March Cruises

As winter starts to fade and spring starts to appear, the warmer weather can start to ignite the desire to travel in many. Although it’s still early in the year, it is one of those perfect times to travel as there are so many destinations available. It can also be one of the more cost-effective times to take your luxury cruise too.

It wouldn’t be classified as peak season for many of the destinations you would wish to visit which can mean flights are more reasonably priced.

But it’s important not to let this put you off – just because there are technically more ‘popular’ times to travel there doesn’t mean they would suit you better. When it comes to high season, not only can the crowds become rather heavy, but the weather can sometimes be somewhat oppressive in certain regions too.

us virgin islands

When you take cruises in March, you’ll have the option to travel to many places, from Europe, the Mediterranean and to the Caribbean where it is still classified as the best time to travel. Africa, Australia, South America, Asia and the Middle East are all very much available too and the elite ocean cruise lines offer some incredible itineraries all across these regions.

But if you’re looking for something a little different to a luxury ocean cruise, why not consider one of our other key types for your March cruises? Choose from luxury river cruising, yacht-style or even an expedition and you could have an experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. Whichever type of cruise you pick with Panache Cruises, you can rest assured you’ll be sailing with the very best in the business. Award-winning ships will astound you with their appointments and facilities and you will be treated to exceptional service every step of the way.

This all starts the moment you pick up the phone to your Panache Cruises Connoisseur. We will be with you throughout the entire booking journey, on hand to help if required whilst you’re on your cruise and will be in touch after you return too. You’ll have a single point of contact who will take care of even the smallest detail to ensure that everything is exactly as you want it to be at all times.

finland
cayman brac

The beauty of a cruise holiday whatever time of year you go is that you get to see more of the destinations thanks to itineraries which include multiple ports.

You will also find that the majority of cruises we sell include a carefully cultivated array of excursions to immerse you into the places you visit, see the wildlife and get to know the local cultures. Take the opportunity to go on luxury cruises in March and you’ll have the opportunity to visit places you might not otherwise have considered and wouldn’t travel to in the height of summer.

March cruises can escape any lingering chill here in the UK and can provide you with the perfect climate to explore the world to your heart’s content. Just give us a call and we’ll get to know your desires and we will create the perfect cruise holiday that’s just right for you. Keep reading to find out a little more about what you can expect from March cruises…

Destinations

barcelona

Northern Europe

Close to home so within reach via just a short flight, Northern Europe isn’t a destination that always springs to mind when it comes to elite ocean cruises in March, but it should be. March cruises are the perfect way to see more of the region that is just on our doorstep and allows you to tour without the usual difficulties that accompany a trip like that. Instead, you’ll be able to unpack your case in a luxury suite of your choosing and will have your every whim catered to thanks to the exceptional crew and staff on board.

March is still a quieter season for this region so you won’t be inundated with as much choice as you would be in the later months of the year, but you will find fantastic itineraries making the most of Spring in Northern Europe.

You’ll have the opportunity to stay overnight in vibrant and exciting Seville to allow you to really see this port on the itinerary – destination immersion is something Azamara are very good at! Wander the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. You’ll then head to Gibraltar where you’ll see the British influence everywhere you turn and again, you’ll get to spend an evening here with a late-night stop. Say hello to the famous Barbary macaques at the top of the rock and appreciate the spectacular vistas.

Explore museums in Malaga and sample the finest local traditional tapas in Cartagena. Overnight you’ll sail to Valencia where you can spot Gothic monuments and plazas at every turn. And when you need a break, try some paella and you won’t be disappointed! You’ll end your trip in Barcelona where you will instantly spot Gaudi’s influence in the architecture throughout the city and get a real taste of Catalonian flavour before heading home. The weather in Northern Europe for March cruises should certainly be on the milder side which will be perfect to explore the sights and sounds of these countries and you won’t be hindered by the number of tourists you would be likely to see in summer.

lisbon

The Mediterranean

Heading a little further south and you will reach the Mediterranean, one of the most popular destinations for a summer holiday and also an excellent place to take a cruise. That’s simply owing to the fact there are so many incredible countries and cities to see, rich in culture and so much history that you might be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the right itinerary.

