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Getaway Cruises

Relax and rejuvenate at sea on short cruises.

Best Cruise Line for a Weekend Getaway

Slip away from everyday life and sail into relaxation on Getaway cruises with Princess®. Travel to ports along the West Coast, explore cities in Mexico, or visit the islands of the Caribbean. Whether you prefer to bask in the sun or watch Movies Under the Stars®, find a range of activities for every guest. Choose from a variety of short itineraries or a weekend Getaway cruise, and experience true relaxation with Princess.

Up to 40% off + $99 Deposit†

West Coast wanderlust

California Coast Getaways

Bask in the beauty of the West Coast on Getaway cruises. On one-way itineraries, continue exploring ashore when you end your trip in a new city like Vancouver, Seattle or Astoria. Or visit California’s popular cities such as San Diego, Ensenada, San Francisco or Los Angeles on roundtrip itineraries. The West Coast awaits on a Getaway cruise.

Find endless fiesta in Cabo

Cabo San Lucas Getaways

On a Cabo San Lucas Getaway cruise, travel to the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, and discover the many marvels of Cabo, best known for its famous arched rock formation, El Arco. Enjoy exhilarating snorkeling, or unwind with a cocktail and sunbathing on the beach. With an overnight stay in Cabo included on every itinerary, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and unwind with Princess.

Clear waters and white-sand beaches

Caribbean Getaways

Sun-kissed beaches and vibrant coral reefs await on Caribbean Getaway cruises. Sunbathe on the shores of Princess Cays, Princess' Private Island resort. Swim alongside stingrays, and ride a banana just off the shore. Or explore the Bermudan-British colonial architecture and historic sites like the Old Prison or Lighthouse of Grand Turk. Revel in the sunshine and famous Caribbean blue waters with Princess.

Up to 50% off cruise fares † + 50% off deposits ††

Why Sail on a Getaway Cruise with Princess

Relax & rejuvenate.

Whether it’s one day to relax or six days to reset, unwind on board any of our Getaway cruises. Lounge by the pool, take a dip in the hot tub and sip on refreshing cocktails without ever having to wait in line at the bar with the use of Princess MedallionClass®. Or treat yourself to a massage at the Lotus Spa®, attend culinary demonstrations in the Princess Theater and watch Movies Under the Stars®. The possibilities are endless with Princess.

First time cruising

You might not understand the thrill of cruising until you’ve experienced it yourself. With Getaway cruises, get a taste of ocean travel in just a short trip away. Visit iconic cities, indulge in international cuisine and immerse yourself in new cultures. After a few days of relaxation on board and exploration ashore, you can decide which adventure to embark on next with Princess.

Celebrations

Every special occasion is better shared together, and what better way to celebrate than a Getaway cruise with Princess. From birthdays and anniversaries to vow renewals and family reunions, find onboard activities and adventures ashore for every guest in your party. With our Getaway cruise deals, discover even more reasons to celebrate with your friends or family on a cruise vacation.

Increase your loyalty status

Revel in the perks of our Captain’s Circle Membership benefits when you embark on another Princess vacation. Every trip earns you credit – even short Getaway cruises – to get you one step closer to the next membership tier. This means more discounts, upgrades and pre-sale opportunities. Depending on the loyalty level, you can also enjoy complimentary services, like wine-tastings, hors d’oeuvres and priority embarkation.

Shore excursions

Trace the footsteps of ancient Mayan civilizations, and learn how to prepare salsa while sipping margaritas in Mexico. Snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Or sip famous wines in California and shop at the oldest open-air-farmer’s market on the Pacific Coast in Washington. The choice is yours on Getaway Cruises with Princess.

Short Cruise Onboard Activities

Sunbathe by the pool, attend Broadway-style productions or indulge in regionally inspired cuisine. Whatever relaxation means to you, find it on board a Getaway cruise with Princess.

Destination-Themed Activities

Immersive experiences await

Connect with the cultures and cuisine of each region with destination-themed activities on every Getaway cruise itinerary. Smell the aroma of each West Coast wine. Listen to the Caribbean steel pan drums, or feel the rhythm of Mexico’s mariachis as they perform. Whether you’re headed to California or the Caribbean, immerse yourself in the best of the region on board.

Pools, Hot Tubs and Relaxation

Endless fun in the sun

On any Getaway cruise, dive into relaxation with a dip in the sparkling pools or hot tubs. Soak up the sun on our padded loungers, and sip on cocktails from the bar while watching pool competitions from your chaise. Or join in on the pool games and partake in the fun alongside fellow guests. On select ships, unwind in The Sanctuary, a retreat just for adults, and let the kids frolic through the Splash Zone.

Culinary Demos & Wine Tastings

Please your palate

Sip and savor the best from each region with cooking demonstrations and wine tastings on board. Learn how to prepare local delicacies during chef-led presentations, and taste them for yourself in any of the dining rooms and specialty restaurants. Or indulge in unique beverages crafted by expert Mixologist Rob Floyd. Set sail on a true sensory experience with Getaway cruises from Princess.

World-Class Gaming & Casino

Play your way

Whether you prefer blackjack or roulette, find world-class games in the casino on board every Getaway cruise. Roll the die and test your luck with poker, or let fate run its course on the slot machines. Sharpen your skills with lessons from our staff, and then show off your expertise at the table. Or enjoy games on the go, including Keno on Deck® and bingo, when you access Play Ocean® through the MedallionClass app.

