Where the Atlantic Gets Cinematic
The first thing you notice is the light.
It does not simply land on the Canary Islands. It ricochets. Off black lava, whitewashed villages, banana leaves, sea cliffs, blue harbour water, and the polished railings of Le Champlain as she slips between islands shaped by fire, wind, and old Atlantic stories.
This 10-night sailing is not a “tick the islands off a list” kind of cruise. It is for travellers who like their comfort with a pulse: mornings in volcanic landscapes that look freshly minted by the earth, afternoons wandering colonial streets with balconies carved like lace, evenings back onboard with French polish, open-bar ease, and the smug little joy of unpacking once.
From Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Madeira, La Palma, La Gomera, and Puerto de la Estaca, this itinerary threads together the wild, mineral drama of the Canaries with Madeira’s green levada-laced slopes. PONANT describes the route as a journey through volcanic landscapes, lush nature, and cultural heritage, with standout sites including Madeira’s Botanical Garden, its levadas, Santa Cruz de la Palma, Lanzarote’s lunar scenery, and included excursions such as Garajonay and Teide National Parks.
This is the Atlantic in surround sound: lava underfoot, laurel forest overhead, sea salt on your lips, and a ship small enough to feel like a private yacht with a passport.
Quick Facts: Le Champlain Canary Islands & Madeira Cruise
Voyage: Splendours of the Canaries and authentic Madeira
Ship: Le Champlain
Dates: Nov. 1–11, 2027
Duration: 10 nights onboard, 11 days total
Route: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria roundtrip
Group reference: PONANT Sailing EC011127, Group #10866
Featured group pricing: from USD $5,740 per person, approximately CAD $7,749 per person Group perk: USD $200 onboard credit per person.
Ship style: intimate PONANT Explorer, 92 staterooms and suites, 184-guest capacity, private-balcony accommodations.
Ship Name: Le Champlain
Host name: Dean Nelson
Travel should feel affirming, effortless, and unforgettable — and that is exactly what I create for every client. With more than 25 years in tourism management, I bring together luxury service, community leadership, and meticulous planning to design exceptional journeys. I led the award-winning Whistler Pride and Ski Festival for 13 years and founded Pride House at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport worldwide. Today, I curate luxury cruises, adventure journeys, culinary and wellness escapes, and tailored solo and group experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies seeking travel that is safe, stylish, and seamlessly executed. More on Dean found here https://www.personaltravel.ca/travel/agent/dean-nelson