Carefree Cruising – 'Canary Islands Idyll' with Cunard Cruises

If you're planning a cruise trip and have reduced mobility, the practicalities of the itinerary are important to you getting the most from your holiday. A key consideration is how passengers are required to disembark the ship for shore excursions, at the various ports of call which will certainly be a major attraction of the trip. Not all ports have the space and deep water for multiple large cruise ships to berth at the quayside, and as it result it is quite common for passengers to board smaller tender boats to be ferried ashore whilst the cruise ship remains at anchor. Ports where this takes place are known as 'tender ports'. Some cruise ships do not have facilities to assist passengers with reduced mobility boarding tenders, or have 'safety rules' that prevent their staff providing assistance. This can create a potentially awkward situation.

It's best to do your homework upfront as not all cruise itineraries clearly state whether or not tender ports feature on the trip. If in any doubt make sure you ask your cruise agent all the right questions when you book. If you plan to make the most of opportunities to go ashore, look specifically for a cruise itinerary without any 'tender ports' to ensure peace of mind.

An example of these is the following 'Canary Islands Idyll' cruise aboard Cunard cruises famous Queen Victoria which only visits ports where the ship will berth alongside.

Departing from Southampton on 14th April 2011, the cruise leaves this port of sea-faring legend and spends ten days in the Atlantic Ocean visiting the Canary Islands. The 15th and 16th April are spent cruising the Atlantic before arriving on Funchal, Madeira.

The city of Funchal – named after the huge amounts of wild fennel (funcho) that early settler's found growing wild – rises straight out of the sea, with lush botanical gardens and landscaped terraces adorning the hills above the capital. As the largest of the Portuguese islands in the Madeiran archipelago, Madeira offers a wealth of sites of historical interest, marvellous seafood cuisine and its own famous Madeira wine. The cruise spends two days here before departing for the Canaries.

On 19th April, Queen Victoria docks in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The dramatic volcanic island of Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and one of the most scenically stunning islands in the world – with 12,402 ft high Mount Teide at its centre. Santa Cruz is a historic city founded in the 15th century, and has a broad and beautiful promenade running right along the seafront; with tree-lined pavements and a long parade of shops and cafes. Further afield in the island are sleepy hillside villages, mountain pine forests and banana plantations.

Lanzarote is the next port of call on 20th April, another volcanic island, with lush and fertile scenery. The island has a unique beauty with large plantations of fruit and vegetables and vineyards between volcanic craters in the region of Geria. From here, Queen Victoria departs the Canaries, spending the 21st April at sea in the Atlantic.

Homeward bound, the Portugese port of Oporto is visited on 22nd April. An ancient port at the mouth of the Duoro River, this city is the home of Port wine. Porto lies on the Costa Verde, a region steeped in history and ancient monuments with wide golden beaches and sprawling pine forests. The balcony of the 12th century cathedral gives an excellent panorama of the city, with its art museum, St. Francis Church, and the Stock Exchange with its impressive Moorish hall.

One more day is spent on 23rd April 2011 at sea in the Atlantic Ocean, before returning to Southampton the following day.

This is just one example of the many cruise itineraries that can be found without the potential complication of 'tender port' arrangements. Please be aware though, sea conditions and busy times of year can mean ships may make unplanned stops at anchor. For the best advice, discuss your holiday requirements with a cruise specialist.