Art Galleries & Auctions

Marvel in every masterpiece

Reignite your love for art on any of our Getaway cruises. Peruse the onboard art gallery, and learn about the history and creation of each piece from our experts. Or partake in daily auctions for a chance to take home famous pieces from artists like Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max and Michael Godard. Our crew can even ship it right to your door, so you can save the extra room in your suitcase for duty-free purchases made at the Shops of Princess.

The Shops at Princess

Stay stylish at sea

From eyewear to skincare and everything in between, treat yourself to the ultimate souvenir at the Shops of Princess. Voted “Best Onboard Shopping” by Porthole Magazine, our shops are all duty-free. This means you can splurge on yourself or your loved ones without having to spend extra on taxes. Find your favorite brands – like Swarovski, Calvin Klein and Chanel – right on board your Getaway cruise.

Getaway Cruises Articles and Videos

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. On a short getaway cruise, you'll experience elegant accommodations, internationally-inspired cuisine

Getaway to the Best of Both Coasts on Florida and California Vacations

Florida and California vacations can whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Ready to plan yours?

Try Pacific Coast Cruises for a Quick Getaway Vacation

Need a quick getaway? Check out Los Angeles and Ensenada, Mexico, in one weekend on one of Princess Cruises' Pacific Coast cruises.

Experience Southern California on a Getaway Cruise

Learn about the beautiful destinations and enticing excurisions you'll experience on a Princess getaway cruise to Southern California.

Need a Short Vacation? Use These Tips to Plan Your Next Getaway

In need of an escape from the stresses of daily life, but only have a few days to spare? Here's how to plan a quick, relaxing short vacation getaway.

Plan a Vacation to Ensenada, Mexico

When you plan a vacation to Mexico, make time to visit historic Ensenada.

Bachelorette Party Cruises

Sip wine in Guadalupe Valley, unwind on the shores of Lover's Beach and do it all with your best friends by your side on a bachelorette cruise with Princess.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Why book your cruise with a Cruise Vacation Planner?  Get tips on promotions, and plan celebrations and groups. Book cruises, air, hotels & more – plus access expert knowledge on destinations and ships.

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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Save at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare, plus receive a bonus onboard credit of up to $200 per stateroom.

Weekend Cruises

Your perfect weekend getaway awaits

Weekend cruises offer the perfect opportunity to escape the weekday stress and get out into the open seas, inhaling the salty breeze while feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. It’s a stress-free way to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved ones or indulge in a solo escape.

On a weekend getaway cruise with Celebrity, there’s virtually no planning required. Simply pack your bags and board the ship, where an endless array of world-class dining, captivating entertainment, and specialty drinks await. The only decisions you’ll make will be which massage you should indulge in at the spa and which deck chair you should laze on by the pool.

Itineraries

View all weekend cruises, featured weekend cruise itineraries, perfect day at cococay.

For the first time ever, we’re taking you to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination combines the best of beachside bliss and sun-soaked excitement.

Nassau & Bimini

Sail from Miami on a long weekend cruise to Nassau, the lively capital of New Providence island, and to enchanting Bimini, surrounded by miles of pristine beaches. Nassau bustles with activity, from the colorful Straw Market to the thrilling waterslides at the Aquaventure Water Park. On Bimini, snorkel over dazzling corals, swim among stingrays, or simply relax in a hammock, enjoying the sense of calm that this beautiful place inspires.

Key West & Bahamas

Embark on a weekend escape to quirky Key West, followed by the white-sand beaches of Nassau, a Bahamian jewel. Explore the enchanting architecture of the Old Town of Key West, and visit Hemingway’s former home, as well as the shops and historic pubs of Duval Street. In Nassau, take the ferry to dreamy Blue Lagoon Island for a day on the beach, or shop for upscale brands on Paradise Island. Remember to try conch, the local specialty, in a creamy chowder or a crisp fritter.

Western Caribbean

A short getaway to the Western Caribbean gives you two blissful days at sea to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of your Celebrity ship. Bask by the pool, unwind in the Spa, and enjoy tropical evenings at the Sunset Bar. You’ll have a day in Cozumel, an island surrounded by rainbow-colored coral reefs, perfect for diving or snorkeling. Shop in San Miguel for silver and amber, or take a trip to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, overlooking the turquoise water below.

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ESCAPE ON A 3- OR 4-NIGHT CRUISE

Ready to sail away on a Mini Vacay? Cruise from Miami or Orlando (Port Canaveral) to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas and Florida, with stops at Ocean Cay, our private island marine reserve, exclusive to MSC guests with late-night and overnight stays. The best part? You can plan a weekend getaway or a refreshing weekday break and sail whenever works best for you. These quick vacations are your chance to discover big in a short amount of time.

DISCOVER A NATURAL PARADISE

All short cruises visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in the Bahamas. Enjoy nature at its best. With seven pristine beaches surrounded by protected marine life, there’s plenty to discover on your Mini Vacay.

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Experience a Mini Vacay for yourself. Some of our newest and most innovative ships are sailing from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral). Explore our ships below. 

