A Saga Sapphire cruise serves up volcanic beaches, motorcycle side-car tours and plenty of Madeira wine

“HAVE you ever been in a sidecar before?” asked the Saga Excursion Manager.

“Oh yes,” I replied, “Just 70 years ago when I was three, so I’ll be fine.”

Back then, my little sister and I fitted perfectly. These days she would definitely have to go pillion.

Exploring with Madeira Sidecar Tours was such a fun way to discover the lovely island on our brief stop on a gloriously warm cruise to the Canary Islands on board the Saga Sapphire.

We left the capital, Funchal, passing the pink confection that is Reid’s Hotel, where we planned to have afternoon tea later.

Our driver and guide explained a little history of the island via our helmet sound system as we whizzed along.

Winding old roads climbed up past the terraced vines producing the sweet Madeira wine until we reached Europe’s highest cliff and skywalk, Cabo Girao.

The glass floor revealed a spectacular view of the volcanic beach beneath our toes, almost 2,000ft (609m) below.

The trip is the perfect way to take a whistlestop tour of the island and our guide was a mine of interesting information including the best photo spots and coffee stops.

While we had taken the easy option on Madeira, fellow passengers were up for more adventurous activities on our ports of call in the Canaries.

Some of the fitter folk on board were hiking Tenerife’s Mount Teide volcano crater with a packed lunch from the ship, others watching out for whales and dolphins from a RIB — or rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

The fitness levels needed for all activities were very well described, so there was something for everyone.

But things weren’t as successful when I opted to do-it-myself, going on an open-top bus tour of Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas, which offered all-day travel including a guided tour of the old town for 20 euros.

Although it was a good introduction to the city, the recorded commentary was not very well co-ordinated with the stops, so was not easy to follow. The Saga excursions seemed better value.

The Saga Sapphire is so well loved that 70 per cent of its passengers are returning customers — some in their nineties. With everyone over the age of 50 welcome on board, the excursions catered for an age range of nearly 50 years!

The food was seriously good — one reason so many return again and again. Several Sapphire cruises also include wine with lunch and dinner, so there is no worrying about the bill.

I tried the Pole to Pole restaurant, which has four distinctive areas, each with a different though intimate atmosphere.

My daughter has still not forgiven me for ordering the rabbit (bunny pie!) which was delicious.

Tenerife is full of wild rabbits, so I didn’t feel a bit guilty.

For a change, the East to West restaurant serves Indian, Sri Lankan and Thai cuisine, though it is best to book ahead as it is very popular.

Outside the sheltered port in Lanzarote the wind was a bit frisky for our Sail Away Party, so Captain Horne decided to make it a Party then Sail Away instead — very wise, with no spilled drinks and lots of music and dancing on the deck outside the Veranda and Grill restaurant.

The entertainment team worked hard to keep us amused, and over the days, there was something for every taste, from classical to musical theatre favourites.

One of the joys of this small ship of just 720 passengers was learning how interesting people can be over a shared meal.

Around 100 people travelled alone, and everyone could choose whether to enjoy privacy or the company of others.

Open seating meant it was fascinating meeting different people, with every imaginable talent from plumbers to professors.

There was only one pompous know-all in the bar one evening — so I moved on.

Teaming up with others to explore ashore instead of joining an excursion was no problem, as the daily information leaflet detailed a time and place to meet like-minded people.

After a mile-long walk around the top deck, there was one treat I could justify — a fish and chip lunch by the pool.

Of course, English seaside style, it was followed by an ice cream from the squirty machine.

And with the loungers calling to soak up some of that lovely Canarian sunshine, how could I fit in all the other deck games, lectures, card games, comedy shows, puzzles, quizzes, library, spa and beauty salon?