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. Grab 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: 2-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 won’t be docking in any ports during this short cruise, sit back and enjoy all of the fun our award-winning ships have to offer.
Short cruises from Sydney gives you the freedom to 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
Go on a short and sweet escape on a three-night cruise that stops in Key West and Nassau. Embrace the unique atmosphere of Key West, a sun-soaked beach town in Florida where the fun never stops. Go bar-hopping down the 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, where there are dozens of thrilling water slides for the kids and tranquil pools for the adults. Go swimming 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 melt all of your worries away.
Read: Long Weekend Cruises
4: 4-Night Bruges & Amsterdam Cruise
Grote Markt Square in Bruges, Belgium
Embark on a short cruise around Europe to the picturesque cities of Bruges and Amsterdam, which is the ideal trip for a long holiday weekend.
Depart from the convenient city of Southampton, a port less than two hours away from London, where you can see iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
From there, stop in charming Bruges, which is also known as “the Venice of the North.” Stroll down the cobblestone streets of the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic castles and cathedrals, or spend a fun afternoon learning how to make their famous Belgian chocolate.
Read: 10 Interesting Things to Do in Bruges
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, take advantage of this scenic city’s impressive art 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.
5: 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 kitschy town that Ernest Hemingway once called home. Key West is known for its varied water sports, so you can explore the ocean and the lush surrounding mangroves while on a kayak, paddleboard, parasail, or even 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-starred chef. Watch riveting shows at the theater, which combine popular songs 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 with sea turtles by one of the island’s stunning reefs. 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 of you have to do is lay back and enjoy the view from this tropical paradise.
6: 4-Night Mexico Cruise
ATV in Cozumel, Mexico
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 can’t get enough of Mexican food, sign up for a tequila tasting or a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make authentic salsa and seafood tacos.
7: 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
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 kitschy beach town of Key West is located in the southernmost point of the continental United States. Walk around Key West’s many beach bars and historic buildings in its energetic downtown area. Don’t forget to try a slice of its 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.
8: 5-Night Bahamas and Dominican Republic 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, such as snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, and the opportunity to spend a relaxing day swimming in the ocean and resting under the sun.
9: 5-Night Grand Cayman & Mexico Cruise
Celebrity Cruises Suite
Celebrate the holidays at sea aboard a 5-night Christmas cruise that visits Mexico and Grand Cayman. Sip on a tropical cocktail by the pool and listen to live music in our bars and lounges. Enjoy the festive decorations, holiday-themed cuisine, and special visit from Santa.
Read: Best 5-Day Cruises
Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico
If you want to spend Christmas on the beach, visit 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.
Spend Christmas Day in Grand Cayman, a glamorous beach resort known for its pristine beaches. 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.
George Town, Grand Cayman
If you’re ready to book one of these short cruises and embark on a relaxing and fun-filled getaway, browse itineraries on our website, pick your stateroom, and start planning all the fun activities you’ll do while in port and on the ship.
