Article published on 16/08/2025
When talking about cruises, here in Europe we often think of a luxurious itinerary for old people, where "being taken care of" remains the main feature, but... it's not always like that... actually quite the opposite!
In America, for example, university students love to organize wild parties on cruises, preferably in warmer latitudes already in March/April during spring break.
And cruising is also one of the favorite options for very young people, and moreover accessible to all budgets. Well, whether elderly or teenagers it doesn't really matter... today's cruise offerings span all ages and everyone can find the activities they prefer on board and during excursions. And cruising is becoming more and more popular here as well.
My testimony today regards my last experience with my 9-year-old daughter and it confirmed the versatility of this type of holiday. For families with kids, for example, many activities are offered on board, giving parents the chance to peacefully enjoy excursions ashore. The most enjoyable feature of a cruise is waking up practically every morning with a different landscape! In Europe, in fact, you visit the Mediterranean, the fjords, the Atlantic Ocean and any other wonders our continent offers along the coast.
Another cruise perk: you eat a lot, often, and well. I've already made peace with it: putting on a couple of kilos... it's practically a must! Although there are gyms, jacuzzis, jogging tracks with sea views on board, I already know I'll be a more frequent buffet visitor...
Ours is a 4-day mini-cruise, which the school Christmas break still allowed us. We leave from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where in January they welcome us with 22 degrees, wonderful vegetation, and the many colors of the city. Meanwhile on board, people just embarked are already enjoying the warm jacuzzi bubbles on deck. The outside temperature allows it perfectly.
We spend the first and second days in total relaxation between sun, good food, and lots of coffee at all hours... We already know Las Palmas and Santa Cruz (Tenerife), so this time we skip them and just lounge on the deck chairs. Kamilla even tries a few Zumba steps but soon gives up...
On the third day, we wake up in Arrecife (Lanzarote), eager to explore, so we join an excursion that takes us into a typical "lunar" Canarian landscape that in Lanzarote specifically is tinged with brown... We reach the Timanfaya National Park with its typical furrows carved by a long volcanic eruption that 200 years ago shook the life and landscape of this small island in the ocean.
No vegetation to be seen but Kamilla has fun with a unique camel ride... We witness the explosion of a geyser and are enchanted by the colors of the earth and the very green water of a mineral-rich lake. That's enough for today... too much adventure!
The next day we wake up in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, one of the undisputed surf capitals in Europe due to its always mild climate and usually strong winds.
New cruisers often spend a lot following the company's organized excursions. On the contrary, travelers know well that with a bit of initiative and adventurous spirit you can enjoy the most authentic aspects of a destination at much lower costs.
So we reach the local bus station and head to Corralejo, passing through enchanting white dunes and a landscape that once again "takes us back" to the Moon.
The town is quite touristic but worth a visit especially in the part where bars and restaurants almost dive into the sea. Obviously, the most beautiful part of the island remains the natural one. Its spectacular white beaches remind us that sometimes you don't need to go to the Caribbean to see a paradise landscape.
It's time to return to the ship. Buses and taxis are overwhelmed also because during Epiphany bus services are less frequent and definitely... insufficient!! I decide to stop a young couple in a car and ask them for help (and a ride!) in exchange for a few euros... after all Kamilla and I don't exactly look like terrorists!! They accept, very kind... a few minutes and we are at the foot of the ship... But if there isn't a bit of adventure and the unexpected... what kind of trip would it be?!