by Portugal Getaways Team
19 August, 2026 • 6 min read
The Atlantic islands by sea, in short
Why explore the Atlantic islands by sea
Madeira, the Azores and the Canaries are scattered across the Atlantic, so seeing more than one by air usually means extra flights and connections. A cruise links them naturally: you unpack once and wake up in a new island most days. All three are volcanic and mild much of the year, but each has its own character, which makes island-hopping by ship especially rewarding.
The islands you will visit
- Madeira (Portugal): the Island of Eternal Spring, known for Funchal, its gardens, levada walks and dramatic peaks. Ships dock right by Funchal.
- The Azores (Portugal): nine green, volcanic islands far out in the Atlantic, famous for crater lakes, hot springs and whale watching. São Miguel and its capital Ponta Delgada are the usual call.
- The Canary Islands (Spain): a sunny, volcanic archipelago off the coast of Africa, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, known for beaches, volcanic landscapes and year-round warmth.
Types of Atlantic island cruises
- Madeira and the Canary Islands: a warm-weather loop combining Funchal with several Canary Islands, ideal for winter sun.
- The Azores, Madeira and the Iberian coast: longer voyages that pair the Portuguese islands with mainland ports, often with a couple of full days in the Azores.
- Transatlantic crossings: epic voyages that call at Madeira and the Azores before crossing to North America, or the other way around.
Featured island cruises
A few of our cruises that showcase the Atlantic islands. Dates and prices vary by departure, so tap through for the latest.
Funchal and the sunny Canary Islands aboard the MSC Fantasia, a warm-weather favourite.
View this cruiseThe Atlantic islands and the Iberian coast aboard Cunard, with two full days in the Azores.
View this cruiseIsland mornings in Madeira and the Azores, then a crossing to Boston, New York and Miami on the MSC Meraviglia.
View this cruiseWhat's included
The island cruises are sold as complete packages, not just the cruise fare. A typical package includes all flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights (often in Madeira or Lisbon) with breakfast, full-board cruising, all airport and pier transfers, and an expert trip manager. Shore excursions, drinks packages and gratuities are usually extra. Booking it all together is where the value and the convenience come from.
When to go
Thanks to their mild Atlantic climate, these islands work much of the year. Madeira and Canary Islands sailings are especially popular in autumn and winter for warm sun when much of Europe is cold. Azores and Iberian voyages are best in the warmer months from spring to autumn, and transatlantic crossings typically run in spring and autumn, when ships reposition between Europe and the Americas. Book early for the best cabins and departures.
How to book
Browse the current island cruises to compare ships, itineraries and what is included, choose your departure, and book ahead for the best cabins. If you would rather have it built around you, ask the team for a tailor-made cruise-and-stay trip that adds nights in Madeira, the Azores or Lisbon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands on one cruise? Often yes. Some voyages combine Madeira with the Canary Islands, others pair the Azores and Madeira, and transatlantic crossings call at both Madeira and the Azores. Cruising links the islands without extra flights.
Are the Canary Islands part of Portugal? No. The Canary Islands are Spanish, off the coast of Africa. Madeira and the Azores are the Portuguese Atlantic islands. Many cruises combine them because they lie close together in the Atlantic.
What is included in an Atlantic island cruise package? Typically all flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights with breakfast, full-board cruising, all airport and pier transfers, and a trip manager. Excursions, drinks and gratuities are usually extra.
When is the best time to cruise the Atlantic islands? Madeira and Canary Islands cruises are great in autumn and winter for warm sun, Azores voyages are best spring to autumn, and transatlantic crossings run mainly in spring and autumn.
How long are these cruises? They range from around 10 nights for a Madeira and Canary Islands loop to 14 nights for an Azores, Madeira and Lisbon voyage, and up to 17 nights for a transatlantic crossing.
Ready to Explore the Atlantic Islands?
Ready to Explore the Atlantic Islands?
Browse our island cruises, with flights, hotels, transfers and full board included, or let Portugal Getaways tailor a cruise-and-stay trip around Madeira, the Azores and beyond.
