What's the point of a mini cruise?

Well, there are quite a few, actually. Consider people that have never been on a cruise, but are quite tempted by the idea. Well, for them a mini cruise is a sure fire way to try before maybe shelling out on something rather more substantial. It's a bit like sampling an entree before ordering the full blown meal. And the cost won't break the bank, either.

Mnay people also treat mini cruises as a kind of floating city break, where they can sample places such places as Amsterdam and Bruges from the comfort of a floating, quite exclusive hotel that folds almost everywthing into the fare. For them, the value is unbeatable. And with many cruise lines now offering trips to Europe's show stopping Christmas markets, a mini cruise also allows you to shop in real style as well.

And consider those people simply looking for a short, value inclusive jaunt to just top up their batteries, long after (or even before) a more ambitious summer cruise or holiday ashore. These are great little pick me ups and, again, the value for money is unbeatable. Any cruise ship can beat any comparable hotel ashore for sheer inclusivity. Even the best shore side hotel will not include all that food (and what quality food it is, as well),as well as entertainment, at such a cheap price.

And, not surprisingly, there are those who take a mini cruise just to wallow in the sheer luxury of the ship itself. They see these trips as expanded, far more economical spa breaks and, in many cases, they simply never go ashore at all. There really are people who can- and do- spend the entire day in a bathrobe, from breakfast till dusk.

Although most mini cruises sail from southern ports such as Dover, Southampton or Tilbury, there are times when you can just as easily pick up a ship in Newcastle, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh, though sometimes these cruises do not necessarily return to the same port.

Mini cruises can range from anywhere between two and five nights' duration (though there are also some occasional, overnight mini cruises) and they can occur at any time of year. In particular, they tend to be very popular in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

If the tasty prospect of a mini cruise appeals to you, then you might want to consider looking at the follwoing lines;

Cruise and Maritime Voyages

Cunard Line

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

P&O Cruises

Royal Caribbean International