Canary Islands Christmas and New Years Cruise 2026
Christmas Day
Spend Christmas in the sun and celebrate NYE in style with a 16-night care-supported cruise to the Canaries aboard the P&O Iona.
LisbonMount TeideMadeira
Start the New Year with Canary Island Sun
Enjoy an unforgettable winter getaway and head for the lush Atlantic island of Madeira, then sun-splashed Tenerife, before spending Christmas Day aboard the spectacularly decorated Iona, enjoying a host of festive food and entertainment. Beautiful Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote follow, as do stops in ancient Cádiz and trendy Lisbon, where you’ll enjoy a Limitless-exclusive city tour before getting dressed up to celebrate NYE on the ship. A final stop in stylish A Coruña completes the trip.
Cruising Perfected - the P&O Iona
You’ll travel on P&O’s accessible Iona cruise ship, enjoying the luxury, comfort and sensational facilities associated with state-of-the-art cruising. Alongside fully accessible cabins, it features public viewing spaces for 360° vistas, leisure facilities, and endless delicious dining options, ranging from the casual to the contemporary.
Limitless Holiday Support
Limitless provides expert end-to-end support, making it easy to plan, book, and enjoy a stress-free holiday at sea. Your personal Limitless travel advisor will help you find the perfect cruise, while also ensuring you get the care and assistance you need and arranging supplementary tailored care packages if required. We bring professional carers and a tour manager on every trip, so you can travel confidently knowing support is always available.
Home Pick-Up & Boarding Your holiday begins! Whether you’ve made use of the complimentary parking or the complementary Limitless accessible taxi transfer, our team will be there to help you check in your bags and board the ship. Those guests staying in an accessible cabin will also benefit from Priority Embarkation. We know check-in and boarding can be a nervous experience for some travellers, so Limitless assists with every aspect. You can learn about our check in and boarding support in greater detail in our FAQs.
Once aboard the cruise ship, you’ll have a chance to settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and meet your fellow Limitless Travellers. The Limitless Care Team is always available to provide support and ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible start.
Exploring the Iona Why not kick the day off with a long and luxurious breakfast? Go on, treat yourself. Once you’re up and about, the Iona is your oyster - relax beneath the ship's soaring Skydome, head to the art gallery, enjoy a pamper in the Spa and Wellness Centre, or get involved with any of the many onboard activities on offer.
Your first day at sea is all about exploring the ship and settling in. Typically, the Limitless Team meets with everyone in the morning to catch up over breakfast, make sure you had a comfortable night, discuss the day ahead, and plan activities. We often lunch and dine as a group as well, so you’re never short of company.
Pools & Spa With 18 whirlpool spas and four pools, the Iona is well-equipped for those who enjoy a dip. Hoists are available to ensure accessibility, and we recommend talking to your Tour Manager in the morning to arrange use later in the day.
The Iona also boasts extensive wellness facilities, ranging from The Retreat - a VIP alfresco spa terrace - to an indoor spa area that offers a range of well-deserved treatments. Barber and salon services are also available, as is a well-stocked gym and fitness studio.
Onboard Entertainment If you’re looking for a good time, the Iona is the place to be. The entertainment is second to none and, whether you want a little light fun in the afternoon or a full-blown evening spectacular, there’s always something to enjoy.
With out-of-this-world aerial shows, full-scale theatre productions, live music, dance and party evenings, stand-up comedy, movies at the four-screen cineplex, interactive game shows and quizzes, to name just a few, there’s never a dull moment on the Iona.
Port Visit Few port stops benefit from such a beautiful on-water approach, so we highly recommend you find a good viewing spot as the ship pulls into the Madeiran port of Funchal. The birthplace of Christiano Ronaldo and a wonderfully tranquil and atmospheric city, Funchal is a pleasure to explore. While much of the city centre is accessible, the steep, narrow lanes leading up and out of the centre are more challenging.
