Spain’s Canary Islands Itinerary Disrupted: Marella Voyager Held Overnight in Las Palmas, Arrecife Call Cancelled Amid Atlantic Weather Conditions

The carefully curated rhythm of a Canary Islands voyage was unexpectedly interrupted when Marella Voyager was required to remain sheltered in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, due to worsening Atlantic weather conditions. The weeklong Canarian Flavours sailing, operated by Marella Cruises, encountered strong winds that made departure unsafe, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of a scheduled visit to Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain. While itinerary changes are not uncommon during winter sailings around Spain’s island archipelago, the extended overnight stay reshaped the experience for guests who had anticipated exploring multiple ports across the Canary Islands.

Passengers were informed through public announcements and written communication delivered directly to their staterooms, ensuring clarity regarding the revised schedule. Though the adjustment altered the planned flow of the voyage, safety considerations were prioritized, reflecting established maritime protocols. Instead of continuing eastward toward Lanzarote, the vessel remained protected within the harbor of Las Palmas, offering travelers additional time in one of Spain’s most vibrant Atlantic port cities.

Severe Weather Alters the Planned Route in Spain

The seven-night itinerary had commenced on Friday, February 13, departing from Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Las Palmas had been scheduled as the first port of call on February 14, after which the ship was to proceed to Arrecife on February 15. However, deteriorating weather forecasts prompted navigational reassessment.

High winds were predicted to intensify overnight, creating unsafe conditions for maneuvering out of port. On Lanzarote, steady winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour were recorded throughout Sunday, easing only slightly in the evening hours. Given Lanzarote’s exposure as the easternmost island in the Canary Islands chain, docking operations were deemed unsafe.

As a result, it was determined that Marella Voyager would remain docked in Las Palmas until 5 p.m. the following day. This decision led to the cancellation of the Arrecife visit, a destination popular among cruise guests for its volcanic landscapes and coastal promenades.

Excursions booked through Marella Cruises for Arrecife were automatically cancelled, and refunds were processed accordingly. This measure ensured that guests were not financially impacted by the unforeseen change.

An Unexpected Overnight Stay in Las Palmas

While the alteration removed one port call, it simultaneously granted guests extended time in Las Palmas. Known for its historic Vegueta district, vibrant waterfront, and active nightlife, the city provided an alternative opportunity for exploration.

The prolonged stay allowed travelers to enjoy evening experiences rarely available during standard daytime port calls. Restaurants, local shops, and seaside promenades remained accessible, enabling passengers to immerse themselves further in Spanish island culture.

Las Palmas, situated on Gran Canaria, is one of Spain’s key Atlantic ports and frequently serves as a homeport for cruise vessels operating Canary Islands itineraries. Marella Voyager regularly offers departure options from both Tenerife and Las Palmas, reinforcing Spain’s importance within the line’s regional operations.

Berth Change Required During Extended Docking

Although the ship remained in Las Palmas overnight, it was not kept at the same berth throughout the entire stay. A repositioning within the port was required, possibly due to scheduling arrangements, operational needs, or to ensure a more sheltered docking location amid strong winds.

To facilitate the move, gangways were raised between 10:30 p.m. and midnight. During this 90-minute window, the vessel was transferred to a different berth within the harbor. Once secured in the new position, gangways were lowered again, restoring guest access to and from the ship.

The timing of the maneuver was selected to minimize inconvenience, and the transition was completed without reported complications. Such berth adjustments, though relatively uncommon during short overnight stays, are not unusual when vessels must extend port calls due to adverse conditions.

Continuing the Canary Islands Voyage

Following departure from Las Palmas, Marella Voyager proceeded to Puerto del Rosario on Monday, February 16, where she remained from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The itinerary then included a scheduled day at sea, offering passengers time to relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities.

Subsequent ports of call included Funchal on Wednesday, February 18, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and La Gomera on Thursday, February 19, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cruise was set to conclude in Tenerife on Friday, February 20, where guests would disembark.

At present, no further itinerary changes have been anticipated for the remainder of the voyage.

Importantly, Marella Voyager is scheduled to return to Arrecife on Sunday, February 22, during a future sailing, weather conditions permitting. This provides reassurance that the destination remains part of the broader Canary Islands program despite the temporary cancellation.

A Modern Addition to the Fleet

At 77,300 gross tons, Marella Voyager is the newest addition to Marella Cruises, having entered service with the line in 2023. The vessel accommodates up to 1,912 guests per sailing and features a range of dining venues, entertainment spaces, and leisure facilities designed for weeklong European itineraries.

The Canary Islands remain a cornerstone of Marella Cruises’ winter deployment strategy. Spain’s favorable climate, established port infrastructure, and proximity to mainland Europe make the archipelago particularly attractive for seasonal operations.

Weather-related itinerary adjustments, especially during winter months, are recognized operational realities in Atlantic cruising. While disappointing for some travelers, such decisions underscore the maritime industry’s prioritization of safety over schedule adherence.

Weather Challenges in Atlantic Cruise Operations

The Canary Islands, though often associated with mild winter sunshine, are not immune to strong Atlantic systems. Wind patterns can shift rapidly, particularly around more exposed islands such as Lanzarote. In these situations, harbor authorities and ship captains coordinate closely to determine whether docking or departure can be conducted safely.

Remaining sheltered within port is often considered the most prudent option when wind speeds reach thresholds that compromise maneuverability. High winds can affect tug operations, docking lines, and vessel stability during transit.

Similar circumstances have previously been reported in European cruise itineraries, including occasions when ships remained overnight in Lisbon due to rough conditions earlier in the year. Such measures are widely understood as precautionary rather than reactive.

Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency

Despite the itinerary disruption, efforts were made to ensure that guests were not unduly inconvenienced. Clear communication, automatic excursion refunds, and the careful scheduling of the berth shift demonstrated operational coordination.

Extended port stays can occasionally provide unexpected benefits, including additional time for sightseeing or relaxation ashore. In this case, the vibrant atmosphere of Las Palmas offered alternative experiences within Spain’s Canary Islands region.

Although the visit to Arrecife was missed, the remainder of the voyage continued as planned, preserving the overall structure of the seven-night sailing.

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