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Weekend Cruise

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About Weekend and Short Cruises

A weekend cruise is relaxing and fun and it doesn’t use up your well earned vacation days! Weekend cruises are also a great opportunity to experience of cruising for those who have never cruised before. Enjoy the wonderful activities offered on a weekend cruise including all of the onboard activities, relaxing in the spa, exciting nightlife as well as casual and gourmet dining.

Benefits of Weekend Cruises:

• Limits the amount of time you need to take off from work.
• Weekend cruises tend to be less expensive
• Travelers can drive to their port of call
• Weekend cruises are excellent for first time cruise passengers
• Many cruise lines have a great selection of weekend cruises
• Tend to draw a diverse crowd of various ages

A weekend cruise offers something for everyone. You can have a romantic weekend away, family time with the kids, a girls (or guys) weekend out or a birthday or anniversary celebration or cruising just to have fun. Whatever your reason, cruising is a great way to get away, leave the stress behind and have some fun.

Weekend cruises and other short cruises depart from a number of cruise ports that are within driving distance of many areas making them a perfect choice for a quick getaway. Call now or book online to receive discounts, onboard credits, upgrades and more on your next weekend or short cruise getaway.

Best Weekend Cruise Deals

• Cruises starting at $199 from Miami, Orlando, or NYC
• Military & Civil Service Rates - Must call to book

• Up to $1700 CASH BACK : EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Great Rates + Up to $50 Onboard Credit on select sailings
• Pack & Go Sale: Great Guarantee Rates
• EARLY SAVER SALE: Great Rates + Reduced Deposit from $50pp
• Fun Select Rates: Enjoy a Two Category Upgrade
• Save with Senior Rates: Guests over 55 can save with a senior rate
• Reduced Rates for Military Personnel!

• 3rd/4th/5th Guests Sail Free: on select ship and sail dates
• BOOK ANY CELEBRITY CRUISE AND GET A COMPLIMENTARY 5-NT RESORT STAY:
• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Get up to $200 Savings: per stateroom on select ships and sail dates
• Great Savings: up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest: on select ship and sail dates
• ALL INCLUDED: Free Classic Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi
• Back to Back Savings: Save up to $200 Savings when you book a back to back cruise
• SAVE: up to $50 ONBOARD CREDIT on select departures!

• INSTANT SAVINGS up to $500 Instant Savings: per stateroom on select sailings & categories
• EXCLUSIVE: FREE GRATUITIES
• Kids Sail FREE: Guest 12 & under SAIL FREE (select 3 night or longer sailings)
• BOGO60 Sale: 60% OFF 2nd Guest + 30% OFF 3rd/4th Guests
• $50 Onboard Credit on select Royal Caribbean Cruises!
• PERFECT DAY AT COCO CAY

• 15% Off Cruises: on select categories & sailings
• FREE Open Bar, Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi, Excursion Credit: & more
• Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• 50% Reduced Deposit: Club Balcony Suites & below

• Up to $2,800 OFF: compliments of Cruise.com

• EXCLUSIVE Rates: Book Now and Save
• My Drinks Packages: on select sailings and categories

• FREE Drinks, FREE Gratuities & Excursion Credit

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

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Weekend and short cruise highlights.

Indulge at the Spa There's no better way to relax than to spoil yourself with a massage or a spa treatment! There are many different treatments available for you to pamper yourself with.

Party into the Night Dance the night away in one of the ships many nightclubs, enjoy a comedy club, or relax with friends in one of the many lounges on board.

Enjoy Many Dining Options Most ships now offer multiple dining options ranging from casual to gourmet and many boast specialty restaurants featuring Italian, Asian and premium Steakhouses.

Onboard Activities From surfing to bowling to bingo or just relaxing at one of the many pools, the options are endless. Your getway cruise can be as active or relaxed as you choose.

Special Cruise Offers

Royal Caribbean Cruises 60% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + FREE GRATUITIES OR Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruises Up to 5 FREE Offers + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America Cruises 50% OFF Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursions & Wi-Fi

Princess Cruises: FREE GRATUITIES + FREE Beverage Package + FREE Wi-Fi +

Celebrity Cruises 3 FREE Amenities + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

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Weekend cruises: How to find 2- and 3-night getaways

Weekend trips let you get away without missing too much work or school — but what if your preferred escape is a cruise? I'm here to tell you that weekend cruises are a real thing and can be a wonderful way of getting your ship fix when you're short on time.

The days of the two-night cruise to nowhere are gone, but two- and three-night weekend cruises still exist from ports ranging from Miami to Los Angeles. Read on to learn who sails these short getaways, where you can go and how much that weekend jaunt to the Bahamas is going to cost you.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best weekend cruise itineraries

If you're looking to hop a ship for a few nights, you can't just sail from anywhere to anywhere. It's not like booking a hotel. Thanks to the complicated Passenger Vessel Services Act , foreign-flagged cruise ships cannot leave port, sail in circles with their casinos, shops and spas open, then return back to port two nights later. Nor can they hop from one U.S. city to another. Ships need to call in another country before heading back – which limits where you can sail on a weekend cruise.

The most popular weekend cruises sail from Miami, Port Canaveral or Palm Beach in Florida, to the Bahamas, with one or two stops in Nassau, Freeport or the cruise line's private island. Consider it a quick dash to the beach — ironic because you have to get to a warm-weather, coastal area to meet your ship in the first place.

