When planning your holidays, not every trip has to span a couple of weeks or longer. On the contrary, a shorter journey can sometimes be just as invigorating and fulfilling.
Discover mini cruises – delightful escapes that offer many of the luxuries and excitement of a regular cruise in a condensed package.
If you’re looking for a short break, a mini cruise is a fantastic choice. Read on to learn more about mini cruising, what to expect from these holidays, what different cruise lines offer and what to pack on a mini cruise.
What is a mini cruise, and what can I expect on one?
A mini cruise is also known as a short cruise for the very reason that it is shorter than a regular cruise holiday. When looking at how many days make up a short cruise, the average tends to be between two to four.
However, some can extend up to a week. The duration will depend on the cruise line and itinerary chosen.
A mini or short cruise offers a taste of the cruising experience without the longer time commitment. Mini cruising provides a perfect getaway for individuals seeking a quick escape or first-time cruisers looking to test the waters.
During your mini cruise, you can enjoy all the fabulous onboard experiences while travelling to spectacular destinations. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be greeted by a world of luxury and comfort.
Indulge in fine dining cuisine at various restaurants, relax in elegant staterooms with modern amenities, and immerse yourself in an abundance of onboard activities, including Broadway-style shows, live music, casinos, and spas.
As the duration is shorter on a mini cruise, usually you’ll visit fewer port destinations. However, you’ll still have plenty of time to make the most of what these places have to offer.
Take guided tours, engage in thrilling activities, or simply stroll through charming cities to get a taste of the local culture and landmarks.
Take a mini cruise from the UK
Some of the best mini-cruise holidays don’t even require you to get on a plane. Several cruise lines offer mini cruises from Southampton or other cruise ports around the UK.
P&O Cruises and Cunard are two great options to consider if you would like to book a mini cruise from the UK.
P&O Cruises mini cruises
With P&O Cruises, you can explore some stunning European and UK destinations on a mini cruise from Southampton. Some of their best mini-cruise options take you to captivating cultural cities in Northern Europe, such as Amsterdam, Hamburg and Bruges, as well as the picturesque St. Peter Port in Guernsey.
Cunard mini cruises
Cunard also offers some beautiful city breaks as part of their mini cruises, many of which depart from the UK. As well as Amsterdam, Bruges or Hamburg, you can book a mini cruise from Southampton to Le Havre for romantic trips to Paris or to Rotterdam, a city renowned for its bold architectural design.
Cunard also offers mini cruising around parts of North America, starting in places such as Vancouver and sailing to destinations like San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Mini Cruises from ports outside of the UK
If you fancy discovering more far-flung destinations, the best option is to fly to your departure port. Several leading cruise lines offer mini cruises around the Mediterranean, Scandinavia or even further afield.
Royal Caribbean mini cruises
Choose a Royal Caribbean mini cruise, and you can explore some glorious destinations in the Mediterranean. Begin your mini cruise in Haifa, Israel, and you can visit places in sunny Cyprus or Greece. Alternatively, start in Rome to explore the charms of Italy and Spain.
MSC Cruises mini cruises
When sailing with MSC Cruises, you’ll also have the choice of mini cruises to the Mediterranean or Northern Europe. MSC mini cruises around the Mediterranean have port stops in places such as Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa (Portofino) and Mallorca.
Alternatively, one of their best mini cruise holidays takes you to the enchanting Nordic region, starting from Kiel, Germany and sailing to places including Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm. MSC Cruises also offers a Northern European mini cruise from Southampton that visits the picturesque destinations of Rotterdam, Ringaskiddy (in Ireland) and Falmouth on the UK’s south coast.
Are mini cruises all-inclusive?
If you’re wondering how much a mini cruise is, you’ll often find it works out better value than many ‘regular’ short breaks away. When you add up the price of transport, whether that’s flights or land travel, hotels, meals and entertainment, the cost of a standard mini break can quickly add up.
Meanwhile, these key aspects are usually all included in a mini cruise cost. Cruise lines may not label their mini cruises as all-inclusive because you may have to pay extra for some things.
For example, drinks (besides the basics), some activities, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities often come at an additional charge. It all depends on the cruise line and the packages they offer, so be sure to review these details when deciding which mini cruise to book.
For example, a P&O Cruises mini cruise includes dining, accommodation, entertainment and family activities, as well as access to their swimming pools, whirlpool spas, gyms and sports courts. Travel, such as flights and airport coach transfers for fly-cruise holidays, is also included in their cruise packages.
What to pack on a mini cruise
One of the advantages of a mini cruise is the ease and convenience it provides. You can simply pack your bags, board the ship, and let the experienced crew take care of all the details.
But what should you be packing? Here are a few tips to help:
1) Check the weather for your destination and pack appropriate clothing. Include comfortable daytime outfits for exploring your destinations, swimwear for poolside relaxation, and evening attire for formal or casual dinners. Remember to pack layers, as the temperature can vary onboard and at different ports.
2) Pack shoes for different occasions. You’ll need comfortable walking shoes for exploring, a pair of dress shoes or heels for formal evenings and some flip-flops for lounging by the pool.
3) Remember your travel documents. These include your passport or identification card, cruise tickets, and any necessary visas. It’s also a good idea to have a photocopy or digital backup of these documents in case of loss.
4) Consider electronics and travel adapters. If you plan to stay connected, bring your smartphone, charger, and any other necessary electronic devices. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi but keep in mind that it may come at an additional cost.
A power strip or extension cord can be helpful since cabins often have limited electrical outlets. Depending on where you’re travelling, you may also need travel adapters to charge your electronic devices, so be sure to check.
5) Bring travel-sized toiletries, and remember essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and any medications you require.
6) Remember to pack light and only bring what you need for a few days. Most cruise ships have laundry facilities available if necessary.
Additionally, check with your specific cruise line for any items they recommend or restrictions on what you can bring onboard.
