It has been nearly a quarter of a century since I embarked on my first cruise adventure, a time when the responsibilities of children and work had not yet consumed my daily routine. The anticipation of returning to the open seas for a relaxing vacation, filled with sunbathing and leisurely drinks, was a welcome prospect for a child-free seven-day getaway.
Accompanied by my friend Paul, who was new to the world of cruising, we decided to embark on a week-long journey aboard the P&O Cruises ship Azura, exploring the Canary Islands and Madeira. The allure of escaping the gloomy winter weather in Northern England in exchange for some much-needed sunshine on a cruise starting in Tenerife and visiting Madeira, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote before returning to Tenerife was irresistible.
As the departure date neared and we perused the available excursions, we quickly realized that our cruise would involve more than just lounging around. It became apparent that a bit of pre-planning would greatly enhance our experience while exploring the volcanic islands and vibrant towns. Here are five recommendations based on our adventures sailing around the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Our journey included a bus tour through the park, allowing us to marvel at the striking landscape shaped by molten lava rock. We ascended and descended winding roads, traversed through the lava fields, and eventually reached a visitor center where we had the opportunity to handle samples of the fiery rock, observe steam geysers erupting skyward, and witness the BBQ area where chickens were being roasted.
Azura’s gym boasts a wide array of cardio machines and weights, ideal for a quick workout session before indulging in a leisurely dip in the private adults-only pool.
For a more relaxing experience, the onboard spa features multiple treatment areas, a steam room, and a sauna. I opted for a deep tissue massage, which proved to be incredibly therapeutic.
Additionally, the spa offers a serene relaxation room, and on the upper deck, there is an exclusive private area equipped with sun loungers and seating, providing the perfect setting to unwind after a day of island exploration.
For those interested in booking a similar holiday experience, prices for the Spain, Portugal & Canary Islands cruise (N617) start from £1,299 per person, offering a 14-night roundtrip from Southampton on 18 July aboard Ventura, based on double occupancy of an inside cabin. Bookings can be made on <a aria-label="" class="TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l" href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/N617/N617" rel="nofollow" target
