8 of the best spring cruise destinations

2. Tulips in Holland and Belgium

Perhaps the most quintessential spring cruise is a luxury river voyage in Holland and Belgium. The bulb fields and Keukenhof Gardens come alive, while the Kinderdijk windmills stand surrounded by colour in every direction. This backdrop accompanies the cultural delights of Amsterdam, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent.

Most of our favourite all-inclusive river cruise lines including AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Tauck, and Scenic, offer a variety of 7, 8 and 10-night itineraries sailing between Amsterdam, Antwerp or Brussels between March and May this year and next. Additionally Riverside offer a handful of shorter 3 and 4-night options.

3. The Mediterranean

Travelling in spring means avoiding the peak summer crowds and hottest temperatures. Historic sites are noticeably quieter, allowing for a more enjoyable and unhurried experience ashore.

A whole host of cruise lines offer spring time voyages here, including Windstar and their excellent sailings in Italy and Spain throughout March, April and May. Explora Journeys have some lovely options across the Med on their increasingly popular ships, and Crystal offers sailings in May 2026 and spring 2027 before sailing to Northern Europe for the summer months.

For good reason the Mediterranean really is our favourite cruising destination. Outstanding culinary traditions, authentic fishing villages, secluded bays and busy cities all vie for your attention. Travelling in the warm spring months means southern Europe at its greenest, bougainvillea beginning to bloom and the crowds yet to arrive.

4. The Caribbean

The Caribbean in March and April offers some great options. The high season (and therefore higher prices) runs from December through to February, so early spring can deliver better value while still enjoying comfortably warm weather.

However, the weather window is a tight one, with temperatures rising and rain becoming more likely as you head towards the summer months. Seabourn have St Maarten to Barbados departures in March 2026 and 2027 on Ovation for some early spring sunshine, while Regent and Explora Journeys have Miami round-trip and San Juan to Miami sailings respectively, departing in April 2027. SeaDream, one of our favourite lines, has a variety of 7 day options in the Caribbean and also the Bahamas.

5. Transatlantic repositioning cruises

Repositioning cruises during spring are ideal for travellers who enjoy longer voyages and a more relaxed pace. With more sea days, there is time to fully enjoy the ship's facilities, from onboard dining to wellness and enrichment programmes, while still visiting a wide range of destinations along the way.

The Caribbean to Europe is a popular option. Silversea offers options in 2027 from as little as £200 per person per night, exceptional value when considering the huge volume of inclusions.

6. The Douro

Portugal has been very much in vogue in recent years with an outstanding culinary scene, characterful cities and rich history. The Douro is a dramatic and beautiful waterway, and travelling in spring, with one of our favourite river cruise operators, such as AmaWaterways or Tauck, when the vineyards are bursting into life is ideal to avoid the heat of the summer months.

7. Scotland and the British Isles

You may be tempted to wait until the height of summer to visit Scotland, but those in the know love spring in the Western Isles. May and June tend to be sunnier and drier than July and August, and the spring months see wildlife at its richest whilst avoiding the peak of midge season. For a true Scottish experience check out our favourite small ship in the area, the charming Hebridean Princess.

8. Alaska

The cruise season for Alaska starts in May with the driest weather lasting until early summer. May and June are a great time to spot bears, with wonderfully long days and great value fares. Ships repositioning from Asia across the North Pacific to Alaska create some interesting itinerary options during this period.

Why spring cruising is so appealing

Spring sits in what we call the "shoulder season", the joint between the expense of peak and the less reliable weather of off-peak. Sometimes it really is a great idea to pick a shoulder season cruise. Yes, the weather may not be totally perfect, but there are many other good reasons to travel: the price, the uncrowded ports of call and the beauty of springtime blossoms.