Canary Islands Christmas and New Years Cruise 2026
For those looking for a little winter sun over the festive period why not treat yourself to our disabled friendly 16 night cruise which is the perfect opportunity to experience some of Iberia’s holiday hotspots.
Holiday Overview
This exceptional cruise promises stunning sights, world-class entertainment, and the dedicated support of Limitless Travel to ensure your holiday at sea exceeds your expectations. Departing from Southampton, you’ll sail south toward warmer climates aboard P&O’s renowned Iona cruise ship.
Your first stop takes you to the enchanting island of Madeira, Portugal, where you can explore the port and surrounding town, soaking in the lush flora and fauna that make this region so unique. From there, you’ll journey to the Canary Islands for several days of island-hopping, discovering the striking landscapes of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria. Following these remarkable islands, you’ll dock in the historic city of Cadiz, Spain, known for its captivating charm and cultural richness. Next, you’ll make your way to Lisbon, Portugal—a Limitless favorite. Here, a guided tour around the city will highlight its incredible history and vibrant ambiance. Your final port of call is La Coruna before heading back to Southampton.
The Limitless Team will be with you every step of the way, providing care, support, and assistance as needed. Accessible cabins are available onboard, along with the vast majority of Iona’s amenities. With 30 restaurants and bars, swimming pools, entertainment venues, a steam room, sauna, and a large cinema, there’s something to enjoy every moment of your voyage.
For more information about accessibility aboard the Iona, please contact a Limitless Travel Advisor at 0800 711 7112.
What's Included?
What's Included?
Enjoy the Picturesque sights of Lisbon, Marvel at the otherworldly landscapes in the Canaries and enjoy some fabulous coastal food in Madeira.
Full festive facilities on board the ship, including Christmas dinner, Santa and entertainment.
Home-pick up included (first 125 miles included in the package)
The Iona is equipped with a cinema, 30+ restaurants and bars, 4 swimming pools, a Spa and wellness centre and 10 different theatres and lounge areas to keep all entertained.
16 nights in a full-board, Cabin of choice on P&O’s Iona cruise ship.
Full board cruising includes a Continental breakfast that can be delivered to the cabin, or full breakfast lunch and dinner served in the non speciality restaurant's as-well as snacks, tea and coffee.
Group Support & Holiday Assistance included as standard and provided by our experienced care team
Supplementary care packages available for travellers who require additional assistance
We’ll also help to arrange any specialist equipment you need while on holiday
Every holiday led by a Limitless Tour Manager to ensure a problem-free trip
From booking your holiday to returning home after a wonderful trip, the Limitless Team is on-hand to provide you with the support you need. If you have any questions regarding the holiday, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
** Limitless Travel carefully pick out cruise itineraries to ensure minimal anchor ports (where a small boat or ‘tender’ transports guests to shore) Unfortunately port changes can happen due to a number of reasons while at sea. Limitless Travel will not be held accountable for any port changes.
Your adventure begins! Enjoy home pick up from your front door, or make your own way to Southampton Cruise Terminal where there is free parking. Our team will then help you get checked in and onto P&O's world-class Iona cruise ship. With priority boarding you'll be exploring the ship before you know it!
As with most cruises, your holiday properly starts at sea. Today you will get time to know the ship as we head towards the Iberian Peninsula, taking in the spectacular sea views as we go and making the most of the ship’s impressive facilities. You will have the chance to meet the rest of the group and get to grips with your new home for the next couple of weeks.
As you journey south, today presents another opportunity to relish the ship's offerings. Treat yourself to a cinematic experience, explore entertainment venues for captivating shows, and stay tuned for the Horizon newspaper detailing a plethora of activities—quizzes, bingo, karaoke, magic acts, and beyond. Dive into the array of onboard delights!
As you sail further south, you’ll start to feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun—a perfect day to take a dip in one of the Iona’s inviting pools. With multiple pools onboard, including one equipped with a pool hoist, everyone can enjoy a refreshing swim under the open sky.
Land ahoy! Today, the ship docks at your first stop in beautiful Madeira. After a hearty breakfast, the Limitless staff will be ready to assist with disembarking so you can start exploring this charming island. Madeira’s market town is perfect for a leisurely walk, though some streets grow steeper and narrower as you head inland. Discover unique local treasures, including handcrafted wicker furniture, intricate lacework, and colorful tapestries, all of which make wonderful souvenirs. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to sample Madeira’s world-famous wine!
Today you'll discover the largest of the Canary Islands—Tenerife, a haven with one of the world's most varied landscapes. From lush valleys and vibrant plantations to stunning beaches and the otherworldly Mount Teide National Park, Tenerife captivates with its natural wonders. Docking in Santa Cruz, the evolved cruise port turned splendid city, you'll encounter sophisticated bars, diverse restaurants, eclectic shops, fine architecture, and captivating museums. Immerse yourself in Tenerife's diverse charm, where every moment promises the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Indulge in the enchanting spirit of Christmas Day aboard the Iona, where festive decorations adorn the ship, special dining menus feature delectable holiday delights, lively entertainment fills the air, and joyful festivities abound for all passengers to revel in the magic of the season.
Blessed with 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Fuerteventura stands as an ideal destination to bask in the sun and achieve that perfect tan, particularly with its outstanding beaches. The combination of trade winds and Atlantic Ocean swells creates an ideal environment for water-sports enthusiasts, attracting them to the island throughout the year. Similar to its neighbouring islands, Fuerteventura possesses a rugged charm evident in its bays and volcanic slopes, characteristic of the Canary Islands. However, in contrast to the more bustling islands like Tenerife and Lanzarote, Fuerteventura has successfully sidestepped excessive development, preserving a sense of tranquility and stark beauty.
