What Is The Shortest Cruise You Can Take?

Types of Short Cruises

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for extended weekend cruises or just have time for a few nights away on a ship. There are short cruises for every kind of traveler. To plan it, I recommend considering whether you want to enjoy short weekend getaways or push it right up to the point of it being a full, week-long vacation.

Here’s what to know about every option:

2-Night Cruises

● Perfect for a weekend away.

● Doesn’t require much, if any, PTO.

● Gives you a taste of cruising and ship life without needing to commit.

● Budget-friendly.

3-Night Cruises

● If you have an extended weekend in the works, this one’s for you.

● Doesn’t require too much PTO.

● Offers more of a vacation than a weekend.

● Feels just long enough to have an escape.

4- to 5-Night Cruises

● Not quite a lengthy cruise, yet not super short either.

● Great if you have a moderate amount of time off at your fingertips, either because you’ve accrued PTO or personal days, or you’re retired.

● More time for exploring.

● Plenty of time to get to know your ship.

● Opens up the door for further destinations.

A 5-night, 6-day cruise might feel like too long a trip if you don’t have lots of PTO saved up. However, if you plan it to line up with a weekend and a holiday, you only need to request three days off.

Who Are Short Cruises Best For?

Short cruises are really inclusive. They suit the needs of everyone, from the 20-something workaholic who needs a break to the laid-back retiree couple looking for an easy vacation. A small cruise vacation can do wonders for your mental health, relationship and anything else that flourishes when you’re relaxed.

But, there are specific groups of people who could benefit most from a quick and relaxing getaway:

Busy Couples

Balancing two schedules can be challenging for couples. Short cruises are a great way to have some dedicated time together without needing to go off-grid or commit to a massive holiday.

First-Time Cruisers

If you’ve never cruised before, it can be intimidating (or exciting) to commit to a lengthy cruise. Short cruises offer a taste of the adventure, giving you a feel for shipside vacations.

Workaholics

Too many of us are terrible about using our time off. For many, taking a vacation seems like it will be too hard to schedule between work and other obligations. But everyone needs a short break, so if you’re struggling to find a holiday that works for you, try out a short cruise. It’s quick, relaxing and filled with fun — it’s the perfect reset, and you’ll come to work refreshed.

Families

Kids can be tricky to travel with, but not on a short cruise. It’s not too long to lose their attention, but long enough for the whole family to enjoy togetherness, great meals and memory-making in gorgeous destinations.

What To Expect On A Short Cruise

Imagine all of the perks of a longer cruise — the great food, endless activities, memorable shore excursions and entertainment — but without the time commitment. You don’t have to put your life on hold to enjoy short Caribbean cruises, for example. That’s the beauty of picking a short cruise vacation.

If you’re curious about the experience onboard Royal Caribbean short cruises, here’s what to expect: 

Activities and Entertainment

Whether you go on a round-the-world cruise or take a The Bahamas cruise for a few days, you can take part in a plethora of fun-filled activities aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships on each sea day. If you love musicals, catch a show. If you want to get some exercise, use the sports courts or take a dance class. If you’re a passenger craving an adrenaline rush, try out the zip line. There’s no limit on how much you can pack into your days at sea — you aren’t missing out on entertainment just because your cruise is shorter.

Just make the most of that limited time. I recommend researching what you want to do beforehand so you don’t waste any time onboard trying to decide. It’s also a good idea to book reservations for popular events just to make sure you can attend, since there’s a shorter window.

Dining Options

Food is a huge driver behind many cruise bookings, short cruises included, and it’s not hard to imagine why. On Royal Caribbean ships, authentic Italian, gorgeous sushi creations, Southern fare and a massive buffet selection are just some of the delicious options onboard. Travelers can treat themselves to the specialty dining offerings or fuel up at casual spots like Windjammer that are included in their fare.

This is another part of the cruise experience that I’d recommend planning ahead for if you’re opting for a short trip. Research the restaurant options available before you go, so you don’t waste time on your actual vacation trying to narrow it down. Reservations will also ensure you fit in the eateries that you’re most excited about.

