Discover The Canaries Cruise 12 Nights • Southampton, England • Independence of the Seas
Itinerary
Cruise Overview
Day 1 Mon, May 12 Southampton, England Departs at 5:00 pm
Day 2 Tue, May 13 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
Day 3 Wed, May 14 Bilbao, Spain Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 4 Thu, May 15 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
Day 5 Fri, May 16 Lisbon, Portugal Docked from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Day 6 Sat, May 17 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
Day 7 Sun, May 18 Lanzarote, Canary Islands Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 8 Mon, May 19 Tenerife, Canary Islands Docked from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Day 9 Tue, May 20 Madeira (Funchal), Portugal Docked from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Day 10 Wed, May 21 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
Day 11 Thu, May 22 La Coruna, Spain Docked from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Day 12 Fri, May 23 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
Day 13 Sat, May 24 Southampton, England Arrives at 5:30 am
Cruise Overview
Dive headfirst into adventure on a 12-night cruise to Europe. Depart from Southampton, England on Independence of the Seas on your epic journey through unforgettable landscapes and world-renowned cities. Gaze in awe and wonder at wow-worthy architecture and natural beauty as you travel throughout the region.
Day 1 Mon, May 12, 2025 Southampton, England Departs at 5:00 pm
A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your vacation — you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for medieval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St. Michael's church on Castle Way — built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artifacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St. Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.
Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.
Day 2 Tue, May 13, 2025 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 3 Wed, May 14, 2025 Bilbao, Spain Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Bilbao makes a great first impression. Once you arrive, you'll soon spot the futuristic building that's become the beating heart of the city: the Guggenheim Museum. Get swept up by Michelin-starred restaurants, enchanting tapas bars, sidrerias (cider houses) and a clever 100-year-old suspension bridge.
Travel Tips
1
Don't miss Bilbao's outskirts — check out the coastal suburb Getxo, a 25-minute train ride away, which offers lush green mountains and ocean views.
2
Follow the locals and hop from one pintxos bar to the next, sampling a variety of dishes.
3
Instead of taking a cab or renting a car, discover Bilbao more intimately by bike.
Day 4 Thu, May 15, 2025 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 5 Fri, May 16, 2025 Lisbon, Portugal Docked from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fuel up for your Lisbon adventure with a delectable pasteis de nata, a sweet custard tart spiced with cinnamon and best savored warm. Then, climb the Seven Hills of Portugal and admire panoramic views of the sea and the city from above. Ride the yellow tram to explore every inch of colorful Lisbon. Wander along the seaside in the Belem district and marvel at the 16th-century architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower.
Travel Tips
1
Tram 28 is the best-known tram line, taking riders through all the must-see neighborhoods, but the trolleys fill up quickly. Opt for a lesser known route to avoid crowds.
2
Pick up a Lisboa Card for discounts and free entry to big tourist attractions and public transport.
Day 6 Sat, May 17, 2025 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 7 Sun, May 18, 2025 Lanzarote, Canary Islands Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
A beach lover's paradise, the small island of Lanzarote is also a land where vegetables and grapes grow in rich volcanic soil. Head to Famara Beach for a sun-soaked surf and views of the pink cliffs that surround the shoreline.
Travel Tips
1
The best way to explore the island is by renting a car, and bike rentals are also popular and easy.
Day 8 Mon, May 19, 2025 Tenerife, Canary Islands Docked from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Eclectic Tenerife is the largest of Spain's enigmatic Canary Islands. Head to the lively streets of capital city Santa Cruz to see the 16th-century Iglesia de la Concepcion and the ultra-modern Auditorio de Tenerife. Or get to know the most rugged natural landscapes in Europe and hike the laurel tree-canopied mountains of Anaga.
Travel Tips
1
Tenerife looks small on the map, but the island's mountainous terrain and developing infrastructure can make journeys here longer than you might imagine, so plan accordingly.
2
If you happen to visit Tenerife in February, make sure to check out the island's annual Carnival, a raucous event not to be missed.
Day 9 Tue, May 20, 2025 Madeira (Funchal), Portugal Docked from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Portugal's Madeira island is a natural paradise. The lush mountains, brilliant flower gardens and jagged cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for an adventure-filled holiday. Break a sweat hiking one of the levandas, or cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear blue waters. Or indulge in some local cuisine, like grilled mussels or espetada, Madeira's answer to the grilled beef kebab.
Travel Tips
1
Travel from mid-April to mid-May to see the flower festival.
2
There are nine tourism offices in Madeira if you need some local information.
Day 10 Wed, May 21, 2025 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 11 Thu, May 22, 2025 La Coruna, Spain Docked from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Get to know La Coruna by walking the Paseo Maritimo, an ocean-facing promenade that'll take you past some of the city's must-see sights. Pop into the Aquarium Finesterre and say hi to the energetic seals that sun themselves on the outdoor terrace. Climb the hill to the Tower of Hercules, a Roman-era lighthouse that's still in use today. See Celtic artifacts and 16th-century cannons at the fortress of Castillo de San Anton.
Travel Tips
1
Most shops close for an afternoon siesta of two to three hours.
2
Most smaller markets (where you can haggle on prices) and souvenir shops will only take cash, not credit cards.
3
Get away from the seafront to eat. The food will be just as tasty — but it'll be about half the price.
Day 12 Fri, May 23, 2025 Day at Sea Independence of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 13 Sat, May 24, 2025 Southampton, England Arrives at 5:30 am
Your adventure doesn't have to end once you've gotten back to Southampton. Before you go, spend a few days exploring the quaint English towns of the Hampshire region like Winchester, the ancient capital, or the pretty market town of Romsey. This village is also home to the Romsey Abbey, one of the most magnificent churches in Southern England thanks to its round Norman arches and lofty nave.
The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.
This is a firm “no” to FOMO. Independence of the Seas® is giving cruising an injection of new adventures. Go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z℠. And score an awesome time and game-changing grub at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.
Your vacation essentials are always included. Quench your thirst with water, coffee, juice and tea options available at no charge. Indulge in many delicious free dining options onboard. You can also enjoy jaw-dropping entertainment like live shows, live music, themed dance parties and more at no additional cost.