On the Pacific Coast, weekend cruises from Los Angeles, San Diego or Long Beach in California (near Los Angeles) head to Ensenada, Mexico for a quick getaway. Farther north, you might find a short repositioning sailing between Seattle or San Francisco and Vancouver, British Columbia at the beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season .

Weekend cruises from New York or other East Coast ports like Boston or Baltimore don't really exist because two or three nights is not enough time to get to Canada, Bermuda or the Bahamas and back again.

Related: Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

The other key thing to understand is a weekend cruise will typically require some time off work or missed school. That's because most cruise ships board in the afternoon and depart in the early evening then return to port in the morning. You can't punch out of work at 5 p.m. on Friday, hop aboard a ship and return Sunday night.

The most likely scenario is that you'll arrive at your ship Friday afternoon for a three-night cruise, which will deliver you back to port on Monday morning. Depending on your working hours, you might need to take a half day off on Friday and arrive late to work on Monday. If you've got a flexible schedule or Fridays off — no problem. A few lines offer Thursday or Saturday departures for three-night cruises, but they're rare and would require more missed school or work.

Two-nighters are rare in the weekend cruise world but do exist. The key line for cruisers short on time is Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (come late April, it will transition into Margaritaville at Sea ).

This line sails exclusively two-night cruises back and forth between West Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. Depending on the week, you could depart on a Friday, spend Saturday on Grand Bahama Island and come home Sunday. Or, leave Saturday, beach it up Sunday and return Monday morning.

Cruise lines sailing 2- and 3-night weekend cruises

You can count on Bahamas Paradise/Margaritaville at Sea for a quick weekend cruise fix, but that's a one-ship cruise line sailing an older, refurbished ship. From the major cruise lines, most of the big-ship lines offer a consistent schedule of three-night cruises. The higher-end, luxury lines rarely offer a sailing that short.

Carnival Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean all offer three-night Bahamas cruises from Florida to Nassau and/or the line's private island. Departure ports include Miami, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale.

Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean also take care of West Coast folks with three-night sailings from southern California (Long Beach, Los Angeles and San Diego) to Ensenada, Mexico.

You can count on those lines to offer entire seasons of short sailings. A few other lines, such as Holland America or Princess Cruises , will offer the occasional repositioning sailing along the Pacific Coast between San Francisco or Seattle and Vancouver. Sometimes those short cruises will fall over a weekend, allowing you that quick getaway without missing work.

Weekend cruise cost

Cheap weekend cruises are not hard to find; three-night sailings are among the most affordable cruises you can buy, both because you're not on board all that long, and because cruise lines often put older ships without the latest wow-factor attractions on these routes.

I'm currently seeing three-night Bahamas cruises from $129 per person, based on two people sharing an inside (windowless) cabin . That breaks down to $43/night for transportation, food, accommodations and entertainment for one person ($86/night for a couple). You'll have a hard time finding a hotel for that price, let alone lodging plus multiple meals.

The cheapest balcony cabin I found was just shy of $200 total for one person (under $65 per night), though fares in the $200s and $300s were more common.

Prices will vary depending on the cruise line, ship, sail date and how far in advance you're booking. If you're flexible on timing, look for the best weekend cruise deals and plan your getaway for those dates.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Three-night Mexico cruises at press time are starting at $149 per person ($50 per night), with balconies from $237 ($79 per night).

Note that Disney cruises to the Bahamas or Mexico are priced much higher than other cruise lines. Pricing for a three-night Disney Mexico cruise starts just shy of $1,000 per person for an inside cabin and a three-night Bahamas cruise from $625 per person. Still, it's cheaper than a weeklong Disney cruise.

Pros and cons of weekend cruises

Weekend cruises only work if you live within easy driving distance of a departure port. That way, you can still work half a day on Friday and simply arrive back to work a little late on Monday (assuming you're a 9-to-5-er).

If you need to fly or drive many hours to your departure port, you're looking at more of a long weekend with a day or two of time off from work required. However, if you have a flexible schedule or work off hours, a weekend cruise is definitely doable.

Weekend cruises have many benefits, the obvious one being they do not require missing much school or work. They're more affordable than a longer cruise, so they can be great for folks on a budget. You can tack them onto a longer vacation in Florida or California to combine two trips into one.

These short trips are also a great way to rack up points toward elite status on your favorite cruise line, especially if you book a suite that earns you extra points.

Related: Short cruises are cheaper, but are they right for you?

The drawbacks are the lack of choice in destination and cruise line. You won't be able to try every restaurant or attraction on board your cruise ship because you simply won't have enough time.

If you party hard, get sunburned or wear yourself out with lots of active shore excursions, you might come home exhausted instead of well rested and not ready to return to the office on Monday.

Weekend cruises also have a reputation for being party cruises. The last time I sailed on a three-night cruise, I met lots of ladies on bachelorette party getaways, and the nightclub, bars and karaoke were hopping each evening — more so than on longer cruises. If you're looking for a more sedate atmosphere, a longer cruise might be more your speed.

Bottom line

Weekend cruises are a fun way to get your ship fix without taking a full vacation or breaking the bank. They make more sense if you live within an hour or two of your cruise ship's departure port, but it can still be worth taking a long weekend for a three-day cruise even if you have to build in some travel time.