Accessible buses take visitors from the port to the city in just 10 minutes. With plenty of shops, restaurants and street music to enjoy, as well as historic churches and traditional architecture, Funchal is a firm favourite among Limitless Travellers. Don’t forget to pick up some famous Madeira wine!
Port Visit Welcome to Tenerife - the largest of the Canary Islands and home to the spectacular Mount Teide volcano and surrounding rock-strewn lunar landscapes. We’ll dock in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital, where you will discover a vibrant beachside city with endless bars and restaurants, and some gorgeous local architecture.
The city is easy to reach from the port and our Limitless group often stops at one of the brilliant beachfront bars on the way to get a light lunch. If you’re happy to separate from the group, you can visit the accessible botanical gardens and enjoy the local flora. Alternatively, if you want a little sun, sand and sea, the city’s local taxis can take you out to the accessible Playa de las Teresitas beach. It features accessible beach paths, ramps, restrooms, and showers.
Christmas Day Christmas Day aboard the ship is one to remember. While the festive decorations will have been evident for the duration of your holiday, things really come to life on the day itself, and the atmosphere makes for a truly special experience. As well as special festive entertainment, you’ll enjoy unique Christmas menus and plenty of holiday revelry.
A great opportunity to dress up and enjoy the glitz and glamour of cruising, your Limitless Care Team will be on hand to ensure you enjoy a fantastic day. Having your Limitless group around you also means the big day is a social one with plenty of companionship should you desire it. It’s not every day you get to celebrate Christmas at sea, so let’s make the most of it!
Port Visit The second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura enjoys spectacular year-round sun and boasts some of the archipelago’s finest beaches. The island is renowned for its rocky, lunar landscapes, unspoilt interior and striking coastline, and is the ideal destination for those who love a little sun, sea and sand.
The cruise ship docks just outside of the island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario. While the town centre is a longer walk away, there is almost immediate access to the excellent Playa Chica (Los Pozos) beach. It is wheelchair accessible and features accessible showers, and there are several bars and restaurants close by, so many Limitless Travellers choose to make the most of the opportunity and enjoy a laidback beach day.
Port Visit Today, we arrive in Gran Canaria, the most densely populated and naturally diverse of the Canary Islands. Spain’s ninth-largest city, Las Palmas is often considered to have the best climate in the world and boasts a vibrant bar and restaurant scene to boot. We’ll dock at the Santa Catalina cruise terminal, which offers easy access to both the city and the nearby Muelle shopping complex.
Together, we’ll explore the city’s old quarter, Vegueta, discovering the iconic Catedral de Santa Ana and stopping for a bite to eat in a relaxed, sun-drenched plaza as we go. We’ll also head over to the Playa de las Canteras - an accessible beach with disabled toilets and beach wheelchairs. If you prefer a full beach day, you can simply head to the Playa de las Canteras as soon as you disembark the ship.
Port Visit Lanzarote’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes have enchanted and amazed visitors for centuries. Famed for its incredible rock formations, black sand beaches and palm-lined promenades, the island is also home to Arrecife, its sleepy capital city with a delightfully chilled approach to life.
On leaving the ship, the Limitless group typically enjoys a relaxed 30-minute walk into the city centre, though accessible transport is also available. There, you can tuck into some tapas in an atmospheric shaded sidestreet, marvel at the local architecture, and enjoy a little wallet-friendly tax-free shopping.
Restaurants & Bars With more than 30 restaurants and bars, the Iona ensures you enjoy a whole host of mouth-watering dining opportunities. From fine dining with menus prepared by the renowned Marco Pierre White to multi-venue piazzas where you’ll find food from a wide range of cuisines, eating out on the Iona is always a delightful and delicious experience.
While the vast majority of the Iona’s restaurants are included in your full-board package, a few venues require diners to pay a small surcharge. These dining experiences often include special dinnertime entertainment or a distinctive menu.
Port Visit The oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, an intriguing blend of Hispanic and Arabic influences, and one of the most unique and enjoyable city cultures in Spain, Cádiz is an unforgettable destination. While the locals are known for their wit, humour and relaxed approach to life, the streets are famed for their blissful, sun-swept beauty.
