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.