A Flower Lover’s Guide to the Best Global Cruises
For flower enthusiasts, cruises offer the perfect opportunity to experience breathtaking gardens, floral festivals, and nature’s colorful displays while enjoying the luxury of a sea voyage. From the tulip fields of the Netherlands to the cherry blossoms of Japan, these cruises are tailored for those who find joy in blooms. Here's a florist guide to the best global cruises for flower lovers, along with what you can expect on each journey.
1. Tulips and Windmills – Holland & Belgium River Cruises
Highlights: The Netherlands’ iconic tulip fields and historic gardens.
Best Time to Go: Mid-March to May, during the tulip season.
Cruise Options:
AmaWaterways: Offers Tulip Time Cruises on the Rhine River, with stops at the famous Keukenhof Gardens and windmills of Kinderdijk.
Viking River Cruises: Features itineraries with guided tours of Floriade Expo (held every 10 years) or the Amsterdam Flower Market.
Key Floral Attractions:
Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse): Seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in vibrant displays.
Aalsmeer Flower Auction: The world’s largest flower auction near Amsterdam.
2. Japanese Cherry Blossom Cruises
Highlights: Japan’s iconic sakura (cherry blossoms) and traditional gardens.
Best Time to Go: Late March to mid-April, depending on the bloom schedule.
Cruise Options:
Princess Cruises: Features itineraries that explore cities like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima during cherry blossom season.
Celebrity Cruises: Offers trips to Japan with excursions to historic temples and cherry blossom parks.
Key Floral Attractions:
Ueno Park (Tokyo): A haven for cherry blossom viewing with over 1,000 trees.
Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa): One of Japan’s three great gardens, featuring seasonal blooms.
3. The Mediterranean in Bloom – Gardens and Coastal Beauty
Highlights: Mediterranean flora, iconic gardens, and cultural history.
Best Time to Go: Spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October).
Cruise Options:
Seabourn Cruises: Offers itineraries with stops at the Villa Cimbrone Gardens on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the Jardins de Eze in France.
Azamara Cruises: Includes ports in Corsica and Mallorca, with excursions to botanical gardens and lavender fields.
Key Floral Attractions:
Generalife Gardens (Granada, Spain): Lush Moorish gardens near the Alhambra.
Monaco’s Exotic Garden: A striking cliffside botanical garden with succulents and rare blooms.
4. The British Isles and Northern Europe – Historic Gardens and Wildflowers
Highlights: Castles, countryside blooms, and grand historic gardens.
Best Time to Go: Late spring to summer (May to July).
Cruise Options:
Cunard Line: Includes tours of Kew Gardens in London and the famous Hidcote Manor Garden in the Cotswolds.
Hurtigruten Cruises: Focuses on Northern Europe’s wildflower meadows and coastal flora, particularly in Norway and Scotland.
Key Floral Attractions:
Stourhead Gardens (England): A picturesque landscape garden with lakes and temples.
Norwegian Fjords: Wildflowers and alpine blooms during summer cruises.
5. Alaska and the Pacific Northwest – Wildflowers and Scenic Splendor
Highlights: Pristine landscapes with seasonal wildflowers and botanical gardens.
Best Time to Go: June to August for wildflowers, or late spring for early blooms.
Cruise Options:
Holland America Line: Offers itineraries featuring glacier viewing and visits to Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada.
Regent Seven Seas: Luxury cruises with stops in Seattle, Alaska, and Vancouver’s botanical gardens.
Key Floral Attractions:
Butchart Gardens (Victoria, Canada): A world-renowned floral display with themed gardens.
Denali National Park (Alaska): Fields of fireweed, lupines, and other wildflowers in summer.
6. Australia and New Zealand – Exotic Blooms and Unique Landscapes
Highlights: Tropical flowers, ancient rainforests, and unique native species.
Best Time to Go: November to February, during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
Cruise Options:
P&O Cruises: Features itineraries visiting Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands and the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Silversea Cruises: Offers luxury tours to Tasmania’s Royal Botanical Gardens and New Zealand’s scenic fjords.
Key Floral Attractions:
Fitzroy Gardens (Melbourne): A historic garden with exotic blooms and Victorian architecture.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens (New Zealand): Known for its rose gardens and native flora.
7. Southeast Asia – Orchids and Tropical Paradise
Highlights: Exotic orchids, lotus flowers, and lush landscapes.
Best Time to Go: November to February, for cooler weather and abundant blooms.
Cruise Options:
Crystal Cruises: Includes stops in Singapore, Bali, and Thailand, with excursions to orchid gardens and tropical forests.
Royal Caribbean: Offers itineraries with visits to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Bali’s rice terraces.
Key Floral Attractions:
Gardens by the Bay (Singapore): A futuristic garden with rare orchids and flower domes.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (Thailand): Held annually in February, featuring elaborate floral displays.
Tips for Planning Your Flower-Themed Cruise
Research Bloom Schedules: Choose dates that align with the peak bloom of your destination’s signature flowers.
Book Garden Excursions: Many cruises offer guided tours of botanical gardens, ensuring you don’t miss key attractions.
Pack for Comfort: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are essential for garden visits.
Embrace Sustainability: Support eco-friendly cruises and gardens promoting conservation.
Whether you dream of walking through tulip fields, admiring cherry blossoms, or exploring exotic tropical blooms, these cruises offer unforgettable experiences for flower lovers. Each voyage combines the tranquility of nature with the luxury of ocean travel, making it the perfect escape for those who cherish the beauty of flowers.