On arriving in Cádiz, we recommend heading to the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, one of the city’s main squares and the perfect place to get to grips with its complex history. An 18th-century masterpiece that mixes architectural styles, Cádiz’s cathedral is accessible via a wheelchair ramp and is certainly worth a visit. As is the seafront promenade, with its endless photo opportunities, historic fortifications and excellent botanical gardens.
Limitless Private Excursion Lisbon is one of Europe’s trendiest cities and a popular destination for foodies, sun-seekers, history fans and culture vultures alike. Iconic yellow trams rumble through postcard-perfect streets, locals linger over deliciously long alfresco lunches, and melancholic fado music seeps from darkened bars come evening time.
As part of the Limitless Lisbon experience, you can join an accessible 90-minute walking tour from the port to the country’s largest square, Praça do Comércio. After, you’ll enjoy a private wine-tasting experience and sample the local fish cakes and legendary pastéis de nata - Lisbon’s delightful custard tarts. Limitless Travellers can then explore the local area, grabbing a little more food, shopping, or checking out one of Lisbon’s many historical sites.
New Year's Day After the previous night’s unforgettable celebrations, New Year’s Day is all about starting the New Year as you mean to go on - surrounded by good people and enjoying life to the maximum! Whether you’re feeling a little delicate or in tip-top shape and ready to go, plenty is happening onboard the ship, and you’re bound to have an excellent day.
The ship’s casino is the place to try your New Year’s luck. Alternatively, you can sit back and enjoy a West End show, mesmerising magic act or live music performance at one of the ship’s incredible venues. As always, the restaurants will be serving up delicious fare, and the bars will be open so you can toast to the New Year or recover with a little hair of the dog.
Port Visit Situated on Spain’s north coast, A Coruña is a charming blend of old and new and an excellent stop for anyone interested in Galician culture and good food. The largely pedestrianised old town centres on Maria Pita Square and boasts an array of shops, bars, and restaurants, while the famous Torre de Hércules lighthouse stands proud a little way down the coast.
On arriving at A Coruña, Limitless Travellers typically enjoy a walking tour that doesn’t stray too far from the ship but enables visitors to get a feel for the city and see several attractions, including the Tomb of Sir John Moore - a touching monument to the British General who led a famous rearguard action during the Peninsular War and about whom the famous Charles Wolfe poem was written.
Sailing Home By now, you will have spent a few days exploring the Iona and enjoying the facilities, activities and entertainment. But we guarantee there are still things you’re yet to see, do or find. Have you checked out the onboard art gallery? Stopped by the library to pick up a bit of holiday reading? Taken part in the ever-popular interactive quiz show?
As we make our way back to Southampton, this is a great opportunity to check out those parts of the Iona you’re yet to see or return to your favourite spots. Have a chat with your Tour Manager in the morning and organise the perfect day.
Disembark & Home Drop-Off Following your final breakfast aboard the ship, the Limitless team will assist with check-out. The ship’s crew will take down your bags, and we’ll help you disembark, make sure you reach your pick-up, and say our farewells. Your transfer will then get you home, dropping you off at your front door.
We can’t wait to see you on your next Limitless holiday!
With its state-of-the-art design and unrivalled style, the Iona is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most advanced cruise ships.
At the heart of the ship stands the jaw-dropping SkyDome, a glass-roofed social area that boasts incredible views and connects you with the sea, sky and shoreline. By day, it’s a relaxed poolside area with casual dining and drinking options. By night, it’s a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue where you can enjoy stand-out shows beneath a star-studded sky.
30 bars and restaurants
10 entertainment venues
Four-screen cinema
Live music, theatre and shows
360° public viewing platforms
Spa and wellness facilities
Four swimming pools with hoists
Shops, boutiques and an art gallery
Iona Accessibility
Accessibility on the Iona is exceptional, with step-free access, wheelchair-friendly cabins, wide corridors, and accessible entertainment spaces. Limitless travellers benefit from priority embarkation.
