cruise to nowhere 2023

New York Cruise Guide > Cruise Destinations > Nowhere

Cruises to Nowhere from New York

A cruise to nowhere is a perfect quick vacation. All the fun of cruises without going to another port. Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival offered short cruises to nowhere from New York.

A cruise to nowhere is a 2-night or 3-night cruise out into the ocean and back. It's a great little get-away ... luxury accommodations, all the food you can eat, entertainment, dancing, casinos, swimming pools, and constant activities. Escape on a little cruise to nowhere.

We recommend a cruise to nowhere for anyone who isn't sure they'll like cruises. These trips are short and inexpensive, but you can sample all the fun stuff that cruises have to offer: spas, unlimited dining options, plush cabins, sports, and entertainment.

The shortest cruises currently available from New York are 4-day cruises .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

Cruise Deals by Destination

Cruise Deals by Departure Port

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises to Nowhere Cruises

If you’ve never cruised, a good way to get a glimpse into this revolutionary vacation style is by taking a cruise to nowhere – especially with Norwegian Cruise Line. These cruises are usually between one to three days long, giving you just a sample of what life onboard is like. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a handful of these sailings each year, leaving from popular ports like New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans. If you find that cruising is something you can get used to, be sure to book a future cruise onboard – just let the onboard staff know to coordinate with your Cruise Web consultant, and you’re set. These cruises are also great for those in need of a quick break. Once you board your ship, even if it’s just for one night, you’ll leave all your troubles on land and let your mind and body move to the sway of the ocean. You may not be gone long, but you’ll still get that much needed break.

Things to Do on a Cruise to Nowhere with Norwegian Cruise Line

Just because you won’t be stopping in any ports doesn’t mean you won’t have a packed schedule. Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruise ships have lots of activities and venues to visit. Featured below are some of the best ways to make the most of your cruise to nowhere with Norwegian Cruise Line:

• Specialty Dining You’ll never go hungry on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship; there are several dining venues on board, from hot dog carts on some ships to fancy dinner theaters. Norwegian also pioneered the specialty restaurant, so you’ll find a wide array of options onboard.  

• Get Active Balance your meals with a game of basketball or a Zumba class. Many of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships have mini golf courses and state-of-the-art gyms, and some even have obstacle courses that will really get your blood pumping.  

• Laugh it off Get in some good laughs at the ship’s comedy club. Most sailings have a comedian onboard who performs a couple of times each night. Select Norwegian cruise ships also have The Second City improv comedy troupe.  

• Get Lucky Once the ship has set sail, you can take advantage of the casino. Each ship has a large selection of slot machines and table games. Whether you bet on red or black, you’ll have a blast.  

• Pamper Yourself Feel the stress melt away as you enjoy a massage, facial or body treatment at the ship’s spa. You can also get gussied up at the ship’s salon with a mani/pedi, new hairstyle or makeover.  

• Sightseeing  Before or after your cruise, be sure to spend at least an afternoon touring the city in which your ship docks. If it’s New York, you can’t go wrong seeing a Broadway show; if you’re in Los Angeles, head to the Getty Museum in Malibu; if it’s New Orleans, the French Quarter is always a blast. Each port has something special to offer.  

Top 10 Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises to Nowhere Cruises

Norwegian cruise line cruises to nowhere departure ports.

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a cruise to nowhere cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. Your Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to nowhere cruise could leave from any of the following cities:

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises to Nowhere Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of cruise to nowhere cruising photos from Norwegian Cruise Line. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to nowhere cruise vacation.

Spice H2O outdoor theater

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• CruiseMapper
• Themed Cruises

Cruises to Nowhere

What is "Cruise To Nowhere" and does it mean that a cruise ship is going nowhere? We give you the ultimate list of all cruise ships sailing the always very special "cruises to Nowhere" with departures from ports in the USA, Australia / New Zealand, Europe / England UK, Asia, South America. This review is integrated with Party Cruises .

Here you will find information on Cruise To Nowhere deals as itineraries/departure dates, prices, and ports. Itineraries are always roundtrips, without any call ports on the route. This internal link goes directly to the cruise schedule - if you wanna skip the intro info.

"Cruise to Nowhere" - what is, where to find it, why Nowhere cruise deals

What is a Cruise to Nowhere? Well, strangely enough, by definition, it's a unique itinerary on which a cruise ship is going to absolutely Nowhere! However, it will definitely not stay in the port all the time, instead, it will sail without any destination to a specific point at sea to allow its passengers to experience a very short but most romantic, exciting, and not always cheap cruise vacation on a floating resort at sea.

What are Cruises to Nowhere (the definition)? As a concise overview - it's an always round-trip special cruise itinerary with no other call ports than your disembarkation port, which happens to be the same as your embarkation port (the cruise ship port of departure).

Why take a Cruise to Nowhere? Three very big reasons - and the first one is that it is very short as duration (its cruise length is 1 or 2 night, rarely 3- or 4-night), so by this variable is more like mini cruise deals (but not all of them are round-trips, and they usually visit other ports). Being a short cruise is an important issue, considering your business schedule, right? The second one is it's from the category of very cheap cruise deals - the no-call-ports itinerary and the duration are major determinants of cruise prices - port charges, fuel consumption, etc. The third one is it's one of the very special types of cruises - rare to be found (as a number of sailings per year), offered by a very limited number of passenger ships (excluding trips by smaller boats and floating hotel-casino ship deals), extremely popular, departures only from the world's biggest cruise ports of the world's most developed countries - like USA, UK, Australia.

What is a Cruise to Nowhere as length and prices?

And finally, about the real deals - what is from where, when, and for how much. As to the cost of cruises to Nowhere, the prices are always per person (based on double occupancy), we will give you only the cheapest cruise rates in US dollars on the lowest cabin category by ship (it's usually an Inside stateroom), all prices are indicative and may change due to availability. So, compare sailing dates and prices, pick your port of departure, book it! Be aware, that availability is a strong issue on this one - early booking is a must! It really goes to Nowhere, but it is a so so so special deal - and we all like "special" very much!

It's usually 1- or 2 nights (2-3-day cruise deals), but some lines (like P&O, for example) offer longer itineraries of 3-4-nights, on which you'll have a themed program pre-scheduled for your voyage (more often "Food & Wine", but also "Lifestyle", "Comedy", "Art", etc).

