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Whether you’re testing the waters or tight on time, there’s a speedy sailing guaranteed to float your boat
Are you cruise-curious but anxious about taking the plunge? Maybe you’re convinced cruise ships are claustrophobic or worried you’ll have to share your table with Mr and Mrs Tedious every meal? If your only point of reference is a 1977 episode of The Love Boat, no wonder you have reservations.
Thankfully, that kind of cruise ship has sailed. Now cruising is all about multiple dining options, ultra-comfortable cabins, fascinating excursions and affordable prices. With British staycations no longer a cheap option, and hotels charging high prices for even the most basic accommodation, a mini cruise could be just the ticket, as you’ll get to try out the facilities for a few days – and if it isn’t for you, you won’t have committed yourself to a lengthy voyage.
According to cruise specialist cruise.co.uk, sales of short cruises are up 42 per cent year on year, as more people see the value of a short break – both financially and as a great choice for multi-generational families and quick getaways.
So what better time to give it a try? We’ve rounded up 10 of the finest mini cruises on offer, with a perfect option for everyone – plus three short river cruises, should that be more your speed.
Cunard is a great introduction to the traditional cruise ship experience, hinting as it does at a sophisticated bygone age with its art deco furnishings, afternoon tea and black-tie gala evenings. This mini cruise takes place on Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne, whose interiors draw on the brand’s British heritage but with a contemporary edge. This cruise is a round trip from Southampton, which is a great option if you’re short on time and don’t like flying.
Cunard (0344 338 8641; cunard.com) offers the four-night Rotterdam and Zeebrugge (for Bruges) round trip from Southampton on Queen Anne. From £579pp, including all meals (excluding speciality dining), theatre shows and onboard gym. Departing October 8 2025.
If you’d prefer to try out one of the bigger ships at sea, Italian cruise company MSC offers a mini break on MSC Virtuosa. This resort ship accommodates around 6,300 passengers at full capacity and has five swimming pools, a massive water park, Lego Group kids club, spa, casino, theatre, 21 bars (including a robot bartender), 11 restaurants and a wealth of shops. The emphasis on its Taster Cruise is enjoying the facilities onboard rather than the destination on the itinerary.
MSC (0870 990 8824; cruise.co.uk) has the two-night no-fly Taster Cruise round trip from Southampton (calling at Le Havre). Prices start from £249pp, which includes all meals (except speciality dining), theatre shows, children’s clubs and gratuities. Departing May 24 2025.
Norwegian cruise company Havila Voyages prides itself on being “a different kind of cruising experience”, with environmentally friendly small ships that carry 640 passengers. It offers voyages along the Norwegian coast, on four new ships that sail emission-free on battery power through Unesco-listed heritage fjords. Its Norwegian Adventure cruise from Trondheim to Tromso crosses the Arctic Circle, entering the realm of the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter, and making 13 stops along the way. Excursions include a sea-eagles safari, husky sledding, and a visit to the Svartisen glacier.
Havila Voyages (03455 280026; havilavoyages.com) has the three-day Norwegian Adventure from Trondheim to Tromso from £401pp, based on two sharing an interior cabin on full-board basis. Flights, excursions and alcoholic drinks are not included in the price. Departing April 7 2025.
Fancy island-hopping in Greece without the hassle of organising everything yourself? This is where a mini cruise really comes into its own. Unpack once, use the ship as a floating hotel and experience several different islands on a whistle-stop tour. Celestyal Cruises has two small ships where the emphasis is on having fun without all the bells and whistles of a more expensive option. It will appeal to active travellers who appreciate good value and destination-rich itineraries. Both of its ships are scheduled for refurbishments this winter, which will see all the accommodation upgraded.
Celestyal (0808 280 3553; celestyal.com) has the Iconic Aegean cruise on Celestyal Discovery; round trip from Athens calling at Mykonos, Kuşadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini. All meals, select drinks, onboard entertainment and gratuities are included, along with a £65pp discount on a pre-booked excursion. From £449pp, departing April 7 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line offers family-friendly fun and American-style cruising, so expect super-sized helpings, bold entertainment and high-octane excursions. For a quick Caribbean treat, Carnival offers a four-day cruise from New York to Bermuda onboard the Italian-style Carnival Venezia. Two days at sea bookend a visit to Bermuda with its pink sand and turquoise waters, where you can snorkel or scuba dive on the coral reefs and swim with dolphins. Not really a practical option as a mini break from the UK, but great as part of a US holiday or a short trip to the Big Apple.
Carnival (0808 234 0680; carnival.com) has the four-day Bermuda from Manhattan, New York City cruise (onboard Carnival Venezia) from £630pp, based on two people sharing an interior cabin. Priced at £480pp for four people sharing a four-person family interior cabin, the cruise includes meals, non-alcoholic drinks and entertainment. Departing January 5 2025.
