There’s never a bad time for a cruise – but April is one of the best months to set sail and see the world. Many destinations are most beautiful when the flowers are blooming and spring is in swing and, in much of Europe, the days are already sunny and long. Plus, cruising at this time of year means avoiding the UK’s customary April showers.
April is also shoulder season and, as long as you avoid cruising over Easter, you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. So, if you’re thinking about a cruise next spring, which destinations are at their loveliest?
Here are 10 of the best places to cruise in April.
1. Portugal
Thanks to its southerly position, Portugal is one of Europe’s sunniest countries – and, in April, you can expect average highs of 18°C to 21°C. But this is just one of the reasons to visit. Coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto are at their prettiest, and botanical gardens burst with camellias, magnolias, and azaleas. There’s so much culture and history to discover, too, from medieval monasteries and imposing castles to compelling museums and colourful street art.
Then, there are the islands. Some cruises venture further to Madeira and the Azores – a subtropical archipelago cast adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are dazzling in April when vibrant ginger lilies and hydrangeas come into bloom, and the Madeiran capital Funchal is bright and bustling. But, if you don’t want the extra days at sea, it’s best to stick to cruising the mainland. From Porto, you can cruise up the Douro River, admiring views of terraced vineyards and tasting the fabulous local wines.
2. Norwegian Fjords
If you’re drawn to dramatic landscapes, you might like to consider cruising to the Norwegian fjords. Widely considered one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, the scenery is breathtaking: think deep blue, mirror-like waters, snow-capped mountain peaks, and colourful port towns. While the fjords are popular for a winter cruise, the frigid temperatures aren’t for everyone – but, by April, the weather is warmer, generally ranging from 3°C to 10°C.
During spring, the valleys surrounding the fjords are speckled with flowers, and there are fabulous hiking trails, many of which take you past thundering waterfalls and stunning vantage points. From Pulpit Rock, you can admire one of the best views in the country…and you may spot eagles soaring above. In Bergen, you can sip local craft beer, sample local delicacies like smoked herring and cinnamon buns, and explore the painted houses and cobbled alleys of medieval Bryggen.
3. Galápagos Islands
For the adventure of a lifetime, why not head to the Galápagos Islands? Located almost 600 miles from the Ecuadorian mainland, this remote 19-island archipelago is like nowhere else. It was here Darwin developed his theory of natural selection and, if you’re interested in wildlife, few destinations are more intriguing. Home to 9,000 species of flora and fauna, these islands were the world’s first UNESCO Heritage Site and, today, they remain one of the strangest, most intriguing places on the planet.
Due to their position right on the equator, the Galápagos Islands only have two seasons: the dry season, which is cool and misty, and the warm and rainy wet season. April is the very end of the wet season so, while showers are likely, these usually clear quickly. The waters are calm, so you can enjoy excellent visibility when snorkelling, and the lush vegetation provides an abundance of food for animals. Look out for marine iguanas, turtles, flamingos, albatross, ancient tortoises, and blue-footed boobies.
4. Hawaii
More interested in swimming, surfing, and sunbathing than spotting wildlife? Hawaii might be the spring cruise destination for you. Just the name ‘Hawaii’ evokes images of turquoise waves, palm-fringed beaches, steaming volcanoes, and sultry rainforests, and these islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise. April marks the end of the rainy season, the perfect time to visit. The days are warm and dry, yet the landscape is lush and green, and the waterfalls are at their fullest…yet the prices are still low.
While they may be best known for their gorgeous beaches, the Hawaiian islands are more varied than you might think, and a cruise is the best way to discover their diversity. Soak up the sun, sea, and sand on the shores of Maui, trek up volcanoes on the Big Island, and uncover the local culture and history in Oahu. Moving from island to island, you’ll get a fascinating insight into this unique island state, which is as much Polynesian as it is American.
5. The Netherlands and Belgium
There’s something joyful and restorative about witnessing nature come back to life and, in Belgium and the Netherlands, April is tulip season. Imported during the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, tulips have become a symbol of spring and, on a river cruise, you’ll drift along you along the Rhine, Main, and Danube, passing charming cities, historic windmills, and stunning landscapes scattered with thousands of bright-coloured bulbs.
Many cruises kick off in Amsterdam, a city known for its gabled canal houses, exciting arts scene, and meandering waterways. You can soak up the unique café culture, visit world-class museums, browse flower markets, and tour the famous Keukenhof Gardens. If you’re into history, you’ll love exploring historic Bruges, too, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. While April can be chilly, with temperatures hovering around 12°C, you can warm up with a luxurious Belgian hot chocolate.