As to the price, one thing is absolutely sure - it's a cheap deal. Nowhere cruises are always cheaper than all other trips with itineraries including stops in ports of call. One of the main reasons for that is the sort length. The price really depends online and ship, but also on the time of booking (availability), cabin grades, departure port, and mostly on how much are you willing to spend while on board. What does the last statement mean? Well, your ship will have - absolutely for sure - a big Casino, a specialty (reservations only) fancy restaurant, lots of bars and lounges to buy expensive drinks and whatnot, and of course - a whole district of pretty lined-up duty-free shopping boutiques, where, as far the money spending is concerned, only the sky is the limit! As to all the rest on-board activities and amenities - they are all included in your rates (remember, all rates are based on double occupancy). But as a general rule, cruise prices on cruises to Nowhere rarely exceed the amount of US $200 per night per person. And this is a great deal, considering the type of your short cruise ship vacation and all that's included (plus the cabin, open-seating dining in the Main Dining Rooms, 24-hour room service, etc, etc).

What do you do on Cruises to Nowhere?

Remember these six words - "you spend money to have fun"! It could be your special romantic short cruise break or a weekend getaway dinner cruise to dining with your beloved one in a classy restaurant at sea, it could be your "gambling night" at sea, it could be your best "party cruise deal" ever to spend some quality fun time with your friends or colleges, or it could be simply your "me and the sea" special time to relax and enjoy the vastness of the ocean and the beauty of the modern cruise ship man-made miracle.

The long list of onboard activities includes also the trivia of games and contests, both fine and casual dining options (themed buffets), big and top-fun pools and pool contests (including kids-only pools), sports contests, fine art auctions, music and dancing experiences, huge-theatre excitement with nightly grand-style live show productions, movies, revues, comedians and magicians, Casino gambling tournaments and gambling lessons, ship tours (bridge, galley, etc), dance lessons, educational lectures, shopping sales promotions with special offers, and absolutely not the last are the fitness (and Yoga) classes and the Spa treatments in a huge wellness center on board.

Who goes on Nowhere cruises and what the ships look like?

This type of cruise is perfect for first-time cruise travelers to sample the "life on board" - to get a sense of what a cruise and a cruise ship is like avoiding the big-money spending on a long and expensive trip. It's the perfect opportunity to sample new cruise ships (no matter new-built or newly refit/refurbished).

As to the "Nowhere ships" - they all are BIG. All cruise ships for Cruises to Nowhere are from very big to hugely-big - their owners and crew know best how to gather huge crowds and are absolutely the best in keeping these crowds happy. Still, most of the departures are from New York City - with its unlimited capacity to keep the ships full of passengers. Prior to 2017, the major player in the NYC market was NCL - with 2 new ships (launched in 2013 and 2014).

Why cruise ship lines offer Nowhere deals?

The very itinerary explains it all - on its short cruise break itinerary, the cruise ship will leave its port to sails on an ocean (or on a river, by smaller ships and river cruise boats), then will return to the same port. And all this for what reason.

I mentioned earlier something about a special "point at sea". This location allows the boat to open its duty-free stores and casinos for passengers to spend their time and mostly their money enjoying all there is to be enjoyed on a very big ship without being obstructed by the "law of the land" or distracted by ports of call.

At the same time, your ship will sail calmly on a looping course to take you back to your embarkation port, offering you the chance to have an unforgettable night (or two or three or four) of the best fun and special memories from a special vacation.

Cruises to Nowhere 2021-2022 schedule

Most of these special roundtrip itineraries are offered as departures from some of the world's largest cruise ports. Just follow the ship links from the table to see regularly updated indicative prices per person (with double occupancy) to compare. These CruiseMapper links will show you the boat's individual "itinerary-schedule-current position" page, also listing the cheapest rates on the lowest cabin category currently available for booking.

Note: Due to COVID -related international travel restrictions, in 2021 several major companies started their passenger shipping operations with "nowhere cruises" available for booking by the country's residents only. Those included AIDA Cruises ( AIDAsol and AIDAprima from Kiel Germany ), Princess Cruises ( Regal Princess and Sky Princess , from Southampton ), DCL-Disney Cruise Line ( Disney Magic from Southampton, London-Tilbury , Liverpool , Newcastle ), RCI-Royal Caribbean International ( Quantum of the Seas from Singapore , Spectrum of the Seas from Hong Kong China ).

Cruise to Nowhere USA

Cruises to Nowhere from US ports by major cruise companies and on larger ships will not be offered anytime soon. The news became fact in 2016 when the few passenger shipping companies offering such deals canceled all scheduled voyages which itineraries didn't include a foreign port of call. This new policy was implemented after a change made in the enforcement of the US embarkation law.

Under an act passed over 100 years ago, foreign-flagged vessels are not allowed to operate voyages leaving roundtrip from US ports without at least one port call in a foreign country. In a June 2015 statement, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency announced the reasons for the changes. D-1 visa holders (crew visas) were not eligible for working on "Cruises to Nowhere" as they are eligible to serve as crewmembers only if they intend to land in a US port (temporarily) and to depart from a US port with the cruise vessel. Although nowhere cruises do enter international waters, CBP maintains that crewmembers don't actually depart from the USA because "they don't land in a foreign port or territory".

Among the canceled sailings were Carnival's 2-night cruises from Norfolk Virginia (2016, on Carnival Sunshine ) and NCL's 2-night cruises from NYC New York (2017, on Norwegian Breakaway ). Still, the change applies only to foreign-flagged cruise ships, most of which have as flag states countries like Bahamas, Panama, Bermuda. By the new regulations, the only way for "Cruises to Nowhere" to be permitted is for the companies to employ an all-American crew for the vessel. Otherwise, each itinerary (long or short) must include at least 1 foreign port of call before the ship returns to the USA with the crew who are not American citizens. Currently, the only large-sized ocean cruise ship with an entirely American crew is NCL's Pride of America .

Cruise to Nowhere NYC

Operated as special voyages until 2017, the 1-2 night cruise to Nowhere NYC deals were inclusive of shipboard dining, entertainment, numerous activities, and modern amenities. The "nowhere" ships made their special itinerary out of New York City calling on no other ports. Ships simply sailed far enough from the US shore to start providing duty-free shopping and gambling for their party-loving passengers.

Package deals included pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and airport-ship transportation. These deals were perfect for first-timers to sample the onboard fun, including dining, Spa, Casino, staterooms, lounges and bars, activities, amenities, etc. Most NYC Nowhere cruises were by NCL's Norwegian Gem ship - offered when the liner adjusted its Bermuda schedule for the summer. Then joined Norwegian Breakaway, and just before closing the market - the Royal Caribbean "WOW ship" Quantum of the Seas (leaving from Bayonne NJ). Quantum's prices were comparatively high ($300 pp per day), but the ship is truly unique and new (launched 2014).

China Cruises to Nowhere

On May 8, 2019, China's Ministry of Transport officially approved nowhere cruises leaving roundtrip from homeports Sanya and Haikou (Haidian Island) . The deal allows China-based liners to operate on itineraries not visiting a foreign port.

