If you’re thinking about a cruise, March is an excellent time to set sail. While things can be rather cold and blustery at home, in other parts of the world, temperatures and landscapes are lovely. And, because it’s shoulder season, prices are lower and crowds are fewer.
So, if you’re interested in going on a cruise this spring, which places are at their most magical? The good news is there’s plenty of diversity when it comes to destinations, so whether you’re a first-time cruiser who doesn’t want to travel far or an intrepid explorer looking for adventure, you’re sure to find an itinerary to suit you.
To get you inspired, here are 10 of the best places to cruise in March.
1. Southern Caribbean
Few places evoke paradise like the Caribbean and, if you’re dreaming of sun, sea, and sand, it’s the perfect destination. Home to over 700 islands, reefs, and cays – as well as 13 independent countries – the whole region is idyllic throughout the year, but if you’re travelling in March, it’s best to stick to the Southern Caribbean. That’s unless you want to share your ship with thousands of rowdy spring breakers, who often pack out shorter Caribbean cruises that set sail from Florida.
Instead, why not explore the islands of the south: Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Martinique, to name just six? The beauty and diversity of these islands is staggering, and you can kick back on sugary beaches, hike up towering mountains, trek through lush rainforests, and swim beneath cascading waterfalls. Plus, March is still the dry season, so you can expect sunny skies and temperatures that hover around the high 20s – perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing!
2. Australia
If you’ve always wanted to travel to the land Down Under, March is arguably the best month to go. As it’s the Southern Hemisphere, the height of summer in Australia is January and February. Despite the often scorching temperatures, this time of year is high season, with crowds and prices reaching their peak. March is the very end of the high season, so while it’s warm enough to swim and snorkel, you’ll probably avoid the heatwaves that often hit two months prior.
Plus, many locals like to cruise in March, so cruise lines tend to move their ships to Australia during this time – meaning you’ll have more choice when booking. Prices tend to be lower too – which is handy, as Australia isn’t the cheapest country to explore! Popular sights are also much quieter than in January and February, and cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast are a delight to explore, with temperatures hovering around 25°C.
3. New Zealand
For similar reasons, March is also one of the best times to visit New Zealand. This is the end of summer and start of autumn, so temperatures are warm, days are sunny, and crowds are smaller than in peak season. New Zealand is known for its spectacular natural beauty, and March is an ideal time to explore its diverse landscape. You can marvel at snow-capped peaks and soaring fjords, swim in crystal clear turquoise waters, hike over rolling green hills, and enjoy adventure sports in Queenstown.
Plus, because there are so many cruises at this time of year, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a cruise that takes you to both Australia and New Zealand. While some cruises to this part of the world focus on Australia, often sailing all around this continent-sized country, others take you to both New Zealand’s north and south islands too – as well as the tropical islands of the South Pacific, like the Cook Islands and French Polynesia.
4. Ireland
If you’d rather stay closer to home, what about a cruise to Ireland? The Emerald Isle is home to some truly magnificent scenery and attractions, and travelling by ship allows you to get a new perspective on the gloriously craggy coastline. While the weather is unpredictable in March, the days are getting longer and lighter. Plus, if you’re new to cruising, Ireland is an excellent destination: beautiful, affordable, and accessible, while still being exciting.
But there’s another big reason why an Ireland cruise in March makes sense – and that’s St Patrick’s Day. The day itself might fall on March 17th, but the festivities start and end several days on either side, and being in Ireland at this time of year is an unforgettable experience. Countrywide, festivals, parades, and concerts celebrate the best of Irish arts, food, culture, and music – and the capital, Dublin, pulses with energy and goodwill.
5. Japan
Japan is one of the most unique and captivating countries in the world, and if you’ve always wanted to go, you might want to think about a March cruise. March is the start of cherry blossom season, and if you’re lucky enough to visit, you can experience one of the most important cultural markers in the country. Parks, paths, and mountains around Japan burst into bloom at this time, and the landscape seems to be cloaked in a blanket of soft pink.
It isn’t just the natural beauty that makes a March cruise to Japan so special; it’s also the amount of cultural events going on, allowing you to discover a side of Japan that you might’ve otherwise missed. Blossoms aside, temperatures hover in the high teens (perfect conditions for hiking…or trekking up Mount Fuji!), while prices are still significantly lower than in ‘Golden Week’ – peak cherry blossom season – which usually falls at the end of April.
6. Patagonia
If you’re dreaming of an intrepid adventure – of travelling to the ends of the earth – why not consider a March cruise to Patagonia? The southernmost tip of South America is known for its stark, desolate beauty, and its remote location, vast size, and often inaccessible scenery make it perfect for exploring by ship. Plus, Patagonia is in the southern hemisphere, so March marks the end of summer. Temperatures rarely rise over 20°C here and, in March, you can still enjoy the relatively good weather.
