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April Cruises

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April Cruises

Holidays in general become increasingly popular in April for several reasons and April cruises are no different. Firstly, Easter usually falls around this time with Easter holidays from school having at least a chunk, if not all, falling within April.

This encourages many families to head off on holiday and also allows parents to take advantage of the Bank Holidays, meaning they can use fewer days from their annual leave allowance. The change in weather also gets people thinking a little more about holidays. Whilst this month is famed for ‘April Showers’, it certainly starts to feel warmer on days too and not only spring gets in the air, but the sense of the coming summer too.

The climate in holiday destinations is certainly becoming more favourable for April cruises too, meaning that you will find it warm and welcoming in many places. The destinations in which you can travel to start really opening up with the Mediterranean ramping up in popularity and even Northern Europe too as the conditions are better for April cruises.

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But it’s not quite winter yet in the Southern Hemisphere either so if you wish to travel there, it’s still a good time to go. In short, that means the world is open and you have your pick of the bunch of locations to visit.

As a final point, because April isn’t classified as peak season in any of the destinations you may sail to, the prices can be extremely favourable, especially as there should still be a lot of availability to choose from for April cruises. You aren’t in the height of summer but you’re not heading anywhere in the worst of the hurricane season either so your holiday shouldn’t be negatively impacted!

In fact, April cruises can be a great idea. It might be the perfect time to have another break after perhaps taking some time off and before you head away again in the summer months. You’ll be able to visit many destinations from exploring the ancient history of the Mediterranean ports to the opulence and majesty of the Middle East, neither of which will be as oppressively hot as they would be in the height of summer.

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The Caribbean is at the end of its season before the bad weather starts and Alaska opens up again as the ice has melted enough to sail here again. Then let’s not forget the rivers of the world – the European season starts again around April so you’ll be able to explore by luxury river cruise.

Expedition cruising is the sort of adventure you can take any time of year too and if you’d like to try a yacht-style cruise, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and more are all great places to start.

So if you’d like to take luxury cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025, it’s time you got in touch with the Connoisseurs at Panache Cruises who will be able to create your perfect luxury April cruises. If you’d like a bit more information beforehand, read on…

Destinations

Northern Europe

In the winter months, this is not a destination many of us would choose to travel to and indeed unless it’s a river cruise to some German Christmas Markets, the chances are you won’t really be able to anyway! But for April cruises, when spring has most certainly sprung, you will find a few more choices with regards to ships and itineraries. Several of the elite ocean cruise lines have options in this area.

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Take, for example, Regent. For cruises in April 2021, they are offering a 15-night Glitz, Glamour & Splendor cruise which will take you to many of the highlights of the northern European countries.

You’ll start your voyage in Marseille, against the backdrop of picturesque Provence, before heading to spectacular Monte Carlo where you can enjoy spotting the yachts and tour the sights. Indulge in art and architecture in Barcelona and then spend some time in the Mediterranean whilst also stopping off in Morocco.

Seville and Portugal are next on the list before you head to the north coast of Spain visiting Ferrol and Bilbao where you can visit the remarkable Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao. Bordeaux is next where you can sample the local wine produced. You’ll stop off in Saint-Malo, a fascinating fortified town on the Brittany coast before you return back to Southampton where you’ll disembark.

Another expert in this area for April cruises is Azamara where you can take an Iberian adventure where you’ll tour the cities of Portugal, see Gibraltar, Malaga and Valencia before you’ll head home from stunning Barcelona.

Rivers of Europe

Sailing the waterways of Europe in luxury is one of the best ways to see this region on April cruises as your ship will take you to the very heart of the countries. Not only that, river ships are smaller in size and are therefore able to get you right into the centre of cities so that you will be in walking distance to the main attractions.

There is a real focus on destinations when you step onto your luxury river ship, and you will find that everything is perfectly geared to ensuring you get the most out of your river cruise. With the majority of river cruise lines, your excursions are included so you will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of experiences, choosing which suits you best in each place. There will be active choices such as hiking through vineyards or cycling around a city.

