Christmas in the Canaries
Spirit of Discovery
Spirit of Discovery
December 20, 2026
Christmas in the Canaries

Spirit of Discovery - 12/20/2026

The December 20, 2026 cruise on the Spirit of Discovery departs from Portsmouth,uk. On this Christmas in the Canaries sailing, the ship will visit a total of 8 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Spirit of Discovery sets sail on Sunday, Dec 20th and returns on Wednesday, Jan 6th.

Cruise Length
17
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Portsmouth
uk
Port Stops
8
Sea Days
8

Cruise Itinerary

Itinerary

Spirit of Discovery - December 20, 2026 - 17 Nights

DayDatePort
1Dec 20thPortsmouth,uk
2Dec 21stAt Sea
3Dec 22ndAt Sea
4Dec 23rdLisbon, Portugal
5Dec 24thAt Sea
6Dec 25thAt Sea
7Dec 26thLas Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
8Dec 27thSanta Cruz De La Palma, Canary Islands
9Dec 28thSanta Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands
10Dec 29thArrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
11Dec 30thAt Sea
12Dec 31stFunchal, Madeira
13Jan 1stFunchal, Madeira
14Jan 2ndAt Sea
15Jan 3rdVigo, Spain
16Jan 4thAt Sea
17Jan 5thAt Sea
18Jan 6thPortsmouth,uk
show more...

The Spirit of Discovery sails on December 20, 2026 for a Christmas in the Canaries. The ship will depart the port of Portsmouth,uk at 4:00 PM and will return to the port of Portsmouth,uk on Jan 6th at 6:00 AM. During the 18-day journey, the Spirit of Discovery will visit 7 additional ports and will spend 8 days at sea.

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on my comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
77 / 100
safer than 77% of all cruises
77
8
/ 10
Portsmouth,uk
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is generally safe for cruise travelers, but it's important to stay vigilant in crowded areas to prevent petty crime.
8
/ 10
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon
Travelers in Lisbon should stay vigilant in crowded areas and on public transport to avoid petty theft and keep belongings secure.
7
/ 10
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Las Palmas
Las Palmas is generally safe for cruise travelers, but vigilance in crowded areas is essential to prevent pickpocketing.
8
/ 10
Santa Cruz De La Palma, Canary Islands
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz de La Palma is generally safe for travelers, but vigilance is advised in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing.
8
/ 10
Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is generally safe for cruise travelers, though visitors should remain vigilant against occasional petty crime in crowded areas.
8
/ 10
Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Arrecife
Arrecife is generally safe for cruise travelers, but visitors should stay vigilant against petty crime, especially in busy areas.
9
/ 10
Funchal, Madeira
Funchal
Funchal is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, though travelers should remain vigilant against occasional pickpocketing.
7
/ 10
Vigo, Spain
Vigo
Vigo is generally safe for cruise travelers, but they should remain vigilant in crowded areas to prevent petty theft and pickpocketing.

Cruise Ship

Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery

SAGA Cruise Line

The Spirit of Discovery was built in 2019 and is among SAGA's 2 ships in its fleet. The Spirit of Discovery is included in the cruise line's Mainstream class. In the cruise ship stats below, you'll find the Spirit of Discovery vs all other SAGA ships.

Cruise Ports

Day1
DEC 202026
England, United Kingdom
D:4:00 PM

Portsmouth, England, provides docking at Portsmouth Port. Travelers explore the Historic Dockyard and HMS Victory. Excursions visit Stonehenge’s ancient stones. Local markets sell pork pies. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures naval ships and Solent vistas. Dining onboard includes fish and chips, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance dockyard walks. Portsmouth’s naval heritage offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ships, prehistoric sites, and coastal charm, making Portsmouth an engaging destination for exploring England’s maritime and ancient history.

Day2
DEC 212026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day3
DEC 222026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day4
DEC 232026
A:8:00 AMD:7:00 PM

Lisbon, Portugal, offers docking at Lisbon Port. Travelers explore Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Excursions visit Sintra’s Pena Palace. Local markets sell pastéis de nata. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Manueline architecture and Tagus River vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite. Souvenirs, like azulejo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Age of Exploration history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Lisbon’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic rivers, making Lisbon an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day5
DEC 242026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day6
DEC 252026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day7
DEC 262026
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, offers docking at Las Palmas Port. Travelers explore Vegueta’s old town and Las Canteras Beach. Excursions visit Bandama Caldera. Local markets sell papas arrugadas. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial streets and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho canario, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like mojo sauce crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance caldera hikes. Las Palmas’ coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic beaches, making Las Palmas an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day8
DEC 272026
A:7:00 AMD:7:00 PM

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands, offers docking at La Palma Port. Travelers explore old town’s colonial streets and Caldera de Taburiente. Excursions visit Los Tilos’ laurel forests. Local markets sell mojo sauce. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures colorful facades and volcanic vistas. Dining onboard includes papas arrugadas, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like cigar crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover La Palma history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Santa Cruz’s island allure offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and natural beauty, making La Palma an engaging destination.

Day9
DEC 282026
A:7:00 AMD:5:00 PM

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, offers docking at Santa Cruz Port. Travelers explore Auditorio de Tenerife and Anaga Mountains. Excursions visit Teide National Park. Local markets sell mojo potatoes. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes ropa vieja, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance mountain hikes. Santa Cruz’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic volcanoes, making Santa Cruz an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day10
DEC 292026
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, docks at Puerto de Naos, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 60,000, features the San Gabriel Castle, now a history museum. Charco de San Ginés, a lagoon, hosts fishing boats. Excursions to Timanfaya National Park, 30 minutes west, explore volcanic craters. Local markets sell mojo sauce. Peak season November to April; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes papas arrugadas at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature lava jewelry.

Day11
DEC 302026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day12
DEC 312026
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, offers docking at Funchal Port. Travelers explore Monte Palace Gardens and Funchal Cathedral. Excursions include levada walks. Local markets sell bolo de mel. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lush gardens and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes espada com banana, a Madeiran favorite. Souvenirs, like embroidery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Madeiran history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance levada hikes. Funchal’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of botanical beauty and scenic coasts, making Funchal an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day13
JAN 12027
A:6:00 AMD:12:00 AM

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, offers docking at Funchal Port. Travelers explore Monte Palace Gardens and Funchal Cathedral. Excursions include levada walks. Local markets sell bolo de mel. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lush gardens and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes espada com banana, a Madeiran favorite. Souvenirs, like embroidery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Madeiran history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance levada hikes. Funchal’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of botanical beauty and scenic coasts, making Funchal an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day14
JAN 22027
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day15
JAN 32027
A:7:00 AMD:4:00 PM

Vigo, Spain, offers docking at Vigo Port. Travelers explore Cíes Islands and Santa María Cathedral. Excursions visit Santiago de Compostela. Local markets sell pulpo a la gallega. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rugged islands and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes empanada gallega, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like scallop crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Galician history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance island walks. Vigo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural islands and historic shrines, making Vigo an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day16
JAN 42027
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day17
JAN 52027
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day18
JAN 62027
England, United Kingdom
A:6:00 AM

Portsmouth, England, provides docking at Portsmouth Port. Travelers explore the Historic Dockyard and HMS Victory. Excursions visit Stonehenge’s ancient stones. Local markets sell pork pies. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures naval ships and Solent vistas. Dining onboard includes fish and chips, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance dockyard walks. Portsmouth’s naval heritage offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ships, prehistoric sites, and coastal charm, making Portsmouth an engaging destination for exploring England’s maritime and ancient history.