March 9, 2024
Estimated time of departure is 7:00 PM

Soak up the sights and scenery of Gran Canaria.

Your expedition cruise begins in Gran Canaria. If you have some extra time, we recommend joining the optional Pre-Program, which adds an overnight stay and a guided tour that delves into the town’s history and architecture, and the island’s geology.

In Las Palmas’ Old Town district, Vegueta, you’ll find brightly colored colonial houses, narrow streets, and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Ana. In the island’s interior, you can find the massive Bandama Caldera, a volcanic basin that offers astonishing panoramic views.

Back in the city, it’s time to join MS Spitsbergen, meet your Expedition Team, and get your adventure under way.

March 10, 2024

Take in La Gomera's national parks and laurel forests.

La Gomera is the second-smallest Canary Island, whose nature is largely untamed. Here you’ll find Canarian island life at its most authentic.

In the historic center of San Sebastián, you can visit the Baroque church Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción, where Columbus and his crew are said to have prayed before setting sail. You can also visit the Archeological Museum of La Gomera to learn about the first settlers here.

Consider hiking through the beautiful laurel forests and idyllic palm-covered valleys of the mountainous Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

March 11, 2024

Witness the unique geology of this UNESCO biosphere.

Remote El Hierro is a shield volcano classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. With lava-sculpted rocks and flower-filled fields, this is truly a remarkable island.

Valverde is the only landlocked capital in the Canaries, just four miles away from La Estaca, our port for the day. Stroll the streets of this easy-going capital and soak up its traditional atmosphere.

Walking is the best way to explore this green island. Visit the island’s photogenic forests, meadows, and volcanic formations, which are connected with crisscrossing trails.

March 12, 2024

Discover vibrant Santa Cruz

Known as La Isla Bonita (‘The Pretty Isle’)

La Palma is home to forests of pine and laurel, banana trees, and palm groves. Santa Cruz de la Palma, its capital, is considered one of the loveliest towns in the Canary Islands.

In Santa Cruz, head to Calle Real, the vibrant main street. Monumental Plaza de España is lined with magnificent Renaissance-era buildings, like the iconic city hall. On Avenida Maritima, look out for traditional wooden balconies lavishly adorned with plants and flowers.

Wander around the districts of La Canela and San Telmo and you’ll see signs of faded colonial grandeur. Hiking in La Palma is superb and some walks start directly from Santa Cruz.

March 13, 2024

Visit historic plazas and El Teide volcano.

We dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital and the gateway to El Teide. We suggest starting your city sightseeing from Plaza de España. Take in the façades of the old casino and 18th-century Palacio de Carta from Plaza de la Candelaria.

Then head to the beautiful plazas of Príncipe de Asturias and Los Patos before taking a stroll among the tropical flowers, ferns, and hidden sculptures of the beautiful García Sanabria Park.

You shouldn’t miss a visit to Teide National Park and its centerpiece, the colossal El Teide, the world’s third-largest volcano. It features an unforgettable landscape of craters, volcanic cones, ancient rocks, and streams of petrified lava.

March 14, 2024

See Lanzarote’s charming old town and famous lagoons.

Just 78 miles off the African coast, Lanzarote’s spartan, desert-like landscape and eroded volcanic formations are a geologist’s dream. We’ll start the day in Arrecife, the administrative center.

Once a popular fishing port, Arrecife is now a charming, sun-kissed town. Explore the historic center’s square, its white fishermen's houses, the 17th-century Church of San Ginés, and the 18th-century Casa de los Arroyo.

Farther afield, discover the stunning Timanfaya National Park or the long lava tubes of the famous Jameos del Agua lagoons.

March 15, 2024

Unwind and enjoy during a relaxing day at sea

You’ll spend a leisurely day at sea sailing towards the Madeira Islands. Look out for seabirds and pick up tips on how to take great wildlife images from our onboard photographer.

Don’t miss our Expedition Team's fascinating lectures on Madeira's history and wildlife, including birds and whales. Learn about important conservation projects, like how the islanders are working to remove invasive plant species from Madeira National Park.

Relax in a hot tub, work out in the gym, enjoy a sauna session, or simply take in the calming ocean views from the Explorer Lounge &Bar.

March 16, 2024

Experience Funchal's old-world charm.

Enveloped by swathes of humid laurel forest, Madeira rises majestically out of the Atlantic in various shades of green. Explore the quaint capital of Funchal before sampling the island's famed fortified wines.

Visit the historic district and see the beautiful Funchal Cathedral. Dating to 1485, its wooden ceiling and is a classic example of Manueline architecture. And try to find the sweet ananas-banana fruit that looks like a giant pickle!

For glorious views, take the cable car to the picturesque village of Monte. If you dare, slide the mile back down to Funchal in a carro de cesto, a wicker sled on wooden skis. It’s a fun and memorable experience!

March 17, 2024

Discover history and nature on a small, golden island.

As we approach Porto Santo, have your binoculars handy to keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds, including Cory’s shearwaters, northern gannets and Bulwer’s petrels.

In the town of Vila Baleira, stroll to the palm-lined Largo do Pelourinho square and enjoy a glass of vinho do Porto Santo in one of its bars before visiting the Christopher Columbus House Museum. You’ll even have the chance to help conserve Porto Santo's golden sands on a beach clean-up.

Enjoy a panoramic bus tour to Ponta de Calheta, Pico do Castelo, and Fonte da Areia, whose waters are said to provide eternal youth. If you prefer a nature walk, join a hike to Pico Branco, where much of the endemic flora on the island can be found.

March 18, 2024

Enjoy one last relaxing day at sea. As your journey draws to a close, today is all about reflection.

Our Expedition Team will be eager to share their favorite moments of the trip with you and offer their final lectures. Recap the fascinating sights you’ve seen along your journey. On this day, our resident photographer often presents a slideshow recapping your cruise. The crew might even put on a show!

If you prefer solo reflection, find one of the ship’s quiet nooks. Take time to edit your photos, update your travel journal, or dive back in to the book you are reading. All the while, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seabirds as we creep closer to the mainland.

Enjoy a farewell dinner and speech from the captain. Afterward, relax in the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar with a beverage and trade highlights with your new-found friends as we sail to Lisbon.

March 19, 2024
Estimated time of arrival is 7:00 AM

This morning, your expedition comes to a triumphant end with delightful views of Lisbon as we cruise up the Tejo River. Built on seven hills along the shores of the scenic Tagus River, Lisbon ranks among southern Europe’s most enchanting cities—with a fascinating history, to boot.

If you have time, explore the old town before you head home. A walk around Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Alfama, the main historic districts of Lisbon, is essential. Almost everything of historic interest in these charming historic districts, along with a great number of small shops and boutiques.

Start at the Praça do Comercio in the Baixa district and make your way to Praça Rossio to see the statue of King Pedro IV. Then head up to Largo do Chiado to explore the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. You’ll find Lisbon Cathedral among the labyrinthine of Alfama’s streets, around the old Islamic quarter, along with Roman amphitheater ruins and the impressive 11th-century Moorish fortress with panoramic views of the city.

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are nearby. Closely connected to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and explorers such as Vasco de Gama, Belém is also home of the famously delicious ‘Pastel de Belém’ custard tart. Don’t go home without trying it!

Want to explore Lisbon and its surroundings before returning home? We recommend joining our optional Post-Program. On this Post-Program, you’ll explore Lisbon’s fascinating historic districts and then resorts outside the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra, Monserrate Palace, and a guided excursion to the beaches of Cascais. Then you’ll return to Lisbon to spend the night.

As you return home, no doubt you’ll already be planning your next adventure. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon!