A bridge in Amsterdam with bikes chained to the railing & houses in the background

Mini Cruises

Get a taste of life at sea on a mini cruise. Whether you’re joining us for an overnight cruise, a weekend cruise, or a few more days aboard, it couldn’t be any easier for time-limited travellers to get away with our range of short cruises.

Take a mini cruise from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle or another UK port, and make the most of every moment on board Borealis, Bolette, Balmoral or Braemar as you embark on a short cruise with us.

Enjoy lazy days relaxing, great food and first-class entertainment on board and take the time to explore the new cities and sights that your mini cruise reveals. Cruise across the Channel to discover beautiful destinations like Amsterdam, cross the Irish Sea to Belfast or Dublin, or cruise from one part of the UK to another. Even when your mini cruise only lasts a night it can be a unique, laid-back and surprisingly cheap way to visit friends and family in different parts of the country.

With a range of options from one-night mini cruises to five-night mini cruises from UK ports, you're sure to find something to suit you. And, whatever you choose, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy all the comfort, care and little luxuries of a longer cruise, just for a shorter period of time.

Our featured mini cruise deals

Borealis At Sea
Mystery Cruise from Portsmouth (S2529)As a family-run business, we are free to do things a little differently, and our Mystery Cruises are a great example of exactly that. Your itinerary is kept secret – with only Fred. Olsen's Journey Planners (and of course our Navigational team) knowing the full details. An atmosphere of anticipation will begin the moment you step on board, building as your journey progresses, with everyone having their theory as to which port will be appearing on the horizon next. Every destination will be kept secret until the last possible moment, so you won’t know where you’re going until you arrive. The atmosphere on board is friendly, sociable and lots of fun.
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    6 days from £799 pp

  • Dates Available

    07 November 2025

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    Portsmouth

  • Operator

    Fred Olsen

  • Ship

    Borealis

Bolette At Sea
Mystery Cruise from Liverpool (T2527)As a family-run business, we are free to do things a little differently, and our Mystery Cruises are a great example of exactly that. Your itinerary is kept secret – with only our Journey Planners (and of course our Navigational team) knowing the full details. An atmosphere of anticipation will begin the moment you step on board, building as your journey progresses, with everyone having their theory as to which port will be appearing on the horizon next. Every destination will be kept secret until the last possible moment, so you won’t know where you’re going until you arrive. The atmosphere on board is friendly, sociable and lots of fun.
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    8 days from £799 pp

  • Dates Available

    15 December 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    Liverpool

  • Operator

    Fred Olsen

  • Ship

    Bolette

Honfleur, France
French Escape from Tilbury (A12518)
France
Set sail on a voyage to the charming port town of Honfleur, where cobblestone streets wind through half-timbered houses and reveal picturesque harbour views. Explore galleries, savour French cuisine in quaint bistros, and stroll along the Vieux Bassin. Honfleur's maritime history and romantic atmosphere create an enchanting backdrop for a sailing, offering an idyllic getaway along the scenic Normandy coastline.
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    4 days from £399 pp

  • Dates Available

    22 August 2025

  • Duration

    4 days

  • Operator

    Ambassador

  • Ship

    Ambience

Antwerp, Belgium
Festive Getaway from Tilbury (A22528)
Belgium
Embark on a tranquil journey to two bustling ports. Set sail to Antwerp, greeted by its majestic cathedral, and discover a city teeming with top-tier museums and a vibrant cultural scene. In Zeebrugge, you have the opportunity to venture to Bruges, a town famed for its medieval allure, exquisite chocolate shops, and classic Belgian architecture. These destinations provide a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Belgian allure while exploring the rich maritime history, cultural gems, and lively scenery of Northwestern Europe.
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    4 days from £449 pp

  • Dates Available

    07 December 2025

  • Duration

    4 days

  • Depart From

    London Tilbury

  • Operator

    Ambassador

  • Ship

    Ambition

Ijmuiden, Netherlands
Festive Getaway from Tilbury (A22525)
Netherlands, Belgium
Set off on a soothing expedition to two vibrant ports. Begin in Zeebrugge, where you can opt for a tour to Bruges, a city known for its medieval charm, chocolate shops, and historic Belgian architecture. Then, cruise to Ijmuiden, the portal to the bustling city of Amsterdam, famous for its picturesque canals, renowned museums, and dynamic cultural scene. This voyage offers an opportunity to experience the charm of both Belgium and the Netherlands, as you delve into their rich maritime histories, cultural highlights, and the lively vistas of Northwestern Europe.
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    4 days from £299 pp

  • Dates Available

    02 December 2025

  • Duration

    4 days

  • Depart From

    London Tilbury

  • Operator

    Ambassador

  • Ship

    Ambition

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