But that’s why we at Panache Cruises are on hand to help you decide and will ensure your luxury cruise is just right for you. You will start to have more choices around the Mediterranean for cruises in March, simply because the climate is starting to improve at this time of year. The Mediterranean is synonymous with sunshine and stunning beaches but there is so much more to see here which is why cruises in March are the perfect times to travel there. You’ll be unencumbered by large crowds and oppressive heat so you can really get to the heart of the history and stories that make it so unique.

jordan

The Middle East

The Middle East is a magical destination filled with history, mystery and majesty at every turn and luxury March cruises to this region are one of the best ways to absorb it all.

Not only will you be able to explore more places than on a traditional land-based holiday, you’ll also get closer to the heart of the countries as your carefully crafted programme of shore excursions will fully immerse you in everything you want to see.

When you have spent your days exploring the treasures of the destinations, you’ll return to your ship and the exquisite service which comes as standard on a six star ship. Cruises in March are the perfect time to travel to this region as the climate is more temperate; when it gets to the summer months, you’ll find the temperature soars which might not suit all travellers.

mumbai
banjul

Africa

A simply diverse continent, Africa is waiting to be discovered. And there are several ways in which you can see it with a luxury cruise holiday, offering completely different experiences. Take a luxury cruise with one of our elite cruise line partners for cruises in March and you’ll find that you can see some of the most amazing parts of South Africa from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, East London (named after the Empire’s capital as a dedication to its promise as a port, the ‘East’ later added due to its location east of Buffalo City) and on to Richards Bay, which is perfect for visiting a game reserve and spotting the Big 5.

Or why not explore a lesser journeyed part – all up the west coast of Africa? You’ll head from the very bottom of South Africa, with time there to explore the stunning Cape Town.You’ll see the legacy apartheid has left and marvel at the transformation which has occurred.

south africa

Sailing north you’ll visit the former whaling station of Walvis Bay in Namibia, the capital of Angola, Luanda and then onto the fourth largest city in Ghana, Takoradi. Abidjan, the former capital of the Ivory Coast, is next before your final stop in Africa is reached, the capital of The Gambia, Banjul. Formerly a British naval outpost, it was dedicated to stopping the trade of people. And your cruise won’t end there; you’ll also see the Canary Islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Funchal in Madeira, finally docking in Lisbon. It’s an extraordinary adventure where you will see so much and March cruises are a great way to see it all.

If you’d like to see ancient treasures rather than the more modern cultures and wildlife of an ocean cruise, you can take a river cruise along the Nile. March cruises are the perfect time of year to travel thanks to somewhat less daunting temperatures, you’ll sail in complete luxury along this iconic waterway. Visit the legendary Temple of Karnak with its stone sphinxes lining the avenues and learn about the ancient city of Thebes. Visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty, from Dendera and marvel at the Aswan High Dam and take afternoon tea at the hotel depicted in Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie.

Asia

With some many different countries, cultures and more found across Asia, it is difficult for many to pinpoint exactly which part they would like to see first. That’s why at Panache Cruises we will be on hand to help you decide. It is important to understand what it is you are looking for out of your next luxury cruise so we can help cultivate the perfect experience for you so that’s just what we will do. March cruises in Asia will offer your riches you simply won’t find elsewhere and can cover the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and the Far East all in a single itinerary!

