Let’s face it; going on a cruise is not a cheap thing, especially if you’re traveling as a family. It will take many thousands of dollars to send a family of four on an ocean voyage, be it Caribbean or Mediterranean.
You have to factor in not only the cost of the cruise but your airfares to the port of departure. On top of that there are the expenses of the various ports of call, where prices of food and souvenirs is mysteriously higher as the floating hotel ties up to dock.
Here’s another option for those wanting to experience a cruise but in a shorter, more affordable package – cheap mini cruises.
What is a Mini Cruise?
Mini cruises are short voyages, often 1-3 days, that give you a taste of cruising at a fraction of the price of a full length voyage. Especially popular are European trips with destinations such as:
- Amsterdam
- Bruges
- Calais
- Bilbao
- Dublin
These short cruises give you 2 or 3 nights of accommodation as well as some sightseeing in a couple of ports of call. If you are planning a trip to Europe or if you already live in Europe, a mini cruise offers a fun, affordable and unique way to spend a few days.
Sometimes these short trips can be cheaper than travel by other means, such as train or air. Let’s look at a couple of options.
Bilbao, Spain
Portsmouth to Bilbao
P&O offers a 3 night mini cruise break from Portsmouth to Bilbao, Spain. Included are your accommodation and 4 hours ashore in Spain. Onboard there is a children’s play area, theatre, casino, bars and 3 restaurants. Take advantage of the pool and fitness center as well.
In Bilbao there are tours available or you can visit places like the Guggenheim museum on your own. The coastline is spectacular and you will have opportunity for local food and drink during your brief but enjoyable stay.
Cancun to Havana
Not to forget about the Caribbean, for around a couple hundred dollars per person you can take a 2 day/2 night short cruise from Cancun, Mexico to Havana, Cuba. Enjoy the pool, sundeck and great food aboard along with experiencing the wonderful Cuban culture in your stay there.
Instead of flying to Cuba, what better way to have a relaxing trip from Cancun, meeting new friends and “slow traveling” to the famous Latin destination.
A Great Addition to Your Vacation
A mini cruise is a great way to sample the ocean voyage in the context of a larger vacation. You can be in Mexico, England or France, take a 2 or 3 day cruise and experience an unforgettable voyage that won’t break the bank.
Talk to your travel agent or visit the many cruise line websites for more information on these discount cruises. You’ll even find mini river cruises that you can integrate into your vacation – at a fraction of the cost of a full length voyage.