Cruise · 15 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks
A slow-paced winter cruise on Fred. Olsen's Balmoral from Southampton to the Canaries and Madeira, featuring Christmas at sea and New Year’s fireworks in Funchal.
- Duration
- 15 nights
- Departs
- 22 Dec 2026
- Sails from
- Southampton
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £2,899
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Four days at sea between Southampton and the Canaries
Christmas Day spent sailing aboard Balmoral
Fireworks over Funchal harbour on New Year’s Eve
Lisbon city visit and tram rides
Calls at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria
About the trip
Fifteen days aboard Balmoral with Fred. Olsen takes a gentle route from Southampton to the Canary Islands and Madeira, mixing a few days at sea with port calls that include Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria. Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a seaside town with bustling markets, while La Palma’s quieter atmosphere contrasts nicely.
The ship spends Christmas Day sailing, a chance to relax without the usual holiday fuss. Later, the cruise reaches Funchal where the New Year arrives with fireworks that spill down into the harbour — a sight visible from the ship if you time it right. After a day’s sailing, the final call is in Lisbon, with the chance to ride its famous trams and sample pastéis de nata fresh from the bakeries.
This is a winter escape that covers mainland Europe and island ports without rushing. It’s a cruise that doesn’t demand speed or stamina but rewards with familiar places seen in a different light during the quieter low season.
- 1 Southampton
- 2 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- 3 Santa Cruz de La Palma
- 4 Las Palmas
- 5 Funchal
- 6 Lisbon
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Southampton, England
Day 2
At sea
Day 3
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Day 4
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain
Day 5
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
Day 6
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Southampton
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Interior Room
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks?
- Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks is a 15 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks depart from?
- Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks departs from Southampton.
- Who operates Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks?
- Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks cost?
- Prices for Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks start from £2,899, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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