Cruise with one of the experts in this area such as Regent, Silversea, Seabourn or Oceania and not only will you have the ability to see more destinations than a more traditional land-based holiday, you’ll do it all from the opulence of your well-appointed ship, tended to by the most attentive of crew.

ho chi min
malaysia

Explore the jewels of India and Arabia from the modern city of Singapore with its traditional side, to the tropical archipelago of Langkawi filled with paddy fields and jungle-clad hills and surrounded by idyllic beaches. Stop off in Thailand and also Sabang on Weh Island in Indonesia. Known for its ecosystem, much of its inland areas have been declared as wildlife protection areas. Cochin and Mumbai in India are next before you head forth to Oman and then the United Arab Emirates. March cruises here really have it all.

But if you’re looking to explore more of the Far East you’ll be inundated with architecture and culture that will astound you in every port. From the stunning skyline of Hong Kong and its rich British-owned heritage, to the French Colonial feel in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi. You’ll have the chance to see much more of this beautiful country including Ho Chi Minh City before sailing across the South China Sea to Borneo. Climb Mount Kinabalu or spend time in an orangutan sanctuary – the choice will be yours. When you arrive in Palawan in the Philippines, prepare to be dazzled by its natural beauty including underground river, picture-perfect beaches and limestone caves.

Rivers of Asia

Another way to discover Asia is via luxury river cruises in March. Not only will you find the climate more favourable, you’ll be able to explore deeper into the heart of some of these countries by traversing the waterways which dissect them. The Mekong will take you through Vietnam, allowing you to see former Saigon in the form of Ho Chi Minh City where you can still see the effects of the Vietnam War.

Cái Bè and Sa Déc are next before you arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This somewhat untidy capital was once considered one of the loveliest of the French-built cities in Indochina and today it still carries a huge amount of spiritual importance thanks to the sheer number of temples and wats (temple-monasteries) found here. You’ll explore deeper into the beautiful country of Cambodia, ending your journey in Kampong Cham. If you would prefer to sail the Irrawaddy you will see the delights of Myanmar, formerly Burma, including Mandalay and Bagan with impressive pagodas and experiencing a traditional show in front of floodlit Bagan temple ruins.

Whichever luxury river cruises in March you choose in this region you’ll be immersed in wonderful cultures, learn ancient history and see beautiful scenery the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere in the world.

vietnam
wellington

Australasia & New Zealand

If you’re considering visiting the land Down Under, there are few better ways to see it than on an elite ocean cruise holiday. And if you head off on cruises in March, you will be going at a fantastic time. In the region’s ‘shoulder season’, the weather will still be good as it would be technically their autumn but you might find flights are slightly more reasonably priced after the peak of the Christmas season has passed. But the Connoisseurs at Panache Cruises will be able to sort all of this for you!

Travelling so far away can be a somewhat daunting prospect with the worry of a lengthy voyage putting you off. The beauty of taking a luxury cruise to this area is that you will be able to see a great deal of the area whilst only needing to unpack one. You will also be treated to the very best service in the travel industry so no matter what time of day or night, your every need and whim will be perfectly catered to every time. This makes long haul travel for your March cruises much easier to cope with!

melbourne

Why not head to Australia and New Zealand with an expert such as Seabourn? You will be able to indulge yourself in itineraries such as the 33-day Southern Seas Jewels trip. This incredible voyage will take you from Auckland, all around both islands of New Zealand so you’ll not only learn about the traditional Maori heritage but also the influence of the British too. You’ll visit the capital, Wellington, and also sail Milford Sound, one of the most stunning parts of the fjordland, before heading to Australia where your exploration starts in Melbourne. On leaving the cosmopolitan diversity of this incredible city, you can say hello to the colony of penguins living on Phillip Island and then head to New South Wales and Sydney.

See all the sights which have resided on your bucket list for years including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Soon you’ll be heading north up the east coast, stopping off in ports including Brisbane, Airlie Beach and up to Cairns where you can explore the Daintree Rainforest (just watch out for the crocodiles!). You’ll then leave Australia, heading to Indonesia. Komodo Island, Lombok and Bali are all on the itinerary where you’ll see the famous dragons, Pink Beach, volcanoes, rice fields and more. March cruises here will delight and fascinate you.

