rest of this intriguing island. The volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park are legendary and offer a window into Lanzarote’s explosive past.

30/12/2021 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Fuerteventura’s capital is a bustling port with whitewashed buildings and collection of outdoor artworks by local artists – you’ll be able to see at least one, a giant seashell, right by the harbour.
Perhaps go shopping in pedestrianised Calle Primero de Mayo, relax on the Blue Flag beach or opt to visit an organic Aloe Vera plantation where an included workshop gives you the opportunity to concoct your own face mask.

31/12/2021 Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrive 0800 on December 31. Depart 0600 on January 1.
Tenerife is defined by its volcanic southern shores, a mecca for sun worshippers, and the lush highlands of the north which are divided by the towering Mount Teide, tallest of all Spain’s peaks – the crater has a circumference of nearly 30 miles! Spirit of Discovery will cruise to the compact capital of Santa Cruz, set in the northeast. Its neat grid of streets is easy to explore and its 16th-century buildings, shady boulevards and attractive squares reflect its colonial past.
An overnight stay gives you plenty of time to explore and the highlights will be revealed during an included sightseeing tour.

02/01/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
03/01/2022 Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Spirit of Discovery’s final stop is at Portugal’s historic capital, from which many Portuguese explorers set off on their seafaring adventures. The Monument to the Discoveries, a 165-feet high sculpture of famous explorers gathered together on the prow of a ship, commemorates them, and you should see it on your approach to the port. To discover more about this golden era, visit the historic Alfama district, easily recognisable by its narrow medieval cobbled streets.
The avenues of Baixa offer wonderful shopping, while two UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in Belém – Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. An included sightseeing tour offers a relaxing way to see more of the city.

04/01/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
05/01/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
06/01/2022 Southampton
Southampton
Arrive 0800.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.

