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The best short cruises for a mini-break with a difference
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The best short cruises for a mini-break with a difference
Domestic cruising is set to return from 17th May and a mini-cruise could be the perfect way to celebrate holidays at sea resuming this summer.
Whether you're short on time or simply fancy taking an alternative mini-break, a short cruise could be the answer to getting back into the world and enjoy the luxuries of a cruise ship along the way.
You might be a first-timer looking to try cruising, or a seasoned cruiser opting for a short but sweet trip this time - whatever your reason for considering a short cruise holiday, you'll want to read on to find out everything you need to know about mini-cruises and the best ones to take this year.
What is a short cruise, or mini-cruise?
In a nutshell, a short cruise is a cruise holiday under seven nights. It could be anything from a one-night cruise to a long weekend cruise or five days of exploring a number of destinations - or no places at all.
The typical duration of a mini-cruise is between two and four nights, and often includes one or two ports of call.
A short cruise could take you to somewhere beautiful or nowhere, which would mean no stop offs, allowing you to admire a location from the ship and make the most of the on-board experiences.
What are the benefits of taking a mini-cruise?
Ideal for dipping your toes into the world of cruising if you're a newbie, a mini-cruise is an excellent way to get a feel for holidays at sea. If you've been cruising for years but usually find yourself venturing to far-flung places, a short cruise is a terrific way to explore somewhere closer to home, or simply treat yourself to a few nights on a state-of-the-art ship before holidays abroad are allowed again.
There are many advantages to taking a mini-cruise. For those who have little time for a holiday, a mini-cruise provides another way for you to spend a long weekend, especially if you don't fancy a hotel or self-catering break.
Another benefit is that short cruises are affordable, giving you a purse-friendly option if you love cruises but your budget doesn't stretch to a fortnight in the Caribbean or Asia. You'll find many two-night cruises available for under £300, which is cheaper than some hotel stays in the UK!
What's the best way to plan a short cruise?
The beauty of a shorter sailing is that you don't need to invest as much time, energy and money when it comes to planning, compared to when you're booking a seven or 14-night escape.
Planning ahead is always advisable to bag the cabin type of your choice, get a table at the top restaurants or experience the theatre show of your choice, but mini-cruises aren't just for early birds. There are last-minute short cruises available if you're looking to book a quick getaway at home this summer.
Which cruise lines offer mini-cruises?
You'll find the likes of Princess Cruises, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, Cunard and MSC Cruises operating mini-cruises that take you around the UK, to Northern Europe, Spain, France, or nowhere at all so they can show off their fantastic on-board facilities, which can range from sparkling spas to top-notch dining.
New cruise line Tradewind Voyages also offers short cruises for exploring various regions of the UK this summer, while Virgin Voyages has launched long weekends from Portsmouth that allow you to get a taste of its stylish new ship this August.
What are the best mini-cruises?
We've done all the searching to bring you the best short cruises to book this year. Whether you're looking to discover more of the UK this summer or see the twinkling lights of Belgium's Christmas markets, you've come to the right place.
Here are the best mini-cruises for 2021.
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See Dorset and spend five days being entertained with Princess Cruises
This summer, Princess Cruises is launching a selection of Summer Seacations, so you can spend between three and seven nights sailing around Southampton while you experience the excellent entertainment, stylish dining and spa facilities on board. The short cruises will take place from July and September, allowing you to soak up the summer sun on a romantic break or a family getaway kids will love.
Try the five-day cruise on the sleek Sky Princess, which stops at Portland for you to spend a day in Dorset, from £549. During the short sailing, you won't want to miss the incredible restaurants and West End-style theatre shows. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep children entertained if you're travelling as a family.
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Spend four days browsing Belgium and Holland's Christmas markets with Cunard
Christmas is a fantastic time of year for a short cruise, when you can see the twinkling lights of Europe's prettiest cities and do your Christmas shopping. Cunard offers one of the loveliest end of year sailings, with its four-day round trip from Southampton to Belgium and Holland.
Priced from £479, the mini-cruise takes you to vibrant Rotterdam, before you visit chocolate haven Bruges. While travelling on the Queen Victoria, you can watch impressive live music performances, tuck into afternoon tea and attend the cruise line's famous gala balls.
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Go for five days of eco-luxury on the UK's east coast with Tradewind Voyages
If discovering the beauty of Britain by sea wasn't exciting enough, this summer you can do it from Tradewind Voyages' new eco-luxury cruise ship, Golden Horizon.
Travelling from Harwich to Leith, you'll spend five days exploring Whitby, Newcastle and Edinburgh, from £1,049. Your time on the world's largest square-rigged sailing vessel, which is 70% powered by nature, could be spent unwinding in the spa or three pools, or relaxing in the piano bar. There's amazing dining to experience, too.
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Sail to south Cornwall on a three-day cruise with P&O Cruises
Set sail for Dorset's Jurassic coastline and the Cornish coast this summer as you get to know the UK from the water with P&O Cruises. Departing from Southampton on a three-day cruise, from £249, you'll have plenty of time to drink in sea views and enjoy the restaurants, pools and spa on Britannia.
There are comfortable, air-conditioned cabins, as well as food, dance classes, the children's club, entertainment and the gym included. A family-friendly way to experience the south coast this summer, Britannia has plenty on board for travellers of all ages.
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Spend a long weekend soaking up the sun off Portsmouth with Virgin Voyages
For only three weeks this summer, Virgin Voyages is inviting short cruisers the chance to be the first to experience its shiny new ship, Scarlet Lady during a long weekend throughout August.
Sailing around the English coast from Portsmouth, with prices starting from £932, the three-nights cruises will allow you to soak up the long sun-drenched days and nights under the stars. Expect coffee or cocktails as you relax in your hammock overlooking the waves, group meditation and HIIT classes, all food included and stylish cabins.
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Spend six luxurious days sailing Scotland with Lord of the Glens
For romantic castles and wild islands, Scotland's a superb destination for a short cruise and this luxury yacht experience is an alternative way to see the likes of Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, the Sound of Mull, Iona, Eigg, Skye and Fort William.
Taking place over six days this autumn, the cruise costs from £1,260 per person and invites you to experience the elegance of boutique ship Lord of the Glens. As you get to know the sights of Scotland, you can relax on board, with freshly produced meals served up, a wonderful viewing deck and cosy cabins.
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Discover French cities over five nights with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
France is the perfect European country for a short cruise thanks to its proximity to the UK, along with the beautiful cities, delicious food and outstanding architecture. Travel to France from Portsmouth with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and you can spend five nights getting to know its culture-rich cities.
The autumn cruise, from £649, takes you through the River Seine as you visit the capital of Normandy, Rouen. You'll be in the ideal location to visit Paris, too. It's then on to quaint port Honfleur to check out its 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour. As you sail on Balmoral, there are inviting public spaces, hobby classes and tantalising food to enjoy.
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