However, the Ministry imposed as requirements that the cruise company must include a Chinese investor (with majority stake), the vessel to be not older than 30 years, and onboard gambling is forbidden. China-flagged ships are treated on an exclusive basis. Passengers' boarding documents and customs clearance on these voyages are simplified - only national identification cards (or entry/exit documents) are required, and travel agents can submit group customers' documents.

Singapore Cruises to Nowhere

In early-October 2020, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) began to develop new health and safety protocols that are expected to allow cruises to nowhere leaving roundtrip from Singapore.

The new proposal came after Singapore Airlines announced in September that they would offer 3-hour "flights to nowhere" (sightseeing roundtrips) from Singapore's Changi Airport. However, Singapore Airlines later canceled the program due to active criticism from local environmental campaigners.

STB hired DNV-GL (Hovic Norway-based risk management company and accredited registrar and classification society) to create a compliance and certification scheme ("benchmarked against global health, safety and hygiene standards") to help shipping companies who want to restart voyages out of Port Singapore as the country was still in lockdown due to the pandemic/Coronavirus crisis.

STB's Regional Director of the Americas (Rachel Loh) advised that cruise shipping companies would need to pass an audit for certification to return to cruising. His report added that ships would only be allowed to accommodate ~50% of their max passenger capacity for the first 3 months of operation.

There is no official date for when "Singapore cruises to nowhere" will commence but all operators homeporting in Singapore were eager to restart operations after voluntarily ceasing voyages since March 2020.

Norfolk Visitor > Cruises > Cruise to Nowhere

Cruises to Nowhere

Where's the best place to spend a short vacation? Nowhere! A Cruise-To-Nowhere is the perfect getaway for a couple of days. The ships sail out into the ocean and back without stopping at any other ports. A cruise to nowhere is an excellent introduction to cruising for first-time cruise passengers.

Cruises to nowhere include all the fun of a cruise without big expense or a long time commitment. Pools, a spa, casino, bars, lounges and more food than you can imagine are available on-board.

Some cruise lines have "weekend cruises" that are two-night trips.

Read cruise to nowhere reviews . Find out what other passengers thought of these voyages.

All ships have programs and activities for different age groups of kids. Now the whole family is going nowhere!

• budget cruising / Cruise Tips / Cruising / General

A Guide To 1-3 Day Cruises And Cruises To Nowhere

by Prof. Cruise · Published February 1, 2020 · Updated March 2, 2020

Where did you go on your cruise? Nowhere!

Today’s lecture will cover cruises to nowhere (pictured above) as well as very short 1-3 day cruises. Prior to clicking on this guide, you may not have even known these cruises existed. There’s good reason for that, which I’ll get to later, but first, a brief introduction to short cruises and cruises to nowhere and why cruise lines offer them.

An Introduction To One Night Cruises, Short Cruises, And Cruises To Nowhere

While I now consider anything shorter than 21 days (my longest cruise to date) a “short” cruise, cruise lines also occasionally offer really short cruises, some as short as just one night and some that don’t stop at any ports (cruises to nowhere). Here are three common reasons these cruises are offered:

1. Repositioning Cruises

Often short cruises are offered in order to reposition a ship from one departure port to another (such as the 1 night cruise I took from Seattle to Vancouver and the 3 night cruise I took from Los Angeles to Vancouver).

2. Chartered Or Partially Chartered Cruises

Sometimes short cruises are either fully or partially chartered. Sometimes by celebrity “fan groups.” Which is how I unintentionally ended up on a 2 night Royal Caribbean cruise round trip from Seattle with a stop in Victoria, Canada with…Adam Carolla. But that’s an (R rated) story for another time.

3. A Break Between Two Longer Itinerary Segments

If there is a break between two longer itinerary segments, without the time necessary to sail very far, sometimes a ship will sell rooms for a 1 or 2 night cruise and either visit a nearby port or simply idle or anchor far enough out at sea to open the casino and shops. This, however, is more complicated for ships sailing from U.S. ports. Here’s why…

How is the Passenger Vessel Services Act Relevant To Short Cruises And Cruises To Nowhere?

The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 prohibits cruise ships that are foreign-flagged (for which nearly all of them are) from departing from and returning to the same U.S. port without first visiting a foreign port. It also forbids foreign-flagged cruise ships from embarking in one U.S. port and disembarking in a different U.S. port without visiting a distant foreign port outside of North America.

This both explains the odd itineraries on some short cruises (and longer cruises for that matter) and explains why there are so few of them from U.S. ports. For example, my 2 night cruise round trip from Seattle had to stop in Victoria, Canada. It couldn’t just head down to Oregon for a day or sail around the Pugit Sound for a few days and then return to Seattle.

Repositioning cruises starting at a U.S. port MUST either disembark at a foreign port or visit a foreign port outside of North America. While my 3 night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver and my 1 night cruise from Seattle to Vancouver didn’t stop at any ports (technically making them cruises to nowhere), they both disembarked at a different port outside the U.S., meaning they complied with the The Passenger Vessel Services Act.

“Cruises to nowhere” in their purest form (meaning they start and end at the same port and don’t visit any ports in between) are generally only available outside the U.S.

9 Reason’s To Book A Short Cruise Or Cruise To Nowhere

Despite the length of the cruise, you probably find disembarkation day premature and descending the gangway a cruel form of torment: “but I’ve only been at sea for 68 nights!” I do too. In fact, once my kid finally learns to wash his own hair and find the remote (all I’m really good for anymore) and once my dog takes up residence in his chosen final resting place at our local Fogo de Chão (he’s not concerned about health codes), I plan on never disembarking again. But for now, I sometimes have occasion to book a very short cruise and you might too! Here are 9 reasons to book a short cruise or cruise to nowhere:

1. Transportation

Do you live in Seattle, but occasionally like to spend a weekend in Vancouver (or vise versa)? You could drive, take the bus or train, or…CRUISE there!

2. To Try On Cruising Or Another Cruise Line

Are you curious about cruising, but unsure if you’ll like it? Are you nervous about seasickness or claustrophobia or boredom or managing a dietary restriction or medical condition while onboard? Or are you loyal to NCL, but Royal Caribbean keeps enticing you to stray with her ice skating shows and simulated skydiving?

Why not try on cruising or another cruise line or ship with a short 1-3 night cruise? I mean, at worst you’ll be mildly thankful for puking the whole time as the walls of your interior cabin conspire to suffocate you, because at least it’s better than the food prospects and activity lineup. OR you’ll be banned from your NCL Facebook group, “traitor!,” and will have to join Prof. Cruise’s group because she sets a low bar for entry. BUT, you might just like it. Or love it and find yourself both addicted to cruising or entirely disloyal to any particular line like me.

