Travel advice

Easter is a special time in many areas of the world. In the ancient heart of Europe, the holiday is a medley of religion and folklore, where colourful festivals bring local communities to life. If you’re looking to start the year with a little adventure, or to take part in the cultural and religious events of the season, Easter is also an ideal time to take a cruise, with fewer crowds and milder weather making for a relaxed and easygoing experience.

What makes Easter the perfect time for a cruise?

Spring is many people’s favourite time of year, where sunshine breaks through the grey skies of winter, and nature blooms with fresh leaves and flowers.With communities hosting cultural events across the continent, you can enjoy the luxury of floating between enchanting European towns and cities in the soft sunshine, and celebrate a season steeped in tradition.

Which cruises can you take at Easter?

Our Easter cruises, Easter in the Low Countries and In the Footsteps of St James, both make the most of the cultural and natural highlights of Spring, taking in the sights and sounds of some of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities.

Easter in the Low Countries is perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of the Easter bank holiday, arriving in Amsterdam on Good Friday for an enjoyable long weekend in Holland and Belgium. In the Footsteps of St James heads further afield, with an 11 night voyage to the Bay of Biscay and the coasts of Spain and France.

What are the best Easter excursions?

Our excursions are hand-picked and meticulously planned to add depth and charm to every voyage. On our Easter cruises, this means a range of activities unique to the season, exploring its food, festivals and flora.

Good Friday at La Coruña, Spain

On our In the Footsteps of St James cruise, you’ll arrive in La Coruña on Good Friday, just in time to see the iconic processions of Spain’s Holy Week. A city of Roman ruins, medieval lanes and glass ‘galerias’, La Coruña is home to the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse, and its history and heritage are never more evident than during an Easter visit. Alternatively, you can choose to spend the end of Holy Week in Santiago de Compostela, where colourful festivities bring the city to life. A famous place of pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela’s 12th-century cathedral (and alleged final resting place of St James) is the last stop on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient route of pilgrimage across the continent.

Bordeaux wine tasting

Enjoy the sight of vines coming into leaf and shoot on an optional wine-tasting session in Bordeaux, a centre of wine and gastronomy. Soothe your soul with the mild Spring weather and views of budding vineyards, and sample delectable wines from the exclusive estate Chateau Champion.

St. Peter’s Port, Guernsey Gardens and Wildflower Walk

The final stop on your return from Spain and France on our In the Footsteps of St James cruise is the charming island of Guernsey. Encompassing a wildflower walk on the rocky headland of Icart Point, the grounds of Sausmarez Manor and Candie Gardens showcase Spring in all its glory, with the thriving Mediterranean flora adding a luscious vibrancy to the landscape.

Why choose Saga for your Easter cruise?

With no plane journey, a chauffeur service of up to 250 miles, and 24 hour room service, Saga cruises excel in convenience and luxury. Your all-inclusive trip will take you aboard one of our beautifully outfitted ships, Spirit of Adventure or Spirit of Discovery, which combine the intimate atmosphere of a boutique hotel with a range of modern facilities and entertainment.

On an Easter cruise with Saga, we ensure that everything is taken care of. Enjoy our fine-dining restaurants, unlimited selection of drinks, luxurious spa access, and a wide range of fantastic amenities.

If you’ve been inspired to take a cruise this Easter, take a moment to explore what’s on offer, and book your place with us today.