How about a mini cruise?

Next year is a special birthday year for my friend Sue and sister Louise. Sue will be 50 and Louise 40, so we decided to celebrate by taking a mini cruise aboard the P&O Ventura for 3 nights!

Excited is not the word! Not only can we explore the beautiful St Peter’s port in Guernsey and visit the wonderful city of Bruges in Belgium but also enjoy this fantastic ship!

So why would you choose a mini cruise?

A special occasion to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or maybe you would like to try out a cruise aboard a certain ship, or just see a particular port. Mini cruises are an ideal way to do all of these and more.

The cruise lines also arrange themed nights, murder mystery events and there is often a formal night if you like to dress up.

Hen and stag nights are also really popular! I spent 3 nights on the Greek Island of Rhodes for my hen night and travelling further is all the rage!

Perhaps you just want a weekend away! Whether it’s for a romantic weekend or just a short break… a cruise is a brilliant choice! Think about how much a hotel in a UK city would cost and add on the cost to eat out. It really mounts up.

Have you looked at some of the mini cruise prices? They can start from as little as £199 per person and this includes full board and all your entertainment.

Cruise and stay? Combine a mini cruise with a land stay, Florida for example, mini cruises to the Bahamas are very popular. Or choose somewhere a little closer to home like Barcelona in Spain

I have been lucky enough to experience many mini cruises so here are a few things to remember, such as it will be really busy on the ship……. They always are!

It’s only a few nights away so an inside cabin is an option, however if you want to treat yourself, an upgrade is very affordable.. It’s worth checking if you are celebrating.

It is always good to have a plan! You don’t want to get home, look at your ship on-line and see venues or bars that you did not explore whilst on your break.

If there is a drink package it’s definitely worth a look. P&O and Cunard do not have any packages as such; at the moment. However, most other cruise lines do; so have a look before you go.

If there is something you really want to experience for example dine in a particular restaurant or see a specific show, book it as soon as you can as with so many on board it’s the early bird plan ahead types that always get the best out of their cruise! Same with the spa! Book any treatments or even if you just want your hair done… book book book!

Blue Man group on-board the NCL Epic

Better still get me to do it all for you!

One more thing, you have to take your luggage on-board and off yourself in a lot of these mini cruises, especially on the UK departures. Your experience can be very different on a longer cruise regarding customer service, not that it isn’t there it’s just more hands-on.

Take swim wear, you never know and the whirlpool spas are very inviting even in the winter months and Indoor options are often available if the weather isn’t so good.

Last but not least, enjoy yourself! It is a few nights away so make the most of it!

Have you taken a mini cruise? What did you think?

Need more advise or want to book your next cruise? Get in touch

[email protected] or call 0330 303 8235

Rosie xxx