The Luxury Cruise Editorial – The World’s Most Beautiful Gardens

From the perfectly manicured to the futuristic, the world’s most beautiful gardens are as diverse as they are impressive. Abundant with unusual species, and an array of colours and scents that will excite the senses, there is nothing quite like being able to connect with nature in this way. What unites them all is that each one has been expertly tended to, ready to welcome the curious visitor – and luxury cruise lines are only too happy to oblige.

Prepare to see these gardens showcased in all their majesty. Every visit is more than an excursion, it’s an invitation to immerse in tranquillity and connect with your surroundings, no matter where you are in the world. Come with us, as we explore some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, made possible by luxury cruise lines.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Oceania Cruises

A visit to Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay isn’t just a walk in the park – it’s a chance to witness a blend of urban planning and conservation efforts that have sculpted a space so unique, it captures the imagination of all who visit. Marvel at architectural wonders like the iconic Supertree Grove, where towering structures house a vertical garden, and come alive with an awe-inspiring light show at dusk.

Perhaps you’ll step into the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world; this is where persistent spring takes hold, and a vast collection of plant life from deserts and cool-dry regions enthral the senses. Nearby, the Cloud Forest Dome enchants with its cascading indoor waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation that simulates a tropical highland climate.

This sprawling garden invites you to revel in nature just steps away from the bustling city, providing a refreshing interlude to any Singapore adventure. If you’re sailing with Oceania Cruises, it’s easy to seek tranquil respite or explore the innovative ecological design of Gardens by the Bay. A selection of excursions includes entry to the attraction, where you can encounter the extraordinary exhibitions for yourself. And with the simply MORE™ promotion, you will be able to put shore excursion credit towards your adventure.

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Cherry Blossom, Japan

Regent Seven Seas

Visiting Japan during cherry blossom season is to experience the country at its most magical. Known as sakura season, this fleeting period from late March to early April transforms Japan into a canvas of soft pink and white hues, creating a delicate beauty that entices both locals and visitors alike.

During this season, the air is filled with a festive spirit, where parks, temples and river banks become the stages for picnics, parties, and quiet reflection under the blooming canopies. The country’s most iconic spots, such as Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Tokyo‘s Ueno Park, and the majestic Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, are infused with colour and crowds, all gathered to bask in the fleeting beauty of sakura.

Sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises at this remarkable time of year not only allows you to see cherry blossoms in full bloom, but also appreciate some other magnificent Japanese gardens through the free pre- or post-cruise land programme. From your base in Tokyo, visit some of the most impressive sights of Japan, including modern and natural wonders. Tour the 7th-century Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and visit the Odaiba Observation Deck, located in the headquarters of Fuji Television. Discover Tokyo’s fascinating Shogun history or Japan’s rich tradition of art at superb museums, stroll through beautiful gardens and during your leisure time, perhaps take in the high-energy atmosphere of Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping and entertainment district.

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The Butchart Gardens, Canada

Silversea

The Butchart Gardens, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is a 55-acre floral paradise renowned for its seasonal displays and thematic gardens. Visiting is a journey not just of sight, but of all the senses. The Butchart Gardens offer an exploration into the transformative power of nature; set within a reclaimed limestone quarry, they showcase meticulously maintained displays borne out of the most unusual surroundings.

Open year-round, each season unveils new characteristics. Spring bursts with tulips and daffodils, summer dazzles with rose and dahlia displays, fall brings fiery maple canopies, and winter is celebrated with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

 The Butchart Gardens is just one of the many incredible attractions you can visit on a Silversea Alaska cruise, which includes an optional visit. With around two hours to explore, you can meander down fragrant pathways and marvel at floral spectaculars. A tapestry of themed gardens awaits your discovery, from the intoxicating scents and dazzling blooms of the Rose Garden to the serene oriental allure of the Japanese Garden. Take a leisurely wander through the lush expanse of the Italian Garden, embracing its Mediterranean charm, or find tranquillity in the dancing fountains of the Star Pond.

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Tulip Season, Amsterdam 

Scenic Ultra-Luxury River Cruise

In the heart of the Netherlands lies Keukenhof Gardens, which presents a vibrant spectacle of floral beauty that captures the essence of Dutch springtime. Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, spread across an incredible 32 hectares. Each year, from March to May, the park becomes a living canvas, adorned with over seven million bulbs that burst into a kaleidoscope of colours, featuring tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers in carefully designed displays.

Keukenhof Gardens was established in 1949 with the aim of presenting a flower exhibit where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could showcase their hybrids, and help the Dutch flower industry bloom. Since then, it has evolved into a must-visit destination for flower lovers and photographers alike, attracting visitors from across the globe.

Scenic showcases the majesty of Keukenhof Gardens on its Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights itinerary. Be transported directly to Lisse where you can explore pavilions showcasing floral shows, picturesque ponds, sculptures, and art installations that enhance the park’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast, nature lover, or are simply in search of a serene and beautiful place to spend the day, Keukenhof Gardens promises an unforgettable experience amidst the splendour of nature’s most vibrant creations.

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Madeira Botanical Gardens

Celebrity Cruises

Perched above the vibrant city of Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden is a verdant sanctuary that showcases the rich floral diversity of Madeira, alongside specimens from all over the world. Established in 1960, this lush oasis spans over 35 hectares and is not just a feast for the eyes, but a vital centre for botanical research and conservation.

The garden is divided into various sections, each offering visitors a unique exploration experience. From indigenous Madeiran species, which provide insight into the island’s unique ecosystem, to exotic tropical plants, succulents, and cultivated gardens, there’s an abundance of flora to admire. The collection includes over 2,000 plants, meticulously labelled for educational purposes.

Celebrity Cruises will transport you directly to this incredible oasis on its shore excursions. You will soon discover that the layout of Madeira Botanical Garden is designed not just for the conservation of plants, but also to delight visitors. Stop by the themed gardens, including the Tree Garden, Succulents Area, Tropical Garden, and Loiro Park, where you will have the opportunity to encounter rare birds and parrots. On a clear day, you will also benefit from panoramic views across the garden that sweep down towards the city of Funchal, and the deep blue Atlantic beyond.

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Gardens of the United Kingdom

Seabourn 

The UK also has its fair share of spectacular gardens, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s botanical beauty and heritage. From the serene Hillsborough Gardens near Belfast, with its mix of formal and informal spaces set against the historical backdrop of Hillsborough Castle, to the lush Belfast Botanic Gardens famous for its exotic tree species and the iconic Palm House, these gardens are tranquil retreats from urban life.  

Mount Stuart House Gardens on the Isle of Bute marries horticulture with Gothic Revival architecture, showcasing a diverse collection of flora in a warm microclimate. Nearby, the Ardencraig Gardens, initially created for council bedding plant displays, now enchant visitors with vibrant fuchsias, azaleas, and exotic birds in aviaries.

 On Scotland‘s west coast, Arduaine Gardens extend to Loch Melfort, where the Gulf Stream supports a variety of global plant species, highlighted by rhododendrons and azaleas and a Japanese-inspired pond. Further south, Alnwick Gardens near Newcastle Upon Tyne offers a contemporary twist with the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade, and the fascinating Poison Garden.

These gardens encapsulate the diverse and lush landscapes of the British Isles, and can easily be explored on a Seabourn cruise around these shores. Available at an additional cost, excursions will showcase the best of these gardens, each one filled with outstanding natural beauty and, in many cases, a rich history to match.

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