Spring is a magical season, full of new beginnings and fresh blooms. And what better way to experience its beauty than on a luxury spring cruise?
However, with so many destinations to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which are the best spring cruises. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of our top six spring cruise destinations to see some of the season’s most glorious sites.
So, if you’re wondering if spring is a good time to cruise, read on below. Then get ready to pack your bags and experience the beauty of spring like never before!
Where is the best place to cruise to in April?
If you have the flexibility to travel outside of peak season, April is a good month to cruise.
You’ll get to enjoy the milder weather in many destinations, particularly in Europe, making it a great time to spot wildlife and enjoy the new budding greenery. April is also a good month to cruise due to the potential for some excellent spring cruise deals.
With many people unable to take time off work, cruise lines often cut their prices in a bid to fill their ships.
So, where is the best place to cruise in April?
Cherry Blossoms in Japan
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the resplendent pink cherry blossoms in Japan, you’ll have your answer to whether spring is a good time to cruise. Japan is a must-visit destination during springtime, especially for nature lovers.
The vivid pink colour of the flowering trees, known as sakura, against the blue sky and verdant green foliage is utterly spectacular!
However, you have to time your visit right. Usually, April is a good month to cruise as most cherry blossoms reach full bloom towards the end of March and the beginning of April.
One of the best ways to see the iconic cherry blossoms in Japan is on a spring river cruise along the Meguro River in Tokyo. As you sail, you discover thousands of cherry trees lining the banks.
You can also visit the famous Yoshino cherry trees in Nara, where over 30,000 cherry trees have been planted. Mt.Yoshino in Nara’s national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Tulips of Amsterdam
Seeing tulips in Amsterdam on a cruise is one of the best spring cruises to experience. April is a good month to cruise here, as from mid-March to mid-May, the Netherlands transforms into a sea of colourful tulip fields.
The famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is one of the best places to see these vibrant flowers. More than 7 million flower bulbs are planted, consisting of over 800 tulip varieties, all ready to flower in the spring.
A spring river cruise through the Dutch countryside will allow you to see these stunning flowers in all their glory while also discovering the country’s iconic windmills and exploring its charming towns and villages.
The Madeira Flower Festival
Madeira is a top choice when seeking the best place to cruise to in April. With its permanent spring-like climate, its landscape is lush and vibrant. However, April is a particularly good month to cruise here, as the island embraces a celebration of all its incredible flora and fauna with the Madeira Flower Festival.
Held in late April, this festival features a vibrant parade of flower-decorated floats, music, dancing, and food stalls. Cruises in spring that visit Madeira provide an excellent opportunity to experience this festival and explore the island’s dramatic coastline, tropical forests and picturesque towns.
What cruises are best in March?
Many people ponder whether it is good to go on a cruise in March. It is still early in the spring season when the weather can be a little more unpredictable, which could result in a cold spring cruise.
However, with fewer tourists visiting, you can enjoy a more peaceful exploration of some beautiful spring cruise destinations. Maybe just bring a few extra layers!
At this time of the year, you are also likely to find some cheap spring cruise deals, meaning you can enjoy all the luxuries of a cruise while exploring some captivating destinations at a much lower cost.
But where are the best spring cruise destinations in March?
Wildflowers in San Francisco
San Francisco may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering spring destinations, but the city’s wildflowers are a hidden gem. From mid-March to early May, the hills surrounding the area burst into colour with wildflowers such as poppies, lupines, and bluebonnets.
Spring cruises that visit San Francisco will allow you to see these gorgeous flowers, and, of course, you can also explore the city’s infamous landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, while you are there.
The magnolias of Vienna
Vienna is a beautiful city year-round, but during spring, the city’s magnolias steal the show. From late March to early April, you can see these stunning magnolia flowers, as well as some magnificent cherry blooms.
While it is good to go on a cruise in March to see the magnolias blooming, the blooms only last around two weeks and their timings can be unpredictable. However, do not worry if your spring cruise is not in sync with the blossoms; there are still plenty of other attractions to see and experience during this time of year.
A spring river cruise to Vienna in March is a great way to explore the city while avoiding the crowds that typically come during peak season. You can explore Vienna’s many museums, palaces, and historic landmarks, such as the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Belvedere Palace.
The city also boasts many picturesque parks and gardens.
The Rhine River and its vineyards and castles
The Rhine River is a popular cruise destination year-round, but during spring, the rolling vineyards, enchanting meadows and verdant forests along the river begin to dazzle with colour. One of the most breathtaking sights of a spring Rhine River cruise is the blooming cherry blossoms and tulip fields that line the river banks in places like the Netherlands and Germany.
A springtime cruise along the Rhine will also allow you to see fairytale scenery with majestic medieval castles, quaint villages and award-winning vineyards. A typical Rhine River cruise will also take in magnificent historical cities, such as Cologne, Strasbourg and Basel, where you can visit museums, taste local wines and stroll through the charming streets.
As a truly unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty and culture of Europe, a River Rhine cruise is unarguably one of the best spring cruises you can choose.
