What’s the shortest cruise you can take?

We offer mini cruises from Southampton that last just two nights. If you’ve not got a lot of time to spare or perhaps you just fancy a taster cruise, consider one of our Short Breaks

Canal by the Bonifacius Hotel in Bruges, Belgium

Short Break Cruise Holidays

A Short Break with us is a short break like no other
It's the perfect chance for a well-earned weekend away to explore great doorstep destinations, recharge the batteries and shake up the routine. It could be a romantic break for two, a mini family holiday or perhaps some time alone to lose yourself in the culture of a new city. Wander each city's narrow streets and admire awe-inspiring architecture that peppers each port of call.

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Find your perfect Short Break Cruise

Marvel at the twists and twirls of each iconic city and stretch your legs with off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Where can I go on a Short Break cruise?

Here’s a flavour of some of the fantastic places you can visit on one of our Short Breaks cruises. And don’t forget, we offer a wide range of exciting shore excursions at almost every port of call.

Canal in Bruges, capital city of Belgium

Bikes tied up on bridge over the canal in Amsterdam

Basilica of Sainte-Trinite in Cherbourg, France

View of Hamburg City Hall from Alster Arcades

Bruges (Tours from Zeebrugge), Belgium

Bruges is rich in amazing tastes as well as sights. Look out for the orange and red cocoa bean motif, it’ll be one of the Bruges Guild of Chocolatiers. Try some local beers at a cosy bar there are over 1,000 types!

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Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Hop on a small riverboat (or hire a pedalo) and see this mesmerizing city from its 165 waterways. Jump off at the Heineken brewery to quench your thirst, and visit the Anne Frank House for a fascinating and humbling tour.

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Cherbourg, France

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Trinity found on Place Napoléon, opposite the statue of the famous leader, and the Museum of Liberation. The latter offers WWII insight and stunning views across the harbour.

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St Peter Port, Guernsey

See the Castle Cornet which guards St Peter Port, houses five museums and four period gardens. Hear the Noonday Gun which is fired by costumed soldiers daily. Enjoy Victor Hugo’s home Hauteville House where he wrote Les Misérables.

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Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg’s busy port nicknamed Germany's ‘Gateway to the world’ is a city of maritime spirit and canal-side architecture. See the baroque St Michaelis Church or pay homage at the Kaiserkeller club, where The Beatles cut their teeth.

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Why pick a Short Break cruise?

Wander by scenic canals or stroll along golden beaches. Go for a massage in your ship’s spa or enjoy a drink on deck. Soak up entertainment, enjoy a sumptuous Black Tie Gala dinner , then dance the night away. Do as much or as little as you like on a mini cruise from Southampton.

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School holiday short break cruises

Take a look at our selection of family-friendly mini cruises in the school holidays, from half-term breaks and summer holidays to Easter escapes and Christmas cruises, you can find the perfect cruise holiday for all the family to enjoy.

Explore ashore our favourite Short Break cruise ports

Take a look at some examples of our curated shore experiences, offering you the chance to try something new and connect with local culture.

Boat going under Bonifacius Bridge in Old Town Bruges, Belgium

Eric Lanlard on his Short Break

Food Hero Eric Lanlard and his friends experienced a short break cruise to Bruges on Azura. It was the perfect opportunity for them to get a feel for life at sea and how it offers a relaxing way to explore exciting destinations.

The Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower in Bruges, Belgium

Set sail on the ultimate Short Break cruise escape on board your favourite ship

Arcadia

Combining the chic with the classic, Arcadia offers a relaxed pace, stylish surroundings and more than a hint of extravangance.

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Britannia

Inspired by our past. Designed for the future. There has never been a more stylish way to see the world! Whether you're new to cruising, or a veteran of the high seas, your moments on board Britannia are sure to be truly memorable.

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Aurora

Mid-sized Aurora is a world-class ship, bringing the joys of classic cruise travel to all.

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Ventura

There’s always something happening on Ventura, enjoy delicious fine dining, a tranquil spa, many quiet spaces to unwind, great sports facilities and four pools

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