The Pacific

Few destinations in the world are as perfect in real life as they seem in pictures, but an elite ocean cruise to the Pacific will show you that everything you have seen is indeed reality. Travel with Regent, Silversea, or Oceania and you’ll be treated to an itinerary that will truly blow you away with the places you see. You’ll have the opportunity to explore with your choice in carefully curated excursions so you can pick the right one to suit your needs perfectly. With itineraries called Wayfinding And Moai Magic and Legends To Lagoons you can’t help but be enchanted from the very outset.

There are secrets of old to be told to you on your cruise here and it will all be uncovered against the kind of tropical backdrop of white sands, palm trees and crystal clear waters. Visited the spirited city, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia and see for yourself why Bora Bora is regularly called the most beautiful place on earth. Circle the Pitcairn Islands and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Easter Island with its famous humanlike stone sculptures.

tahiti and french polynesia

South America

Patagonian ice fields, the world’s largest rainforest, Andean mountains, the magical ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands; South America is a continent rich in topological diversity that is perfect for travellers who are seeking an enriching experience to satisfy their wanderlust.

chilean fjords

An elite ocean or even an expedition cruise to this region will allow you to get deeper into the heart of the destinations you will be visiting and see more of them in a concentrated period of time – all whilst remaining in the same luxury accommodation! Sail with one of the experts such as Regent, Azamara or Oceania and you will be able to explore the beauty of Brazil including some of the more iconic sights in Rio de Janeiro including Christ the Redeemer and the beaches of Ipanema.

But you’ll start your journey in Buenos Aires and see the European influence that consumes Argentina’s capital. Passing up through Uruguay, you’ll see the capital here too in Montevideo where you could while away an evening dancing to the tango beats. The Rio Grande, Santos, Ilha Grande and so much more await you. If it’s an expedition cruise you are after, there are several cruises in March available, where you can discover the Amazon, uncover Andean secrets, visit the Falkland Islands and even sail the Chilean Fjords on a cruise that partners with National Geographic!

The Caribbean

Perhaps one of the better-known luxury cruise destinations, you can have a truly wondrous experience cruising the Caribbean and March cruises are within the best time of year to travel there. The climate will be perfect – warm and dry – and you will have the ability to sail on your elite ocean ship with cruises lines such as Regent, Silversea, Seabourn and Oceania or even take a yacht-style cruise with SeaDream.

You’ll feel like a true sailor without having to compromise on the quality of your service and facilities on board as the experience you have will be exciting and indulgent at the same time. If it is your first cruise to this beautiful region, you will of course be able to travel to the more popular and more famous islands including Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and more. But if you would like to see another side to the Caribbean, your cruise will show it to you with pleasure. The cruise lines themselves like to remain at the cutting edge of travel and as such are constantly pushing their own boundaries to include more newer destinations and different experiences.

Boquerón, Grand Turk Island, Puerto Plata, Jost Van Dyke…these are just some of the exotic places you’ll get to visit on your Caribbean March cruise. So let us know what type of adventure you’d like and we can plan it for you down to the last detail.

jamaica

Something a little different?

If you’d like to take the opportunity to try different types of cruises in March, you’ll find that there are plenty available. Perhaps consider a transatlantic voyage with Regent, Silversea, Azamara and Oceania and be exported to a bygone time which is difficult to find in ordinary life. You’ll experience the kind of service that was synonymous with luxury travel in years gone by and transit this ocean as so many others have before you, often starting in exciting ports such as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Hamilton in Bermuda or Miami.

Or why not experience a grand voyage? Extended itineraries that cover many different countries and even continents, these will give you a taste of what it would be like to experience a full world cruise. Explore the shores of Africa and the Indian Ocean with Silversea, or sail from Bermuda with Regent.

bermuda
antarctica

If you have a burning desire to get much closer to destinations, even in extreme parts of the world, one of the best ways to do it would be on an expedition cruise and there are plenty this type of cruises in March. You could travel as far south as the wilds of Antarctica to see the ice floes and wildlife which resides there. Or perhaps you’d like a different type, around tropical islands such as the Seychelles? The Galapagos Islands also lie in wait and you can expect to be completely astounded by the majesty of them.

