Compare: 8 Best Cruise Ships in the Canary Islands

1. Saga Sapphire

With sculpture and art lining the walls, a voyage on the Saga Sapphire is a stylish way to experience life on the open seas. Exclusively for the over fifties, this ship has a maximum capacity of 720 passengers, resulting in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere onboard. Foodies rave about the eateries in particular. The award-winning fine-dining experience at Pole to Pole often gets a mention in Cruise Critic reviews thanks to its mouth-watering menu, which is influenced by cuisines from around the world. The chilled-out Verandah restaurant is also highly rated for its excellent casual-dining options.

Saga Sapphire will leave the Saga fleet in 2020.

2. Marella Dream

Marella Cruises is popular with a wide range of holidaymakers, from young couples and families with children to older, retired couples. This classic ship is not without options onboard: With free kids’ clubs to keep smaller guests entertained, you could take the opportunity to unwind by the pool and enjoy some much-deserved me-time. There's nine bars, six restaurants and two pools spread out over 12 decks, with plenty of space for Marella Dream's 1,506 passengers to explore at their leisure.

3. Queen Victoria

Having undergone a $40m refit, Cunard also took the opportunity to extend Queen Victoria in 2017, increasing the number of cabins to 1,035 and adding a new dining room to the ship. As a result, it can now host more than 2,000 passengers on each voyage. And although the facilities are modern, the ship retains the classic charm you’d expect from Cunard, recalling the heyday of the 1930s. With stunning chandeliers and polished-wood finishes, there’s an air of elegance throughout the public areas. In keeping with the luxury vibe, you could choose to indulge in wine-tasting experiences, afternoon teas, gala dinners and fine dining during your voyage.

4. Celebrity Silhouette

Although this ship can accommodate nearly 3,000 passengers it rarely feels crowded. Thanks to the large number of public spaces onboard, you can always find space to unwind. As one of Celebrity’s Solstice-class ships, it places an emphasis on excellent food. As such, you can sample Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese cuisine at Silk Harvest, steaks at Tuscan Grille and modern gastronomy at Qsine, to name just a few of the options on offer. The entertainment is top-notch, too, with live music at the Rooftop Garden, circus shows and even an onboard cinema, so you can watch the latest blockbusters while you travel.

5. P&O Ventura

Big, bold and modern, P&O Ventura is perfect for a family getaway. And while there are child-friendly dining options and activities on offer, there’s also an adults-only solarium and spa, so you can escape from the hustle and bustle. And just because it’s family friendly, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury; there are plenty of occasions to get dressed up for black-tie galas and upscale dining. If retail therapy’s more your thing, make the most of the duty-free. With brands including Liu-Jo and Longines onboard, you can take home something special.

6. Braemar

With capacity for 924 passengers, Fred. Olsen’s Braemar is a small-ship option in the Canary Islands. As such, you’ll get off the beaten track and call in at some smaller ports, such as La Tarajal in Spain. And although the Braemar is on the petite side, it has all the facilities you’d expect from a cruise ship, including four restaurants, a pool, jacuzzis and a hot tub. On the whole, Braemar is a relaxed ship, with a more casual approach to cruising, which I reflected in the line's dress code.

7. Explorer of the Seas

More floating resort than cruise ship, you might be tempted to stay onboard Explorer of the Seas for the duration of your holiday. There’s so much for guests of all ages to enjoy, you’re unlikely to get bored while at sea. With activity clubs for children and teens, three swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall, a gym, a casino and lots of shops, the hardest part will be knowing where to start. Food more your thing? Take a tour of the restaurants, which serve up everything from fresh sushi to authentic American hamburgers.

8. Sapphire Princess

Refurbished in March 2018, Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess is a modern-looking ship, with onboard activities catering for guests of all ages. From sports like basketball and bocce, to Movies Under the Stars, you can get involved with as much or as little as you want. At full capacity, the ship can accommodate more than 2,000 passengers, but it rarely feels cramped or crowded. In general the atmosphere is relaxed and the dress-code is smart-casual -- although there are opportunities to get dressed up on formal nights.