Trip Planning

I have visited many islands like Iceland, Easter Island, the Galapogas Islands, Channel Islands, Fiji Islands and many more.

Here I am in Iceland in 2025 celebrating my 85th birthday.

I always wanted to visit the Canary Islands and the Cunard brochure I received had a good deal on a cruise to the islands. I have done at least two cruises on the Queen Mary 2.

This tour has an option of two ships to take. The Queen Victoria or the Queen Anne. I decided on the Queen Anne as the departure date is November 29th, 2026. a 14 day cruise and the cheapest pricing for the cruise.

I didn't realize the Azore Islands were part of the Macaronesia Islands. I took the Queen Mary 2 there in 2019 when it sailed the Atlantic Ocean from England to New York.

I also didn't realize that the Madeire Islands were part of Portugal. We will be stopping at the town of Funchal.

And also four Canary Islands tours.

The first stop is at Lisbon but no reason to leave the ship as I celebrated one of my birthdays in Portugal and toured most of the country in 2016.

Islands I have Visited

I have created a listing so far, all of the islands I have visited over the years! The first time I went to an island was in December of 1961, over Christmas and the New Year, 1962, from the midwest to the Bahamas! Now I have multiple islands to view as I look at the San Francisco Bay!

Islands Visited

  1. Sicily
  2. Sardinia
  3. Crete
  4. Malta
  5. Rhodes
  6. Santerini
  7. England
  8. Ireland
  9. Azores Islands
  10. Cuba
  11. Puerto Rico
  12. Bahamas
  13. Sint Maarten
  14. U.S. Virgin Islands
  15. St. Kitts
  16. Dominican Republic
  17. Phuket - Thailand
  18. Taiwan
  19. Grand Cayman
  1. Cosumel - Mexico
  2. Juneau - Alaska
  3. Kizhi - Russia
  4. Java - Indonesia
  5. Komodo - Indonesia
  6. Bali - Indonesia
  7. Lombak - Indonesia
  8. Sri Lanka
  9. Angel Island
  10. Alcatraz Island
  11. Yerba Buena Island
  12. Belvedere Island
  13. Kauai
  14. Oahu
  15. Maui
  16. Hawaii - Big Island
  17. Oahu
  18. Singapore
  19. Hong Kong
  1. Fiji
  2. New Zealand
  3. Jamaica
  4. Ometepe Island
  5. Philae Island - Egypt
  6. Macau
  7. Catalina Island
  8. Magdalena Island - Chile
  9. Easter Island
  10. Iceland
  11. Baltra - Galopagos
  12. Santa Cruz - Galopagos
  13. La Palma - Spain
  14. Tenerite - Spain
  15. Funchal - Spain
  16. Madeira - Portugal

A World Map Of Places I have Visited

World Map

Countries I have Visited

So far all the continents except Antartica - Also need to go to Japan, Thaiti and some other places!

  1. Australia
  2. Canada
  3. Mexico
  4. Nicaragua
  5. Guatemala
  6. Costa Rico
  7. Panama
  8. Peru
  9. Chile
  10. Argentina
  11. Uruguay
  12. Brazil
  13. Columbia
  14. Puerto Rico
  15. Bahamas
  16. Jamaica
  17. St. Kitts
  18. St. Maarten
  19. Dominican Republic
  1. Ireland
  2. Scotland
  3. England
  4. Finland
  5. Russia
  6. Germany
  7. Netherlands
  8. St. Kitts
  9. Switzerland
  10. Portugal
  11. Spain
  12. Italy
  13. France
  14. Austria
  15. Hungary
  16. Turkey
  17. Jordan
  18. Egypt
  19. Algeria
  1. Morocco
  2. Zambia
  3. South Africa
  4. United Arab Emirates
  5. Oman
  6. India
  7. Sri Lanka
  8. Cambodia
  9. Thailand
  10. China
  11. Fiji
  12. Singapore
  13. Indonesia
  14. New Zealand
  15. United States
  16. Iceland
  17. Norway
  18. Ecuador

Cunard Canary Islands Confirmation Cruise & Payments

I hope to received all the documents needed to fly to London a day early with a pickup at the airport and transportation to the hotel before the cruise. The next day a the shuttle to the ship to South Hampton and the cruise on the Queen Anne. Coming back, a bus to Heathrow and a direct flight to San Franciso. Canary Island tours are additional.