6. Jamaica
Being a Caribbean island, Jamaica is gorgeous year-round, but April is arguably the best month to visit. While early April is still the high season (Jamaica is a popular spot for spring break), from the 15th onwards prices and crowds drop dramatically. Plus, the six-day Jamaica Carnival falls in April, so if you want to immerse yourself in Jamaican music, culture, and energy, there’s no better time to visit. In 2025, the festivities begin on the 23rd, with major events held in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.
The weather is also fabulous, with lows of 24°C and highs of 30°C, and there are plenty of seasonal flower shows and kite festivals to check out, too. But Jamaica is just one of many islands you can visit on a cruise to the Caribbean. A Jamaica cruise can also include the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Virgin Islands. Other itineraries stop in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, so there’s plenty of choice.
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7. Greece
Like the idea of cruising around islands but don’t fancy flying all the way to South America? What about a cruise to Greece? April is a wonderful time to visit; in the capital Athens, average highs sit around 20°C, perfect for exploring. You can visit ancient sights like the Acropolis while enjoying warm sunshine rather than scorching heat, as is common in summer. It also isn’t too hot to sip an authentic Greek coffee and savour a satisfyingly sticky pastry.
The Greek islands are also a dream at this time of year. April is the last month of the low season, a final chance to explore pretty white-washed towns without throngs of tourists. If you want to hit the beach, a cruise to the southern islands is your best bet, as these are the warmest; Crete, for example, sees highs in the early 20s. The Cretan mountains are also beautiful in spring, and you can hike between villages, stopping off to refuel in local tavernas – many of which make their own cheese and wine.
8. South Pacific
Home to shimmering turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees, the islands of the South Pacific are a dream year-round. There are around 25,000 idyllic islands, and some of the most popular destinations include Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. A cruise is the best way to explore this dazzling region, but these islands’ far-flung locations mean that cruises don’t come cheap. That’s why it makes sense to book in April, the height of shoulder season.
Not only are crowds smaller, prices lower, and bookings more flexible, but the weather is excellent, too – sunny, dry, and comfortable, with temperatures around 28–30°C. Conditions are perfect for swimming and sunbathing – but there are also opportunities for adventure. Hike up waterfalls, snorkel in secret coves, trek through rainforests, and taste your way around food markets. You can dive deep into Polynesian culture, too, learning about the islands’ histories and discovering ancient folklore.
9. Canary Islands
Spain’s Canary Islands are another popular year-round destination, but the best time to visit is arguably in spring. In April, average daily temperatures hover between 20°C to 25°C, with eastern islands like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura being the warmest. It’s usually hot enough to hit the beach and sunbathe, and with sea temperature sitting around 20°C, swimming is also an option. But, unlike the summer months, it doesn’t get too hot, so it’s the ideal time to take advantage of exploring these diverse islands.
If you’d like to stay active, there’s lots to keep you busy. Hikers can explore Tenerife’s Teide National Park, perhaps even trekking up the active volcano. There are gorgeous hiking trails in Grand Canaria’s Roque Nublo region, too, as well as Lanzarote’s Chinijo National Park, and the flowers are in full bloom. April is also the best time to go windsurfing and kitesurfing in Fuerteventura. Or, if you want to take it easier, why not soak up the local culture in the islands’ colonial port towns?
10. Canada and New England
If you’re not fussed about islands or beaches, and are more interested in exploring spectacular natural landscapes, you might want to cruise along North America’s northeast coast. This part of the world might be known for its magnificent autumnal displays, but spring is just as lovely. April can be chilly, with highs of 12°C, but it’s the ideal temperature for hiking. And, as the snows melt and the forests and wildflowers emerge, you’ll want to make the most of the region’s scenic trails.
As spring pokes its head through, you can cruise through Canada’s wildest and most magical destinations, including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. In April, you can spot returning humpback whales, puffins coming to shore, and bald eagles swooping through the skies. The US is just as gorgeous: Boston is in bloom, the historic towns of New England are beginning to bustle, and the bright blue skies make exploring a delight.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re looking for a sun-soaked tropical escape or a chance to explore awe-inspiring natural landscapes, April is a great time for a cruise holiday.
From the wild Galapagos Islands to the characterful canals of Amsterdam, and the tropical islands of the South Pacific to the majestic Norwegian fjords, there’s a cruise destination to suit pretty much everyone. While each offers something different, all come into their own in April.
And, as it’s shoulder season, April is also usually a cheap month to travel…so if you’ve been dreaming of a cruise but never set sail, perhaps this spring is the perfect time to make it happen.
For more travel inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website.
Are you dreaming of a cruise? Are you tempted by any of these destinations – or do you have other suggestions for top April destinations? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.