Mini Break Cruises

The popularity of mini-cruises is rising at a rate of knots. Leader of the pack is P&O Cruises which is offering an unprecedented 34 short cruises this year, ranging from two- to five-nights. It’s no great revelation that the marketeers have stepped up their efforts to enhance the burgeoning cruise business by enticing an increasing number of newcomers to sample a holiday at sea, but is such an abundance of taster cruises a leap of faith?

There’s no disputing short cruises are a perfect entrée to the wonderful world of cruising and old salts would argue that getting the first cruise right can mean a lifelong addiction or aversion, so maybe the gurus in the boardroom have polished their crystal ball.

Mini-cruises are undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity for a company like P&O Cruises to showcase their ships to first-timers reluctant to splash-out on a fortnight in the Mediterranean. These ‘mini-me’ primers are every bit as pukka as their protracted cousins and as a result are superb opportunities to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or welcome the New Year.

P&O Cruises’ 3,092-passenger Ventura is the workhorse of the company’s extensive series of short-break cruises. During these cruises entertainment goes up a gear in the show-lounges. Excellent tribute acts take to the stage in the Tamarind Club; in Havana the Latino beat attracts the salsa and rumba crowd; while pub nights in the Exchange are packed to the gunwales with party-goers of all ages. There’s also the chance to splash out on the range of specialty dining options such as the Glass House; the superb Epicurean; and Sindhu offering a fusion of Indian and British cuisine.

Cunard’s 2,104-passenger Queen Victoria also has mini-cruises this year giving passengers the chance to dip their toes into this venerable cruise line’s heritage. Nowhere is this encapsulated more than the Verandah Grill - one of the most elegant dining rooms at sea. You can shop in the Royal Arcade, inspired by the Burlington Arcade in London; join a Martini Mixology and Whisky Tasting class; or choose a best-seller in the 6,000-book library. On a 5-night cruise in November the annual Big Band Ball is staged with music recalling the melodies of Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

There’s a host of other short-break cruises with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines; Saga Cruises; Cruise & Maritime Voyages; and Celebrity Cruises. To get the low-down on why a mini-cruise might the right choice for you, call our experienced team who have full details at their fingertips on 0800 484 0370.