3. To Be Fancy

While a fancy cruise suite for a longer sailing might feel like the feather on a canine teaser wand positioned just out of reach as it taunts you, you might be able to afford one for a short 1 or 2 night cruise! The same goes for things like a beverage package, a spa pass, or a cabana or special deck access.

Mr. Cruise and I have always wanted to try the beverage package on Celebrity, but it’s been cost prohibitive on prior itineraries. Excitedly, we’ve just purchased it for a short cruise we have coming up in April.

4. To Avoid Taking Vacation Days

As a professor of cruising, I cruise for both vacation and for work, but I acknowledge that most people my age have real jobs, important jobs that can’t be hastily abandoned in favor of a life at sea. But with short 1 to 2 day itineraries, it may be possible for you to avoid taking vacation days for your cruise.

5. For A Date Night Or Friend’s Weekend Or For “Self Care”

A short cruise for two might actually end up costing you less than a dinner date on land. Plus you get breakfast and lunch, a floating hotel room, live music, production shows, and other activities. Short cruises can also make for a fun friend’s weekend. And if you don’t have any friends, just invite me…you do now! And good luck getting rid of me: “when’s our next cruise?!?!” Or leave your kids with your Mr. Cruise and go solo for some self care. That’s what I did on my last short cruise! #tableforone

6. To Grow Your Cruise

If you’ve always dreamed of a 9-day cruise (pretty random, but whatever floats your boat – I’ll be here all week), you could build one by combining a 7-day itinerary with a 2-day itinerary. A back-to-back can turn a short cruise into a long cruise or a long cruise into a longer cruise.

See my complete guide to b2b’s here .

7. For A Corporate Gathering Or Chartered Group

Would you rather have your next corporate gathering here…

or here…

Corporate gatherings or incentive programs are fairly common on short cruises. On my last one I was joined by several hundred top selling insurance agents in matching green shirts. Don’t worry though, they weren’t there to hock me travel insurance (no, that’s what I’m for: go here to compare plans find the best price on travel insurance for your cruise), they were there to par-tay!

It’s also common for short cruises to be either fully or partially chartered by various groups, clubs, and organizations. You might end up on one of these cruises as a regular passenger (like I was on my cruise with Adam Carolla and 500 of his closest friends) or you might seek one of these out, like this one with Oprah and Gayle King.

8. To Fit A Cruise Into Your Budget

Do you have two seemingly incompatible goals in life, to pay your bills on time AND to cruise often? Short cruises may offer some reconciliation. Starting at just $69 per person per night (based on two person occupancy), these short cruises can be an inexpensive option for those who may not be able to fit a longer cruise into the budget.

9. Because A Short Cruise Is Better Than No Cruise

Hear me out. Short isn’t all bad. For example, the pencil hash mark on my wall labeled with “age 41” measures in at just 5 feet 2 inches, but allows me to shop in the children’s department where unicorn prints and flip sequins are more readily available. And short cruises aren’t all bad either. They’re certainly better than no cruise at all and offer a definitive answer to the question: “how much food can I eat in less than 24 hours without popping my skin?” (Go here to find out.)

How Do I Find A One Night Cruise, Short Cruise, Or Cruise To Nowhere?

If you’re wondering why you’ve never seen or heard of these cruises, there’s good reason. Cruises under 3 nights often won’t be listed on the popular online cruise search and booking sites. Even many cruise lines won’t have them listed on their websites. So, how do you find one? Here are a few good web resources I use to find them (I don’t receive any commission for either of these links, but I have used Cruise Direct to book my short cruises in the past and have always had a good experience with them):

Cruise Critic 1-2 Night Cruises

Cruise Direct 1-2 Night cruises

Frequently Asked Questions About Short Cruises?

Is Muster Drill Required For A One Night Cruise?

I’m not know for brevity, but I’ll try it just this once: yes.

What’s The Crowd Like On A One Night Or Short Cruise?

Normally on Holland America the maître d’ has to stand guard outside the dining room to turn away throngs of geriatric (for which I am one) passengers used to eating dinner at 4pm: “what do you mean you’re not open for another hour and a half – I’ll be half way through my third dream by then!” And the salon offers a daily special on “wash and sets.” And there are dozens of dentures turned into the lost and found, but surprisingly few smart phones: “that’s what an abacus and an Encyclopedia Britannica is for! Now have you seen my teeth?”

But boy oh boy, on my last cruise aboard HAL’s ms Eurodam , a one nighter, even I stayed up past 8pm (necessitated by my goal to eat 7 days worth of food in less than 24 hours) and the ship was hoppin’. Even at the piano bar where the entertainer kept saying “I don’t know that one” before closing to requests and channeling his best Barry Manilow.

Expect a livelier atmosphere and for the crowd to trend a bit younger on very short cruises.

Are There Organized Activities On A One Night Cruise?

Yes, there will be a full slate of organized activities on your short cruise. Here was the lineup on my last 1 night cruise:

Is There Entertainment On A One Night Cruise?

Yes, there will be typical entertainment, including at least one major production show each night in the main theater.

What Is Dining Like On A One Night Cruise?

Restaurants and bars (including specialty restaurants) will be open during typical hours for your short cruise, but there may be a few minor differences. For example, on my last short cruise there was no set dining time option for dinner in the main dining room (MDR). All dining in the MDR was “anytime” dining meaning you could either call ahead to make a reservation for the time you wanted or just show up at any time to eat.

Here was the dining schedule on my last one night cruise on Holland America:

Final Thoughts On One Night Cruises, Short Cruises, And Cruises To Nowhere

Napoleon, not the famous Napoleon of the French revolution, Napoleon…Hill said, “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” While Napoleon Hill may have covertly been describing his life as a conman when he said that, it also applies equally well to short cruises. And as for short cruises, I’m not here to fool you. I’ve actually done them and I’ve (mostly) loved them. I encourage you to give them a try! And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points) : Check out my guide to b2b cruising here , my guide to solo cruising here , and my guide to booking guarantee cabins here .

And be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive new course materials directly to your e-mail. Scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling if on a mobile device. And be sure to follow Prof. Cruise on social media.

Share this:

Tags: 1 night cruise cruise to nowhere one night cruises short cruise three night cruises two night cruises

You may also like...

Last Minute Cruising: A Case Study

July 15, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published July 15, 2019 · Last modified March 2, 2020

Carnival Raising Drink Prices Again: See the NEW Bar Menus Here

February 28, 2023

 by Prof. Cruise · Published February 28, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Prof. Cruise Catches Covid on a Cruise Ship!