However, if you love cruising so much that you might have a hard time leaving a ship after just a few nights, you might want to skip the weekend sailing and save up for a weeklong cruise instead.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Mini cruises & short hotel breaks

Enjoy a mini break to Europe by travelling on one of our two European cruise routes between Newcastle and Amsterdam and Copenhagen and Oslo . These short cruises are great ways to discover Europe and Scandinavia. A mini cruise is also a cost-effective alternative to a flight and expensive hotels.

You can enjoy your mini break on an overnight crossing and spend time exploring one of Europe’s most exciting cities. All our mini cruise options include coach transfers from the ferry port to your destination. With mid-week and weekend cruise deals available.

Onboard you can enjoy all the comforts of your own private cabin, a choice of great restaurants, bars, and entertainment. There are also play areas for the kids and shops for all your travel essentials, gifts, and souvenirs.

Newcastle-Amsterdam Mini Cruise

Visit Amsterdam with a 2-night mini cruise which includes two nights onboard and explore vibrant Amsterdam.

Wildlife Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

Set sail on an ORCA Wildlife Mini Cruise to Amsterdam! With our fully organised trip, you’ll enjoy 2 nights onboard, coach transfers to the city & wildlife watching experiences.

Copenhagen-Oslo Mini Cruise

Join us onboard our 2-night mini cruise between Copenhagen and Oslo and immerse yourself in the relaxed and trendy Norwegian capital.

Seasonal and Themed Mini Cruises

With DFDS you can go on exclusive themed mini cruises between Newcastle and Amsterdam.

Short Breaks and City Breaks

Check out our incredible short breaks and city breaks where you can enjoy one of our many ferry crossings to Europe, and stay in a fantastic hotel too.

Mini Cruise & Hotel Breaks

Enjoy a relaxing mini cruise or short break to Europe, sailing from Newcastle.

Travel Guides

Amsterdam’s eclectic city centre is a cornucopia of quirks. Fascinating museums, historic cafés, street art and more ensure you’re never bored.

France Travel Guides

With 3 relaxing routes to France, it’s easier than ever to visit the landscapes and historic cities of this amazing country.

Germany has one of the most interesting and diverse histories of any country in Europe, and a landscape to match.

Championing the Seas!  

We're elated to announce that DFDS has once again retained its title as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without you, our loyal passengers. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.

Your ongoing support is the anchor to our success.

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Short Breaks & Weekend Cruises

Fred. Olsen's short cruises from the UK have been hand-crafted by our journey planners to offer you a memorable and rewarding break. With our short cruise itineraries that are seven nights or less in duration, and featuring diverse destinations across Europe; these short, yet enriching adventures are the perfect way for you to escape from it all or experience sailing with Fred. Olsen for the first time.

With our short cruises from Southampton, Liverpool , Newcastle or Rosyth, journey into the breathtaking Norwegian fjords as your ship diverts away from the usual cruising route to showcase soraing cliffs, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages; enjoy a European city break combined with unforgettable scenic river cruising; or perhaps discover delights closer to home, such as Scotland's rugged isles and lochs.

A Fred. Olsen cruise will offer you the chance to discover how we channel our 175 years of sailing experience and discovering the world into making every single day special for our guests. No matter which of these short break cruises you choose, you'll discover what makes Fred. Olsen smaller ship cruising so special. 

44 Ocean Cruises

One-Night Mini-Cruise • L2425

• One night of Fred. Olsen’s small ship cruising
• Enjoy delicious food, entertainment and personal service
• Relax and sample ocean cruising on  Balmoral

Discovering Normandy & the Channel Islands • S2419

• Sample a Fred. Olsen cruise over the Bank Holiday
• Enjoy a Scenic Discovery around the Channel Islands
• Visit the glorious Tresco Abbey Gardens

Summertime Norwegian Fjords & Folklore • L2426

• Sail the picturesque Nordfjord, Langsfjord & Innvikfjord
• Hike to Briksdal Glacier from Olden
• Take in the sheer vastness of Trollveggen Mountain
• 1 offer available

Norwegian Fjords & Autumn Fruit Harvest • L2428

• Marvel at the nature of the Norwegian fjords as the seasons change
• Experience local fruit produce in Ulvik
• See the orchard-covered valleys of the Hardangerfjord from Balmoral

Norwegian Fjords & Autumn Fruit Harvest • L2430

• Experience Norway as it turns from summer to autumn
• In Ulvik, sample local fruit produce, such as apple juice and cider
• Sail past Hornelen - Europe's highest sea cliff
• 2 offers available

Discovering Northern Spain • T2424

• Visit three Spanish cities on this week-long getaway
• Sample pintxos in Bilbao and Asturian cider in Gijón
• Explore Santiago de Compostela from La Coruña

European River Cities & Christmas Markets • L2436

• Browse stalls at two traditional Christmas Markets in two cities
• Sample delicious Belgian chocolates in Antwerp
• Explore the winding medieval streets of Rouen

Two-Night Mini-Cruise • T2501

• Experience smaller sized ship cruising 
• Enjoy delicious food & great entertainment
• Sample ocean cruising with Fred. Olsen

Two-Night Mini-Cruise • T2506

• Two nights of small ship cruising on board Bolette
• Enjoy delicious food, entertainment and service
• Relax and enjoy ocean cruising with Fred. Olsen

European River Cities with Dutch Tulips • L2506

• See tulips in bloom at Amsterdam's Keukenhof Gardens
• Explore the famous chocolate and diamond districts in Antwerp
• Discover where and how the Beatles career began in Hamburg

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Fire breaks out at london's somerset house, home to priceless works by van gogh, cezanne.