Overview of the Queen Anne

Queen Anne

MS Queen Anne, a 113,000-gross-ton Pinnacle-class ship built by Fincantieri, is the newest vessel in the {Link: Cunard fleet, launching in May 2024 to offer modern, art-deco-inspired voyages. Measuring 1,057 ft long, she accommodates 2,996 guests and 1,200 crew across 14 decks, featuring 18 dining options, extensive entertainment, and amenities like the Pavilion pool with a retractable roof. The ship sails worldwide, including Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Key Details About Queen Anne

  • Dimensions & Capacity: The ship is 1,057 ft (roughly 322 meters) in length, making it the second-largest in the fleet after Queen Mary 2. It boasts 14 passenger-accessible decks.

  • Design & Vibe: Described as a blend of classic Cunard luxury and contemporary, art-deco, and bright, open spaces.

  • Dining & Entertainment: Features 18 dining options, including the main Britannia Restaurant. Entertainment includes the Royal Court Theatre, Bright Lights Society nightclub, and diverse live music venues.

  • Key Amenities: Features the Mareel Spa, Pavilion pool, and Panorama Pool Club at the aft of the ship. Maiden Season: Christened in Liverpool in June 2024, the ship began its service with voyages to the Canary Islands and other destinations.

  • Itineraries: As of early 2026, the ship is undertaking long-distance voyages, including a 52-day trip from Hamburg to Hong Kong.

Key Cards From Ships I have Traveled On

Here are some of the key cards from the ships that I have sailed on in the last few years. I finally found the room key card from my cruise on the Queen Mary 2 when we did a TransAtlantic cruise from Southampton to New York City. Even the first cruise I took in 1961 on a Windjammer yacht in the Caribbean.

Ships I Have Sailed On!

Oceans Seas Lakes Straits Rivers Bays Gulfs I Have Traveled On

I was surprised as to how many ways I have traveled on various water ways! Even the Volga River from St. Petersburg to Mosow!