Learn more about the Iona’s accessible cabins in our FAQs.
Transport
Door-to-Door Transfer Service
Enjoy a stress-free journey to your cruise with our door-to-door accessible pick-up service. We provide taxis with ramped access for easy boarding and ample space for luggage and equipment. Our team will safely transport you to the cruise port and bring you back home at the end of your trip.
The service is free for journeys within 125 miles of the port. For trips over 125 miles, a charge of £3.25 per mile applies (up to 250 miles). Additional fees may apply for travelers in Yorkshire, North East England, or Wales.
FAQs
What’s included in a P&O accessible cabin?
Accessible cabins are available on request. However, they are limited and places sell out quickly. Accessible Outside, Balcony & Mini-Suite Cabins may also be available, though prices will vary. Every accessible cabin features:
Wide access doors
Space for mobility scooters to be stored
Wet room bathrooms with wide door access and grip handles
Air conditioning
TV, fridge and hairdryer
Tea and coffee-making facilities
An equipment hire service is available and includes powered wheelchairs and hoists.
How does Limitless assist with check in and boarding?
Having met the Limitless Team at the port, we'll accompany you to the special assistance check-in. As it's separate from regular check-in, there are no crowds or lengthy queues.
You'll then be given a boarding time. Usually, we board as a group. However, if this isn't possible and you would like the assistance, we ensure a carer accompanies you onto the ship.
We board via the accessible gangway. This ramp connects the ship to the port. If you require support or assistance, both the Limitless Team and the ship's crew will be on hand to help. There are also manual wheelchairs available to make this transfer easier.
On some ships, the accessible gangway can be a little steep. In these instances, two crew members will provide support - one in front and one behind. You'll never be rushed and your safety and comfort are always the priorities.
Remember, you don't need to pre-book any special assistance at the port! We provide this assistance as standard with all Limitless cruises.
What is Limitless Group Support & Holiday Assistance?
Group Support & Holiday Assistance is included as standard with all Limitless holidays. It's what sets us apart from every other UK holiday provider!
This level of support is suitable for those who do not require physical support, but may need a helping hand to make the most of their holiday experience. We provide this assistance in a group setting, so you must be able to support yourself if you intend to leave the group at any point.
What does Group Support & Holiday Assistance include?
✓ Pre-holiday assistance from your Personal Travel Advisor, who will answer any questions you have and provide support with hiring any limited mobility equipment you require.
✓ During your holiday, the Limitless Team will assist you with making the holiday accessible day-to-day, including:
✓ Help with checking into your hotel
✓ Assistance with luggage
✓ Help with accessing excursions
For more details, speak with a member of the Limitless team on 0800 711 7112.
What can Limitless do if I require additional care and support?
At Limitless, we offer a range of additional care packages if your require a little more assistance. This allows us to tailor care to individual Limitless Travellers and ensure your needs are met while on holiday.
They range from our Morning, Evening & Occasional Daytime Care package for travellers who require intermittent assistance with personal care to our One-to-One Care With Hoisting package for travellers who would benefit from comprehensive, all-day care.
We always recommend getting touch with your Personal Travel Advisor to discuss care packages. They are always on hand to answer questions, provide information, and make recommendations about the package they think is most suitable for you. You can contact Limitless on 0800 711 7112.
In addition to this, our care team will also reach out to you three months before your holiday to confirm you have everything you need to travel with complete confidence.
What are anchor ports and is Limitless responsible for port changes?
At Limitless Travel, we carefully select cruise itineraries with minimal anchor ports. Anchor ports are those destinations where port logistics mean a small boat or ‘tender’ transport is required to ferry guests to shore. In the vast majority of cases, these tenders are not accessible and some Limitless Travellers will not be able to leave the ship.
Unfortunately, port changes can happen due to any number of reasons while at sea. Limitless Travel cannot be held accountable for any such port changes.