Plus, the last month of high season is February, so there might be a noticeable price dip as tourism winds down. The incomparable beauty of this region is best enjoyed without throngs of other travellers – and you have a better chance of spotting wildlife when it’s quiet. March is a good month for whale watching, particularly in Chilean Patagonia, while penguins – and their adorable chicks – can be found along the coastline until mid-March. Keep an eye out for enormous elephant seals too!
7. Canary Islands, Spain
Seeking sun, sea, and sand but don’t have the time or money for a Caribbean cruise? Why not head to Spain’s Canary Islands? Like the Caribbean, these seven volcanic islands enjoy warm weather year-round, so you can visit any time – but March is a particularly lovely time to explore. Temperatures are warmer and more reliable than in winter, usually hovering around the low to mid 20s. So it’s warm enough to hit the beach, but not as overwhelmingly hot as it can be in summer.
Plus, a cruise is the best way to discover this archipelago. You often have the chance to explore all seven islands, and because each has its own appeal and character, there’s something for everyone. On a cruise, you can experience the islands’ compelling cultures, mouth-watering cuisine, and remarkable scenery. Relax on Fuerteventura’s sandy beaches, hike through lunar-like landscapes in Tenerife, tour quiet vineyards in Lanzarote, and lose yourself in the winding streets of Gran Canaria’s historic capital.
8. Iceland
Iceland is one of the most dramatically beautiful countries in the world. Home to smoking volcanoes, milky blue lagoons, gurgling geysers, and thundering waterfalls, the wild landscape is otherworldly, and a cruise is an excellent way to see the sights. Due to the long, light days, the peak season in Iceland is summer – but there are several reasons why March might be the best time to visit.
You’ll experience an Icelandic winter, and the presence of snow means you can try seasonal activities like snowmobiling and ice caving. You have a good chance of catching the northern lights, and bathing in hot springs is particularly magical when the landscape is blanketed in snow. Yet, while it’s still winter, the days are longer in March, and the weather warmer, which makes exploring far more pleasurable. You also don’t have to worry about summer crowds, and can find quiet spots to soak up the scenery.
9. Central and South America
If you’re drawn to Central America, March is a wonderful time to visit. It’s the last month of the dry season in Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, and El Salvador (April is the last month for Nicaragua, Panama, and Honduras), so you can count on warm temperatures and long, sunny days. You can explore colourful colonial towns and atmospheric Mayan temples without worrying about rain, while Costa Rica’s jungles are cool enough to trek through, and Belize’s beaches are at their most beautiful.
Some cruises to Central America take in parts of South America, too, so if you’re up for a longer trip, this can be the adventure of a lifetime. This part of the world is so big and diverse and, on a cruise, you’ll see more than you would on a traditional holiday. Coastal cities like Argentina’s Buenos Aires and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro hum with life at this time of year; the streets are flooded with sunlight and the nights are warm and sultry, so exploring and soaking up the local culture is even more special.
10. Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular destinations for Brits seeking sun and, in summer, both can get uncomfortably busy. While March can’t be described as hot in either country, temperatures are pleasant, often hovering in the high teens – which is ideal for exploring. So, if you’re more interested in culture and cuisine than soaking up the sun, it’s a great time to visit. Plus, you see some of the most awe-inspiring sights without jostling through crowds of tourists.
Spain and Portugal cruises allow you to see the best of these beautiful countries. In Spain, you’ll stop off at coastal cities like Barcelona, Malaga, and Valencia, while, in Portugal, you can visit Lisbon and Porto. Many cruises also stop at Spain’s sun-kissed Balearic Islands, as well as the sweeping beaches of the Algarve – and while it may not be quite warm enough to sunbathe, you can still enjoy invigorating swims, and long, leisurely walks on the sand.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re keen to explore the furthest corners of our world or prefer to stay closer to home, there are many possibilities for a March cruise.
From sun-drenched beaches and sweltering jungles to snow-capped mountains and soaring fjords, the 10 destinations featured offer plenty of diversity when it comes to scenery. And if you’re more interested in immersing yourself in new cultures, or sampling different cuisine, there’s just as much choice.
Interested in cruising but not sure any of these destinations are for you? Why not check out our article, 11 off-the-beaten-track cruise destinations? Or, to see which destinations are best for cruising in other months, you may want to read our article; 20 best places to cruise month by month.
Have you been on a cruise before? Are you interested in any of these destinations – or are you thinking about a March cruise somewhere else? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.