July 5, 2022

 by Prof. Cruise · Published July 5, 2022

• Next story Cruise Alaska: Reid Falls And The Gold Rush Cemetery In Skagway
• Previous story Cruise Ship Bingo

About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

Email Address

Subscribe To Blog

Search and you shall (hopefully) find!

Save on shore excursions.

Start your own travel blog with hosting from Bluehost!

What are cruises to nowhere, and can you take one?

Would you take a cruise that didn't actually go anywhere?

It might sound odd, but cruises to nowhere — voyages with no ports of call — used to be popular for North American travelers.

Cruises to nowhere from the U.S. were fairly common until U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it would begin cracking down on the enforcement of a longstanding law called the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which has certain limitations that affect cruises to nowhere.

So, what are cruises to nowhere, how does the PVSA affect them and are they still offered? Here's everything you need to know.

What are cruises to nowhere?

Cruises to nowhere are voyages that sail out to sea for a day or two without stopping anywhere before returning to the same port from which they departed.

You might wonder why anyone would want to travel on a cruise without port stops, but some people simply enjoy being on a ship where they can relax, sleep in, have a spa treatment , take in a show, lounge by the pool and have someone cook for them for a couple of days.

Cruises to nowhere also offer a way for first-timers to see whether or not a cruise might be for them . They're great options for people who don't have a ton of time or money to spend on a getaway.

What happened to cruises to nowhere?

Until 2016, cruise lines offered cruises to nowhere on a fairly regular basis. That changed in 2015 when CBP announced it would begin more strictly enforcing the particulars of the Passenger Vessel Services Act the following year.

Under the act, cruises to nowhere themselves are legal, but because the type of visa many crew members use when working on ships doesn't meet the requirements of the PVSA for cruises to nowhere, cruise lines largely stopped offering them.

What is the PVSA?

At its core, the PVSA — an offshoot of the more well-known Jones Act , which deals with ships that carry cargo instead of passengers — states that foreign-flagged cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports must call on at least one foreign port before returning to the U.S. at the conclusion of a voyage.

However, a lesser-known portion of the act addresses crew visas and what they permit in terms of how long visa holders can remain in the U.S. Many crew members work on ships using D-1 visas, which allow them only to stay in the U.S. for brief periods of time with the intention that they leave again almost immediately.

On cruises to nowhere, because there are no foreign port stops between a ship's departure from a U.S. port and its return to a U.S. port, crew members on those types of voyages essentially remain in the U.S. and don't leave. In those instances, crew members with D-1 visas would be out of compliance — something that cruise lines no longer want to risk due to steep penalties.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. In the event of an emergency, such as a hurricane or other weather-related issue that prevents a ship from calling on the necessary foreign port before returning to the U.S., the U.S. government can issue exemptions. However, that type of situation is rare, and those types of cruises to nowhere are not originally planned to be cruises to nowhere.

Bottom line

Although cruises to nowhere offered inexpensive, short options for cruisers, they are a thing of the past when departing from the U.S. Their extinction is due to conflicts between the requirements outlined in the PVSA and the type of visa crew members often use to work on board cruise ships.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board
• Man overboard: Cruise ship overboards and how they happen
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it impact cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise ship concierge and a butler?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

• Accommodation Review
• SG Things To Do

The Ultimate Cruise to Nowhere review: Royal Caribbean Cruise Vs Dream Cruises

If you could only pick one cruise-to-nowhere getaway, it’d be…

In Dec 2020 when Cruises to Nowhere had just begun, we got to experience Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas .

On that post, someone asked:

So this one’s for David, as well as those who can’t decide which cruise to go for — Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas ? Or Dream Cruises’ World Dream ?

In this Cruise to Nowhere review, we’re breaking down each cruise line’s accommodation, food and activities (including shows) to give you a fair comparison of both cruises.

Covid-19 tests and Pre-boarding Process

Photo credit: The Straits Times

Swab tests are now compulsory on both cruises with slight logistical differences. The good thing is COVID-19 tests are included in your cruise package for both cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean

On Royal Caribbean cruises, you’re required to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at Raffles Convention Centre 72 hours before boarding.

We took ours two days before the cruise and received our results the next day. The process was really quick and straightforward so we were in and out within 15 minutes.

At the end of the cruise, you’ll be given one final swab — there’s no need to wait for results this time and the swab doesn’t go in as deep as the pre-boarding test.

Dream Cruises

For Dream Cruises, an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) will be administered on the day of boarding. A pre-assigned time slot will be printed on your ticket so you just need to show up. Test results will be ready after 20 minutes to an hour.

Our experience through the testing area was quick and smooth too. The whole process was very organised and the only significant waiting time we had between stations was waiting for our results.

Although not as accurate as the PCR test, the ART is a lot less invasive! Instead of the swab going all the way in, it only scrapes the walls of your nose.

Same as Royal Caribbean, you’ll be swabbed one final time upon disembarkation but there’s no need to wait for results before leaving the cruise centre.

Cruise Accommodation

The two cruises offer similar accommodation types from staterooms to grand suites.

Royal Caribbean Balcony Stateroom

The balcony staterooms are pretty similar and are perfect for two.

Dream Cruises Balcony Stateroom

The only difference between these two rooms is the bathroom. Dream Cruises’ comes with a double sink and a wider shower area — great for families with kids.

Dream Cruises Balcony Stateroom Bathroom

Dream Cruises’ Balcony Staterooms: From  ~S$419/pax for three nights Royal Caribbean’s Balcony Staterooms: From  S$469/pax for three nights

For an elevated experience, book a suite for extra perks and access to experiences.

We personally got to experience Dream Cruises’ Palace Suite . Although it’s the cheapest class in the Palace Suite, the perks you get outside the room do give you a nice feeling of being taken care of.

Dream Cruises Palace Suite

Perks include butler service, a basic drink package (coffee, tea and juices) and complimentary dining at all speciality restaurants. Palace residents also get full access to all the private facilities — from a separate pool area to 24-hour dining at the Palace Restaurant!

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean

A comparable room on Royal Caribbean is the Junior Suite. The interior is pretty similar — with space for the room, balcony and bathroom. However, in terms of the suite experience, the Junior Suite is more similar to a bigger balcony stateroom than a suite.

Apart from extra room, WiFi, the Deluxe drink package and access to specialty dining are excluded.

If you’re going for a low range suite experience, then Dream Cruises gives you more bang for your buck!

