Going on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to use up all of your precious vacation days. Celebrate your next anniversary with a short cruise to the Bahamas, or take advantage of a long weekend and whisk your family away on a four-night cruise around the Caribbean.
These condensed cruises are a great way to make the most out of a short period of time. Not only do you get to visit world-renowned destinations, but you’ll also get a chance to enjoy all of the premium amenities and innovative spaces on board.
These are some of the best short cruises you can book for an unforgettable vacation.
1: 2-Night Bahamas Cruise
Watch: Bahamas Cruise on Celebrity Cruises
If you’re looking to set sail on a spectacular island getaway full of white-sand beaches and crystalline water, it doesn’t get much better than The Bahamas.
Located less than 200 miles east of the southern coast of Florida, this slice of paradise is only a short journey away from the embarkation port of Fort Lauderdale, making it the perfect cruise to book over a long weekend.
Your cruise ship will dock in the capital of Nassau, where there are plenty of fun and relaxing activities to sign up for during your day in port.
You’ll also have a full day in Perfect Day at CocoCay, a paradise of white sand beaches, stylish waterfront bars and restaurants, and thrilling waterslides.
Nassau, Bahamas
One of the most popular shore excursions in the Bahamas is spending a day at the Atlantis Resort, where parents can rest and relax in the sun while kids enjoy the hotel’s massive water park. Choose a day pass and have fun zipping down the water slides, riding the rapids of the river ride, or lounging in one of the many pools on the premises.
Thanks to an abundance of marine life and coral reefs, you can also scuba dive or go snorkeling in Nassau and discover the island’s rich underwater ecosystem.
CocoCay, Bahamas
In CocoCay, there’s a space for every taste. Treat yourself to a luxurious overwater cabana for the day, or head for Thrill Waterpark to hurtle down one of the tallest waterslides in North America.
Take a selfie from a helium balloon 450 feet above the sea, fly along a zipline, or unwind in the Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.
2: 3-Night Nassau & Bimini Cruise
Blue Lagoon, Bahamas
Enjoy a blissful short break on a three-night cruise to Nassau and dreamy Bimini from Fort Lauderdale. In Nassau, take a tour to learn about the town’s history, sample rum cake, and cool off with a piña colada.
Or you could spend the day at Blue Lagoon, relaxing in the shade of a coconut palm on a private white sand beach and sipping mimosas.
Stingray in Bimini
Bimini mixes blissful beach time with thrilling adventure. Feed stingrays by hand at Honeymoon Harbor, or snorkel among Caribbean reef sharks. Try your hand at fishing, or paddle a sea kayak over colorful reefs before relaxing in a private cabana in a luxurious beach club.
3: 3-Night Taste of Luxury Cruise
Twofold Bay, Eden
If you’re based in Australia and want to experience a short break on a cruise ship, board a sampler cruise from Sydney. You’ll sail south to Eden, which lies on picturesque Twofold Bay on the lush Sapphire Coast.
You could spend a day on a catamaran, cruising the craggy shoreline and pretty inlets of the bay, or perhaps head to Pambula Lake to spend the day with a Sydney rock oyster farmer. You’ll learn to harvest and shuck your own oysters, ending with a tasting of this delicious delicacy.
Rooftop Garden
This cruise also gives you a whole day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the stylish Celebrity Edge. Spend the day relaxing by the pool or taking in the expansive view from the Rooftop Garden, a beautiful space resembling a living urban playscape.
Spend some time on the Magic Carpet, a spacious lounge cantilevered over the side of the ship with 270-degree views of the ocean. At night, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the Martini Bar, dine at one of our specialty restaurants, then head to the theater for a thrilling live performance.
4: 3-Night Key West & Bahamas
Key West, Florida
Enjoy a short but sweet escape on a three-night cruise that stops in Key West and Nassau. Embrace the unique atmosphere of Key West, a quirky island in Florida famed for its happy, easygoing lifestyle.
Check out the many bars along famous Duval Street, visit Ernest Hemingway’s former house-turned-museum, and take a picture by the striped buoy that marks the southernmost point of the U.S.
Later, head to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, where white sand beaches and crystal clear waters await. Go scuba diving or snorkeling around colorful coral reefs. Take the family to the Atlantis Resort, where there are dozens of thrilling water slides for kids and tranquil pools for adults.
Swim with dolphins at a marine habitat, or take a ferry to the idyllic Blue Lagoon Island, where you can lounge under a palm tree and listen to the sound of the waves.
5: 4-Night Bruges & Amsterdam Cruise
Grote Markt Square in Bruges, Belgium
Embark on a short cruise in northern Europe to the picturesque cities of Bruges and Amsterdam, which is the ideal trip for a long holiday weekend.
Depart from Southampton, a port less than two hours away from London, after exploring the capital’s iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
From there, stop in charming Bruges, which is also known as the “Venice of the North” because of the network of canals that crisscross its medieval center.
Stroll along cobblestone streets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic castles and cathedrals, or spend an entertaining afternoon at a workshop learning how to make the famous Belgian chocolate.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, take advantage of this scenic city’s impressive cultural scene. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy the world’s largest collection of works by the Dutch impressionist. Step inside the Anne Frank House, and witness the former hiding place of the famous young diarist.
Rent a bike and make your way around the city on two wheels. Discover Amsterdam’s unique waterfront architecture by boarding a romantic canal cruise, where you can marvel at the sights while drinking a cozy glass of wine.
6: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise
Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau, Bahamas
On a four-night Bahamas cruise with Celebrity, you’ll see the best of Bimini and the vibrant capital of Nassau. Depart from sunny Miami, where you can enjoy the glamorous nightlife of South Beach, fine dining in Brickell, and luxury shopping in Aventura before boarding your ship.
