If you’re planning a stay in the Canary Islands in April, how about taking a cruise back to the mainland instead of flying? For only €289 per person, you can spend 4 nights onboard the Costa Smeralda and even explore Tangier on the way. All meals and tips are included, as well as water and tea in the buffet restaurant.
The cruise departs on April 1 and arrives in Barcelona on April 5. Currently, only the inside cabin seems to be available, as other cabin types are already sold out.
The Route
The only stop along the way is Tangier in Morocco. Other than that, you’ll have two full days at sea. Here’s the exact itinerary:
- April 1: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (departs at 17:00)
- April 2: At sea
- April 3: Tangier, Morocco (10:00 – 19:00)
- April 4: At sea
- April 5: Barcelona (arrives at 4:30)
The Ship
The Costa Smeralda, launched in 2020, accommodates up to 5,200 passengers. With a gross tonnage of 182,000, the ship measures 337 meters in length, and 36 meters in width, and features a draft of 8 meters. It boasts 18 decks and was constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, with a building cost of approximately $950 million.
The ship features 15 restaurants, including Chinese and Japanese options. Six are included in the cruise fare, offering basic dining experiences (main dining rooms and buffets). Three areas are reserved for suites, club members, or families. Six premium dining venues are available for an additional charge, providing higher-quality cuisine in exclusive settings.
Throughout the public decks, there are 19 bars, as well as amenities like a cinema, theatre, shopping centre, casino, pool deck (with a covered pool for cooler days), fitness centre, water slide, disco, aqua park, and a kids’ club.
Cover Picture: Costa Smeralda from above | © Costa Crociere S.p.A.