Spring voyages: top European cruises from Fred Olsen

Robin McKelvie

After the dark of winter, spring brings new hope, new beginnings, and an inspiring sense of optimism. And what better way to embrace that spirit than on a life-affirming cruise? How about the ultimate box-ticker of sailing north in search of the Northern Lights? Or maybe you would prefer a relaxed sojourn that takes in the famous Seine?

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When you choose to sail with Fred Olsen, there's everything from craic-filled days exploring Ireland to a 17-night adventure that sweeps you right around Iberia to enjoy swathes of Mediterranean sunshine.

An Arctic light show

Itinerary: In Search of the Northern Lights
Ship: Bolette
Duration: 10 nights
Sailing from: Newcastle
Date: 4 March 2027

There's nothing quite like setting sail to the north in search of the legendary Aurora Borealis. You'll never forget watching the myriad hues of the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the deck or cosy in your cabin.

Spring is the ideal time of year for searching for these natural wonders in a region with low light pollution. A day at sea lets you get to know the ship, Bolette, before heading up 418 steps to the summit of Mount Aksla in Ålesund, Norway, for epic views that set the scene for crossing the Arctic Circle.

This is always a special moment. If you're brave, indulge in the tradition of having ice-cold water poured down your back. Look out for whales as you sail to Harstad on Norway's largest coastal island, Hinnøya.

By day, you can snowshoe hike, then come evening, savour your nighttime light show. Sortland in the beautiful Vesterålen archipelago brings ancient forests and deeply dramatic fjords.

And the thrilling experience of husky sledding over virginal snow, looking out for reindeer in this wild and wildly beautiful region. Cruising back, Molde is the star of the Romsdalsfjord.

The famed Atlantic Ocean Road links Molde with Kristiansund, sweeping through the mountain and sea-savaged landscapes with a flurry of eye-catching bridges and causeways.

Climate in Narvik in March

-3
-3°C max daytime temperature
3
3 hours of sunshine per day
17
17 days with some rainfall
48
48 mm monthly rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in Narvik, near Harstad. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in Norway.

A continental cruise

Itinerary: France & Belgium Easter Break
Ship: Balmoral
Duration: 8 nights
Sailing from: Southampton
Date: 25 March 2027

What better way to celebrate Easter than with an escape to the continent and a cruise that takes in the twin delights of Belgium and France?

The emphasis onboard the ship Balmoral is on slowing down and relaxing throughout this special sailing. A sea day allows you to settle in as you meet your fellow passengers and discover the multitude of activities.

The first port of call is Antwerp, docking handily close to all the sights of the capital of diamonds; 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through Antwerp's diamond district. Indulge in Belgian beer and chocolate, and take in the sights of this deeply historic, medieval city.

Easter Sunday is celebrated in style onboard, while Balmoral's smaller size allows a sail up the River Seine, including a peaceful sojourn through Normandy's Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine.

A highlight is two days in Rouen, a glorious French city awash with chocolate-box pretty half-timbered buildings and lashings of lovely cafes and bars. A day trip to Paris and its world-famous joys tempts; after all, Paris in the spring is always hard to resist. Two days in Honfleur continues the laid-back vibe.

Relax with the artistic spirit of Monet and Sisley in the harbour-front bistros and raise a toast of local tipple, calvados, for booking this glorious easter escape.

Climate in Rouen in March

10
10°C max daytime temperature
4
4 hours of sunshine per day
16
16 days with some rainfall
55
55 mm monthly rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in Rouen. You can find out more about conditions across Normandy as well as the climate in Belgium.

A taste of Iberia

Itinerary: Sunlit Shores of Spain
Ship: Bolette
Duration: 17 nights
Sailing from: Newcastle
Date: 8 April 2027

Setting off south in search of pleasantly balmy Mediterranean climes is a spirit-soaring experience. St Malo in Brittany brings WWII history and maritime heritage before it's off across the Bay of Biscay to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, one of Europe's great cities and perfect for strolling around, taking in the legacies of Portugal's Great Age of Discoveries.

Motril brings your first taste of Spain and Andalusian swagger (it's a great gateway to Granada, too), before Alicante beckons with its resort city vibe, sweeping waterfront boulevard, museums and beaches.

