Spain, Portugal, & Canary Islands Cruise, May 2025
Enjoy a relaxing 12-night accessible cruise through the enchanting Canary Islands, Spain, and Portugal aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas.
MadeiraPortoTenerife
Holiday Overview
This 12-night cruise holiday takes you through the enchanting Canary Islands, and the best sight of Spain and Portugal. Departing from Southampton, you’ll travel south aboard the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Sea's cruise ship.
Launched in 2008 and fully refurbished in 2018, this 15-deck ship delivers a unique experience, boasting incredible entertainment including a two-story theatre, delicious dining with 15 venues to choose from, and the ideal opportunity to relax with a spa and accessible pool awaiting you.
Royal Caribbean is deeply committed to accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are equipped with features like widened doorways and roll-in showers. Throughout the ship, you'll also discover accessibility features such as ramps, elevators with braille signage, and accessible restrooms. Additionally, Royal Caribbean provides extensive training for staff to assist guests with disabilities, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.
Of course, a cruise holiday wouldn't be complete without an incredible line-up of places to explore. We'll be docking at a memorable medley of European beauty including the historic city of Bilbao and its famous selection of wines, the coastal offerings of La Coruña, beloved Lisbon, and the best of the Canary Islands including Tenerife and Madeira.
Throughout your trip, you’ll be accompanied by the Limitless Team, who will provide care, support and assistance as and when you require it. If you would like more information about accessibility aboard the Independence of the Sea, we recommend getting in touch with one of the Limitless Travel Advisors on 0800 711 7112
The Holiday
What's Included?
Home pick up and drop off. Going from home to holiday has never been easier. We'll arrange for an accessible vehicle to chauffeur you directly to the port at Southampton. This is free of charge for journeys of up to 100 miles
Priority boarding. We’ll be there to support you with check-in and priority boarding, ensuring a hassle-free start to your holiday. Your luggage will also be taken straight to your cabin by the wonderful Royal Caribbean crew
5-star accessibility. The Independence of the Seas has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility front of mind. Wide corridors, gradual inclines, ramps, lifts, and elevators enable easy navigation.
12 nights in a full board accessible cabin. These all come with accessible amenities including wet room bathrooms, grab rails and flat access to balconies
Excellent entertainment. Including a casino, 12 restaurants, an art gallery, several swimming pools, a steam room and sauna, and many more entertainment options
Delicious dining. Including a continental breakfast in the cabin, pool-side snacks & fine dining in the main restaurant
Group Support & Holiday Assistance provided by our care team. We'll make sure you have the support you need to cruise with confidence. We also have additional care packages available for guests needing further support, including 1-to-1 care
Guided by a tour manager. There to make sure everything runs smoothly so that you can enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind
Travel with a small group. Meet new friends travelling with like-minded people
Unique 11-day itinerary. See the very best of Spain, Portugal, and the Canaries with visits to Bilbao, La Coruna, and Lisbon. We offer a potter-around-the-port service, supporting you in disembarking the ship and exploring the local sights
From booking your holiday to returning home after a wonderful trip, the Limitless Team is on-hand to provide you with the support you need. If you have any questions regarding the holiday, please don't hesitate to get in touch
** Limitless Travel carefully pick out cruise itineraries to ensure minimal anchor ports (where a small boat or ‘tender’ transports guests to shore) Unfortunately port changes can happen due to a number of reasons while at sea. Limitless Travel will not be held accountable for any port changes.
Today marks the start of an extraordinary adventure, in fact, it starts at your front door! With our free of charge (up to 100 miles of Southampton) accessible transfer service we'll pick you up from your home and make our way to Southampton Cruise Terminal. If you would prefer to meet us at the port then you're more than welcome to do so with free car-parking available. With the support of our team, we'll get you checked in without hassle and settled into your accessible cabin aboard The Independence of the Seas.
Embrace the thrill of the day as you acquaint yourself with the magnificent Independence of the Sea's cruise ship while we sail towards the Iberian Peninsula. Delight in the awe-inspiring sea views and immerse yourself in the remarkable amenities offered aboard the vessel. All the time the Limitless team will be on hand to help and assist.
Today, following breakfast, the Limitless Team will assist you in disembarking at your first destination, Bilbao, the unofficial capital of Basque country in Spain's northwest. Bilbao seamlessly blends the old and the new, with the city's transformation sparked by the inauguration of the Guggenheim in 1997. Traversing historic avenues like the Siete Calles, Casco Viejo's medieval quarter, modern trams weave through a city adorned with boutiques, bakeries, and outdoor cafés. Futuristic structures like the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum and Gran Hotel Domine overlook the Nervion River, showcasing Bilbao's unique charm, making it a must-visit on a Spain cruise.
After a thrilling day yesterday, indulge in the ship's amenities as you sail to your next destination. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the Main Dining Room, followed by poolside snacks at the Windjammer Café. Indulge in a specialty dinner at Chops Grille or Giovanni's Table, ending with decadent desserts at Café Promenade.