Shore Excursions

Royal Caribbean offers some of the best short cruises in the world, specifically because of the fabulous shore excursions that come with them. The cruise line’s private destinations are a major perk for those taking short Caribbean cruises, as these resorts are speckled throughout the region. If you’re on a The Bahamas cruise, you can visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, an exclusive shore excursion from the Royal Caribbean cruise line chock-full of heart-pumping waterslides, white sand beaches, sparkling pools and good vibes.

Come December 2025, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will land in Nassau. And in 2026, Royal Beach Club Cozumel hits Mexico. Like Perfect Day at CocoCay, these Royal Caribbean destinations are special places where guests can live it up on the coast via water activities, lounging spaces and more.

Cruise Ship Highlights

Back on board the cruise, Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy the ship’s perks all over again while sailing, from the dining to the entertainment. But there’s more to the vessels than these offerings. The very nature of each ship is set up for a good time — the iridescent views of the sea, for example, are just an intrinsic part of a Royal Caribbean cruise, regardless of length.

Other ship highlights include the staff’s helpful service, comfortable rooms, holistic spa treatments, accessibility features and pools for all.

Top Destinations For Short Cruises

From the United States, there are so many destinations to consider when it comes to short cruise vacations. You can stay domestic and take in the incredible sites of the American coast, or head for the warmer waters of the eastern Caribbean. It’s really just about what kind of quick cruise you’re in the mood for.

Here are a few of the best short cruises: 

Nassau, The Bahamas

There are so many things to do in Nassau for every guest, including museum-hopping, lounging on the beach, indulging in vibrant Caribbean fare and visiting old forts. Perfect Day at CocoCay is also another draw, offering a chill-meets-thrill atmosphere that could please everyone from cruisers sailing for the first time to practiced retirees.

Caribbean Hotspots

If you love wildlife, watersports and culture, you can’t go wrong with an island vacation in this turquoise sea. Even the biggest cruise critic would fall in love with the itineraries here. I recommend taking short Caribbean cruises sailing to the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and Curaçao, as these are widely considered to be some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Key West, Florida

Key West is one of those mini vacation getaway destinations that is perfect for Americans wanting to travel by ship close to home while still enjoying a tropical adventure. This is one of my parents’ favorite spots ever due to its laid-back culture, pirate history, historic homes of famous writers and, much to my mom’s delight, chickens that freely wander down the road.

Mexico

Being our neighbor to the south, this entire country is an ideal spot for short cruises. Shop for artisan goods, explore Mayan ruins, hike through jungles, snorkel amongst kaleidoscope-hued coral reefs and enjoy the best tacos of your life. It’s a paradise for the adventurous, the outdoorsy and the food-obsessed like myself. And, with Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico landing so soon, even more fun is on the horizon.

Planning Your Short Cruise Getaway

The bottom line is that the best short cruises are planned well. They’re another game entirely from longer cruises. Making sure you’re arriving at everything early, for example, is essential. Meanwhile, taking advantage of a ship’s onboard activities will be a game-changer.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when planning weekend getaways or taking Royal Caribbean short cruises:

Consider The Weather

Make sure to look up the average temperatures of your destination before you go. Research the storm season, the climate and precipitation, so you know what to pack.

Refer To Your Bucket List

Figure out which destinations are your priority to see before booking a cruise. This will also help you manage how you spend your time in each port. Itineraries that most align with your bucket list should take priority.

Have Some Reservations

Consider which of the ship’s activities and dining moments you plan on engaging in that require reservations. Even for ones that don’t, on short cruises, you’ll have a short window of time when you can fit everything in — and reservations can help make that happen. On a larger ship, this will be especially key because it takes longer to get everywhere on board.

Pack Well

Keep in mind the climate, activities you plan to do and destinations you’ll be visiting when packing. On short cruises, luckily, you don’t need to pack a lot, but it’s still important to pack well. There’s only so much space.

Book Your Own Short Cruise

Short cruise vacations are special. They’re escapes from the everyday, and the chance to reconnect with your loved ones, yourself and your love of adventure. From Nassau to Mexico and beyond, you’ll find bucket list experiences, beautiful scenery and plenty of fun to make even a long weekend feel like the best adventure ever.