Barcelona needs little introduction, a city it's impossible to get bored of no matter how many times you've been. Follow the Gaudí trail, savour a tapas crawl or just wander the elegant streets; the choice is yours.

It's always hard to leave the Catalan capital, but any sadness soon drifts away on a homeward journey that brings Gibraltar with its great rock, those monkeys and the unmistakable stamp of Britain.

Cadíz plants you firmly back in Spain with a hint of Africa in Europe's oldest city. The greatest hits of Spain just keep on coming with a last stop in La Coruña, a beguiling city in itself that is next door to the UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage hub of Santiago de Compostela.

You'll see exhausted pilgrims who have just tackled the long-distance Camino de Santiago pilgrimage hike.

Climate in Cadíz in April

20
20°C max daytime temperature
8
8 hours of sunshine per day
10
10 days with some rainfall
44
44 mm monthly rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in Cadíz. You can find out more about conditions across Spain as well as the climate in Portugal.

Ireland's best bits

Itinerary: Culture & Craic of Ireland
Ship: Borealis
Duration: 5 nights
Sailing from: Southampton
Date: 29 April 2027

As the wildflowers bloom, the longer days stretch out, and the sun returns to warm this most emerald of isles, there is no better time to sail to Ireland. What better way to celebrate a bank holiday weekend than with an escape across the Irish Sea? The port of Dún Laoghaire sits on Dublin's doorstep.

Enjoy a tour, then a pint with a view from the rooftop bar at the Guinness Storehouse, a pub crawl in the legendary Temple Bar and learn more about this most storied of cities at the brilliant Little Museum of Dublin.

Across leafy St Stephen's Green lies the sparkling modern Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), where you will learn about local heroes James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, then explore their trails on the craic-fuelled buzzy streets of the dynamic Irish capital.

Sailing south, Cobh beckons. Dig into the story of the world's most infamous liner, as this was the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic, and its tale is told here.

Cobh is also the gateway to Cork City, hailed as Ireland's culinary capital. Let your taste buds dance a jig at the local produce in the English Market.

Another superb excursion is Blarney Castle; linger around the leafy gardens and then be gifted a lifetime supply of great craic by kissing the legendary Blarney Stone.

Climate in Ireland in April

12
12°C max daytime temperature
5
5 hours of sunshine per day
15
15 days with some rainfall
47
47 mm monthly rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in Dublin. You can find out more about [conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in Ireland.

Portugal's Atlantic wonders

Itinerary: Volcanoes & Whales of the Remote Azores
Ship: Borealis
Duration: 14 nights
Sailing from: Liverpool
Date: 14 May 2027

Looking for something totally different this spring? Consider sailing to distant, romantic Atlantic archipelagos no one else at your next dinner party will have been to: subtropical Madeira and the rugged Azores.

This really is a holiday within a holiday, in which you'll really relax and enjoy the endless charms of Fred Olsen's Borealis. Two Azorean island stops offer a taste of a culture distinct from mainland Portugal, which comes through hard in the cuisine.

Azorean seafood and beef are superb; try the local delicacy of Cozido das Furnas, a delicious stew cooked underground using volcanic heat, and Gorreana, a sweet local pineapple.

Don't miss a cuppa, as the Azores host Europe's only tea plantation. Attraction highlights include whale-watching trips, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angro do Heroismo, the famous twin crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades Volcano and the natural hot springs of Furnas Valley.

An overnight stay then beckons in Madeira. Catch the cable car from the relaxed island capital of Funchal up to verdant Monte or appreciate Europe's tallest cliffs from a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

The Cabo Girao cliffs soar 580 metres above sea level. The port of Matosinhos is a last mainland Portuguese flourish, the gateway to Porto's UNESCO World Heritage delights and those famous port (wine variety) houses.

Climate in São Miguel in May

19
19°C max daytime temperature
6
6 hours of sunshine per day
14
14 days with some rainfall
56
56 mm monthly rainfall

The above guide shows the climate in São Miguel, Ponta Delgada. You can find out more about [conditions across the Azores, the climate in Madeira and the climate in Portugal.

Ready to set sail next spring? Check out the latest online offers from Fred Olsen on itineraries across Europe and the Med.

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

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