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germany

Guided walking tours are also an option and there will be different focuses on some too – for example, some may have a food theme whilst others will focus on history and local cultures. With so much to see across Northern Europe, a river cruise could be just right for you. There is a huge range of itineraries such as the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps with AmaWaterways which will show you the stunning ancient architecture as well as natural landscapes which will take your breath away.

Chocolate box villages, cities and the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge all combine to make an unforgettable river cruise. April cruises are also the perfect time of year to visit the tulips in Amsterdam so head to the Dutch bulbfields and Keukenhof Gardens to see them in their finest bloom. The Danube will take you on a different adventure of capital cities and traversing multiple countries whilst the Douro in Portugal will offer you a balmy climate in which you can sample the local Ports that are produced in the different regions. There really are so many options for your European river cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025 so get in touch with us and we will help to plan your voyage of discovery there.

The Mediterranean

The appeal of the Mediterranean is incredibly strong thanks to the range of incredible attributes it offers. From sparkling seas and white sandy beaches, to delicious local delicacies, from the history shown in ancient architecture to the rich cultures of the different peoples, you can truly have a wide variety of holidays here. But why limit yourself to just one type of experience?

The beauty of April cruises is not only that you get to sail around beautiful places in complete luxury, you are also able to enjoy so many different things thanks to the different ports you’ll visit and the excursions on offer. There are so many itineraries for April cruises on offer that you will no doubt need the help of your Panache Cruises Connoisseur in order to help make your decision!

The elite ocean cruise lines all specialise in this area so you can pick your favourite from Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara, and Oceania. Consider the Amalfi and Dalmatian coasts, internationally renowned for having the most beautiful coastlines you could imagine and what better way to see them than by ship?

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Sailing from port to port, you’ll be transported in ultra-luxury between the likes of Rome, Taormina and Dubrovnik. You can even see Slovenia on your way with a stop in Koper before your final port in Venice. Or if you’d prefer a Greek odyssey, why not have an Aegean encounter which will take you from the ancient acropolis in Athens, all the way to Istanbul. Along the way you’ll mingle with the sophisticates of Mykonos, visit the iconic white domes of Santorini and the picturesque walled old city of Rhodes.

Another way to see this beautiful part of the world is via luxury yacht-style cruises in April. Whether it be the impressive Scenic Eclipse, a luxury SeaDream yacht, or the brand-new Emerald Azzurra, this type of April cruise will elevate your holiday that bit further.

There is a huge focus on the destinations when yachting and the smaller ship sizes enable you to get to different ports and into other places more easily. And there is a laid-back elegance to benefit from on board too. If you haven’t considering yachting for your April cruises yet, ask us about it and we will tell you everything we know.

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The Middle East

April cruises on elite ocean ships in the Middle East are one of the best ways to see more of this region than you ever would on a traditional land-based holiday. With your excursions included too, you will find that you see more and learn more than you thought possible and you’ll enjoy every moment. From learning of the history and culture whilst ashore, to the lavish six star surroundings when you return to your ship, it will feel indulgent every step of the way.

Sail from Dubrovnik to Petra in true luxury and you’ll sail to Corfu, via the Corinth Canal, to idyllic Crete and then you’ll transit the Suez Canal for your next stops. These include Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, Luxor and finally to Petra where you’ll be able to explore coral reefs, see Mount Sinai and UNESCO treasures and sample Wadi Rum.

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abu dhabi

You’ll even be able to see the Nile River and the Valley of the Kings with its elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums which are the final resting place of pharaohs such as Ramses II and Tutankhamun. From the impressive architecture in Abu Dhabi to the towering heights of Dubai, the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, the stunning white domes of Santorini, the iconic Amalfi coast and the ancient treasures in Rome, you can see it all.

