To ask your opinion on a 'mini cruise'

[PickettBowtruckles]

DH and I got married earlier this year, we'd like to do something a bit different or special for our first wedding anniversary. We don't have a whole load of money as planning to buy a house, but have a little bit.

We've looked at abroad but v expensive, and can't find anything suitable. We've found a "mini cruise" that goes from Southampton, to Bruges, to Amsterdam, and back to Southampton. It's 4 nights and we'd be there on our actual anniversary. It's £300 each for the 4 nights (full board) with an inside cabin (lowest price cabin!).

Am I going to get what I pay for and we'll have a rubbish time, or is it worth it for a few nights away? Neither of us have ever been on a cruise and neither have any of our family so don't really have anyone to ask!

If you don't mind me asking, which cruise line/ship is it?

I did a mini on Royal Carribean for my anniversary. Outside cabin with balcony. I loved every second but not sure with an inside cabin.

Which cruise line is it?

We went on a mini cruise from Southampton last year after doing many other longer cruises from various ports in Europe.

Never again. Ship was a completely different atmosphere. Full of people trying to "get their money's worth" from the alcohol package and stag and hen parties everywhere.

I'd imagine a stop at Amsterdam would be even worse.

UncleJamie this is the link where we found it

www.pocruises.com/n802/?leadmeta=i&search=true

Depending on the cruise line #300 each for 4 nights could be a good price. I think a mini cruise is a great way of getting a taste of cruising - be warned though, it can become an expensive addiction! I would definitely give it a go in your shoes - we tried cruising out four years ago and have now been on four cruises!

I have done two week long cruises and a mini cruise (Bruge and Guernsey)

Loved them all. The mini cruise was different to the week long ones and there
Wasn't much time obviously but I enjoyed it and would do it again

Looking at royal Caribbean now - thanks spuddington

Pup thanks for sharing your experience. That is the one thing I'm worried about!

Go for it! We love cruising and having done full length one and mini ones, the mini ones are no less enjoyable!

A couple of things to be aware of though. First, if it's over a bank holiday weekend (many of the mini ones are), be aware there may not be much open in the port on the bank holiday (that's also true of Sundays in some ports). Second, mini cruises often attract a somewhat rowdier crowd (hen and stag parties). That didn't bother us - we felt the ship was big enough to find somewhere to escape them - but if you're looking for a peaceful break, this might not be it!

I did a 3 night to Bruges on Ventura in October and is was lovely. There were a few hen parties on board but it is a big enough ship to be able to get away from them if you want to.

If you can stretch to a balcony cabin do so as it is so relaxing sitting there watching the world go by. Book with a specialist cruise agency as you will probably get it cheaper than booking direct.

I've done one to bilbao and back again with p&o really enjoyed it.

Yes, have a look at Royal Caribbean, Celebrity X cruises and maybe Princess. If you're at all claustrophobic I would see if you can afford an Oceanview cabin (one with a window but still cheaper than balcony). Mini cruises are great first-time cruises. Be warned though, if you enjoy yourselves, cruising can be very addictive! ☺️

We did Bruges and LeHavre with Royal
Caribbean. It was our first cruise experience and we loved it. Didn't get off the boat; too busy undertaking activities! We went in half term and there were lots of families so not rowdy at all but then they did not offer the all inclusive package.

Nothing wrong with P&O by the way, OP - I've just never cruised with them (so far). 👍

Whoever suggested royal Caribbean - DH is not happy.

I've now found a 9 day Bahamas cruise from Baltimore (we live in London...) for 5x the price that I've fallen in love with

Unfortunately for me I think it'll still be the mini cruise though! Having a look at all the suggestions now

We did that for our honeymoon last year! I was pregnant so didn't want to be away long or somewhere hot. It was perfect, one of best holidays we've had. We'll probably go again for our anniversary if I can bear to leave baby.

Good to hear troodie! We are very very tempted to just book it...

Hehe Best stick to the mini cruise for now, OP. Meant to add that if you're going in Feb, no need to splash out on a balcony cabin! Still worth having a window though.

I've got a minicruise for 5 nights on Cunard booked for December. Done two proper cruises and a 2 night minicruise and there was a difference in dress standards and food quality but it's not stopping me doing another minicruise.

My parents have done P&O a few times and loved it. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. These ships are huge and you'll be able to escape from any people you don't like!

Glad the balcony price isn't necessary for Feb then unclejamie! Overall sounds good then, thanks for everyone's advice. Slightly nervous as never done it before but hoping we love it :D

The atmosphere on these cruises is pretty common.

Just wondering, is it possible to get sea sick on a cruise? Am wondering if my daughter who is v travel sick on cars and trains etc might struggle? Thanks.

Exciting, Pickett! 👍☺️ Enjoy!

Mummadeeze I'm the world's worst passenger in cars, buses and coaches, but I've never been seasick on a cruise ship. Felt sick on a very windy day round the Bay of Biscay but most large cruise ships have fantastic stabilisers. If your dd is prone to sickness you might want to give her a dose of whatever she usually takes.

We went on a cruise when DS was six months old. They'd missed him off the booking and put us in a room too small for a travel cot so they upgraded us from the bowels of the ship to an amazing room. Room 1 - down deep and no window - no travel sickness. Up top - felt dreadful!

PickettBowtruckles I don't know whether you've already looked at this website? cruisecritic.co.uk if not it's a brilliant resource to learn everything about cruising: all the ships; virtual tours and deck plans, and reviews of the very itinerary you are interested in.

I have done quite a few cruises. P&O is a good cruise company with nice ships. We've done an inside cabin around Australia, it was the only way we could afford the cruise. We were hardly ever in the room other than to sleep. A balcony is nice for a warm cruise.

I've heard that the mini cruises are party cruises, but like a pp said, there's enough room onboard for everyone.

I've done Belgium/Netherlands mini cruise but with Cunard - it was lovely