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1
Southampton
-
2
At Sea
-
3
At Sea
-
4
Leixoes, Portugal
-
5
At Sea
-
6
Funchal, Madeira
-
8
Christmas Day
-
9
Santa Cruz, La Palma
-
10
San Sebastian, La Gomera
-
11
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
-
12
Arrecife, Lanzarote
-
13
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
-
14
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
-
16
At Sea
-
17
Lisbon, Portugal
-
18
At Sea
-
19
At Sea
-
20
Southampton
-
18th December
Southampton
1Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
19th December
At Sea
-
20th December
At Sea
-
21st December
Leixoes, Portugal
4Leixoes, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Leixões offers a gateway to the city of Oporto, which is perched on the banks of the Douro. Portugal’s second largest city preserves its ancient roots with pride and its old quarters are packed with charm and character. Highlights include the Manueline Church of Santa Clara, the cathedral which has a Romanesque choir and the neoclassical stock exchange.
Also of interest is the bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. See pretty ravelo boats on the River Douro which were once used to transport port upriver and perhaps treat yourself to a glass of this deliciously sweet wine in a local taverna. There are also plenty of patisseries and chocolate shops thanks to explorers who introduced cocoa beans from the New World during the Age of Discovery.
-
22nd December
At Sea
-
23rd December
Funchal, Madeira
6Funchal, Madeira
Arrive 1300 on December 23. Depart 1700 on December 24.
The densely wooded slopes of Madeira have provided a welcome sight to seafarers since 1419 when the Portuguese first discovered it.
Cruise in to the capital, Funchal, which has a fine setting in a natural amphitheatre on the south coast. You can set your compass by its 16th-century cathedral’s twin towers – from here shady lanes and cool squares fan out up the hillside. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere during an included sightseeing tour.
-
25th December
Christmas Day
8Relax and enjoy the festive celebration on board Spirit of Discovery.
See what we have to offer at sea. -
26th December
Santa Cruz, La Palma
9Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Banana plantations, fruit orchards and primeval forests carpet La Palma, the greenest of all the Canaries. The diminutive capital of Santa Cruz rests on the slope of a volcanic crater and was once an important trading port between Africa and the Americas. Head out on an included sightseeing tour and peep behind its modern facade to uncover a charming old quarter of historic Canarian mansions decorated with fanciful latticework balconies.
This is the Santa Cruz once ransacked by French pirate Jambe de Bois – better known as ‘Pegleg’ – in 1553. The city was later rebuilt with renewed fortifications, many of which remain today.
-
27th December
San Sebastian, La Gomera
10San Sebastian, La Gomera
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The ‘Round Isle’ of lesser-explored La Gomera offers a wilder view of the Canary Islands.
Aside from the capital and main port of San Sebastián – whose claim to fame is as the last stop for Columbus before he inadvertently discovered the New World – the occasional terraced hillside and twisting mountain road, there’s little evidence of civilisation here. Head into its vertiginous interior that’s creased by deep ravines and discover the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park which is almost entirely cloaked in misty laurel forest or perhaps go in search of marine life on an optional whale-watching cruise aboard a luxury yacht.
-
28th December
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
11Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With half of all Canarians living on Gran Canaria, the capital of Las Palmas has the most electric atmosphere across the archipelago and you will see for yourself during an included sightseeing tour. Its vibrant ambience has drawn parallels with its Latin counterparts thanks to its fantastic beach setting too.
Enjoy shopping in big department stores and quirkier boutiques, soak up the sun at one of the many beachfront cafes or explore the small old quarter of Vegueta.
-
29th December
Arrecife, Lanzarote
12Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Named after the black volcanic reef that protects the city's coastline, Arrecife once provided the perfect cover for ships hiding from pirates. Nowadays, the vibrant seafront acts as a gateway for travellers wishing to explore the town or the rest of this intriguing island. The volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park are legendary and offer a window into Lanzarote’s explosive past.
-
30th December
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
13Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Fuerteventura’s capital is a bustling port with whitewashed buildings and collection of outdoor artworks by local artists – you’ll be able to see at least one, a giant seashell, right by the harbour.
Perhaps go shopping in pedestrianised Calle Primero de Mayo, relax on the Blue Flag beach or opt to visit an organic Aloe Vera plantation where an included workshop gives you the opportunity to concoct your own face mask.
-
31st December
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
14Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Arrive 0800 on December 31. Depart 0600 on January 1.
Tenerife is defined by its volcanic southern shores, a mecca for sun worshippers, and the lush highlands of the north which are divided by the towering Mount Teide, tallest of all Spain’s peaks – the crater has a circumference of nearly 30 miles! Spirit of Discovery will cruise to the compact capital of Santa Cruz, set in the northeast. Its neat grid of streets is easy to explore and its 16th-century buildings, shady boulevards and attractive squares reflect its colonial past.
An overnight stay gives you plenty of time to explore and the highlights will be revealed during an included sightseeing tour.
-
2nd January
At Sea
-
3rd January
Lisbon, Portugal
17Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Spirit of Discovery’s final stop is at Portugal’s historic capital, from which many Portuguese explorers set off on their seafaring adventures. The Monument to the Discoveries, a 165-feet high sculpture of famous explorers gathered together on the prow of a ship, commemorates them, and you should see it on your approach to the port. To discover more about this golden era, visit the historic Alfama district, easily recognisable by its narrow medieval cobbled streets.
The avenues of Baixa offer wonderful shopping, while two UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in Belém – Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. An included sightseeing tour offers a relaxing way to see more of the city.
-
4th January
At Sea
-
5th January
At Sea
-
6th January
Southampton
20Southampton
Arrive 0800.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for Festive Celebrations in the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Five sightseeing tours in:
Funchal, Madeira
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Lisbon, Portugal
- 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.
Explore Ashore
La Gomera’s crowning glory
One of the smallest and less visited island of the Canaries, La Gomera is arguably one of the most naturally beautiful havens in the archipelago. Towards the summit of the island you’ll discover the magical forests of Garajonay National Park, home to a green mass of prehistoric laurel trees and wispy ferns. The UNESCO-listed park is criss-crossed by walking trails, and you’ll find plenty of useful information, including maps and guides, at the visitor’s centre, Juego de Bolas.
Whale watching in style
Head out aboard a luxury yacht into the waters surrounding La Gomera, where playful dolphins are known to frolic in the foamy brine. You may be lucky enough to spot lone pilot whales beneath the waterline too. A meal and refreshments are also included on board the yacht.
Get hands on in an Aloe Vera plantation
This spiky succulent is a medicinal plant which has been used to treat various conditions for thousands of years. A visit to Fuerteventura gives you the chance to learn more about the growth and composition of Aloe Vera; plus, you’ll be invited to join a workshop where you’ll make your own face mask using Aloe Vera, citrus fruit and avocado, while sipping a refreshing Aloe Vera juice cocktail.
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £6,008 per person2 passengers
19 nights 18th December 2021 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required