Our Canary Islands Adventure Aboard the MSC Opera

Good morning, everyone! This is pretty exciting—it’s go time! Today, we’re boarding the MSC Opera right here in Funchal, Madeira, for a tour of the Canary Islands. It’s incredible that we can embark on a cruise without flights, right from our hometown, and return to the same port. Welcome back to Track Us Down! If you’re new here, I’m Monique, and I’m Doug. Our channel is all about retiring early, moving abroad, and living what we call a “better second half of life.” After 25+ years of hard work and raising a family, we retired, sold everything, and began our second act. We’ve made the beautiful island of Madeira our home base, but today, we’re setting sail for a new adventure.

Life on Board the MSC Opera

We’re starting our six-night cruise through the Canary Islands. Our cabin is cozy, functional, and the perfect spot to relax after a busy day exploring. Having just moved into a new home, juggled classes, and entertained visitors, this cruise is a well-deserved break for us. One of the many perks of living in Madeira is easy access to Europe, Africa, and North America via direct flights. However, this time we’re experiencing something new—a cruise that departs from our home port. For under $1,000 per couple, this all-inclusive cruise offers great value, and we’re thrilled to share our journey with you.

Port 1: Lanzarote

Our first stop was Lanzarote, known for its flat, moon-like landscape and windy, dry climate. Instead of taking a guided tour, we explored the local castle and town center on our own. It was a unique experience, with a distinct Spanish vibe that’s a refreshing change from Madeira’s lush greenery. While windy, it was a fascinating start to our adventure.

Port 2: Tenerife

Day two brought us to Santa Cruz de Tenerife—the port I was most excited for because it was my birthday! Tenerife’s dramatic mountains reminded us of Madeira, though less lush and more expansive. We explored the marina, the city center, and iconic landmarks like the modernist Tenerife Concert Hall, which gave us serious Sydney Opera House vibes. The day was capped off with a Canary Island coffee and some shopping, including a new pair of gold earrings to commemorate the day.

Port 3: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

In Las Palmas, we wandered through the city’s shops and strolled along the beach promenade. The ocean views and sandy beaches were beautiful, even on a cloudy day. With a population nearing one million, Gran Canaria offered a lively urban vibe that contrasted with Madeira’s more tranquil atmosphere. It was a lovely change of pace.

Port 4: Fuerteventura

Our last port of call was Fuerteventura, where we soaked in the Spanish vibe and enjoyed some much-missed Mexican food. While the landscape wasn’t as lush as Madeira’s, it was a fun day of shopping and exploring. The highlight was simply experiencing something different—exactly what travel is all about.

Life Onboard: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Let’s talk about the MSC Opera itself. This smaller ship is functional and ideal for island-hopping, but it’s definitely showing its age. While the staff is friendly and the shows are excellent, the food was underwhelming—bland and repetitive. We opted out of the drink package, which didn’t align with our preferences, and focused on using the gym, relaxing, and enjoying the onboard entertainment.

Reflections on Cruising

This cruise reaffirmed something we’ve felt for a while—cruising isn’t really our travel style. We prefer to immerse ourselves in a destination, explore on foot, and take our time. That said, the value for dollar was fantastic, and it was a convenient way to unwind after a hectic season.

Looking Ahead to 2025

This wraps up our final video and blog post for 2024. We’re so grateful for all of you who’ve followed our journey, whether through comments, Patreon, or visits to Madeira. We have exciting plans for 2025 and can’t wait to share them with you. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you’re planning your better second half of life, we hope our stories inspire you to pursue it. Thank you for spending your time with us today aboard the MSC Opera. Until next time, don’t forget to Track Us Down!