Associated Press

Smoke billows out from the roof of Somerset House in central London. Saturday Aug. 17, 2024, after a fire broke out the large neoclassical arts venue. (Shivansh Gupta/PA via AP)

LONDON – Priceless paintings by Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and others were unharmed Saturday after firefighters worked to douse a blaze that broke out in the roof of Somerset House, a large central London arts venue, officials said.

Heavy smoke and flames seen coming from the top of the historic building around noon had been knocked down by firefighters who poured water on it from buckets on ladder trucks.

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Firefighters were working to extinguish the final pockets of flames in the early evening and were expected to be on the scene until Sunday, said Keeley Foster, assistant commissioner of the London Fire Brigade.

“The age and design of the building proved a challenge to crews as they initially responded,” Foster said.

The complex and technical response required the use of a 63-meter (205-foot) ladder to reach the flames and fire breaks had to be created in the roof to limit the spread of flames.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, Foster said.

Staff and the public were safe and artworks were not in the area of the fire, a Somerset House official said.

“A fire was spotted at about midday in one corner of the west wing, the site was immediately evacuated and the London Fire Brigade called, who arrived very quickly," Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, said. “The west wing is mainly offices and back-of-house facilities, there are no artworks in that area.”

The venue next to the River Thames had been scheduled to host a breakdancing event to celebrate the sport’s debut at the Paris Olympics that was canceled.

The fire was on the opposite side of the large complex from The Courtauld Gallery that features works such as Vincent Van Gogh's “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear” and “The Descent From The Cross” by Peter Paul Rubens.

The gallery is scheduled to reopen Sunday, Reekie said.

The neoclassical building was reconstructed nearly 250 years ago after the original Somerset House was demolished after becoming neglected.

The original palace was built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who was later executed at the Tower of London.

Queen Elizabeth I lived in the palace as a princess for five years before ascending to the throne.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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The Best Weekend Cruises From Florida

A few days beneath swaying palms can change your life.

By Robert Schrader | Published on March 18, 2024

There's only one thing better than a trip to the Sunshine State — and that's the wide variety of weekend cruises from Florida that allow you to mix a sailing with a little time in Florida itself. Whether you're a couple looking for a few days of palm-shaded romance or a family seeking a fun-filled trip during which the kids can blow off some steam, it's hard to resist the allure of setting sail from Florida's many ports to even more idyllic spots further out to sea. Best of all, cruising is a relatively all-inclusive option no matter which sailing you choose, with transportation to various ports, food, entertainment and your place to stay all part of the fare.

The options for weekend cruises from Florida are diverse, even if you only have a small number of days at your disposal. Florida has four ports — Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and Orlando (Port Canaveral) — that you can choose from based on which is most convenient and which offers the best combination of ship and itinerary for you. Cruise to The Bahamas in just a few days or stretch your vacation to reach Mexico's storied Yucatán Peninsula or the beautiful shores of the eastern Caribbean. Read on for a variety of options to help determine your best choice.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Couples

From the sugary sands of The Bahamas to the steel drums of Jamaica and the pink flamingos of Aruba, a weekend cruise is one of the most ideal weekend vacation ideas because of the opportunities for couples to relax together. The best part? No matter your budget, there's an option perfect for you and your significant other.

Only have three nights to spare and a more limited budget? You can fly to Fort Lauderdale and cruise to The Bahamas — and still pack in a ton of excitement onboard and off. Starting in summer 2024, you can sail on the brand new Utopia of the Seas SM , the largest, most action-packed ship to sail weekend cruises from Florida , where you'll find that the onboard amenities (17 waterslides, eight pools and a soul food brunch among them) are only the beginning. At Royal Caribbean's private island resort experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the overwater cabanas offer peace and privacy for couples and are worth the splurge for those looking to carve out some space of their own. Settle yourself and your partner in your own paradise as you watch the sun set over the sea from your lounge chairs, and end the day by ordering dinner for two brought right to your table by the ocean.

If you've got seven nights to spare, you and your beloved can travel further afield to the western Caribbean. Cruise on Symphony of the Seas®  to San Juan, Puerto Rico where the only thing more romantic than snorkeling through the seawater hand in hand is the warmth in your partner's eyes as you clink margarita glasses. Back onboard, book a table for two at Jamie's Italian for Tuscan-inspired fare followed by an evening of cocktails and dancing.

With five nights, you can look at western Caribbean options on Independence of the Seas®  out of Miami. On one sailing, you can sign up for a shore excursion in George Town, Grand Cayman that will let you swim with the stingrays — while holding hands, of course. On yet another, you'll head to Falmouth, Jamaica where you can also snorkel — or just find a local hangout and feast on jerk chicken together to the beat of local reggae music.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Families

If you're a family with children looking for a weekend cruise from Florida, you'll also be spoiled with choices. For families with children of all ages who only have three nights, the best option is The Bahamas, where the three-night sailings minimize the amount of time you'll have to pull the kids out of school. What's more, the ease of relaxing at Perfect Day at CocoCay is unparalleled for beach-loving kids and parents. You can sail on Allure of the Seas® , Independence of the Seas® or Utopia of the Seas SM  from Orlando and maybe even add on a day at a theme park before heading home. Trying to save money? Allure of the Seas® and   Independence of the Seas® offer great bang for your buck.

