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If you're looking for the fun and relaxation of a cruise holiday, but only have a few days to spare, then mini cruises are the perfect solution. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or wanting to wet your feet for the first time, this style of cruise is guaranteed to satisfy your ocean voyage cravings. What's more, with many cruise lines, ranging from family-friendly options to more traditional ocean liners, offering mini cruise breaks from UK ports- Southampton being particularly popular- you'll be able to kickstart your getaway even sooner, without having to worry about airports and hours of travel.
Usually lasting between 2 and 4 days, mini cruise breaks are an ideal way of getting away, all while still having plenty of time to make the most of the fantastic facilities found onboard cruise ships. From fine dining and casual restaurants to onboard spas and dazzling entertainment, there's no better way to escape from the day to day for a few days. Shore excursions are even offered on mini cruises to enable whistle stop tours and opportunities to experience the local culture.
When it comes to embarking on your mini break, you'll find that the majority of mini cruises depart from UK ports including cruises from Southampton, Liverpool and Dover. From here you'll be able to take in the glorious sights of the British Isles and Europe, with typically visited destinations including the shores of Bruges, Paris, St Peter Port, Amsterdam and Rouen.
Thanks to their short duration, the format of a mini cruise condenses most of the features of a longer cruise into just a few days, ideal for first time cruisers who want to find out whether ocean voyaging is for them. Meanwhile, with many short break cruises not needing a flight to reach the ship, it's the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a getaway with their children. The relative ease in travelling to the port of departure allows for simple organisation and enables you to start your family cruise holiday right away. Additionally, meals are included on many mini cruises helping to create a hassle free, relaxing atmosphere for parents of young children.
Known for providing British-style cruising onboard ships which are made for fun and adventure both onboard and ashore, P&O Cruises offer mini cruises departing from Southampton. Typically sailing to destinations in Western Europe, the mixture of family-friendly ships such as Ventura and exclusively for adult ships means there's a P&O mini cruise for everyone.
Cunard is another British-style cruise line offering mini cruise breaks from the UK. As they sail to the likes of Zeebrugge, Amsterdam and Hamburg, guests will be able to enjoy a more traditional way of ocean voyaging, complete with timeless décor, world-class service and sophisticated dining and entertainment.
Providing family-fun on a huge scale, Royal Caribbean's ships are stacked with decks bursting at the seams with innovative and exciting features. As you sail around Western Europe, guests of all ages will be able to get stuck into the onboard activities, from waterparks and surf simulators to bars and live performances.
Sailing from an impressive choice of UK ports, including Dover, Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth, you won't have to travel far to meet your Fred. Olsen cruise ship. As you embark on a mini cruise to anywhere from the Norwegian Fjords to the Cornish coast or France and Belgium, you'll get to experience the friendly service and relaxing atmosphere of this family-owned cruise line.
Whether you're new to cruising and want to sample what it feels like to be out on the ocean, or you're an experienced voyager looking for their next taste of freedom at sea, be sure to browse our mini cruise deals.
