Nine Nights, Endless Sun: Southampton’s New All-Inclusive Canary Islands Cruise
By [Your News Outlet] Travel Desk | April 2024
With dozens of itineraries advertised for 2025 through 2027, agents highlight Southampton as the UK’s busiest gateway to the Canaries. CruiseKings reminds travellers that many sailings come with perks such asno tipping requiredand reduced children’s fares from £99, making it a family-friendly option that avoids airport queues and luggage weight limits.
The archipelago offersover 600 miles of coastlineand is often dubbed the “sunshine centre of Europe.” Guests hop between lunar-like lava fields in Lanzarote, pine-forested peaks on La Palma, and sand-dune deserts in Gran Canaria—all while enjoying subtropical weather that MSC calculates at19 °C in winter to 23 °C in summer.
Snapshot: What “All-Inclusive” Really Means
Most nine-night packages bundle dining, drinks, entertainment, tips, Wi-Fi, and kids’ clubs into one fare. Check your invoice, though: premium spirits and speciality dining can still carry surcharges unless you upgrade to the top tier of the beverage plan.
All-Inclusive Inclusions Versus Upgrades
| Included in Base Fare | Typical Upgrades |
|---|---|
| Main-dining & buffet meals | Specialty restaurants |
| Select beer, wine, soft drinks | Premium cocktails & spirits |
| Theatres, live music, kids’ club | Chef’s Table, wine-pairing dinners |
| Pools, jacuzzis, gym | Thermal spa passes |
| Basic Wi-Fi & gratuities | High-speed streaming, laundry |
Day-by-Day Sample Itinerary (9 Nights)
| Day | Port of Call | Shore-Side Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southampton (UK) | Sail-away past The Needles |
| 2–3 | At Sea | Mixology class & stargazing |
| 4 | Arrecife, Lanzarote | Timanfaya National Park’s Fire Mountains |
| 5 | Las Palmas, Gran Canaria | Maspalomas Dunes 4×4 safari |
| 6 | Santa Cruz, Tenerife | Cable car up Mount Teide |
| 7 | Funchal, Madeira* | Toboggan ride from Monte |
| 8 | At Sea | Tapas-pairing dinner |
| 9 | La Coruña (Spain) | Old Town pintxos crawl |
| 10 | Southampton | Disembark |
*Madeira is a common bonus stop on westbound itineraries.
Booking Watch: Where the Deals Are
• Southampton Cruise Centre is running a limited Canary Balcony Sale that advertises a 25 % discount when you quote code CANARY25 at checkout.
• Cruise118 guests can bag extra onboard credit by combining the Beverage Collection Drinks Package with early deposits, as flagged under its Freedom Fare Promise.
• For bargain hunters, Iglu Cruise’s Sky Princess sailing lists low deposit promotions from £49 per person on select 2026-27 departures.
When to Go
The islands’ subtropical climate makes them a year-round option, but shoulder seasons (April–June & September–October) combine milder heat with fewer crowds. Southampton Cruise Centre’s destination team notes that autumn voyages frequently coincide with Tenerife’s wine harvest, making it ideal for vineyard excursions around La Orotava.
Onboard Life
Expect British-style plugs and kettles in most cabins, karaoke pubs that open into the small hours, and West End revues in the main theatre. Families will appreciate that many ships partner with global kids’ brands to host themed science labs, while wellness fans can rise early for sunrise yoga on the observation deck.
Top Three Shore Excursions
- Lanzarote: A guided walk across the igneous plains of Timanfaya followed by a taste of mojo-soaked papas arrugadas, highlighted by Iglu as a must-do for foodies exploring the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote.
- Tenerife: Night-time stargazing on Mount Teide, Europe’s highest Atlantic peak and Spain’s tallest mountain.
- Gran Canaria: Urban tapas tour of Las Palmas’ Vegueta quarter, capped with a shot of local ron miel honey rum in a historic courtyard bar.
Packing Tips
MSC’s destination guide recommends bringing high-factor sun cream, a foldable hat, and a light jacket for breezy evenings; sandals are fine on deck, but volcanic terrain ashore calls for trainers or hiking shoes. If you’re sailing in winter, slip a fleece into your daypack to tackle Teide’s 2,000-metre chill.
Final Call
With flexible payment plans, fare-bundled cocktails, and ports that feel as diverse as an entire continent, a nine-night all-inclusive cruise from Southampton to the Canaries is shaping up to be 2025’s hottest “near-home” holiday. Whether you’re chasing desert dunes, dripping-green laurel forests, or the simple joy of a balcony breakfast at sea, the route offers the best of the Atlantic in one tidy, stamp-free passport sleeve.
Bon voyage—and don’t forget that booking code before it sails into the sunset.
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