The Advantages of Mini Cruises

3 reasons why mini cruises are a great choice of short break

Mini cruises (or “sampler cruises” as they are sometimes known) are an increasingly popular choice with people seeking an alternative to the more traditional short-break options.  The majority of major cruise lines offer short duration cruises and as such they’re highly recommended for experienced cruisers short on time as well as those looking to experience a cruise for the first time.

Ideal for first timers

For those unfamiliar with cruises and cruise holidays in general; it’s understandable that the idea of spending 8-15 nights aboard a cruise ship might feel a little daunting.  Common questions that might arise include “Will I get bored?”; “What if I don’t like the food?” and “What if I get sea-sick?”.

Therefore it stands to reason that mini-cruise would be the best course of action – 3-5 nights aboard a ship is the perfect length of time to get a feel for the overall experience.  If you like it, then great – you’ll feel much more confident when booking a longer voyage.  However, if you find out it’s not for you, then you haven’t spend a week or so climbing up the walls of your accommodation and celebrating gleefully every time you step foot on land.

Comfortable convenience

Mini cruises are the ideal tonic for cruise enthusiasts who don’t have the time to spare to enjoy a longer holiday at sea.  On a short duration cruise, you’ll get to enjoy the onboard atmosphere, amenities and dining options in one quick burst that will hopefully satisfy your cruise cravings until the time you get to go on a longer sailing.

You’ll also find that mini-cruises are relatively cheap, so for those operating on a budget they’re a great option if time allows.  For example, you can book some mini-cruises for less than what it would cost to spend 4 nights at one the UK’s most well-known woodland-situated leisure parks.

Destination discovery

Short-break holidays are no big secret.  Cheap city breaks and long weekends spent in European beach destinations have provide welcome relief to time-restricted holiday makers for many years.

One advantage of spending your well earned 3-6 day break on a cruise ship is that you’ll get to see more than one place on your trip.  It’s a great way of exploring new places and the itineraries are often varied enough to ensure that you get some nice cultural diversity along the way.

Another big plus is that by choosing a mini cruise that departs from the UK, you remove the time spent waiting around in airports that would normally cut into your break.   Instead, you’ll get to begin enjoying your holiday the minute you step onto the ship.

Mini cruise deals

CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES

Springtime Gardens & Charms
7th April 2013 (5 nights):  Avonmouth roundtrip on Ocean Countess
Fares from just £399pp
Click here to view the full itinerary

CUNARD

Summer Getaway
3rd August 2013 (5 nights): Southampton roundtrip on Queen Mary 2
Fares from just £659pp
Click here to view the full itinerary

FRED OLSEN

Amsterdam & Antwerp
14th November 2013 (4 nights): Southampton roundtrip on Boudicca
Fares from just £377pp – includes overnight stay in Amsterdam
Click here to view the full itinerary

SILVERSEA SHORT VOYAGES

Mediterranean
16th March 2013 (4 nights): Barcelona to Rome on Silver Wind
Cruise-only fares from just £1040pp
Fly-cruise fares from just £1290pp including return flights and overseas transfers
Click here to view the full itinerary