Christmas on a cruise-ship! Enjoy a relaxing festive break as you set sail from Southampton to the tropical Canary Islands
Holiday Overview
Taste the tapas in Tenerife explore the mountainous landscapes of Lanzarote and cruise to Cadiz and of course spend a day at sea celebrating Christmas day. Cruising with P&O traditions from the UK get their own special twist onboard the ship. Mince pies are served along side carol singers and even a Christmas Day service run by the captain of the ship. Christmas themed entertainment and films galore along with a hundred or so Christmas trees for every ship. Our care team will be available throughout the trip to ensure you have a fantastic enjoyable cruise.
The average temperature for the islands is about 17°C created by average highs of 20°C during the hottest part of the day and average lows of 14°C in the evening.
What's Included?
Home-pick up included (first 100-miles to port included any extra will be charged a rate per mile) straight to Southampton Cruise Terminal.
Skydome pool - a glass-domed roof over the main swimming pool onboard Iona
14-night cruise with all meals included
Breakfast in your cabin the all-day buffet and formal dining room meals included
Visit 7 fantastic cruise ports such as Lisbon Cadiz and Madeira
Festive cheer throughout the ship including carol singers decorations and themed theatre shows
Group departure with the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers
Your adventure begins! Home-pick up (within the first 100 miles), or pick up at Southampton Central or Airport, or free parking for the duration of the cruise included.
Our care team will be on-hand to assist with embarkation, exploring the ship and getting settled into your cabin.
Welcome aboard! Ho-ho-ho! Sailing into warmer waters, you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast in your cabin or explore the wide variety of options at the buffet. The ship will be decked out in festive-decorations to get you in the festive mood, Christmas themed films, shows and quizzes.
Your second day at sea. P&O's Iona is famous for its fantastic Skydome with a glass roof over a swimming pool, you'll bask in the warm sunshine or take a dip in the pool!
Cruise visitors here will discover that the market town is easily walkable although, the further inland you explore, the steeper and narrower some of the streets become. Locally made wicker furniture, lacework and tapestries all make good buys along with the ubiquitous Madeira wine. Funchal is also the base for tours to the islands botanical gardens; the fishing village of Camara de Lobos where Churchill went to paint; Camacha, the wicker centre; the levada walks, part of an ancient irrigation system; and to Reids Hotel for traditional afternoon tea, making cruises to Madeira a must see.
Today we cruise into the vibrant port of Tenerife. Tenerife is a true slice of paradise. Explore its foodie treasures, tranquil sunsets burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow and put your underwater camera to good use. There are countless experiences to be had, yet also peaceful and idyllic with sparkling waters and powder-soft sand.
The tranquil harbour, verdant palm groves and excellent climate of Gran Canaria's lively capital Las Palmas delighted Christopher Columbus when he discovered it on his famous voyage of 1492. Those same attractions now draw modern travellers keen to explore the atmospheric cobbled streets and leafy courtyards of its old quarter, Vegueta.
Wild, windswept, and fringed with shimmering beaches, Fuerteventura is the second largest among Spain's famous Canary Islands. Christmas celebrations will be in full swing (as today is the 23rd of December!). With an average temperature of 19degrees and Christmas markets in the town, this exciting port is a fantastic place to visit.
Day 9 - Christmas Eve in Arrecife de Lanzarote, Spain
Merry Christmas Eve and welcome to the volcanic island of Lanzarote! Typically daytime temperatures will be in the range 18 to 22 degrees, explore the Christmas markets and get in the festive mood. You’ll hear Christmas music being played everywhere, especially the classic “Feliz Navidad.” Every town has magical light displays, with TInajo’s roundabout being a feature each year. After your day exploring, return to the ship for the festivities!
Merry Christmas! Start your day with a relaxing breakfast in your cabin. From carol singers in the atrium; to mince pies and full Christmas Dinner; crackers and Santa, along with the usual mulled wines, Christmas Day Service (run by the Captain) and even Panto in the main theatre!
Time to walk off that extra Christmas pudding with Cádiz. Cádiz is an ancient port city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain. Cruise ships dock right in front of the city center in Cadiz. You can visit many historical landmarks that go hand in hand with unique shops and little squares. It is the perfect example of an Iberian city with all its charm and glory.
Some of the best views of the Portuguese capital come as your ship cruises along the Tagus River. You pass the Belem Tower and the impressive Monument to the Discoveries with its statue of Henry the Navigator before arriving at the Lisbon cruise port. Although small for a European capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts - Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style, making Lisbon cruises a must see.
Relax into a day at sea with the Limitless Care team. Our team will be available to help with the activities. Watch a headline show at the theatre, get involved in karaoke in the British style pub or lounge under the Skydome.
Last minute sightseeing around the ship! Such as the 710 Club, exclusively on Iona and designed by Gary Barlow. Exclusively for adults, its stage will light up to the sounds of its talented resident band; a group guided by Gary. Yet his involvement runs far deeper; to choosing music for the club, guiding future performers and playlists and even shaping the interiors and signature cocktails.
Welcome back to Blighty! The Limitless Care team will be on hand to help you disembark and get to your transfer home. Our team will ensure you have the right support and facilities, back to your home address.
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.