Seabourn are another specialist in this area in April and with them you can take an 18-nday Arabian Gems, Egypt and Holy Lands tour which will take you to more of the ancient wonders and impressive modern additions. You’ll transit the Suez Canal and spend some time in Tel Aviv as well as seeing Jordan’s premier historical attraction, Petra. This time of year is the perfect time to sail the Middle East thanks to a more favourable climate before it really heats up in the summer months. So if you’d like to consider Middle Eastern cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025, get in touch with your Panache Cruises Connoisseur today.

Rivers of Africa

Luxury river cruising in Africa isn’t something that would necessarily spring to mind but their autumn is a perfect time to explore as the weather is temperate so April cruises here are just in the right season. Sail the Chobe and Zambezi rivers with cruise lines such as AmaWaterways and you’ll be able to visit famous cities such as Johannesburg or Cape Town before reaching one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. You’ll also have a day exploring the Chobe National Park in open top vehicles searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, cape buffaloes and even lions and hyenas.

This cruise is one to remember forever. If you’d rather learn more about the history of the north of this diverse continent however, you could choose to take a Nile River cruise with a cruise line such as Uniworld instead. This will take you to all the ancient monuments you would hope to see; the Temple of Karnak, temples, tombs and monuments, ancient Thebes, the unfinished obelisk and more. You’ll even see mummified crocodiles and go birdwatching on your April cruises here!

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Asia

Such a vast destination could take years to explore in full but one of the benefits of April cruises here is that you will get to see more all in one trip. Itineraries will allow you to traverse the region, with expertly curated excursions showing you the highlights of all the places you want to see and introducing you to ones you didn’t even know existed!

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Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, and Oceania all offer incredible Asian itineraries for cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025 so whatever it is you are looking for, we at Panache Cruises can help you find it. We would highly recommend heading to Japan for April cruises in particular, as this is the time of year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom which is a delight for the sense. Oceania offer a 10-night Japan in Bloom itinerary that will see you sail many nautical miles around some of the most famous cities in this beautiful and exotic country.

Tokyo, Kobe (home of the famous beef), Busan, Hiroshima and Nagasaki all feature and have their own stories to tell. You’ll also cruise the Kanmon Strait and Sea of Japan as well as the Pacific Ocean. Or you could explore an entirely different part of Asia with Silversea’ Singapore to Mumbai cruise. Head to the Gardens by the Bay to see the Super Trees in all their glory or spend time shopping in the luxury retail enclave of Singapore.

Visit Yangon, Myanmar’s more interesting city and continue forth to Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo which sits on the coast. Indian is next on the agenda and you’ll enjoy stops in Cochin and Mumbai where you will disembark – and could even spend an extra few days if you desire. We will be happy to arrange it for you. Asian cruises in April are one of the better ways to see this region as you’ll see more, all in complete luxury.

Rivers of Asia

If you’d like to see a different side to Asia, the waterways are the perfect way to travel on April cruises. Cutting right through the heart of some of the most beautiful countries, you’ll see more scenery and get closer to some of the people and cultures than you thought possible. Scenic, for example, offer a highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary which will span 13-nights. You’ll start in Hanoi where you can visit the jutting tombstones in the world-heritage listed Halong Bay and soak up the French colonial feel of the city.

In Cát Bà Island, take a Tai Chi lesson like the locals and cruise deep into the national park where you might kayak and explore some caves. The historic Ho Chi Minh City is also on the list but then you’ll leave Vietnam for Cambodia where you’ll enjoy the temple-monasteries (or wats) of Phnom Penh, pray in a Buddhist pagoda in Kampong Tralach and finally end your cruise on the rural side of Cambodia in Siem Reap. We’ll help select your perfect itinerary for cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025 and you can enjoy the end of the season here before the climate becomes a little less welcoming!

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The Pacific

There is certainly no bad time to visit the Pacific and regardless of the time of year you will always be treated to crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and glorious sunshine which will ensure you never question why these islands are deemed the most beautiful in the world. Sail with Oceania and you can cruise all the way from Papeete, Tahiti to San Francisco and have the best of both island life and modern city life. You’ll be able to see for yourself why Bora Bora is called the most beautiful island in the world and you’ll learn of the myths and legends of this area.

