Going on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to use up all of your precious vacation days. Celebrate your next anniversary with a short weekend cruise to the Bahamas, or take advantage of a long weekend and whisk your family away on a four-night cruise around the Caribbean.
These condensed cruises are a great way to make the most out of a short period of time. Not only do you get to visit world-renowned destinations, but you’ll also get a chance to enjoy all of the luxury amenities and innovative spaces on board.
These are some of the best short cruises you can book for an unforgettable vacation.
1: 2-Night Bahamas Cruise
Watch: Bahamas Cruise on Celebrity Cruises
If you’re looking to set sail on a spectacular island getaway full of white-sand beaches and crystalline water, it doesn’t get much better than the Bahamas. It’s one of the best destinations for couples looking for a quick anniversary cruise getaway.
Located less than 200 miles east of the southern coast of Florida, this slice of paradise is only a short journey away from the embarkation port of Fort Lauderdale, making it the perfect cruise to book over a long weekend.
On Bahamas cruises from Florida, your cruise ship will dock in the capital of Nassau, where there are plenty of fun and relaxing activities to sign up for during your day in port.
Nassau, Bahamas
One of the most popular shore excursions in the Bahamas is spending a day at the Atlantis Resort, where parents can rest and relax in the sun while kids enjoy the hotel’s massive water park. Choose a day pass and have fun zipping down the water slides, riding the rapids of the river ride, or lounging in one of the many pools on the premises.
Thanks to an abundance of sea animals and coral reefs, you can also scuba dive or go snorkeling in Nassau and discover the island’s rich underwater ecosystem. If you prefer to keep your head above water, take a 30-minute ferry ride over to Blue Lagoon Island, where you can swim with dolphins and stingrays and interact with sea lions.
2: 3-Night Sampler Cruise
Sydney, Australia
If you’re based in Australia and want to experience a weekend away on a luxury cruise ship, board a sampler cruise from Sydney. Since you’ll be enjoying three full days at sea during this short cruise, sit back and enjoy all our award-winning ships have to offer.
Spend the day relaxing by the pool or taking in the expansive view from the Lawn Club. At night, have a pre-dinner cocktail at the Martini Bar, dine at one of our specialty restaurants, then head to the theater for a thrilling live performance.
3: 3-Night Key West & Bahamas
Key West, Florida
Enjoy a short but sweet escape on a three-night cruise that stops in Key West and Nassau. Embrace the unique atmosphere of Key West, a quirky island in Florida famed for its happy, easygoing lifestyle. Check out the many bars along famous Duval Street, visit Ernest Hemingway’s former house-turned-museum, and take a picture by the striped buoy that marks the southernmost point of the U.S.
Later, head to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, where white sand beaches and crystal clear waters await. Go scuba diving or snorkeling around colorful coral reefs. Take the family to the Atlantis Resort, where there are dozens of thrilling water slides for kids and tranquil pools for adults. Swim with dolphins at a marine habitat, or take a ferry to the idyllic Blue Lagoon Island, where you can lounge under a palm tree and listen to the sound of the waves.
Read: Long Weekend Cruises
4: 4-Night Bruges & Amsterdam Cruise
Grote Markt Square in Bruges, Belgium
Embark on a short cruise in northern Europe to the picturesque cities of Bruges and Amsterdam, which is the ideal trip for a long holiday weekend.
Depart from Southampton, a port less than two hours away from London, after exploring the capital’s iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
From there, stop in charming Bruges, which is also known as the “Venice of the North” because of the network of canals that criss-cross its medieval center. Stroll along cobblestone streets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic castles and cathedrals, or spend an entertaining afternoon at a workshop learning how to make the famous Belgian chocolate.
Read: 10 Interesting Things to Do in Bruges
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, take advantage of this scenic city’s impressive cultural scene. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy the world’s largest collection of works by the Dutch impressionist. Step inside the Anne Frank House, and witness the former hiding place of the famous young diarist.
Rent a bike and make your way around the city on two wheels. Discover Amsterdam’s unique waterfront architecture by boarding a romantic canal cruise, where you can marvel at the sights while drinking a cozy glass of wine.
Read: Three Days in Amsterdam
5: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise
Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau, Bahamas
On a four-night Bahamas cruise with Celebrity, you’ll see the best of Bimini and the vibrant capital of Nassau. Depart from sunny Miami, where you can enjoy the glamorous nightlife of South Beach, fine dining in Brickell, and luxury shopping in Aventura before boarding your ship.
Your first stop on this short cruise is Nassau, the cultural and commercial center of the Bahamas. This port acts as the starting point for many popular activities like Segway safari tours around Blue Lagoon Island, and snorkeling through the crystal clear waters off Cable Beach.
Admire pink flamingos and purple-hued peacocks at the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre. Wrap up your day in Nassau with a tasty bowl of Bahamian conch chowder, or a serving of stone crab claws if you’re traveling between October and May.
Bimini, Bahamas
The next stop on this short four-night cruise is Bimini, the westernmost island in the Bahamas and a favorite destination for sport fishing enthusiasts. Dive off the decayed decks of the shipwrecked SS Sapona, which lies partly above the waterline, and snorkel through her former hull to see colorful marine life in the warm, blue water.