Dream Cruises’ Palace Suite: From S$630/pax for two nights Royal Caribbean’s Junior Suite (Large Balcony): From S$769/pax for three nights

If “go big or go home” is what you live by, here’s the ultimate experience on each ship:

Royal Caribbean’s Grand Loft Suite is the second highest class and comes with a mezzanine! The suite also fits a king-sized bed, two bathrooms, a spacious living area and an  equally  spacious balcony.

Grand Loft Suite Stateroom

Apart from complimentary access to all  speciality dining experiences , staying at the Grand Loft Suite also includes the Deluxe drinks package which means free-flow drinks all day — alcoholic beverages included! But the best part is that you’re assigned a Royal Genie (personal butler) who will help you with bookings and customise the experience so you have a memorable one on the ship ✨

Palace Penthouse living area. Photo credit: Dream Cruise s

Dream Cruises’ equivalent is the Palace Penthouse. Unlike the Palace Suite, it features a separate living-cum-dining area, with a private step-out balcony. The space can hold up to six guests.

Dream Cruises’ Palace Penthouse: From ~S$786.30/pax for three nights Royal Caribbean’s Grand Loft Suite: From S$744/pax for three nights

For the ultimate experience, here’s what you can expect from the most luxurious rooms of each ship:

Dream Cruises’ Palace Villa is the epitome of luxurious living with two bedrooms, a dining room, a living room, a jacuzzi and three bathrooms. This suite is so big, it can accommodate up to eight people!

On top of the Palace privileges, you’ll be even more spoilt with round-the-clock butler service, and priority access to shows.

Royal Caribbean’s most luxurious suite is their Royal Loft Suite. It doesn’t have multiple bedrooms like Dream Cruises’ Palace Villa, but it boasts a spacious two-floor contemporary design perfect for parties of six. These suites are either located at the front or the back of the ship for utmost privacy.

Upon checking in, you’ll be welcomed with Moët and Chandon in the room. Epic room aside, you also have complimentary dining at specialty restaurants, all-day free-flow drinks and a Royal Genie at your every beck and call!

Dream Cruises’ Palace Villa: From  ~S$1,259/pax for three nights Royal Caribbean’s Royal Loft Suite: From ~S$3673.53/pax for three nights

Breakfast at Dream Cruises’ Palace Restaurant

For foodies, a cruise is the best place to be! From glorious buffet spreads to high-end speciality dining experiences, both cruises boast an array of dining experiences. Here’s how they compare.

Complimentary Dining Experiences

Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer and Dream Cruises’ Lido are where you get an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These buffet options are open to all guests (regardless of room class).

In terms of size and variety, Windjammer takes the cake — serving a wide range from burgers to tacos and even vegetarian and gluten-free options! Lido seems quite limited in comparison, but they serve more fried foods and Asian cuisines.

There may be fewer options on Dream Cruises’ Lido but a plus point is that the menu switches up during Themed Night Dinners. On their recent Thai-themed cruise , the buffet spread included popular Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Wok-Fried Crab in Thai Curry and Steamed Barramundi Fish with Lime Juice!

For complimentary dining options, Royal Caribbean has a much better selection. Apart from the buffet, they have four main dining rooms: Sorrento’s pizza, Dog House’s crafted hot dogs, as well as sandwiches and soups at Two70. Dream Cruises only has Lido and two other main dining rooms for complementary options.

Specialty Dining Experiences

Specialty dining requires a top-up if you’re not a suite guest.

For Dream Cruises, speciality dining works on an ala carte basis where you’ll need credits to spend on dining. Purchase these credits onboard, with up to 20% off dining credits when bought on embarkation day!

On Royal Caribbean, you just pay a one-time fee and eat as much as you want — basically paying for a reservation.

Although both cruises have a steakhouse, Dream Cruises serves more Asian cuisine with Korean BBQ, hotpot and Teppanyaki.

Umi Uma Teppanyaki

Something special on Royal Caribbean is their novel dining experiences like Jamie’s Italian ala carte buffet and Wonderland’s molecular gastronomy.

Painting our menu at Wonderland

If food experience is a priority when you travel, we’d say go for Royal Caribbean’s cruise.

Activities On Board

Royal Caribbean’s surf simulator, FlowRider

Free activities on Royal Caribbean: FlowRider, bumper cars, rock climbing, archery, Seaplex activities, Dodgem Cars, outdoor film nights, dance classes, jewellery making, scrapbooking, folding artistry, Yoga classes, Pilates classes, Spin classes.

Royal Caribbean’s rock wall

*Pro-tip: Aim for the first slot of the day or during meal times to beat the crowd as these activities can get packed quickly.

Dream Cruises’ water slides

Free activities on Dream Cruises: Water slide Park, obstacle rope course, rock climbing, mini-golf, life-sized chess, ping pong, SportsPlex, Muay Thai classes, HIIT classes, belly dancing, ballroom dancing, bingo, Cinema at Sea.

Dream Cruises’ high-elements rope course

Paid activities on Dream Cruises: Esc EXPERIENCE LAB — a Virtual Reality studio with eight thrilling game stations. Imagine chasing zombies or shooting down enemy drones (top-up of $4–20/game).

Paid activities on Royal Caribbean: iFly’s indoor skydiving (S$54.40), North Star ride ($27.20) and an arcade.

For activities, Dream Cruises has a lot more variety so it seems like there’s always something to do. You could learn a new sport before breakfast and pick up new dance moves after lunch!

Places to Chill On Board

Dream Cruises Public Pool

There are pools and jacuzzis on both cruises which you’ll have to get a timeslot for. However, the booking systems on Royal Caribbean and Dream Cruises are completely different.

On Dream Cruises, you’ll need to make a physical reservation at the pool itself to get a slot sometime in the day. Whereas Royal Caribbean works on a first-come-first-serve basis with lifeguards limiting and controlling the numbers.

*Pro-tip: Head to the pool first thing in the morning for both cruises to beat the queue.

One perk about cruising with Royal Caribbean is having a kid-free escape like The Solarium, an adult-only pool.

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium

Dream Cruises doesn’t have this for the general public, but if you’re a Palace guest, you’ll have exclusive access to their private pool area at the top of the deck — reservations are required.

Dream Cruises’ Palace Private Jacuzzi

On Royal Caribbean’s North Star

For a nice break from the busyness, take a seven-minute ride on Royal Caribbean’s North Star (top-up is ~S$15.90 or free for suite guests). This observation deck takes you 300 feet above sea level, offering mad views of the endless horizon and a birds-eye view of the cruise below.

Alternatively, both cruises have deck chairs all around that face the ocean. It’s still a great view nonetheless, especially during sunset.

Dream Cruises’ Faith Show

For me, a huge part of the cruise experience is late-night entertainment. If you’re looking to have your mind blown with multitalented performances, Dream Cruises’ acts are definitely where it’s at. With stunning acrobatic acts and quirky dance numbers, I was thoroughly entertained throughout.