If the flight routes work better for you, choose a sailing out of Miami on Allure of the Seas®, Freedom of the Seas® or Independence of the Seas® or out of Fort Lauderdale on  Oasis of the Seas®, Liberty of the Seas® , Rhapsody of the Seas® or Symphony of the Seas®. If you want to really indulge, Symphony of the Seas®  is home to The Ultimate Family Suite, a decadent two-story stateroom that has a hot tub on the balcony and a slide between the two floors.

Searching for long weekend vacation ideas for travel with small kids who aren't in school yet or can easily miss a day or two? You've got plenty of choices if you're sailing from Florida. The five-night western Caribbean cruise on offer from Miami on Oasis of the Seas®  is a good bet for families seeking long stretches of sand and palm trees. This sailing calls on the beaches of Falmouth, Jamaica (home to river tubing and hikes to waterfalls as well as sun-kissed shores) and Labadee (a Royal Caribbean private destination, where the beaches are perfect for young sun worshipers to build their first sandcastles). Onboard, families can hit the waterslides together — then share stories of their day over St. Louis-style spare ribs at Portside BBQ SM  or carnitas tacos at El Loco Fresh ® .

If you're traveling with older kids who have time off for holidays or can afford to be out of school for a few days, you should consider a four- or five-night cruise, potentially from Orlando on Voyager of the Seas® . Choose a sailing to the eastern Caribbean on this ship, and older kids can take advantage of hiking and horseback riding in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Alternatively, on a cruise from Tampa on Serenade of the Seas®  to the western Caribbean, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula — with its impressive Maya ruins — might make history lovers out of even the most indifferent teens.

If you're sailing with high school or college students who are academically focused, you'll be pleased to learn that all Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer fast Wi-Fi packages, which means they can access assignments, take remote tests and even participate in class via Zoom if necessary. This allows you to indulge in one of the longer weekend cruises from Florida without your child falling behind in school.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Singles

One of the best parts about being a solo traveler is flexibility. For example, if search for "last-minute vacation deals this weekend," chances are good that you'll be able to take advantage of any great rates that fit your personal schedule, without having to factor other people in. Living in the era of remote work (and fast onboard Wi-Fi) increases your freedom: You can often stretch a "weekend" to four or even five days, unlocking a larger number of sailing options, whether you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa or Orlando. For travelers who like to meet new people, there's always that option on a cruise. One tip to remember: Whatever ship you choose, ask the maître d' in the main dining room on the first day to seat you with other solo travelers to help you make connections straightaway.

With that in mind, why not go the more indulgent route and treat yourself to a five-night sailing? Serenade of the Seas®  sails from Tampa to Cozumel and Costa Maya, both of which are in Mexico.

On six-night sailings on Adventure of the Seas®  out of Orlando, you can visit Puerto Plata, which you can think of as your gateway to the merengue, beans and rice and golden strands of sand in the Dominican Republic.

And, on five-night western Caribbean cruises out of Tampa on Radiance of the Seas® , Mexico will be a highlight. While some solo travelers stay in Cozumel — snorkeling, scuba diving or seeking out tacos and piña coladas — others head farther afield to see the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichén Itzá or the decadently relaxing eco-chic spas of Tulum, for example. Onboard, you can unwind after dinner in the English-style pub or the Champagne bar, depending on your preference. Whatever you choose to do, it's a joy to base the decision entirely on your own interests when you set sail as a solo traveler.

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog  Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

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Olympics Closing Ceremony: All the Highlights as Paris Hands Over Games to L.A., From Phoenix Rocking Out to Tom Cruise’s Epic Stunts

The Paris Olympics set a high bar for itself after an opening ceremony that showcased Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and a scenic backdrop involving virtually every Parisian landmark along the Seine. But the closing ceremony — taking place on a blistering hot day in stark contrast to the pouring rain of its kickoff — also delivered a blockbuster show with a Hollywood twist.

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Unfolding days after a thwarted terrorist attack that targeted a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, the Paris Olympics closing ceremony took place under a beefed up security protocol involving thousands of police forces, including nearly 2,000 agents coming from overseas. Over 70,000 spectators attended in addition to 8,200 athletes from over 200 delegations and 270 artists. In an interview with Variety , Reboul said he and the rest of the organizers spent an “incalculable” amount of time to prepare an airtight security plan with local authorities. The country has already been on high alert since the start of the war in Gaza last October.

Below, see all the best moments from the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.

Zaho de Sagazan Kicks Things Off From the Jardin des Tuileries

French singer-songwriter Zaho de Sagazan, who sang “Modern Love” to Greta Gerwig at the Cannes Film Festival, kicked off the closing ceremony with a performance of French music legend Édith Piaf’s “Sous le Ciel de Paris” at the lush Jardin des Tuileries, where the Olympic Cauldron — an air balloon lit by the Olympic Flame — is located. She was accompanied by the choir of the Académie Haendel-Hendrix.