Another Day another Destination. Today you will be able to look around Gran Canaria. The most densely populated and naturally diverse of the Canary Islands. Experience its beauty as we dock at the Santa Catalina cruise terminal, offering easy access to vibrant Las Palmas and the nearby Muelle shopping complex, just 100 meters away. Delve into the trendy old quarter, Vegueta, or enjoy the nearby Playa de las Canteras beach.
Today marks your final visit to the Canary Islands, we can't think of a much better way to enjoy it. Lanzarote enchants with its otherworldly and consistently stunning natural beauty. Shaped by volcanoes and lava fields, the landscape boasts rocks with improbable formations perched on balanced outposts, while black sand beaches compete for attention against traditional palm-lined coasts. Recognised as a UNESCO Geopark, the island is a captivating destination that mesmerises all who venture to its volcanic shores.
When the Iona docks in Arrecife, the island's capital, you'll have a full day to immerse yourself in its sun-drenched plazas, trendy bars, and atmospheric backstreets. For a dose of local culture, explore the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo, which showcases numerous works by César Manrique, the island's influential artist.
After a few action-packed days ashore, today offers a chance to unwind back on the ship. If you're in the mood for some relaxation, consider booking a session at the spa! The Iona truly has everything you need for a rejuvenating day, including a barber and hair salon, so you can treat yourself to a full day of pampering at sea.
Romantic Cadiz boasts thousands of years of history and has been one of Spain’s most important coastal cities for much of the country’s past. One of the spiritual homes of flamenco, it’s a city with a unique character and visible Arabic heritage, ensuring it’s an enchanting last stop on your cruise.
Almost entirely surrounded by water, Cadiz is one of the Iberian Peninsula’s hidden gems and a favourite amongst many Spanish travellers. The locals are known for their welcoming, down-to-earth character and the city’s restaurants are seafood specialists, so make sure you sit down for some fresh fish before you leave. Our care team will escort you to Plaza de España and the Batería de San Felipe (a canon lined fortress), both of which are within walking distance of the cruise terminal and are great spots to begin your exploration of this sun-soaked city.
Today we arrive back in Portugal, ready to explore the vibrant capital city of Lisbon—a true European gem. Famous for its stunning streetscapes, charming squares, and pastel-colored buildings, Lisbon offers a perfect blend of history and culture. As we sail in, take in iconic sights like the Belem Tower, the Cristo Rei statue, and the impressive suspension bridge arching across the Tagus River.
To make the most of this beautiful city, you’ll join an organized tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Wander through Lisbon’s picturesque streets, learn about its rich history, and enjoy local delicacies, including the city’s famed custard tarts. As night falls, get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in unforgettable style. With music, dancing, and festivities, it’s a fantastic way to ring in the New Year!
After a vibrant evening why not begin your day with a continental breakfast delivered to your cabin, setting the perfect tone. In the evening, try your luck at the onboard casino, offering classic games reminiscent of Las Vegas. Alternatively, enjoy a variety of West End shows, mesmerising magic acts, and live music performances, ensuring entertainment for all to enjoy, regardless of fortune.
Today, we make our final stop in La Coruña - one of Galicia’s biggest cities and a major hub for the textiles and fashion industries. Home to international mega-brand, Zara, it boasts an exciting array of shops and boutiques.
It’s not all about the shopping, though. La Coruña is a vibrant and exciting beach town with a fantastic food scene and some of the best seafood in northern Spain. Your ship docks just a seven-minute walk from the central Maria Pita square, where you’ll find a number of delightful cafes, bars and restaurants and also be able to catch a glimpse of the city’s famous Hercules Lighthouse.
On your last full day aboard, savour the remaining delights you are yet to experience. Explore any overlooked on-board attractions or revisit a favoured restaurant. As we sail home, it's also the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow Limitless guests to share photos and stories, creating cherished, lasting memories.
After your last breakfast, we’ll help you check-out. Your bags will be taken down by the Iona's crew and our care team will be on-hand to assist you. From here you will join the transfers back to the pick-up points, relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for your next Limitless adventure. We can’t wait to see you again!
Included: Breakfast
The Ship
P&O Iona
Welcome aboard the Iona, a proud member of P&O's outstanding fleet of accessible ships. Boasting luxurious fittings and facilities, as well as a cool, contemporary style. Each accessible cabin comes with:
Accessible cabins available on request (very limited) - with wide access doors and space for mobility scooters to be stored
All bathrooms come with wet rooms, wide door access and grip-handles
Equipment hire available (including powered wheelchairs + hoists)
Outside, Balcony & Mini-Suite Cabins (prices may vary)
Air conditioning
TV, fridge and hairdryer
Tea and coffee making facilities
Full board: all meals are included in the price of your cruise holiday for complete ease and mouth-watering luxury at sea. There’s also an option to add a ‘drinks package’, which can be done either before or during your cruise.
Transport:
Door-to-Door Transfer Service
Going from home to holiday has never been easier. We'll pick you in an accessible minibus, transferring you directly to the port where our team will be waiting to assist with check in.
This door to door transfer service is included free of charge each way for journeys within 125 miles of the port. For any journeys greater than 125 miles a charge of £3.25 per mile will apply (up to a maximum distance of 250 miles).
Please note, if you live in the following regions: Yorkshire, North East England, Wales, then an additional charge of £200 may be applied to your booking. This is due to our drivers needing to travel the night before to ensure pick up can be completed at the scheduled time on departure day.