Is a mini cruise a real cruise?

I am getting ready for a weekend away with the girls. We have decided to go on a P&O mini cruise on board Oceana. P&O are not my favourite cruise line but they have some great deals for weekend Mini Cruises. We only paid £199 each for 2 nights on board when you think that is all your food, board and entertainment its a lot cheaper than 2 nights in London with food and theatre tickets.

Those of you that have followed my blog for the past 4 years will know we are a lucky team here and every year our Christmas party is on board a cruise ship. I was unable to make the dates for this year so along with some colleagues we are having our own little Christmas get together.

The mini cruises P&O offer are great for people looking to do something a little different than your normal Christmas Party. Like I mentioned before you have some much included they are really good value for money. We also have a day in Bruges so a chance to stock up on chocolates for Christmas too.

Here is Charlie the last time we went to Bruges! He’s put his order in for some chocolate!

Having been to Bruges before I know how easy it is to get there from the ship. This is another of these places where you stop but you dont really stop as close as you think. P&O market the cruise as stopping in Bruges but you actually cruise into Zebrugge. From there we will take the ships shuttle into Blankenberg this takes around 15 minutes then you need to take a train from here to Bruges that takes another 20 minutes. Also when you finally arrive in Bruges you then need to walk from the station to the centre.

Going back to the title of this blog – Is a mini cruise really a cruise? No!! I dont think so anyway. The mini cruises have much more of a party atmosphere and you do find groups of friends on board. Its not a true reflection of what a longer cruise is like. This will be my 3rd mini cruise with P&O and I know what to expect. If I was a first time cruiser it could well put me off!

What are your thoughts on a mini cruise? Cruise heaven or hell?!