Bask in the sun and sip a cool cocktail on Radio Beach, then rent a golf cart for a leisurely ride into town for a quick bite to eat.
6: 4-Night Key West & Bahamas Cruise
Fort Zachary Taylor Park in Key West, Florida
Make the most of a holiday weekend and plan a vacation at sea during this four-night cruise to Key West and the Bahamas. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, this short itinerary has just the right amount of sun, sand, and exciting days in port to make for an unforgettable trip.
Read: Thanksgiving Cruises From Florida
Start off by visiting Key West, the quirky town that Ernest Hemingway once called home. Key West is known for its varied water sports, and you can explore the ocean and the lush surrounding mangroves on a kayak, paddleboard, or a sleek catamaran.
Onboard entertainment on Celebrity Cruises
Take advantage of this itinerary’s full day at sea and explore all of the fun venues and non-stop entertainment available on board. Dine at one of our specialty restaurants with menus crafted by a Michelin-standard chef.
Watch high-energy shows at the theater, which combine fizzing music with thrilling acrobatics. Relax by the outdoor pool or indoor solarium, and schedule an indulgent afternoon at the spa, where you can sign up for a revitalizing treatment.
During your day in Nassau, snorkel over one of the island’s stunning reefs, where you may spot sea turtles gliding beneath you. Learn how to scuba dive with an expert instructor or, if you’re more experienced, head out to the breathtaking Rainbow Reef for an unforgettable dive.
Plan a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island, where all you have to do is lay back and enjoy the view from this tropical paradise.
7: 4-Night Mexico Cruise
Watch: Discover Cozumel With Celebrity Cruises
Combine two days at sea with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, one of the top cruise destinations in the world.
If you just want to lounge by the water, spend the day at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park while sipping on a margarita. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, go on an ATV tour of the Cozumel jungle or take an all-terrain buggy around the coast.
If you’re keen to try your hand at crafting your own Mexican dishes, sign up for a tequila tasting or a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make authentic salsa and seafood tacos.
8: 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Southernmost Point in Key West, Florida
Cruise from Miami or Fort Lauderdale on a short Western Caribbean cruise to Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico with plenty of time on the ship to explore world-class restaurants, try a new treatment at the luxury spa, and lounge poolside.
The quirky beach town of Key West is located in the southernmost point of the continental United States. Stroll around Key West’s many beach bars and historic buildings in the energetic downtown area. Don’t forget to try a slice of the famous key lime pie.
If you’re an animal lover, take an excursion to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, where you can kayak while spotting birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a small island perfect for scuba divers thanks to its transparent waters and pristine coral reef systems. If you’d rather stay on land, sit back and enjoy a day on one of Cozumel’s gorgeous beaches, including Playa Palancar or El Cielo, which lives up to its heavenly name.
9: 5-Night Nassau and the Caribbean Cruise
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
For a taste of the best the Caribbean has to offer, book a five-night cruise with stops in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
This short cruise from Miami combines two days at sea with two days in port in both Nassau and Puerto Plata. Both destinations offer a number of family-friendly activities, and great opportunities to spend a relaxing day swimming in the ocean and basking in the sunshine.
In Nassau, walk through underwater tunnels in Predator Lagoon at the Atlantis Resort, sharks circling overhead. Pair your predator-filled adventure with some waterpark thrills and spills at Aquaventure, just a few minutes’ walk away. Feast on fried snapper and fresh conch salad at one of the many delectable restaurants along Bay St. near Nassau’s port.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Your next stop is Puerto Plata, a charmingly colonial Dominican port surrounded by lush natural beauty. Trek up to the top of the majestic Isabel de Torres mountain, where you’ll find an old Spanish fortress and sweeping views of the city and sea below.
One of the best things to do in Puerto Plata is to go for a thrilling ride on an ATV with a guided tour of the 27 “charcos” (waterfalls) on the Rio Damajagua. End your stay at the Macorix House of Rum, where you’ll learn about the intricate barrel aging processes and sample some of the island’s best spirits before heading back to board your ship.
10: 5-Night Grand Cayman & Mexico Cruise
Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico
Vacation in style aboard a five-night luxury cruise that visits the beautiful islands of Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman. Sip on a tropical cocktail by the pool and listen to live music in the many bars and lounges.
Enjoy Celebrity’s world-class amenities, from a restorative massage at The Spa to an immersive, entertaining dining experience at Le Petit Chef.
Your first stop on this fabulous five-night cruise is the idyllic Mexican island of Cozumel, where transparent waters and powdery sand beaches await. Dive into the ocean and admire an underwater world full of colorful marine life.
For a truly memorable experience, spend a day visiting the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Read: What Are the Longest Cruises You Can Take?
Watch: Discover Grand Cayman With Celebrity Cruises
Next up is the iconic island of Grand Cayman, a glamorous resort destination known for its pristine beaches, dining, and seaside adventures. Take a family photo on Seven Mile Beach and snorkel alongside stingrays. Finish up the day at Rum Point, where you can drink a fruity cocktail while swinging on a hammock under a palm tree.
If you’re ready to book one of these short cruises and embark on a relaxing and action-packed getaway, browse itineraries on our website, pick your stateroom, and start planning all the activities you’ll do while in port and on the ship.
