Best Places to Cruise in March

March…it’s a funny time of year, isn’t it? We’re leaving the endless, grey days of winter behind us, but we’ve not yet reached the sunshine and good times of summer. Sounds like the perfect time to hop aboard a luxurious cruise ship, if you ask us.

But where to go?

Well, you’re in luck. You may not think it, but March is the perfect time for cruising. Right now, the Northern Hemisphere is moving from winter to spring, whilst the Southern Hemisphere is waving goodbye to summer and transitioning into autumn. All of this means unparalleled opportunities to tick destinations off your bucket list at a time when conditions are less extreme and there are fewer hordes of tourists milling about.

So…where to? We’ve gathered some of our favourite options for you—check them out below. 

The Mediterranean

One look at the Mediterranean and it’s easy to see why it remains the most popular cruising destination, worldwide. Iconic cities interspersed with historic, labyrinthine towns, sparkling sapphire seas, cathedrals, palaces, antique markets, beaches—the Mediterranean has it all. 

Yes, most people associate this region with the scorching summer months but trust us when we say right now is the perfect time to visit. 

Picture it: wandering the vibrant, Art Nouveau streets of Barcelona, revelling in the blue-hued Greek Islands, exploring Rome’s hidden ruins, all minus the teeming crowds and sweltering heat. Many travellers (especially families) wait until Easter or the summer holidays to visit but go now and you’ll practically have the place to yourself. No queues for St Peter’s Basilica or the Colosseum. No clusters of people blocking your perfect shot of the Parthenon. 

No, it’ll be just you and a small handful of others, taking your time exploring, sipping espresso outside an Italian café, browsing fresh produce at an early morning market, or raising a glass in a sun-dappled vineyard.

Japan

This feels like an obvious one. Japan tops the bucket list for many an avid traveller and Japan intensive cruises are more popular than ever. 

If you’re going to visit, spring is the time to go. After all, this is when the famous cherry blossom season begins, thousands and thousands of blooms unfurling their sugar-pink petals. In March, you can catch the start of the season in northern cities such as Fukuoka and Kagoshima, as well as Sakura-themed events and the famous Hinamatsuri festival, where an array of handpainted dolls and locally made sweets adorn the streets.

Most tourists flock to Japan later in the spring, so March is your chance to beat the crowds to the hidden gems and beautiful contrasts of this astonishing country. Uncover the neon treasures of Tokyo, sip matcha in a traditional Osaka teahouse, take a dip in the iconic hot springs at Buppu or soak in the moving history at Hiroshima—Japan is yours for the exploring in March.

Madeira and The Canary Islands

We’re all sick of the weather by now, right? Can it just be summer already? 

Well, yes, it can—in Madeira and the Canary Islands. Sun, sea and sand await, without the oppressive heat and packed tourist beaches of the summer months. You won’t have to fight over a sun lounger on the beach, the indigenous flora will be in full bloom, and you can hike every trail without ever passing another soul. Optimal conditions mean march is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the all the national parks, vineyards, volcanic landscapes, quaint fishing villages and botanic gardens this region has to offer.

The Galápagos Islands

Considering dipping your toes in the expedition cruising waters? March is the perfect time! 

When it comes to the Galápagos, there really is no bad time to visit. However, many experts will tell you that the islands are at their most alive in March. The cerulean seas are smooth and warm, so if you’ve come for the snorkelling, you’re in luck. Amidst the vivid coral, you’ll find turtles, sea lions and reef sharks galore—every day brings a new, up-close encounter. Plus, the calm water makes for easier Zodiac landings and more opportunities to land on remote islands such as Fernandina and Genovesa.

If you visit the Galápagos in March, you’ll want to have your binoculars at the ready, as it’s mating season in the archipelago. Turtles lay their eggs on the beach, marine iguanas paint themselves in jewel tones of red and turquoise, the albatrosses begin their famous courting dances…after a day of soaking it all in, you’ll enjoy world-class stargazing, beneath the clearest skies on earth.

Antarctica

If you want to visit the White Continent, March is your last chance before it becomes inaccessible for the winter months. Everyone has different priorities when visiting Antarctica, but if unbelievable wildlife encounters are at the top of your list, then March might just be the time to go. Several species of whales flock to Antarctica in March to feed in the nutrient rich waters, so chances are you may just see a humpback or minke whale breaching just metres from your Zodiac. You’ll arrive after penguin hatching season, so there won’t be any tiny, fluffy chicks. However, the young penguins will be much more mobile and easier to spot, plus places like South Georgia boast the most impressive rookeries at this time of year. 

Many keen photographers opt to visit Antarctica at the beginning of the season, as the landscapes tend to be at their most pristine, but for the most awe-inspiring polar sunrises and sunsets, it has to be March. 

Perhaps the best part about visiting Antarctica at the end of the season is that there are fewer ships, so you’ll pretty much have the continent to yourself. Less tourists = greater choice of ports, giving the captain and crew more flexibility to arrange really exciting excursions or change course last minute if the weather isn’t playing ball. 

So, there you have it. These are our top recommendations for places to cruise to in March. Which one are you picking? You can find our best March cruises here.