As you count the days until Spring has sprung—officially, March 20—why not opt to celebrate on a river or ocean cruise, timed to the season’s most beautiful blooms? The tulip-filled gardens of Belgium and Holland, the storied landscapes of France, and the ethereal cherry blossoms of Japan all appeal to garden lovers. Feeling spontaneous? Some cruise lines still have last-minute availability for sailings from March through May. If you’re planning for 2019, there’s lots of botanical bliss afloat. Here are 12 springtime cruises to consider.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan
If you’d like to experience hanami (cherry blossom viewing), available at more than 1,000 sites in Japan, several cruises can still get you there in time for sakura season, which takes place from mid- to late-March to early to mid-April.
For spring 2026, Tauck is offering a 13-night "Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea" itinerary, which cruises from Seoul to Tokyo. Along the way, passengers will visit cities and landmarks such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, Uwajima, Sakaiminato, and Busan.
Additional options with availability for both 2025 and 2026 include Seabourn's 14-night "Japan's Crafts & Spring Blossoms," Oceania Cruises' 11-night "Cherry Blossom Splendor," and Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 11-night "Blossoms Across Japan" itineraries.
Tulips in Belgium & Holland
There’s a reason most river cruise lines in Europe begin their season up north: the millions of vibrant tulips (as well as daffodils and hyacinths) that blossom in Holland and Belgium from late March until early May — especially at the splendid Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam. Peak viewing is mid to late April, so those sailings tend to sell out first and should be booked at least six months in advance.
Viking River Cruises is offering a nine-night Tulips & Windmills cruise in the spring of 2025, 2026, and 2027 (besides, it's never too early to plan ahead!). Sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam, the ship calls on a slew of ports throughout The Netherlands, as well as Antwerp in Belgium.
Several other river cruise lines offer "tulip time" cruises through The Netherlands, including AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Avalon Waterways, which means there are plenty of options to choose from.
April in Paris, the Loire Valley, and Provence
From Monet’s Gardens at Giverny to Van Gogh’s blossoming fruit trees in Arles, the French countryside always impresses in springtime — and a trio of river routes offer easy viewing.
For 2025 and 2026, Uniworld offers a floral fantasy for all ages on its traditional seven-night Paris & Normandy cruises onboard S.S. Joie de Vivre, which sails roundtrip from Paris. The itinerary includes stops in Giverny, Normandy, Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat), Rouen, and Versailles. AmaWaterways offers a similar itinerary for both 2025 and 2026, as does Viking River Cruises for select dates in spring 2025-spring 2027.