Cunard Canary Islands: 28 nights from Southampton with Queen Victoria
Feb 22, 2026

Funchal

The famous Portuguese poet, Júlio Dinis described Funchal as: ‘The sea on one side, the mountains on the other and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a sleeping child, safe and warm, between its parents’. Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Settlers over 500 years ago were attracted to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural ‘amphitheatre’. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty harbour for almost 1,200 metres. The port is located 15-minute walk from the city center, in Funchal's magnificent bay with its sparkling blue waters. Due to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopover point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Colonists over 500 years ago were drawn to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural 'amphitheater'. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty port for almost 1200 meters. The magnificent bay of Funchal, with its sparkling blue waters, is home to the port, a 15-minute walk from the city center. Thanks to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopping point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Tortola Island

Tortola Island, a mountainous island of volcanic origin, is the largest and most populous of the British Virgin Islands. Once a place of refuge for buccaneers, today it is an ideal destination for all those who love unspoiled nature and water sports. Crystal clear waters, unspoiled nature and long beaches make the island's landscape unique. The crystal clear waters allow for numerous water sports such as snorkeling.

Get ready to wear your snorkel and mask to enjoy the beauty of the seabed and the animals that inhabit it. If you think that what I am saying is not enough, imagine diving into the waters of the island and seeing with your own eyes ancient shipwrecks, coral gardens and underwater mountains. Needless to say, this is an unforgettable experience that happens a few times in life.

One of the best ways to reach Tortola Island is aborad a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that depart from Tortola Island or that has the island as a stop is the ideal choice for those who want to discover the beauties of the island both during navigation and once you reach the island.

 

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best cruise ship ports in the Caribbean famous for shopping.

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch part of the island of St. Maarten, a Caribbean island divided into Dutch and French (Saint Martin). Business seekers flock to the duty-free shops and tax-free sales of the long Philipsburg shopping district. Visitors can also enjoy art galleries in the city, historical fortresses, casinos, and zoos, as well as Great Bay Beach and the boardwalk.

Basseterre

During your stop in Basseterre, the lively capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, get ready to immerse yourself in an authentic Caribbean experience. Start with a walk in the heart of the city, exploring the bustling Independence Square, surrounded by historic colonial-style buildings and colorful local markets. Visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the historic Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Walk through the imposing walls of the fortress and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. For closer contact with nature, head to the Romney Manor Botanical Gardens, where you can admire a vast array of tropical flora.

If you are looking for relaxation, relax on the pristine beaches of South Friars Bay or Cockleshell Beach. The turquoise waters and white sand create a perfect environment for swimming, snorkeling or simply enjoying the sun. Basseterre awaits you with its natural and cultural wonders.

Basseterre: A Caribbean Gem for Your Cruise Departure

Embark on an idyllic Caribbean adventure from Basseterre, the charming capital of St. Kitts. This vibrant port city, with its colonial architecture and lively atmosphere, offers a captivating starting point for your tropical escape. Explore historical sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress, wander through colorful markets, and soak in the island's lush beauty before setting sail. Basseterre promises a warm welcome and a taste of authentic Caribbean life before you even step aboard your luxurious cruise ship.

Tropical Horizons Await from Basseterre

Cruises departing from Basseterre lead to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the Lesser Antilles and beyond. Imagine waking up to new islands each day, from the pristine beaches of Antigua to the volcanic landscapes of St. Lucia. Whether you seek thrilling water sports, serene relaxation, or vibrant local culture, your journey from Basseterre will be filled with unforgettable moments. The convenience and beauty of this port make it an ideal choice for those dreaming of a truly immersive Caribbean cruise experience, leaving you refreshed and inspired by every stop.

Castries

St Lucia is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The most popular is Vigie Beach, a beautiful curve of golden sand, dotted with swaying palm trees.

St. Lucia has been part of the British Commonwealth since 1803. But before that, it was often occupied by the French, whose influences are evident in much of the island's culture. Castries offers a colorful local market and great shopping. And the surrounding areas offer lush rainforests, impressive waterfalls, beautiful beaches and sulfur springs. Admire the beautiful coast of Santa Lucia from the deck of a catamaran. You will have an unbeatable view of the landscape and you will get an exhilarating ride.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown, an island located in the eastern part of the archipelago, is the capital of Barbodos islands. It is renowned for its duty-free shops and its cultural and historical attractions.
It is one of the most oldiest cities of the Carribean Islands; its architecture full of colonial buildings blending with warehouses and brash modern office blocks fascinates and entertains visitors. The center of the city is the Carenaggio, a tourist port that confines with the Parliament of Barbados (where are located two small fashinated history museums). Some of the most famous religious buildings are distant five minutes from the Parliament like Sant Micheal Cathedral and the synagogue.

Bridgetown is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean; its architecture with balconies of colonial buildings blending with warehouses and brash modern office blocks fascinates and entertains visitors. The center of activity is the careenage, a marina that borders the Barbados Parliament (home to two small but fascinating local history museums). A number of the island's most important religious buildings are located within a five-minute walk of Parliament, including St. Michael's Cathedral and a synagogue.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown, an island located in the eastern part of the archipelago, is the capital of Barbodos islands. It is renowned for its duty-free shops and its cultural and historical attractions.
It is one of the most oldiest cities of the Carribean Islands; its architecture full of colonial buildings blending with warehouses and brash modern office blocks fascinates and entertains visitors. The center of the city is the Carenaggio, a tourist port that confines with the Parliament of Barbados (where are located two small fashinated history museums). Some of the most famous religious buildings are distant five minutes from the Parliament like Sant Micheal Cathedral and the synagogue.

Bridgetown is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean; its architecture with balconies of colonial buildings blending with warehouses and brash modern office blocks fascinates and entertains visitors. The center of activity is the careenage, a marina that borders the Barbados Parliament (home to two small but fascinating local history museums). A number of the island's most important religious buildings are located within a five-minute walk of Parliament, including St. Michael's Cathedral and a synagogue.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Southampton

Southampton is a city positioned in the South of Great Britain and its port is one of the main ports in Europe. From the port of Southamptos it is possible to set sail for a Cunard transatlantic cruise and reach New York, or visit Amsterdam and Belgium with an MSC cruise. The city offers, further to the New Forest National Park, a wide natural park with its suggestive woods, also many museums and art galleries and remarkable architectural works. Noteworthy is King John’s Palace, of Norman origins as well as the old walls with 7 entrances to the city. An evidence of the Victorian Age is Tudor House, collecting objects dated back to that period. For the art lovers, Southampton City Art Gallery offers exhibitions of any kind of art, from drawing to photography with shows that attract many visitors.

Southampton: The UK's Grand Gateway to Global Cruises

Set sail from Southampton, the historic and vibrant port city on England's south coast, renowned as the UK's premier cruise departure point. With its rich maritime heritage, including its association with the Titanic, and excellent transport links, Southampton offers a grand beginning to voyages across the Atlantic, to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and beyond. Before embarking, explore its ancient city walls, maritime museums, and lively shopping districts. Southampton provides a seamless and exciting start to your global cruise adventure.

World-Class Journeys Begin from Southampton

Cruises departing from Southampton open up a world of possibilities, from transatlantic crossings to the Americas, sun-drenched Mediterranean escapes, and captivating Northern European explorations. Whether you dream of iconic cityscapes, breathtaking natural wonders, or culturally immersive experiences, Southampton serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the convenience of a world-class port and the anticipation of new discoveries as you leave the shores of England for unforgettable experiences on the open water, promising relaxation, entertainment, and endless exploration. Each voyage from Southampton promises a journey of a lifetime.