  1. 1947 - Buntjer's Farm - Rock River - Row Boat - Pecatonica Illinois
  2. 1961 - Bahamas - Great Bahama Bank -Windjammer Cruises
  3. 1970 - San Francisco - San Francisco Bay - Ferry - Angel Island
  4. 1982 - Fiji - Koro Sea - Ferry - Suva to Labasa
  5. 1984 - Italy - The Grand Canal - Gondola Tour - Venice
  6. 1986 - England - Thames River - London
  7. 1986 - England - English Channel - Hover Craft Ferry - to Calais
  8. 1986 - France - Siene River - Paris
  9. 1989 - Thailand - Chao Phraya River - to Ayutthaya
  10. 1989 - Thailand - Andaman Sea - to Pucket
  11. 1992 - Hong Kong - South China Sea - Sea Link Ferries - to Macau
  12. 1992 - Egypt - Nile River - Queen of Sheba - Luxor to Aswan
  13. 1992 - Egypt - Lake Nasser - Tour Boat - Aswan to Temple of Philea
  14. 1994 - Brazil - Amazon River - Rio Amazonas Boat - to Peru
  15. 1996 - Russia - Lake Ladoga - M/S RUSS - St. Petersberg to Kizhi
  16. 1996 - Russia - Volga River - M/S RUSS - Kizhi to Moscow
  17. 1996 - Russia - Moscovy River - Tour Boat - Moscow
  18. 1997 - China - Yangtze River - Wuhan to Chongquin
  19. 1999 - Chile - Strait of Magellen - Terra Australis - to Argentina
  20. 1999 - Argentina - Drake Passage - Terra Australis - to Ushuaia
  21. 2000 - California - American River - Water Rafting
  22. 2002 - Hawaii - Mamala Bay - Mamala Bay Cruise - Honolulu
  23. 2002 - Hawaii - Pearl Harbor - Pearl Harbor Cruise - Honolulu
  24. 2003 - Guatamala - Lake Atillan - to Santiago Atitlan
  25. 2004 - Turkey - Bosphorus Strait - Boat Tour - Istanbul
  26. 2004 - Netherlands - North Sea - River Countess - to Hoorn
  27. 2004 - Netherlands - Amstel River - River Countess - Amsterdam
  28. 2005 - Louisiana - Mississippi River - Paddle Wheel Boat
  29. 2006 - Zambia - Zambezi River - Boat Tour - to Victoria Falls
  30. 2007 - Vietnam - Ha Long Bay - Junk Cruise - Quang Ninh
  31. 2007 - Vietnam - Red River - Boat Tour - Hanoi
  32. 2007 - Vietnam - Mekong River - Boat Tour - Ho Chi Minh City
  1. 2007 - Vietnam - Red River - Boat Tour - Hanoi
  2. 2007 - Vietnam - Mekong River - Boat Tour - Ho Chi Minh City
  3. 2008 - Peru - San Juan River - Private Boat - to Nicaragua
  4. 2008 - Nicaragua - Lake Nicaragua - Ferry - to the Island of Ometepe
  5. 2009 - San Diego - San Diego Bay - Lord Hornblower - San Diego Bay Cruise
  6. 2009 - San Diego - Sea of Cortez - Carnival Elation - to Cabo San Lucas
  7. 2009 - Brazil - Iguacu Falls - River Rafting - to Argentina
  8. 2009 - Argentina - Rio de la Plata River - Buquebus - to Uruguay
  9. 2011 - Panama - Gatun Lake - Panama Canal - to Gamboa
  10. 2012 - Alaska - Gulf of Alaska - Sapphire Princess - to Vancouver
  11. 2013 - San Francisco - San Francisco Bay - Alcatraz Tours - to Alcatraz
  12. 2013 - New Zealand - Pomare Bay - Russell to Paihia
  13. 2014 - San Francisco - Gulf of the Farallones - Bay Tours - to Farallones
  14. 2015 - Jamaica - Caribbean Sea - Contellation Epic - to Miami
  15. 2015 - Portugal - Porto River - Private Boat Tour - Porto
  16. 2017 - Singapore - Singapore Strait - MS Volendam - to Indonesia
  17. 2017 - Indonesia - Java Sea - MS Volendam - to Bali
  18. 2018 - Sardinia - Mediteranian Sea - Viking Star - Rome to Spain
  19. 2018 - Germany - Rhine River - Viking Alruna - to Netherlands
  20. 2019 - Jordan - Dead Sea - Five Star Mariotte Hotel
  21. 2019 - England - Atlantic Ocean - Queen Mary 2 - to New York
  22. 2020 - United Arab Emerites - Dubai Creek - Ferry - Dubai
  23. 2020 - Dubai - Persian Gulf - Celebrity Constellation - to Sri Lanka
  24. 2021 - Malta - Sea of Crete - Vikiing Sea - to Crete & Rhodes & Santorini
  25. 2022 - Spain - Mediteranian Sea - Celebrity Beyond - to Gibraltar
  26. 2022 - Spain - Strait of Gibraltar - Celebrity Beyond - to the Azore Islands
  27. 2022 - Azore Islands - Atlantic Ocean - Celebrity Beyond - to New York
  28. 2023 - Dominican Republic - Caribbean Sea - Celebrity - to Miami
  29. 2024 - Australia - Coral Sea - Celebrity Edge - Sydney to Cairns
  30. 2025 - Iceland - Atlantic Ocean
  31. 2025 - Norway - Norwegian Sea - Queen Mary II
  32. 2026 - Canary Islands - Atlantic Ocean - Queen Anne
  33. 2026 - Madeira Islands - Atlantic Ocean - Queen Anne

History of the Canary Islands Flag

The flag of the Canary Islands is a vertical tricolour of white, blue, and yellow, officially adopted on August 10, 1982. It represents a combination of the provincial colors of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (white/blue) and Las Palmas (blue/yellow). The state version features the official coat of arms in the center. Canary IslandsFlag

Key Details of the Flag

  • Design: Three equal vertical bands: white (hoist), blue (middle), and yellow (fly). Coat of Arms: The central band features a shield with seven silver islands on a blue field, topped with a Spanish royal crown and flanked by two Perro de Presa Canarios (Canary catch dogs).

  • Symbolism: The colors represent the two provinces, while the coat of arms emphasizes the archipelago's history, with the dogs referencing the islands' name, which is believed to derive from the Latin Canariae Insulae (Island of the Dogs).

  • Origin: The design originated in the 1960s with the Canarias Libre movement and was designed by Carmen Sarmiento and her sons.

  • Status: The official flag is regulated by the Statute of Autonomy of the Canary Islands.

Overview of the Canary Islands

Map

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of Morocco, were originally settled by the Guanches-a Berber people-around 500 BC, who lived in isolation for nearly 2,000 years. Spanish conquest began in 1402, fully integrating the islands by 1496. They served as a crucial stop for Columbus, becoming a permanent Spanish territory known for agriculture and, recently, tourism.

