Mini cruises have long been heralded as a great little escape for busy people or for people who want to give their first try at cruising. A mini cruise refers to any cruise of less than five days in length, typically around four to five days, but there are also weekend cruises. Though this cruises are “mini” they still allow you to visit two or three different destinations without ever having to worry about finding a hotel or carting around luggage.

There are numerous cruise lines hanging around Britain during the summer months, which offer mini cruises. One of the highest rated is from Holland America Line. The Eurodam offers a couple of mini cruise options as well as extended 10 day options if you find you like the experience. If you catch the ship at Dover you’ll be in for a four-night, one-way frolic to Guernsey via Bruges and Cherbourg, which will cost about £465, or there is a two-day trip to Copenhagen for £141. The Eurodam offers plenty for entertainment while onboard, including two pools, shopping, a nightclub offering huge sea panoramas, and plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages. On top of everything you can do on your own, expect lavish dinners and grand performances served up every night by the cruise crew and entertainers. The Eurodam is large at nearly 87,000 tons and passenger capacity of 2,100; you’ll never be at a lack of things to do.

If the Eurodam is not your style, then the mini cruise offered by the 3,000 passenger Ventura might be just what you’re looking for. This massive ship will offer kids the time of their lives and parents the chance to get away while still having the kids close by. The Ventura is a member of the P&O line and offers a circus school for kids that will teach them everything they need to know to be a one-time circus performer, as well as plenty of children’s clubs and a resident Noddy that will keep the kids smiling for the entire cruise. If you choose the mini cruise option on the Ventura, will take you to see Bruges from Southampton and run about £322. The price may be considerably more for a two-day cruise than on the Eurodam but all the extras for kids and adults on this ship ensure that you won’t be disappointed.

If you want something a bit more exotic Royal Caribbean offers a four day mini cruise that gives you the chance to spend a night in Ireland.  Strangely enough when you consider that the ship offers a surfing simulator, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink and plenty of shops and bars, you’ll wonder if there is really all that much to do in Ireland anyway. A four day will run you anywhere from £332-441 depending on how far in advance you book, but as far as mini cruises go, the options for fun and entertainment on this 160,000 ton ship are unparalleled.

Whatever option you chose a mini cruise offers a quick and memorable getaway that you’ll be eager to repeat.