From Med Waves to Majorcan Sun: Your Ultimate April Cruise & Stay Guide

If you’re anything like me, choosing between a relaxing beach holiday and an adventure-filled city break is nearly impossible. Do you want to wake up to a new horizon every day, or do you want to unpack your suitcase and truly get to know one beautiful corner of the world?

Well, I have some good news for you: you don’t have to choose!

One of my absolute favourite ways to travel is the "Cruise & Stay" combo. It gives you the high-energy excitement of a Mediterranean cruise followed by a blissful week of decompression on dry land. Today, I’m talking about a dream itinerary: a week aboard the stunning Marella Discovery, followed by seven nights in the charming Puerto Pollensa, Majorca. And the best part? We’re doing it in April.

Why April, you ask? Because it’s the Mediterranean’s best-kept secret. The flowers are blooming, the air is crisp and fresh, and you can actually see the sights without battling the mid-summer crowds. Let’s dive into what makes this trip so special.

Life Aboard the Marella Discovery: Your Floating Boutique Hotel

From the moment you step onto the Marella Discovery, you’ll feel that classic "Marella" warmth. If you haven't sailed with them before, they are famous for their friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. It’s not stuffy or pretentious; it’s like a home away from home, just with much better views and someone else to do the cooking!

One of the biggest perks is that Marella is All-Inclusive as standard. This means your flights, transfers, tips, and a wide range of drinks and meals are already covered. It makes the holiday so much more relaxing when you aren’t constantly checking your wallet.

Dining Done Right The food on the Discovery is a real highlight. You’ve got the main restaurant, 47°, which serves up fantastic international dishes in a sleek, modern setting. But if you want to spice things up, you have to try Kora La for incredible pan-Asian flavours or the Sushi Bar for fresh sashimi and rolls. For those special nights, The Dining Club offers a fine-dining experience that’s perfect for a celebration.

Entertainment & Relaxation Whether you’re a "go-go-go" person or a "sun-lounger" person, the Discovery has you covered. There are Broadway-style shows in the Broadway Show Lounge, a climbing wall for the adventurous, and an outdoor cinema for movies under the stars. If you need some "me time," the Ocean Spa is the place to be. April weather is usually lovely, but if there's a spring breeze, the Veranda: an adults-only sun deck: is a tucked-away sanctuary.

Med Highlights: A New Adventure Every Morning

The beauty of a Mediterranean cruise is the sheer variety. In April, the ports feel alive but not overwhelmed. You can actually walk through the streets of Rome or Barcelona without feeling like a sardine!

Barcelona, Spain Barcelona in April is magical. The Sagrada Familia glows in the spring light, and walking down Las Ramblas is a joy when the temperature is a comfortable 18-20°C. I always recommend grabbing some tapas at the Boqueria Market before heading back to the ship.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Rome wasn't built in a day, and you certainly can’t see it all in a day, but a cruise stop gives you a fantastic "best bits" tour. Whether it’s the Colosseum, the Vatican, or just throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, Rome in the springtime is much more manageable than in the sweltering heat of August.

Villefranche (for Monaco and Nice), France This is one of the prettiest ports in the world. As the ship drops anchor, you’re greeted by colourful buildings nestled into the hills of the French Riviera. You can take a short train ride into Monte Carlo to see the glitz and glamour or head to Nice for a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

The Transition: From Sea to Shore

After seven days of being pampered at sea, your ship will dock back in Palma, Majorca. But instead of heading to the airport with that "holiday's over" sinking feeling, you’ll be met by a transfer to take you north to Puerto Pollensa. This is the beauty of the Cruise & Stay; your holiday is only halfway through!

Seven Nights in Puerto Pollensa: Majorca’s Relaxed Gem

Puerto Pollensa (or Port de Pollença) is a far cry from the neon lights of Magaluf. It’s sophisticated, family-friendly, and incredibly laid-back. It’s the kind of place where people return year after year, and it’s easy to see why.

Strolling the Pine Walk This is the heart and soul of the town. The Passeig de la Vitòria, known locally as the Pine Walk, is a pedestrianized promenade that hugs the shoreline. Lined with ancient pine trees that lean over the water, it’s dotted with traditional villas and quirky little restaurants. In April, the walk is peaceful, with the scent of pine and sea salt in the air. It’s the perfect spot for an evening "paseo" before dinner.

The Wednesday Market If you’re there on a Wednesday, you’re in for a treat. The local market in the main square is a vibrant explosion of colour and local life. You’ll find everything from oversized lemons and fresh olives to handmade leather goods and traditional Majorcan baskets. It’s a great place to pick up some authentic souvenirs.

The Formentor Peninsula Just a short drive or boat ride away is the Formentor Peninsula. The road to the lighthouse is famous for its hairpin bends and breathtaking views. In April, the landscape is lush and green. If you’re feeling active, you can hike to some of the hidden coves, or simply stop at the Mirador des Colomer for that iconic photo of the rugged coastline.

Why April is the Perfect Month for Majorca

While many people wait until July to visit the Balearics, April offers a completely different, and arguably better, experience.

The Cyclist’s Paradise In April, Majorca becomes the cycling capital of Europe. You’ll see teams in colourful lycra tackling the Tramuntana mountains. The roads are smooth, the climbs are challenging, and the weather is cool enough that you won't overheat. Even if you aren't a pro, hiring a bike and cycling along the flat paths around Puerto Pollensa is a lovely way to see the bay.

Hiking and Nature The heat of summer can make hiking a bit of a chore, but in April, the conditions are perfect. The flowers are out in full force: wild orchids, poppies, and the famous almond blossoms might still be lingering. Exploring the Boquer Valley, which starts right at the edge of Puerto Pollensa, is a must-do for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

A Taster of Summer Don't get me wrong, you can still get a tan! The April sun is surprisingly strong, and you’ll definitely have days where you can sit on the beach or by the pool with a book. The evenings might require a light jacket, but that just makes sitting outside with a glass of local wine and a plate of pimientos de Padrón even cosier.

Making it Happen

As your personal travel consultant at Hays Travel, my job is to make this whole process seamless. With a Marella Cruise & Stay, everything is packaged together. We sort the flights, the ship, the hotel in Puerto Pollensa, and all the transfers in between. You don't have to worry about a thing except which cocktail to order at the bar!

This combination of the vibrant Marella Discovery and the serene Puerto Pollensa really offers the ultimate balance. You get the excitement of the "Big City" Med ports and the "Small Town" charm of Majorcan life.

Does this sound like your kind of April getaway? Whether you’re a regular cruiser or looking for your first "Cruise & Stay" adventure, I’d love to help you plan it.

Until next time, happy travels!

Sarah Williams Personal Travel Consultant, Hays Travel