  • Indigenous Origins (The Guanches): The original inhabitants, known as Guanches (specifically in Tenerife), likely arrived from North Africa. They were cave-dwellers, pastoralists (goats, sheep), and lived in a prehistoric, tribal state until the 15th century.

  • European Contact and Conquest: While Romans and Phoenicians knew of the islands, serious conquest began in 1402 by Jean de Béthencourt under the Castilian crown. The conquest of the seven islands was brutal and completed by 1496, with the indigenous population mostly enslaved or assimilated.

  • Strategic Importance: The islands became a critical staging point for Spanish expeditions to the Americas. Christopher Columbus stopped in the Canary Islands to replenish his fleets during his voyages.

  • Colonial Period and Economy: Following the conquest, the islands became part of Spain. The economy was heavily based on sugar production, followed by wine, which drove significant ecological change, such as deforestation.

  • Modern Era: The Canary Islands officially became an autonomous community of Spain. The 20th and 21st centuries saw a massive shift from agriculture to tourism, while the archipelago remains a vibrant, volcanically active part of Spain.

EUR Currence

The Canary Islands use the Euro (EUR) as their official currency, just like mainland Spain. Cash and card payments are widely accepted, with ATMs available in most towns. While major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are common, carrying some cash for small purchases is recommended.

Queen Anne - Electrical Outlets

The Queen Anne cruise ship has both 110V and 220V electrical outlets, as well as UK 3-pin and US 2-pin sockets. You can find a three pin socket next to a two pin socket.

Some recommend bringing an adapter and a multiple socket to plug more than one device at a time.

Queen Anne - Internet - Basic

The Queen Anne cruise ship has multiple internet packages. I only need the basic to use a browser and emails. $20.00 a day!

London Hotel - November 28, 2026

Hoel

Transfer to the Hotel

 Transfer to the Ship

Hotel

Day 1 - Queen Anne - Transportation & Boarding - November 29th, 2026

Hotel

Hotel Bus to Southampton

 Transfer to the Ship

$90.00 Transfer to the Ship

Maybe like my last cruise to Norway! First night before dinner. A King Sized Bed and a bottle of free champagne. I also received another bottle towards the end of the voyage!

At Sea

Inside Cabin

 Canary Islands

Free Champagne

Day 2 and 3 - At Sea - December 1, 2026

At Sea

At Sea

 At Sea

At Sea

Afternoon High Tea - 3:30 P.M.

Excuse Moi. I was told it was not High Tea but just tea time. It started at 3:30 p.m. so I came early, 3:00 p.m. but the huge room was packed. 30 servers were there to ply everyone with finger sandwiches and cakes and tea. I had a great time with my servers and soon they all a

High Tea

High Tea

High Tea

High Tea

Day 4 - Lisbon Portugal - December 2, 2026

There wasn't a reason for me to get off the ship in Lisbon as I celebrated my 76th birthday in 2016 touring Portugal. Here I am in Lisbon and also just north of the city in the hills with the King's summer palace

Lisbon Portugal

Matadors & Bulls

 Lisbon Portugal

Summer Palace

Day 5 - At Sea - December 3, 2026

At Sea

Sailing to Canary Islands

 At Sea

At Sea

Day 6 - La Palma Spain - December 4, 2026

La Palma

La Palma

La Palma

 La Palma

vIslands

Day 7 - Tenerife Spain - December 5, 2026

Tenerite

Tenerite

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 Tenerite

Tenerite

Day 8 - Fuerteventura Spain - December 6, 2026

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura

 Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura

Day 9 - Lanzarote Spain - December 7, 2026

Lanzarote

Lanzarote Spain

Lanzarote Spain

 Lanzarote Spain

Lanzarote SpainIslands

Day 10 - At Sea - December 8, 2026

At Sea

At Sea

 At Sea

At Sea

Day 11 - Funchal Madeira Portugal - Decenber 9, 2026

Funchal

Funchal

Funchal

 Fuerteventura

Funchal

Days 12/14 - At Sea - Decenber 10, 2026

At Sea

Sailing to Canary Islands

 At Sea

Southampton to Canary Islands

Day 15 - Southampton to Heathrow - Decenber 13, 2026

Southampton to Heathrow

Southampton to Heathrow Airport

 Southampton to Heathrow

Heathrow to San Francisco Airport

Day 16 Chuck's View of San Francisco - December 14, 2026

Back home and my fantastic view of San Francisco from my apartment on the 28th floor of the Fox Plaza Apartments!

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Created on 2026.02.13    Chuck Buntjer's Home Page    Updated on 2026.02.17