Photo credit: Dream Cruises

Dream Cruises also hosts a special show — Dream Boys (only for those 18 and above)! It’s basically their version of Magic Mike, featuring beautiful men and raunchy dance moves, with sprinkles of comedy throughout. The show costs S$50, which is a steal compared to Magic Mike Shows in London (~S$146.38).

Fun fact: These performers have multiple roles on the ship — Muay Thai instructor in the day, Dream Boy by night!

Royal Caribbean’s Two70 Violin act

Royal Caribbean’s Two70 showcases are a great way to just unwind. Enjoy world-class music performances and mind-boggling magic shows before calling it a night.  

Drink Packages for Three-Night Cruise

For some of us, drinks are a crucial part of the Cruise To Nowhere experience — yes, we get it. If that’s the case for you, Royal Caribbean is definitely where you can drink your money’s worth. The Deluxe package at S$163 for a three-night cruise includes all beverages including cocktails, beer, wines and non-alcoholic beverages (basically anything under $12).

Dream Cruises’ full drink package on the other hand only has free flow coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are only free-flow between 5–7PM.

Royal Caribbean Vs Dream Cruises — Which Cruise to Nowhere Would You Pick?

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium, an adult-only pool

Here’s our take:

Rooms — The rooms on Dream Cruises’ World Dream are generally more affordable than Royal Caribbean for a similar room size. However, if you’re going for the ultimate luxury experience, Royal Caribbean takes the win.

Entertainment — This is a tough fight. Both ships have more than enough options to keep you entertained on a three-night cruise. If you’re going for more extremes, you’ll appreciate Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas for its Flowrider and iFly.

Dream Cruises’ World Dream has its epic water slides and more options when it comes to shows and classes. Of course, the star of the show here is the Dream Boys — if that’s your thing.

Dining — If you’re a real foodie, we’d go with Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas for this one.

Cruises are basically our only chance to get away from Singapore for now. And the good thing is cruises do make you feel like you’re overseas! So whichever Cruise to Nowhere you end up with — whether it’s Dream Cruises or Royal Caribbean — you’re bound to have a good immersive break, until travel resumes once again!

We hope this Cruise Comparison was helpful — if you’ve experienced both Cruises to Nowhere, let us know which you prefer in the comment section below!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Disney Adventure Cruise Sailing from Singapore in 2025 — Everything You Need to Know

7 Chill Hangout Spots Along the New Thomson-East Coast Line to Check Out With Your Friends

Tulipmania is Back at Gardens by the Bay from 29 April 2024

Experience Macao Singapore Roadshow: Get Exclusive Deals, Experience the Macau Grand Prix, and Catch Local Performances

Harry Potter Experience in Singapore Starting 3 Feb 2024 — Here’s What to Expect

5 IG-worthy Spots to Check Out in Changi Airport’s Newly Revamped T2

Hi, great post on the comparison! Wanna update on something, i just came back from Dream Cruise, they did not do a swab test before disembarkation. So i was only swab once, before boarding. Hope this helps!

thanks for the update!

Hi , thanks for the superb comparison ! I just got back from Dream Cruise World Dream.

An update for you , you don’t have to make reservation for accessing the pool now.

thanks for sharing!

I recently took a cruise on Royal Caribbean and it was amazing! The service was great and the ship was very clean. Dream Cruises, on the other hand, was not as great. The service was not as good and the ship was

Thanks for sharing!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

First-timer’s Guide to Getting to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

12D New Zealand South Island Itinerary Under S$2.9k

Singapore Travel Promos (9 Sep to 15 Sep 2024) — Deals,...

11 Relaxing Things to Do in Chubu, Central Japan — Hot...

39 New Deals and Attractions in Singapore this September 2024

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• Weekend Cruises

Click to Explore other Destinations Cruises

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Pacific
• Canada & New England
• Greek Isles
• Pacific Coastal

Voted Best Short-Duration Cruise.

• Cruise Destinations
• Itineraries
• Things to Know
• VIEW CRUISES

Slip away for a night or two at sea on a weekend cruise.

Leave all your cares on land and slip away for a weekend cruise. Enjoy dinner and dancing, take in a show, win big in the casino, party the night away or spend some time in the spa to relax and rejuvenate. We've got weekend getaways from home ports around the country, so get on board.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island

Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. This eco-fun paradise offers something for everyone!

Drink for Free on Norwegian Sky's All Inclusive Cruises

Find your serenity at sea with a quick escape on our weekend cruises. Now on 2016 sailings and beyond, you’ll enjoy complimentary unlimited top-tier beverages on Norwegian Sky! Come on board and raise your glass to a vacation of a lifetime!

Weekend Cruise Image Gallery

• Kayaking on Great Stirrup Cay
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Parasailing
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Miami, Florida
• Dolphin Encounter

Explore Weekend Cruise Ports

Featured Weekend CRUISE ITINERARIES

Best weekend excursions.

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day

Start your day with a 40-minute scenic boat ride through historic Nassau Harbour towards Blue Lagoon Island. Enjoy this private island at your leisure....

Wave Runner Tour - Single (Driver Only)

Take a 45-minute guided adventure through the Berry Islands, neighboring Great Stirrup Cay. After a safety briefing and orientation, you’ll board your Wave Runner for an informativ...

Everglades By Airboat - Miami International Airport

Depart Miami Port to Everglades National Park by airboat and encounter alligators, wildlife, enjoy shows and learn about indigenous tribes. ...

Seahorse Sail & Snorkel

Board your catamaran, which features a shaded lounge and spacious deck, for a cruise through historic Nassau Harbor en route to one of two spectacular reefs....

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Weekend Cruises

Pack Your Bags

Key West, Nassau, and Great Stirrup each offer a variety of shore excursions to choose from.

The Perfect Solo Weekend

Friday night departures with Sunday morning returns make for the perfect solo weekend getaway.

Private Island Paradise

Great Stirrup Cay is heaven on earth for weekend adventurers and loungers alike. Find your happy place amongst kayaks and hammocks in this tropical oasis.

If the Ocean Isn't Enough

Enjoy over twenty million gallons of thrilling water slides, river rafting and more at Aquaventure.

The Beauty & The Beach

Nassau boasts beautiful foliage, brilliant red hibiscus and white sand beaches - and beyond that, must-see art galleries.

• Carnival Cruise Lines

Is this a new things cruise lines are doing ? Our 2023 cruise to "nowhere"

By splash_in_the_water , April 21 in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

splash_in_the_water

So last year we did a 3 night cruise out of Miami last July. One stop, Bimini in Bahamas. Wife wanted to stay on the boat and I only left to go swimming off the beach near the port where the ship docked. Also being July it was Hot, not just hot, but hot- hot. Like 90-95. 

