Why A 3-night Cruise Is The Best Long Weekend Travel Hack

5 Benefits Of A 3-day Cruise

The classic long weekend getaway is a true bonding experience for relationships or groups of friends. Add in kids and blow their little minds with a family restart that will have your crew clicking long after the weekend winds down. Whether adults-only chill or wild teen-and-kid thrill, short cruises offer benefits that make a floating fun-fest into a weekend win:

● Unpack once, but take a culinary trip around the world. Up to 23 international cuisines await to tempt your palate.

● Whether dawn-until-the-wee-hours weekend warriors or lazy-day loungers looking to recharge, do as much or as little as you like.

● There’s no shortage of entertainment. Hang ten or slip-slide away at a waterpark-at-sea, experience an old school glam supper club or Broadway-style show, let the little ones party at Adventure Ocean kids’ club or tech’d-out teens-only hideouts while you get lucky at the casino or salsa the night away.

● Sail while you sleep — you’re not driving, so make the most of long weekend travel hours normally spent in a car. Instead, you’ll be having a blast on the ship and arriving at port perfectly rested.

● Trade Saturday morning post-hike tick checks for a tick off the bucket list, via intriguing once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean’s Best Long Weekend Travel Ideas

Short cruises make the best long weekend trips. Here are some of the best 3-day cruises Royal Caribbean offers, tailored to any taste:

3-Night Mexico

Say ole to a quick jaunt to Ensenada from LA or San Diego, with sparkling seas lapping the golden shores of San Miguel Beach. Earn your street taco tour along Calle 1 by hiking the craggy and cactus-dotted Canon de Dona Petra trail, or simply stroll through local artist stalls and grab an icy cerveza to people watch. Any sadness at saying adios will be swept away by the wealth of fun waiting back on the ship. 

(Extend for four nights to include quaint, nature-forward Catalina Island or explore vibrant Cabo San Lucas on a five-night cruise.)

3-Night Private Island

Win the weekend with short cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay from Florida’s Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral. Aptly named, the gorgeous white sand expanses of Chill Island, South Beach and adult-only Hideaway Beach join floating cabanas to provide max relaxation. Thrills for the wild child of any age await, including:

● Zip lining.

● Beach volleyball.

● Snorkeling.

● 14-slide Thrill Water Park.

● Splashaway Bay.

● Splashy playground, Captain Jill’s Galleon.

There’s even a massive 33,175sq ft Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool for salty sailors looking for freshwater swim-up bars, lounge chairs and a live DJ. 

(It’s possible to do short cruises of only two nights with a stop at Perfect Day CocoCay.)

3-Night At Sea

Even “down under,” Aussie cruisers can enjoy long weekend travel perks on a Royal Caribbean activity-packed cruise to “nowhere” by floating their cares away from Queensland’s Brisbane with a long weekend. Who needs a port stop when the fun says go-go-go! 

(Extend short cruises and explore the Whitsunday wonderland of Airlie Beach on a four-night cruise.)

How To Budget, Prep And Choose A Cruise

Short cruises make the best long weekend travel ideas. Choose your cruise and prep like a pro with these tips: 

Location, Location, Location

When time is tight, don’t waste it en route. Pick a port within driving distance or with non-stop flights to maximize your short cruises.

Pack Light

Save time waiting for bags or an XXL Uber, opt for carry-ons with access to everything you need to get onboard quickly and let the good times roll!

Perks of Planning

Preserve cruising time for whims and whimsy, research and reserve experiences like unique shore excursions and specialty dining in advance to make the most of your long weekend travel.

Ditch the Crowds

Long weekend travel holidays are better onboard. Cruises are designed to run at full capacity, while hotels are not. Even in prime time, you’ll find sun loungers, barstools and waterslide lines ready for the whole crew.

Big Fun, Bitty Budget

Short cruises blow land-based getaways out of the water when it comes to budget. Lodging, dining, live entertainment, sports court fees, babysitting, onboard waterpark entrance and international transportation are all covered in your cruise fare. Splurges can be had, but a dozen or more complimentary venues and endless entertainment options mean serious bang for your buck in the long weekend travel game.

Maximize A Weekend By Floating To Fun

Short cruises offer long weekend getaways for every taste. From the Caribbean and Mexico to private retreats, you’ll have plenty of options to make the most of your time off. Just remember to pack and plan accordingly so you don’t waste a second!