Your first stop on this short cruise is Nassau, the cultural and commercial center of the Bahamas. This port acts as the starting point for many popular activities like Segway safari tours around Blue Lagoon Island, and snorkeling through the crystal clear waters off Cable Beach, one of the best beaches in Nassau.
Admire pink flamingos and purple-hued peacocks at the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre. Wrap up your day in Nassau with a tasty bowl of Bahamian conch chowder or a serving of stone crab claws.
Bimini, Bahamas
The next stop on this short four-night cruise is Bimini, the westernmost island in the Bahamas and a favorite destination for sport fishing enthusiasts. Dive off the decayed decks of the shipwrecked SS Sapona, which lies partly above the waterline, and snorkel through her former hull to see colorful marine life in the warm, blue water.
Bask in the sun and sip a cool cocktail on Radio Beach, then rent a golf cart for a leisurely ride into town for a quick bite to eat.
7: 4-Night Key West & Bahamas Cruise
Fort Zachary Taylor Park in Key West, Florida
Make the most of a holiday weekend and plan a vacation at sea during this four-night cruise to Key West and the Bahamas. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, this short itinerary has just the right amount of sun, sand, and exciting days in port to make for an unforgettable trip.
Start off by visiting Key West, the quirky town that Ernest Hemingway once called home. Key West is known for its varied water sports, and you can explore the ocean and the lush surrounding mangroves on a kayak, paddleboard, or sleek catamaran.
Onboard entertainment on Celebrity Cruises
Take advantage of this itinerary’s full day at sea and explore all of the fun venues and non-stop entertainment available on board. Dine at one of our specialty restaurants with menus crafted by a Michelin-standard chef.
Watch high-energy shows at the theater, which combine lively music with thrilling acrobatics. Relax by the outdoor pool or indoor solarium, and schedule an indulgent afternoon at the spa, where you can sign up for a revitalizing treatment.
During your day in Nassau, snorkel over one of the island’s stunning reefs, where you may spot sea turtles gliding beneath you. Learn how to scuba dive with an expert instructor or, if you’re more experienced, head out to the breathtaking Rainbow Reef for an unforgettable dive.
Plan a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island, where all you have to do is lay back and enjoy the view from this tropical paradise.
8: 4-Night Key West & Perfect Day
CocoCay, Bahamas
Escape on a four-night short break that takes in two wonderful destinations: quirky Key West and the island paradise of Perfect Day at CocoCay. You’ll also have a full day at sea to enjoy the luxurious facilities of your Celebrity Cruises ship.
Take a glass-bottomed boat or a snorkeling tour from Key West to discover the dazzling marine life on North America’s only living coral reef. Spot wild dolphins, or kayak through mangroves.
Key West, Florida
On dry land, board the Conch Train to see the island’s grand mansions and colorful houses, including the villa where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote. Join a rum-tasting experience, and remember to try a slice of tangy Key lime pie.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is your chance to relax on a white sand beach, swim in a vast lagoon pool, or brave Daredevil’s Peak, one of the tallest waterslides in North America. Treat yourself to a luxurious beachfront cabana at Chill Island, complete with snacks and the services of a cabana attendant.
Sunset Bar
There’s a day at sea as you cruise back to Fort Lauderdale, with all the delicious choices that a Celebrity cruise offers. Sunbathe by the pool, enjoy a game of croquet at The Lawn Club, and toast the end of a delightful escape with an ice-cold cocktail at the Sunset Bar.
9: 5-Night Bahamas & Mexico Cruise
Pearl Island, Bahamas
Combine two days at sea with a day in Nassau and Cozumel, Mexico. Here, you can relax on white sand beaches, browse the Straw Market for local crafts, and tuck into conch fritter, the local specialty.
Or perhaps elevate your experience with a private waterfront cabana at Pearl Island, where you can snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, try kayaking and paddle boarding, and enjoy a traditional Bahamian lunch served in your cabana.
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, Cozumel
There are plenty of things to do in Cozumel as well. If you just want to lounge by the water, spend the day at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park while sipping on a margarita.
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, go on an ATV tour of the Cozumel jungle or take an all-terrain buggy around the coast. Take a salsa-making class, with salsa dancing included, or join an excursion to explore incredible Mayan ruins.
Martini Bar
In between all this excitement ashore, you have two whole days to relax into the rhythm of life at sea. Sunbathe by the pool, take a class in the gym, and try out your luxurious ship’s specialty restaurants. Don’t miss the Martini Bar, where expert mixologists juggle and entertain as they prepare the perfect cocktail.
10: 5-Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise
CocoCay, Bahamas
Cruise from Fort Lauderdale on a short Western Caribbean cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico. With two days at sea, you’ll also have plenty of time on the ship to explore world-class restaurants, try a new treatment at the spa, and lounge poolside.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island paradise that’s all yours for the day. Brave a massive waterslide, fly across the zipline, or admire the lush island and turquoise waters from above in a hot air balloon.
Relax on powdery beaches and treat yourself to a private cabana at Chill Island, with uninterrupted views of the aquamarine sea.
Cozumel
Cozumel is a small island perfect for scuba divers thanks to its transparent waters and pristine coral reef systems. If you’d rather stay on land, sit back and enjoy a day on one of Cozumel’s gorgeous beaches, including Playa Palancar or El Cielo, which lives up to its heavenly name.
Celebrity Reflection
If you’re ready to book one of these short cruises and embark on a relaxing and action-packed getaway, browse itineraries on our website, pick your stateroom, and start planning all the activities you’ll do while in port and on the ship.