Oceania Cruises, which claims to serve “the finest cuisine at sea”, offers a fine alternative to the big-ship experience. Service is exceptional and the line’s new ship, Allura (launching in summer 2025), will have two staff members for every three guests, with a maximum of 1,200 passengers. Other reasons to choose Oceania include elegant accommodation with rainforest showers and a great choice of onboard restaurants, including the Polo Grill and the Grand Dining Room.
Oceania (0345 505 1920; oceaniacruises.com) has the four-night New York to New York round trip itinerary (onboard Allura) to Saint John (Bay of Fundy) in New Brunswick, Canada. A French Veranda stateroom for two costs £709pp, which includes $200 (£156) shore excursion credit, champagne, wine and gourmet speciality dining. Departing September 30 2025.
If you fancy something a little closer to home, P&O Cruises visits the Channel Island of Guernsey with a no-fly trip onboard Aurora, a mid-sized ship that carries 1,874 guests. The cruise is adults only and features a day in pretty St Peter Port in Guernsey, plus a full day at sea to enjoy the ship’s three swimming pools, gym, sports court, cinema and shows.
P&O Cruises (0344 338 8003; pocruises.com) has the three-night Guernsey no-fly cruise from Southampton onboard Aurora. Prices start at £429pp, including full-board dining and non-alcoholic beverages. Departing July 7 2025.
Several cruise lines (including Virgin Voyages, Princess and Royal Caribbean) include excursions to their own private Caribbean islands. It’s obviously quite a long haul from the UK for a day trip, but a must if you happen to be holidaying there. At NCL’s private Great Stirrup Cay you can explore its pristine white beaches, swim with stingrays, learn to snorkel or zipline across the island. Back on the ship you can experience the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea and free-fall from a 10-storey dry slide. Or you could, of course, just read a book on deck and take in the Caribbean sunshine.
NCL (0333 2412319; ncl.com) has the four-night Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay and Bimini itinerary from Miami on its brand new ship, Norwegian Aqua. From £831pp, departing April 21 2025.
Virgin Voyages appeals to a more party-orientated and younger demographic than traditional cruises. Everything from its funky cruise names to its onboard tattoo parlour thinks outside of the cruising box and aims to offer something a little different. Guests are called “sailors”, the food hall is “the galley”, 1980s-style workout classes are held at “the manor”, and zen-inducing mud baths take place at “redemption spa”. Upgraded accommodation is called “rockstar quarters”, where “superyacht-inspired design meets unrivalled relaxation”. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but that’s the point.
Virgin Voyages (020 3003 4919; virginvoyages.com) has the four-night Fire and Sunset Soirées cruise onboard Valiant Lady. The round trip voyage from Miami visits Florida’s Key West and Virgin’s private beach club at Bimini. From £1,147pp, which includes access to all 20-plus restaurants onboard, fitness classes, entertainment and Wi-Fi. Departing April 2 2025.
Fred Olsen offers a range of friendly cruises on its trio of traditional ships: Balmoral, Bolette and Borealis. The line’s mini cruises of one or two nights don’t stop en route to their destination, meaning you can fully experience life onboard. The menu of “treats and pastimes” includes arts and crafts classes, deck tennis and shuffleboard, and musical shows. It’s obviously a winning formula, as Fred Olsen says it has more repeat business than any other cruise line.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines (0330 818 0727; fredolsencruises.com) has the two-night Mini Cruise from Liverpool to Southampton onboard Bolette from £339pp, departing April 22 2025.
European river cruising is an excellent option for a first-time cruise. Ships are much more intimate, and many people prefer the calmer atmosphere. The following three choices tick all the boxes for taster sailings.
CroisiEurope’s (01756 691269; croisieurope.co.uk) four-day Christmas Market in Alsace is a round-trip from Strasbourg, taking in the picturesque French town of Colmar with its six Christmas markets and France’s oldest Christmas markets in Strasbourg. From £541pp, including all meals and drinks, excursions and port fees. Eighteen departures between December 4-20 2025.
Riviera Travel (01283 523431; rivieratravel.co.uk) has a four-day Paris and Seine Discovery cruise on MS Jane Austen. It’s a return cruise from Paris and includes Eurostar or return flights (including regional airports), transfers, full board and superior drinks package. From £799pp, departing March 20 2025.
Viva Cruises’ (0330 818 7271; viva-cruises.com) four-night Citytrip Austria onboard the Viva Enjoy starts in Vienna and takes you along the Danube to visit Dürnstein, Melk and Linz, where you can taste the famous Linzer torte. Prices include full board and high tea, drinks, mini-bar and tips. From £650pp, departing November 12 2025.
Browse Telegraph Travel’s selection of best river and ocean cruises