SO why did I call it trip to nowhere you might ask? well here's why. Technically it wasn't  nowhere  but pretty darn close. Here was our cruise path.  Crazy huh? we had been on quite a few cruises here and there, most have been mostly at least 4 night to multiple ports so we had not experienced this before. From what I know a fast boat can get to Bahamas in like 3 hours, and maybe 7-8 for a slower boat? So carnival just had us basically drifting in the channel between Florida and Bahamas...probably just using bow thrusters to keep us in the circle. I get wanting to save some fuel but this was crazy. And since most of the travel was done overnight Instead so we were doing circles on our sea days, there was just about no breeze at all which really did not help create a breeze, and it was scorching on deck. I know Bimini isn't far but they could have done some bigger loops to at least get a few more miles on the trip. Also I'm not sure but I doubt this was to avoid "weather" further south. That could probably be figured out pretty easy.

So that's it. I'm sure this has come up before, I just haven't been on CC for a long time. 

When I was younger me and my buddies used to go from Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini fishing all the time.  It only took about an hour to get there! 😜

Just curious. Would you have noticed this had you not looked at the map? Water is water no matter if you are doing circles there, north of there, south of there or east of there. You cant really tell a difference. A sea day is a sea day, especially when the port of call is so close. 

Take a look at Radiance over out of Long Beach. It goes between LA and Catalina and Ensenada. That ship basically does circles all day every day just off the coast.

oh, perhaps it's even closer than I realized. I was basing what I thought on a video from a Youtuber. Before we went I guess I didn't realize it was so close. We had previous been to Nassau like 3-4 times, but like I said on cruises with multiple ports, necessitating longer sails, but dang I didn't know they'd just go in circles all day!

I have recently been twice on the left coast version - Long beach to Catalina. That's about 30 miles. Took the Miracle 15 hours; the ferry does it in 1-2. On an aft facing cabin, its apparent the props, when running at all, are not churning up a wake at night. I only figured it out on my second voyage: For those extra hours, the bars are pouring and the slots are spinning.  That's fine with me- I like my nights at sea.

I am told that QM2 can make NY from Southampton in 4.5 - 5 days, rather than the scheduled 7. But nobody wants that.

2 minutes ago, stobe1 said: Just curious. Would you have noticed this had you not looked at the map? Water is water no matter if you are doing circles there, north of there, south of there or east of there. You cant really tell a difference. A sea day is a sea day, especially when the port of call is so close.    Take a look at Radiance over out of Long Beach. It goes between LA and Catalina and Ensenada. That ship basically does circles all day every day just off the coast.

you know I think we didn't really notice til we did look at the map, good catch. We just felt like if we were moving a bit more it would have made a little more breeze.

Guess no one wants to go on a one day cruise.  I actually wouldn't mind if they brought back the cruises-to-nowhere.   Guess it's hard to sell excursions on those though!!!

Regardless this was probably the shortest cruise we've been on and honestly I don't know that i'd want to do it again. The term "booze cruise" was definitely applicable this time. Normally we book longer cruises but we were already in Florida so this was just a little bonus. Basically the old "you don't know til ya know" situation.

DallasGuy75219

52 minutes ago, Sabalon said: I actually wouldn't mind if they brought back the cruises-to-nowhere.

They're now officially prohibited from the US with the kind of visa that most mass market line crew possess.

Hmmmm interesting.

At least you got to go somewhere! Some people are left on an actual, literal cruise to nowhere due to inclement weather that doesn't allow them to get off on any port. I guess we should just take what you can get because it can always be worse! And things could have gone wrong, which in your case they didn't. 

ha. for sure I shouldn't fuss too much but isn't that what people do here on CC? But yeah that wouldn't be fun to miss a port due to inclement weather. We've always been fortunate. My biggest complaint was it was so hot! (says the guy who went to Florida in july)  😂

Butterbean1000

It's called "cruising" for a reason.

1 hour ago, splash_in_the_water said: oh, perhaps it's even closer than I realized. I was basing what I thought on a video from a Youtuber. Before we went I guess I didn't realize it was so close. We had previous been to Nassau like 3-4 times, but like I said on cruises with multiple ports, necessitating longer sails, but dang I didn't know they'd just go in circles all day!

Miami to Bimini is 48 Nautical miles.

Look, on a going forward basis, 7 day Carnival cruises are likely not getting any farther than Grand Turk or Amber Cove. Throw in a Celebration Key stop and HMC after the pier gets built and they control 100% of your spend. Plus they save gas. There's huge demand for that kind of product, especially on these extra fancy new builds. Doesn't interest me in the slightest but that's where the mass markets are going.

12 hours ago, DallasGuy75219 said: They're now officially prohibited from the US with the kind of visa that most mass market line crew possess.

I know what you are saying, but I think it could be worded better. They are allowed, but the crew would need a different sort of visa which is more expensive. None of the major cruise lines seems to be willing to add this extra expense to allow a "cruise to nowhere". 

2 minutes ago, ontheweb said: I know what you are saying, but I think it could be worded better. They are allowed, but the crew would need a different sort of visa which is more expensive. None of the major cruise lines seems to be willing to add this extra expense to allow a "cruise to nowhere". 

It's just not worth the extra expense and possibly longer processing time and scrutiny considering how few were scheduled even when they were allowed. The cruise lines pretty much only scheduled them when had a 2-3 open days before or after a repositioning or for example if a hurricane cut a scheduled cruise short.

Pretty much every cruise can get from port to port much faster than they actually do. But the longer you're on the ship, the more money you're spending. We just got off the Mardi Gras a couple weeks ago and noticed quite often we would be hauling tail for an hour or two and then all of a sudden we were using virtually no propulsion and practically drifting. Sometimes they can actually be avoiding a storm or rougher seas, but I'm convinced most of it is just to keep you on the ship longer. San Juan was our only stop where the port area wasn't almost entirely financed by the cruise line. It's not just a coincidence that just about every port has a Diamonds/Tanzanite International, Cariloha, Del Sol, Effy, etc.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com Summer 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!
• How To: Follow Topics & Forums (Get Notifications)

Write An Amazing Review !

Click this photo by member XFrancophileX to share your review w/ photos too!

Parliament, Budapest

Features & News

LauraS · Started 1 hour ago

LauraS · Started 6 hours ago

LauraS · Started 7 hours ago

LauraS · Started Friday at 09:08 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:09 PM

Cruise Planning

Find a cruise, popular ports, member reviews.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...