Sailing onwards you’ll visit the Hawaiian Islands too, including Maui, before you arrive in vibrant and cosmopolitan San Francisco to disembark. The South Pacific is truly a tropical island paradise and one of the best ways to see it is from the waters so you can really appreciate its beauty. See waterfalls, blowholes, fern grottos, swim with manta rays and even recline on a pink sand beach. Cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025 will dazzle you with their sheer beauty.

Alaska

The Alaskan season starts to open up again for April cruises as the ice has finally melted enough to allow ships to sail. There are a few itineraries to choose from in this month, and Regent has several of them covering a broader area but taking in the sights of this incredible state. Sail on the Tokyo to Vancouver voyage and you’ll head all the way from Mount Fuji to the Hubbard Glacier with many stops along the way of this 32-night adventure.

You’ll see all the major ports of Alaska, including Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward, Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikam and you’ll of course cruise the magnificent Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage too. Kodiak is nicknamed ‘Alaska’s Emerald Isle’ thanks to its dense forests and you will see nature in its purest state here including bears foraging for food. See active volcanoes in downtown Anchorage and explore the historic centre of Russia’s Alaskan empire in Sitka. Learn of the gold mining history in Juneau but don’t forget to take some time and enjoy the absolutely stunning natural wonders it holds on your April cruise.

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brtish virgin islands

The Caribbean

This incredibly popular region for cruisers shows no signs of slowing down with cruise lines consistently coming up with new ways to showcase the sheer beauty which can be found here. And April cruises reveal it to its finest! Itineraries do of course travel to the better-known ports but if you’ve already seen those and are looking for something a little different, there are plenty of options available. Itineraries from Regent, Silversea, Seabourn and Oceania are particularly exciting for cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025, so get in touch with us and we will be able to plan your perfect voyage with you. You could set sail on Regent’s Awe of Aruba trip which will see you head from Miami to Key West across open waters and onwards to Oranjestad in Aruba.

Here you will find traditional charm, pastel-coloured Dutch colonial houses and you can learn about Aruba's original Arawak inhabitants in the Archaeological Museum. You’ll also visit Curacao, the Caribbean Netherlands and Grenada before reaching the islands of Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands. There are so many options for you to see a different side of the Caribbean – get in touch with us and we will help uncover the secrets of this stunning destination on a variety of April cruises.

South America

South America is open for visitors for April cruises but there aren’t huge numbers of itineraries there as the seasons are changing. However, Regent are a particular specialist in this area and have curated a couple of itineraries which will show you some of the most impressive parts. Take, for example, the 25-night Amazon Celebration itinerary. On it, you’ll sail from Miami, through Bahamian Waters and via several ports in the Caribbean before you arrive on this impressive continent. Your first stop is in Macapa, Brazil also known as the capital of the middle of the world as it sits right on the equator.

From there, the adventure truly begins. Find a hidden metropolis in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest and catch a glimpse of the endangered Pied Tamarin. Visit Parintins on an Amazonian Island and explore Alter de Chão, a languid riverside town where you can see local wildlife and spend time on the stunning beaches. South America has so much to offer in terms of history, culture and indigenous wildlife so let Panache Cruises help you explore it in luxury with one of the April cruises on offer.

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Something a little different

There are many preconceived notions of April cruises that exist in the minds of those who have never taken to the waters and we are here to help dispel those ideas and show you just how different a cruise can be.

There are so many different ways to take April cruise from elite ocean, to luxury river, yacht-style and there is even the chance to take an expedition cruise. On these adventures you will be taken to the far reaches of the globe and sailed right into the midst of the most impressive scenery and cultures, all guided by a team of experts on board to educate and inform. The ships are impressive vessels, perfectly designed for the destinations they visit and everything is fully geared to giving you a truly unbelievable voyage.

