We’ve not got very far exploring our neighbouring islands yet – only a long weekend in Gran Canaria in 2023 to meet friends cruising by, so we decided that the best introduction would be a cruise around the region. I debated calling this post Macaronesia, but that region, whilst incorporating the Canaries and Madeira also includes The Azores and Cape Verde so I’ve discounted that idea.
We’re travelling on P&O this time, they are one of only two lines that regularly operate cruises in the region this year. Mark has never sailed P&O and for me it’s almost thirty years since the last time. The ship, Azura, has just over 3000 customers, it’s going to be a different experience to our usual 300 to 450 sized ones, but we have two sets of friends who have both done this and enjoyed it so we’re optimistic.
- Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sat 27/01 – day 00
Saturdays always start with meter readings. While Hubby is making my breakfast I read the electricity and water meters, and also those… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sat 27/01 – day 00 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sun 28/01 – day 01
Our first sea day is the journey heading due north towards the Portuguese island of Madeira. We decide to have a proper… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sun 28/01 – day 01 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Mon 29/01 – day 02
Our first port is Funchal, the capital of Madeira, some 200 miles north of Tenerife, famous for its fortified wine of the… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Mon 29/01 – day 02 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Tue 30/01 – day 03
Sea days happen either side of Madeira on this itinerary, it will be exactly the same next week. We start with a… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Tue 30/01 – day 03 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Wed 31/01 – day 04
The only Canaries island we have already visited is Gran Canaria, today’s plan is to repeat the tour we created in May… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Wed 31/01 – day 04 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Thu 01/02 – day 05
Today we are in Lanzarote, parked up well away from the main port area because Meinn Shiff 1 got the better position!… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Thu 01/02 – day 05 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Fri 02/02 – day 06
It feels really odd to be berthed in our home island but still be living onboard. Even for our friends Jacs and… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Fri 02/02 – day 06 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sat 03/02 – day 07
We have a cute little French ship opposite, a bit too small us but she looks nice nevertheless, with only 65 cabins.… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sat 03/02 – day 07 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sun 04/02 – day 08
It’s probably the case that the smokers are driven mad by the walkers, the reverse is certainly true. There are numerous pinch-points… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Sun 04/02 – day 08 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Mon 05/02 – day 09
Our second visit to Madeira on this cruise. Why not stay two days last week? Well the cruise is what the industry… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Mon 05/02 – day 09 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Tue 06/02 – day 10
Our final sea-day. The usual walk is started earlier today to avoid as much of the rush-hour as we can, it is… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Tue 06/02 – day 10 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Wed 07/02 – day 11
There are no less than 169 steps between boarding the ship on deck four and getting a pizza on deck fifteen! Tromping… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Wed 07/02 – day 11 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Thu 08/02 – day 12
Groundhog Day again – we’re at the wrong quay and the Germans have pole position. Last Thursday Meinn Shiff 1 beat us,… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Thu 08/02 – day 12 - Canarias Cruise 2024 – Fri 09/02 – day 13
We very often park in the car park near to Auditorio de Tenerife and walk past the Palmetum. Today we make the… Read more: Canarias Cruise 2024 – Fri 09/02 – day 13