French Breakout Star Léon Marchand Carries the Olympic Lantern

Dressed elegantly in a suit, French swimmer and Olympic breakout star Léon Marchand — who won four gold medals and one silver at the Games — then removed the lantern containing the flame from the cauldron and began carrying it to the Stade de France. Nicknamed “the dolphin” by his French supporters, Marchand was welcomed with “Léon, Léon” chants. He moved to Arizona three years ago to train with Bob Bowman, the coach of 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Athletes Band Together — and Sing Karaoke?

After parading in boats under pouring rain during the opening ceremony, the athletes — who all stuck around the City of Light for the closing bash — entered the futuristic stage together and moved to the beat of French electro tracks, including by Justice and M83.

After all the teams had entered, it was announced that it was time for “athlete karaoke,” where all competitors were expected to sing along to various songs. First up were some French anthems, including “Emmenez-moi” by Charles Aznavour, “Les Champs-Elysées” by Joe Dassin and “Freed From Desire” by Gala. Naturally, “We Are the Champions” by Queen was also part of the playlist, and resulted in the biggest sing-along of the night.

Tom Cruise Has Arrived

The actor waved to fans as he arrived to the VIP section of the closing ceremony ahead of his stunt performance to hand over the Games to 2028 host Los Angeles.

A Golden Voyager Descends on the Games

Dressed in a glittering costume, the voyager rappelled down from the top of the stadium and performed an acrobatic piece as two more mysterious figures attached the flag of Greece to a pole and waved it in the air. Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory who appears on every Olympic medal, was also portrayed as a swarm of acrobats descended upon the stadium from the sky and erected the five Olympic rings. A piano then emerged from underneath the set, dangling vertically as Alain Roche played the instrument suspended in midair while French lyric tenor Benjamin Bernheim sang “Hymn to Apollo.” As the acrobats danced and flipped, the rings were raised into the air to symbolize the rebirth of the Games.

Francophone Musicians Take Over

After the dancers had been cleared off the futuristic stage, French indie band Phoenix delivered a rousing rendition of their hit “Lisztomania” surrounded by athletes. DJ Kavinsky and Belgian singer Angèle then joined the band to play “Nightcall,” the breakout song from Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive,” before launching into “If I Ever Feel Better” featuring a verse from Cambodian rapper VannDa. Fellow French rockers Air then showed up to play “Playground Love,” the band’s collaboration with Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars that was featured in “The Virgin Suicides,” directed by Mars’ wife Sofia Coppola. The surprise guests continued with Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig hopping on stage to sing “Tonight,” his duet with the band. Phoenix closed out its set with “1901,” which saw Mars jump into the crowd of moshing Olympians.

Paris Sets a Record in Olympic Marriage Proposals

Tony Estanguet, the dashing gold medal-winning French slalom canoeist who presided over of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympics, delivered a moving speech highlighting the records broken during the event, which not only included the 64 medals won by the French team, but also the number of wedding proposals that happened through the last 11 days. Hosted in the city of Love, the Paris Olympics saw seven wedding proposals, two of which happened in Marseille during the sailing competitions. 

“To you, athletes, what can I say? We knew you would be brilliant, but you were magic,” Estanguet said. “You made us happy, you made us feel alive,” he continued, drawing a parallel with the exhilarating feelings triggered by a coup de foudre.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Is Handed the Olympic Flag

H.E.R. Performs the U.S. National Anthem

Is there anything Grammy-award winning superstar H.E.R. can’t do? As the American flag was raised into the sky to symbolize L.A. taking on the 2028 Summer Games, award-winning musician H.E.R. sang the U.S. National Anthem with gusto.

H.E.R. was dressed in an all-white look and also had a matching custom Fender Stratocaster. After belting out the final notes of the “Star Spangled Banner,” she paused and began strumming the “Mission: Impossible” theme song as Tom Cruise descended from the roof of the stadium.

Tom Cruise Delivers “Mission: Impossible”-Worthy Stunts

Tom Cruise jumped off the top of the Stade de France to mark the handover from the Paris Olympics to the L.A. Games in 2028, and landed on the stage of the stadium.

He was welcomed like a rockstar at the Stade de France and joined Team USA champion Biles along with L.A. mayor Bass, who handed the Olympic flag to him. He then hopped on to a motorcycle with the flag in tow and rode out of the stadium to make the symbolic delivery to L.A. In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise dove out of a plane over the Hollywood sign and positioned the Olympic rings over it before the artist performances in L.A. began.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg Welcome Games to L.A.

L.A. natives the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg represented the City of Angels after the handoff of the Olympic flag was made. On a beachside stage, the Red Hot Chili Peppers played “Can’t Stop” before Eilish sang her most recent hit “Birds of a Feather.” Snoop Dogg, who has been contributing commentary to this year’s Games on NBC, brought his Long Beach style to the screen as he rapped “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and even brought out Dr. Dre for their anthem “The Next Episode.”

Yseult and Paris Say “Au Revoir” With “My Way”

The broadcast shifted back to the Stade de France for the closing ceremony’s final segment: an enchanting version of “My Way” belted by French singer Yseult. As the final notes rang out, an impressive amount of fireworks exploded over the stadium — ensuring that the Paris Olympics went out with a bang.

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