BLOSSOMS IN BERLIN

Cruising the Elbe in spring is not just a good excuse for seeing cherry blossoms in Berlin but also a fairly sure way of avoiding the low water that plagues the river most summers — and which, incidentally, means few cruise lines dare to venture here. Trips include visits to Meissen, famed for its porcelain, and the beautiful city of Dresden.

● croisieurope.co.uk.