Mini Cruise Guide Mini Cruises Guide
A mini cruise is an ideal introduction to cruising if you have never cruised before or if you would like to try out a different cruise line or ship for the first time. Mini cruises can also make idyllic short breaks to break up the time in between your main holidays.
A mini cruise can be anything under 7 nights but typical duration is usually 2-4 nights with just 1 or 2 ports of call on the itinerary. Cruises to nowhere are also fantastic mini cruises! On board you can expect to have all of the same entertainment, dining and wellness options that you would get on a longer cruise. Accommodation choices are the same as a full cruise and you can have your choice of cabin and deck if you plan early and book ahead.
Browse and book from our great collection of mini cruises
For example, a walking tour of Amsterdam may be more enjoyable during the summer months. But a mini cruise in December is ideal for visiting the Christmas Markets of Dublin or Bruges.
If you only have a few days to spare, a mini cruise makes a good alternative to a city break and often works out to be great value for money with many all-inclusive options available. Families might want to consider a mini cruise during half term if a full 7 night cruise is not suitable.
P&O Cruises
Cunard
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines
Saga Cruises
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
If you cruise for around 5 nights or want to consider flying to meet up with your cruise ship you could experience some Mediterranean highlights such as France, Spain, Croatia, Greece or Italy.
Plan ahead
If you're only onboard a ship for a few nights, decide what you want to achieve and then act accordingly. For example if you've heard about a specialty restaurant and are dying to dine there, want to get a spa treatment or see the latest theatre show, you’ll want to make a reservation and the earlier the better.
Focus on the ship OR the destination
With limited time it is best to decide if you are sailing to make the most from your chosen ship or your chosen destination. You may find it difficult to truly get the best of both on a mini cruise. If you want to try a cruise for the first time, spend some time researching your ship, look at dining options, entertainment, spa facilities and so on to get a good idea of life onboard. If you’ve chosen a mini itinerary for the ports, spend some time looking up the possible shore excursions and research some top tips on the destinations.
Arrive early
You may want to book an overnight in a hotel close to your departure port so that you can relax on departure day and not worry about losing time at the start of your cruise. If you can, opt for early boarding so that you can start to enjoy your ship as soon as possible. Be the first to the hot tub or make any last minute onboard reservations.
Plan your carry-on luggage well
It’s possible you’ll be onboard the ship before your main luggage arrives at your cabin, because of this we recommend that you pack reliable carry-on luggage so that you have everything you need. Top tips for carry on include:
Swimwear
Change of clothes
Phone or tablet with charger
A book or some playing cards
Sunglasses and sun cream
When is the best time to take a mini cruise?
The best time to take a mini cruise will depend on what you hope to get out of the experience. If you have never cruised before you might want to consider a mini cruise in the spring or summer so that you can make the most of being out on top deck in warmer weather. Your choice of sailing date will also largely depend on the destinations you plan on visiting and the types of excursions you may want to sign up for.For example, a walking tour of Amsterdam may be more enjoyable during the summer months. But a mini cruise in December is ideal for visiting the Christmas Markets of Dublin or Bruges.
If you only have a few days to spare, a mini cruise makes a good alternative to a city break and often works out to be great value for money with many all-inclusive options available. Families might want to consider a mini cruise during half term if a full 7 night cruise is not suitable.
Which cruise lines operate mini cruises?
Many cruise lines offer mini cruises and you can usually choose from standard to premium or luxury for your mini sailing holiday. Current cruise lines operating mini cruises that sail from the UK include:P&O Cruises
Cunard
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines
Saga Cruises
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Most mini cruises sailing from the UK depart from Southampton, Dover, Tilbury or Liverpool. You can also cruise from some main U.S ports.
Where can you sail on a mini cruise?
Due to the shorter duration of the cruise most mini cruises sailing from the UK visit ports like Dublin (Ireland), La Havre (France), St Peter (Guernsey), Zeebrugge (Belgium), Amsterdam (The Netherlands). A shorter sailing is therefore an excellent chance for a glimpse of the British Isles, Channel Islands or Northern Europe, before committing to a 7 night sailing or longer.If you cruise for around 5 nights or want to consider flying to meet up with your cruise ship you could experience some Mediterranean highlights such as France, Spain, Croatia, Greece or Italy.
Planet Cruise Weekly Webseries – Mini Cruises Special
Top Tips for mini cruises
Plan ahead
If you're only onboard a ship for a few nights, decide what you want to achieve and then act accordingly. For example if you've heard about a specialty restaurant and are dying to dine there, want to get a spa treatment or see the latest theatre show, you’ll want to make a reservation and the earlier the better.
Focus on the ship OR the destination
With limited time it is best to decide if you are sailing to make the most from your chosen ship or your chosen destination. You may find it difficult to truly get the best of both on a mini cruise. If you want to try a cruise for the first time, spend some time researching your ship, look at dining options, entertainment, spa facilities and so on to get a good idea of life onboard. If you’ve chosen a mini itinerary for the ports, spend some time looking up the possible shore excursions and research some top tips on the destinations.
Arrive early
You may want to book an overnight in a hotel close to your departure port so that you can relax on departure day and not worry about losing time at the start of your cruise. If you can, opt for early boarding so that you can start to enjoy your ship as soon as possible. Be the first to the hot tub or make any last minute onboard reservations.
Plan your carry-on luggage well
It’s possible you’ll be onboard the ship before your main luggage arrives at your cabin, because of this we recommend that you pack reliable carry-on luggage so that you have everything you need. Top tips for carry on include:
Swimwear
Change of clothes
Phone or tablet with charger
A book or some playing cards
Sunglasses and sun cream
Call us to book your mini cruise today