Day 5 brings a delightful visit to Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, beloved by Limitless travellers. Cruise along the Tagus River for iconic views of landmarks like Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore the districts of Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Alfama, each possessing a unique charm. Baixa offers bustling streets, while Alfama boasts medieval and Moorish-style buildings.
Awake to another day aboard Independence of the Seas. Immerse yourself in a world of diverse entertainment venues, including Royal Caribbean's exclusive on-board ice-skating rinks. Witness skilled professional skaters execute breathtaking jumps, lifts, and spins in complimentary ice spectaculars. If live skate acts aren't your preference, venture to the theatre for West End shows, live music performances, and a plethora of other captivating experiences.
A new day, a new port awaits. Las Palmas stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations in the Canary Islands, particularly cherished by those who relish year-round sunshine. The cruise terminal, conveniently located just 100 meters from the city centre, is easily accessible with the assistance of our dedicated care team. Established in 1478, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria proudly showcases a rich historical and cultural legacy, much of which is nestled in the Vegueta district, the town's oldest quarter, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. For those inclined towards the beach, Playa de las Canteras is also within convenient reach.
Tenerife offers a slice of paradise. Immerse in culinary delights, tranquil sunsets, and capture beauty with your underwater camera. The island boasts adventurous experiences and serene settings with glistening waters and soft sands.
Santa Cruz, Tenerife's cruise port, evolved from a fishing village into a city adorned with bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. Beyond port gates, cafes lead to Plaza de España, the shopping hub. Look for deals on electronics and CDs, or explore museums like Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre.
Today the ship docks in Madeira, the largest and most populous island of the Madeira Archipelago, a Portuguese territory. This island, perched atop a massive submerged volcano rising approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean floor, boasts a uniquely striking landscape. Madeira offers an abundance of fresh seafood, including the delicious filete de espada. For those with a preference for savoury over sweet, the smoky espetada madeirense is a must-try, featuring beef cubes on a skewer cooked over wood or charcoal. And, satisfying your sweet tooth, don't miss the opportunity to taste bolo de mel de cana, the local honey cake.
After three adventurous days on land, today calls for relaxation on board. As you wander the decks, don't miss the chance to enjoy great onboard shopping. From stylish clothing and accessories to exquisite jewellery and unique souvenirs, these boutiques have something for everyone. And while you're here, be sure to check out Sugar Beach, a charming onboard shop offering sweet treats and delightful snacks to satisfy your cravings while you sail the seas.
Today marks your arrival at your final port, La Coruña. La Coruña's Transatlantic Quay, nestled on the northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, holds the unique distinction of being the closest European port to New York. This picturesque amalgamation of historical and modern elements unfolds along its two-mile coastline, adorned with inviting beaches. The old town, centred around Maria Pita Square, enchants with shops, bars, and restaurants, complemented by engaging attractions like the interactive House of Mankind, an aquarium, and a planetarium. As the primary Atlantic gateway to the ruggedly scenic Galicia, A Coruña serves as a portal to Santiago de Compostela, a globally renowned pilgrimage site featuring a Romanesque cathedral.
Day 12 marks your last full day on board, and we want it to be filled with joy. Double-check your bucket list; a pool dip, perhaps? Make reservations at that specialty restaurant you've been eyeing all week. Most importantly, relish every moment, have a great time, and share adventure stories with fellow Limitless guests.
After your last breakfast, we’ll help you check-out. Your bags will be taken down by the ships crew and our care team will be on-hand to assist you. From here you will join the transfers back to the pick-up points, relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for your next Limitless adventure. We can’t wait to see you again!
Included: Breakfast
The Ship
Independence of the Seas Royal Caribbean
Welcome on board the Royal Caribbeans Independence of the Seas.
Independence of the Seas, the last of Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Freedom-class ships, underwent a significant refurbishment in May 2018 adding a host of exciting new features.
The ship comes complete with
Accessible cabins, available on request. These come complete with Widen door widths, roll in showers, grab rails, lowered closet rails, Ramped bathroom access and fold down shower benches.
Each cabin will also have a Kettle, Hairdryer, Safe and TV.
Balcony Cabins available on request.
A wide array of on board accessible features. Including but not limited to, whirlpool and pool access via a lift, lowered playing tables in the casino, assisted listening systems in the Theatre, (available on request) and Braille/ tactile signage throughout the ship.
12 restaurants
9 bars
55 different on board activity and show options including, Spa and Fitness centre, Theatre showing broadway style shows, Casino, Live music acts, Wine tasting, mini golf, art gallery, Rock climbing wall, Scrapbooking, Games and quizzes and much more to keep the whole family entertained.
Transport:
Cruise Transfer
Included within your cruise holiday package with Limitless is a transfer from home (first 100-miles included, thereafter charged at £2.50 a mile) to the cruise ship's port. Before booking we will always make sure you have the right transfer in place to take you to the port safely and comfortably.
*Please be aware that the door to door transfer is an accessible minibus, not a private taxi, therefore we do advise guests to bring a support pillow for extra comfort if required.