You’ll see species you won’t find anywhere else in the world both on land and below sea level and you’ll be taken closer to them than you ever thought possible. The beauty of an expedition cruise is that you can really get to the heart of the places you’re seeing with Zodiac trips into the waters. You’ll also learn more than you thought possible thanks to experts being with you every step of the way to inform and educate you.

FAQs about cruises in March

Why take cruises in March?

As the weather starts to turn a little warmer at home, it is likely your thoughts will turn to holidays but March is still very much not what we would classify as high season back at home. However, in certain parts of the world, the climate could not be more perfect to explore as it will be slightly more temperate than the highs of peak season. As March won’t particularly be high season for most regions you would cruise to, you will also find flights can be reasonably priced still with plenty of routes available so you won’t be paying over the odds.

Do I have to travel long haul for March cruises?

As the weather turns a little warmer in our spring, you will find that there are some options opening up for cruising closer to home. You can pick a couple of Northern Europe itineraries and there will be some available in the Mediterranean too so luxury March cruises do not necessitate a long-haul flight.




What kind of cruise can I take in March?

As with most months of the year there are plenty of options for different types of cruises in March. Speak to the expert Connoisseurs at Panache Cruises and we will talk you through them all to find out whether you will be best suited to an elite ocean cruise, a luxury river cruise, an expedition or a yacht-style voyage for your March cruises.


When is best to book my March cruise?

At Panache Cruises, we would always recommend you book luxury March cruises sooner rather than later. That is simply because the cruise lines have their best prices and offers when the cruises are released. The luxury ships are smaller too so there are limited suites available, that means they tend to book up more quickly and as such there is no real need to significantly reduce the prices. It also means that you will need to book sooner rather than later in order to secure the suit on the ship of your choosing.

Words of Wisdom from Panache Cruises

fiji
Flights

March cruises are not particularly in peak season for most of the destinations you can travel to so you will find that prices should be a little more reasonable. There should be some good availability when it comes to available routes for March cruises and your Connoisseur at Panache Cruises will help to ensure all your logistics are perfectly sorted before you travel.

cadiz
Weather

We will help you to understand what type of weather you can expect wherever it is you are sailing to so your expectations can be set and you can pack accordingly for March cruises. Tropical destination will remain warm but you can expect it to be a little cooler in areas such as the Mediterranean before the summer heat descends.



dominican republic
Wildlife & Nature

March cruises will allow you to explore the far reaches of the world at a slightly different time of year than you otherwise might have travelled. This means you’ll see plants and nature at a different stage of bloom than in the height of summer. Also, look out for any wildlife that you’re likely to spot – there may even be excursions to see them close up.


thailand
Culture

We would always recommend you respect the local cultures and their differences in order that you don’t cause offence. The cruise lines will also be able to help guide you on this to maintain the right standards and you’ll be able to experience them and really learn about the different people and the way they live all across the world.



norway

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

March cruises are one of the most immersive ways to see different destinations and really understand different cultures and have exciting experiences. These can be taken one step further with other trips and adventures that will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take a helicopter ride or perhaps venture beneath the seas in a submarine. We can arrange a private guided tour for you or even an additional excursion that might be something you’ve always dreamed of – a hot air balloon ride at sunset for example. Just let us know and we’ll be happy to help make your March cruises unforgettable.

Travelling further afield

Whilst you can stay closer to home on March cruises if you so desire, there are plenty more places that you can travel to in the far reaches of the globe. Why not do something a little different and go island-hopping in the South Pacific or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge? The opportunities for your March cruises are endless.

March Itineraries