Best Short Cruises: Top Destinations, Tips & Itineraries

There’s power in weekend getaways. Between work, at-home responsibilities, school and anything else you might have going on, life can get pretty busy — sometimes too busy for a vacation. Even as a travel writer, I can struggle to carve out time to take a trip just for myself. Luckily, even the shortest cruise can offer the perfect respite: a chance to get away from it all and enjoy all things chill, thrill and tropical.

Royal Caribbean offers a range of small cruise vacations. The brand’s diverse destinations include 3-day cruises, making for the most convenient and easy holiday. If you want a little more time but still need it to be a relatively short cruise vacation, there are even 6-day cruises that still keep things under a week. Opt for a weekend in The Bahamas or plan accordingly for a 4-to-5-night trip a little further away.

You could have tons of PTO stacked up or none at all; this guide for the best short cruises with Royal Caribbean has you covered.

It’s really all about how much time you want to spend exploring.

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 if 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 Mini 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 a blissful escape.

4- to 5-Night Cruises

● Not quite a lengthy cruise; not super short either.

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

● More time for exploring.

● Plenty of time to get to know your chosen cruise 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. 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 retired 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.

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’ll be too hard to schedule between work and other obligations. 

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 return to work refreshed.

Families

Kids can be tricky to travel with — 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 — without the time commitment. 

You don’t have to put your life on hold to enjoy short Caribbean cruises. That’s the beauty of picking a short cruise vacation.

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

Activities and Entertainment

You could go on a round-the-world cruise, take a cruise to The Bahamas for a few days or take part in a plethora of fun-filled activities on board 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 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 on board trying to decide. It’s also a good idea to book reservations for popular events just to make sure you can attend (there’s a shorter window during mini vacations).

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 on board. 

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, including 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 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.

And then there’s  Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau! And in the future, Royal Beach Club Cozumel opens in Mexico. Like Perfect Day 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. 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.

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 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’s 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

Let’s be honest: 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, cruise travelers will enjoy even more fun.

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 absolute favorites 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.

Make a Few Important Reservations

Consider which of the ship’s activities and dining moments require reservations. Even for ones that don’t, on short cruises, you’ll have a short window of time to fit everything in — and reservations can help make that happen. 

On a larger ship, this ise especially true 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. You don’t need to pack a lot for short cruises, but it’s still important to pack well. There’s only so much space, after all!