If you’ve ever wanted to see Darwin’ laboratory in the Galapagos, then you can do so on an expedition. You can see orcas playing in the Antarctic. See the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle and venture deep into Central America to marvel at the wildlife there. An expedition cruise will be one to remember so ask your Panache Cruise connoisseur about one to see if there is one for you.

But if you’d rather stick to a more traditional style for your April cruises, you can still try something a little different. How about a transatlantic voyage for example? Not necessarily a standard Southampton to New York trip but how about Miami to Rome? Or if you’d like to be away for a longer during and see more diversity along the way, you could opt for a Grand Voyage.

These are extended duration itineraries taking you to exotic places such as Africa and the Indian Ocean (Silversea), the Panama Canal (Seabourn) or take a Grand Voyage with Oceania from Miami to Athens or even Bangkok to Lisbon. You’ll see more than you thought possible in one amazing trip on the range of April cruises we have to offer.

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FAQs about April cruises

Can I cruise anywhere on an April cruise?

The weather is of course getting warmer back at home and this means that certain other regions start opening up such as Northern Europe and Alaska for April cruises. There are still some restrictions in terms of quantities of itineraries available but for the most part, you will be able to visit the majority of places that you would want to.


Can I take luxury river cruises in April?

Yes, river cruises in April 2023, April 2024, or April 2025 are very much open for business and not just across Europe but in Africa and Asia too. A luxury river cruise is a fantastic way to see the world so we highly recommend it. But elite ocean and luxury river cruises are not the only ways to sail, you can also enjoy an expedition cruise or even a yacht-style cruise for your April cruises. We will be able to guide you on the best option for you.

When is the best time to book April cruises?

ASAP! When it comes to luxury cruising, it really isn’t a wise idea to wait until the last minute. Of course, there may be some offers available but the smaller ships mean that they sell out more quickly and as such, prices don’t tend to drop. Furthermore, you are unlikely to secure the suite or the itinerary of your preference if you leave it until the last minute. The cruise lines often release their best prices and additional benefits when the cruises first go on sale so it is wise to take advantage of these wherever possible by booking sooner rather than later.

What can I expect from my April cruise?

When you book with Panache Cruises, you can expect excellent service on board and the ability to see the most incredible parts of the world in style. We only work with the very best cruise lines in the business so you can rest assured that when you travel, you will have an experience you won’t forget.




Words of Wisdom from Panache Cruises

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Flights

April is still not classified as peak season anywhere really so you should find that whilst there is good availability on routes, the prices are not particularly exorbitant. We will of course be happy to book your flights for you and will select the very best option for you at all times.

Weather

Many of the climates in the different parts of the world are favourable for touring. For example, the Middle East hasn’t quite heated up fully yet and Asia remains less humid than in our summer months. Europe is becoming warmer, it won’t be scorching but this is perfect for exploration!

Wildlife & Nature

Spring in the UK affords certain natural benefits such as blossom and bloom and the rest of the world is no different. You’ll be able to see bears foraging in Alaska, see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Japan and the tulips in Amsterdam. We’ll help direct you to the cruise which will show you just what you want to see.

Culture

When travelling at any time of year, it is important to respect the local cultures you are visiting and their customs. Please me mindful of this and listen to your Cruise Director and the experts on board who will help guide you on mindful and respectful travel.

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Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

There are so many different adventures awaiting you on your April cruise that you’ll no doubt have once-in-a-lifetime experiences regardless of where you go. But if you are looking for something a little extra, we can help. Whether it’s a dinner à deux in a romantic setting or a private guided tour of somewhere you’ve always wanted to see, a hot air balloon ride or even a trip on a submarine, we can help arrange it all.

Travelling further afield

In April, you have the option to stay closer to home for your cruise holiday if you so desire so it’s at your discretion whether you travel far away. With so much to see on your doorstep you can be forgiven for staying local but either way, we will help you decide.

April Itineraries