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Mini Cruises


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Featured Mini Cruises

Buy One Get One Half Price
2026 No-Fly Dutch Festive Getaway

Ambition 07 Dec 2026 2 nights No-Fly Cruise London Tilbury

Buy one get one half price

SAVE 20% off the Ambassador Expedition Drinks Package*

Adults-Only Premium Value Cruising*

Traditional No-Fly Cruising from a UK Port*

Itinerary: London (Tilbury) - Ijmuiden - London (Tilbury)
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Inside from £169 Get 2nd half price at £85

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Buy One Get One Half Price
2026 No-Fly Back to the 80's Sailing

Ambition 11 Nov 2026 2 nights No-Fly Cruise Bristol (Bath)

Buy one get one half price

SAVE 20% off the Ambassador Expedition Drinks Package*

Adults-Only Premium Value Cruising*

Traditional No-Fly Cruising from a UK Port*

Itinerary: Bristol Royal Portbury, Uk - London (Tilbury)
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Inside from £179 Get 2nd half price at £89

View Cruise Deal
Buy One Get One Half Price
2026 No-Fly Irish Mini-Break

Ambition 22 Apr 2026 3 nights No-Fly Cruise Portsmouth

Buy one get one half price

SAVE 20% off the Ambassador Expedition Drinks Package*

Adults-Only Premium Value Cruising*

Traditional No-Fly Cruising from a UK Port*

Itinerary: Portsmouth, UK - Dun Laoghaire - Belfast
View Itinerary

Inside from £249 Get 2nd half price at £125

View Cruise Deal

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What is a mini cruise?


A mini cruise is simply a cruise that lasts between 1 and 5 nights. Short cruises are a popular choice for those new to cruise and those seeking an alternative to the more traditional weekend away.

There are many reasons to pick a mini cruise. The perfect introduction, mini cruises are great for those looking to experience a cruise for the very first time. Eliminate any concerns you may have such as seasickness, dining worries or accommodation questions by taking a sample cruise. Sample cruises can be as short as one night but they open you up to so many opportunities.

Even if you’re not a first-time cruiser, a short cruise offers the chance to try something new whether that be a cruise ship, a cruise line or a destination. Perhaps you’re interested in sailing with a different cruise line but you don’t want to commit to a longer itinerary? A mini cruise will enable you to truly immerse yourself in the on board experience - a try before you buy, if you will!

Mini cruises are a budget-friendly option and what’s more, they offer a little taste of luxury. With Cunard, for example, you’ll feel like royalty as you enjoy luxurious amenities such as room service, afternoon tea, nightly turndown and the renowned White Star Service. But if it’s time rather than money you’re short of - a mini cruise is the ideal choice for a holiday quick fix!


Where can you sail on mini cruises?

With so many cruise destinations, there’s bound to be an itinerary to inspire you. Many mini cruises sail from the UK, including Southampton, which means you’re one step closer to discovering the destinations on your doorstep. A British Isles mini-cruise will enable you to unearth the gems hidden along our glorious coast. Or, you could take a short break to Europe. Head off on an Amsterdam mini cruise, visit Copenhagen and Oslo, explore Budapest or marvel at the continent's most famous Christmas markets because cruising doesn’t have to mean committing lots of time to sail distant shores.


Which cruise lines offer mini cruises?

The majority of our cruise line partners offer shorter cruise holidays. Opt for a more intimate cruising experience with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, enjoy ultra-luxury cruising with Cunard or choose from family-friendly activities with Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises.

Cruise Line Itineraries
Cunard  See all featured cruises >
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines See all featured cruises >
P&O Cruises See all featured cruises >

 

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