Discover the Canary Islands: A Winter Paradise
The Canary Islands stand out as one of the few European destinations that guarantee pleasantly mild temperatures even in winter. While traditional beach vacations are a hallmark of many islands, destinations like the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote and the hiking trails on La Palma take center stage for adventurous travelers. Opting for a cruise allows you to visit several of these distinct islands in one journey, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experience the variety that this archipelago has to offer.
TUI Cruises operates multiple ships in the region, offering a wide range of itineraries. In addition to classic routes that include Madeira, there are also longer voyages to the Azores and Cape Verde. Some itineraries of the “Mein Schiff” fleet embark directly from European ports without the need for flights, while others incorporate longer sea days. This article explores which Canary Islands cruises from TUI are particularly worth considering, especially for those looking to sail in 2026.
The “Canaries with Madeira” route is among the classics offered by TUI Cruises, scheduled for various dates from November 2026 to April 2027. This seven-day journey aboard the “Mein Schiff Relax” appeals to a broad audience, catering to vacationers seeking relaxation as well as hiking enthusiasts. It's also a great option for families with children and first-time cruisers. The “Mein Schiff Relax” is one of the largest and most modern vessels in the TUI fleet.
While Madeira is not part of the Canary Islands, it is often included in regional cruise itineraries. The Portuguese island capital, Funchal, offers various hiking routes and excursion options, including the unique experience of a traditional wicker toboggan ride. La Palma, one of the smaller Canary Islands, is less touristy and also provides numerous hiking opportunities. Many excursions throughout the Canary Islands are priced under 50 euros, making them accessible for travelers.
Exciting Itineraries and Affordable Options
Noëlle Bölling, born in 1992, embarked on her first AIDA cruise at the age of eight and has since traveled multiple routes each year. Her longest journey was a world cruise aboard the “AIDAmar,” which took her from South America through the South Seas to Australia and South Africa over four months. She shares her experiences in her book “Sail Away: A Cruise Around the World” and on her YouTube channel, which boasts over 7,600 subscribers. Alongside her role as a content creator, she also works as a freelance writer.
The destinations of the cruise may vary slightly depending on the embarkation date. Passengers can board either in Gran Canaria or Tenerife, with Tenerife offering a wider array of excursion options, making Las Palmas on Gran Canaria a preferable start and end port. The “Mein Schiff Relax” will visit several islands during this cruise variant.
Pricing for the Canary Islands cruise starts at 849 euros per person in the Pro tariff (as of June 3). Guests can choose their preferred cabin, and with the travel package included, total costs begin at a minimum of 1,419 euros. Bookings made by May 31, 2026, benefit from an early bird discount of 100 euros per person, already deducted from the price.
Another exciting winter season option is the “Canaries with Morocco” route, which also operates on several dates. These seven-day cruises set sail from November 2026 to January 2027, featuring the “Mein Schiff Relax.” This route is appealing to both novice and experienced cruisers in search of new destinations, particularly those interested in cultural experiences.
This cruise itinerary includes stops at Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as Agadir in Morocco. From here, excursions to Marrakech or the oasis city of Taroudant are available. The latter, often referred to as Marrakech's “little sister,” is more accessible from the port, located approximately 90 kilometers away. The historical city walls and traditional souks in Taroudant attract numerous tourists, with tours starting from 59 euros per person.
For this cruise, pricing starts at 829 euros per person in the Pro tariff (as of June 3). Including flights, total costs begin at 1,299 euros per person. The early bird discount of 100 euros per person remains valid until May 31, 2026. It’s advisable to consider seasonal pricing to book cruises to the Canary Islands at a lower cost, with embarkation available in Gran Canaria or Tenerife.
As reported by abendblatt.de.
