Discover the Canary Islands: A Year-Round Destination
The Canary Islands stand out as one of the few European travel destinations that offer reliably mild temperatures throughout the winter months. Instead of the typical beach vacation, many of these islands showcase their diverse landscapes, such as the volcanoes on Lanzarote and the hiking trails on La Palma. A cruise provides a fantastic opportunity to explore several of these unique islands within a single journey, allowing travelers to experience their distinct cultures and natural beauty.
TUI Cruises operates multiple ships in this region, offering a range of itineraries that vary significantly. In addition to classic Canary Island trips that include Madeira, there are also extended routes to the Azores and Cape Verde. Some voyages from the "Mein Schiff" fleet embark directly from European ports without the need for flights, while others feature longer sea days, catering to diverse travel preferences. Travelers may wonder which TUI Cruises trips to the Canary Islands are particularly worthwhile, especially with the added assurance of safe cruises offered by the company in 2026.
The "Canaries with Madeira" cruise is a classic offering from TUI Cruises, scheduled from November 2026 to April 2027 on various dates. This seven-day journey aboard the "Mein Schiff Relax" is designed to appeal to a broad audience, catering to both those seeking relaxation and avid hikers. Families with children and first-time cruise passengers will also find this route to be an excellent choice. The "Mein Schiff Relax" is among the largest and most modern vessels in the TUI fleet.
While Madeira is not one of the Canary Islands, it frequently features in cruise itineraries for the region. The Portuguese island, with its capital Funchal, offers a variety of hiking trails and excursions, including traditional toboggan rides. La Palma, being one of the smaller Canary Islands, remains less commercialized and is known for its abundant hiking opportunities. Many excursions on the Canary Islands are available for under 50 euros, making them accessible for various budgets.
Exciting Itineraries and Special Offers
The cruise route "Canaries with Morocco" is another enticing option during the winter season, with several departures planned between November 2026 and January 2027. This seven-day cruise, also featuring the "Mein Schiff Relax," is ideal for both novice and experienced cruise enthusiasts looking for new destinations. Culture lovers will particularly benefit from this itinerary, which includes stops at Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as Agadir in Morocco. From Agadir, travelers can embark on excursions to Marrakech or the oasis town of Taroudant, often referred to as Marrakech's "little sister," which is more accessible from the port. The historical city walls and traditional souks in Taroudant attract many tourists, with tours available starting at 59 euros per person.
For the "Canaries with Morocco" cruise, prices start at 829 euros per person (as of July 28) under the Pro fare. With flights included, total costs begin at 1299 euros per person. The early booking discount of 100 euros per person is valid until May 31, 2026. Travelers are encouraged to consider seasonal variations to secure the best deals on Canary Island cruises, with embarkation available in Gran Canaria or Tenerife.
Additionally, TUI Cruises offers a combined cruise option featuring both the Madeira and Agadir routes aboard the "Mein Schiff 7." This 14-day journey, titled "Canaries, Madeira, and Moroccan Flair," encompasses the entire spectrum of the region, with prices starting at 1879 euros per person (as of June 26) under the Pro fare. With an arrival package, guests can expect to pay at least 2259 euros. The early booking discount of 200 euros is available until the end of May.
This winter, the "Mein Schiff 3" will also offer a Canary Islands cruise departing from Germany. The 20-day route "Timeless Canaries" runs from October 25 to November 14, 2026, with Bremerhaven as the departure and arrival port. This option is particularly suited for guests who prefer to abstain from flying or cannot travel by air. Given the extensive duration and numerous sea days, this XXL Canary Islands cruise is best suited for seasoned cruise passengers.
Compared to seven-day Canary Island cruises, this itinerary features several unique aspects. Flights to the Canary Islands typically take four to five hours, but on this voyage, passengers will spend more time aboard and visit additional destinations en route to the south, including Madeira, Agadir, and La Gomera—a combination not found in other itineraries. However, it's worth noting that there is only one departure date available for this cruise, with prices starting at 3869 euros per person (as of July 28) under the Pro fare. The early booking discount of 200 euros is applicable until May 31, 2026.
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal located approximately 1400 kilometers from the mainland in the Atlantic, are an excellent destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for their volcanic landscapes characterized by lush mountains and forests, the Azores are part of the seven-day "Blooming Azores" route from Gran Canaria. Due to their remote location, the Azores are less affected by tourism than the Canaries, allowing travelers to experience the islands in a more authentic form. With four days at sea, this cruise is tailored for experienced guests who enjoy being active on land while also seeking tranquility and relaxation on board. However, this cruise may not be suitable for beachgoers, as the Azores are considerably wetter than the Canary Islands.
During the travel period from March 25 to April 1, 2027, temperatures are expected to be around 17 degrees Celsius, with occasional rain. This cruise is scheduled for only one date aboard the "Mein Schiff 7," and all cabin categories are currently available. Prices start at 1129 euros per person (as of July 28) under the Pro fare, with total costs including round-trip flights starting at a minimum of 1639 euros.
The journey begins and ends at the port of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, with the following destinations included in the Azores cruise itinerary:
Similarly, the seven-day "Canaries with Cape Verde" cruise also features the "Mein Schiff 7" visiting destinations off the beaten path. The African island nation is located off the coast of Senegal. Despite its generally dry climate with temperatures starting at 25 degrees Celsius, a Cape Verde cruise is more suited for cultural and activity-focused vacations than for traditional beach holidays. This route is ideal for passengers seeking cultural experiences and new landscapes.
Historically a significant hub during the slave trade, the Cape Verde Islands are particularly worth visiting for their rich local culture. Mindelo is recognized as the cultural capital of Cape Verde, boasting unique architecture, vibrant markets, and a replica of the Torre de Belém fortress in Lisbon. The beachfront promenades offer live music and lively bars, making them a great spot for relaxation. Hiking through the dunes or volcanic landscapes is also recommended on Cape Verde. The historical city center of São Vicente is just a 15-minute walk from the harbor.
This cruise is scheduled for multiple dates between December 2026 and March 2027, with prices starting at 979 euros per person (as of June 26) under the Pro fare. The total costs, including the arrival package, begin at a minimum of 1429 euros. TUI Cruises offers an early booking discount of 100 euros for bookings made by May 31, 2026. Similar to the other routes, passengers will spend four days at sea, making this cruise more suited to experienced cruise fans.
Starting and ending in the Spanish island of Gran Canaria, the "Mein Schiff 7" will visit the following ports in Cape Verde:
As reported by abendblatt.de.
