The short-haul long-weekend beach or city break is a time-honoured tradition for our little island of avid travellers. And yet, this year, our attempts to jet off for a few hassle-free days are being blighted as never before (thank you airport drop-off charges, entry/exit system chaos, rising flight costs, stingier luggage allowances – the list goes on).
But there is another way. Cruise companies are increasingly offering “micro cruises”: sailings which last just a few days, but allow you to spend every minute actually on holiday, rather than battling to get there and battling to get back.
This applies, of course, both to sailings departing from UK ports, and to those which allow you to “bolt on” an easy excursion to an existing holiday, should you fancy exploring further afield without having to endure yet more flying.
Take small-ship cruise line Windstar’s roster of Quick Getaway Cruises, for example: all of which depart from Central London, eliminating both airport hassle and the need to schlep to bigger ports. You just hop onboard (in this case, via the moored HMS Belfast opposite the Tower of London), hand over your passport, have your luggage whisked away, and let the crew take over. It’s difficult, as the bascules of Tower Bridge slowly rise to allow Windstar’s sleek Star Pride to glide beneath, not to be entirely convinced that this is by far the best way to travel.
That was my experience, at least, when I set sail on Windstar’s Bruges and Antwerp itinerary last month. It offers an introduction to two of Belgium’s most fascinating destinations, plus optional onward excursions to Ypres and Ghent. There’s plenty of time to soak up the culture, see the sights and get a taste for all things Belgian, from Tintin and waffles to beer and chocolate. Just as importantly, it provides enough time to settle into the rhythms of life onboard and enjoy the pleasures of cruising.
Having visited Bruges recently, I opted for the excursion to Ghent and came away convinced that it is, in many respects, the more compelling city. While Bruges beguiles with its chocolate-box beauty, Ghent feels livelier, more interesting. Boasting 600 breweries, 1,600 varieties of beer, 200 bridges and seven waterways, the Flemish university city is known as both the Manhattan of the Netherlands and the Manchester of the continent – possibly because it was bucketing down when we visited.
The following day we were in Antwerp, hearing stories that inspired beloved statues such as the tragic Nello and Patrasche and the Brabo fountain where Antwerp gets its name. Legend has it that a cruel giant was slain and his hand was thrown into the river Scheldt (hence the Dutch words “hand werpen” or hand throwing).
Onboard Star Pride – an ocean-going ship that is compact enough to nimbly dock in river ports – the emphasis is on space and comfort. Every cabin is designated a suite, offering generous room to unwind complete with walk-in wardrobes and L’Occitane toiletries. Elsewhere, the ship’s public spaces are defined by pared-back Scandi-inspired interiors.
Dining options include the new Asian fusion restaurant Basil + Bamboo and two larger options, Amphora and Candles. For lunch there’s a salad bar, burgers, hot dogs and destination-themed dishes. You also get all the perks of your usual short-break hotel: on board is a wellness centre and spa, as well as a pool and library, plus the option to catch after-dinner shows.
Cruises are generally very sociable holidays, so they may not be for you if you’re not a people person. But if you like the idea of unpacking once and then being ferried to inspiring new places – all without a single drop-off charge – a micro cruise is an easy win.
Essentials
Windstar’s three-night Belgium: a Sweet Getaway cruise costs from £1,198pp, including all meals and drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Round trip from Tower Bridge (London) on Star Pride; departs May 7 2027.
Five more fantastic micro cruises
Best for old-school luxury
Onboard Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, you can enjoy 15 dining options, grand gala dinners, theatrical performances, luxury shopping and more. Carrying nearly 3,000 guests, Queen Anne feels like a grand floating British hotel.
Book it
Cunard has the four-night Dutch Mini Break to Rotterdam from £399pp, based on two people sharing a Britannia Inside Stateroom.
Departs Southampton on November 25, 2026 and November 12, 2027.
Best for festive fun
If Christmas markets are your thing, a river cruise could be the ideal introduction to cruising. Riverside Luxury Cruises combines great itineraries with onboard glamour. Its Fairytale Christmas on the Rhine cruise sails from Basel to Frankfurt, visiting some of the region’s best Christmas markets along the way.
Book it
Riverside Luxury Cruises has the three-night Fairytale Christmas on the Rhine on Riverside Debussy, from £2,378pp on a full-board basis.
Departs Basel on November 25, 2026.
Best for spectacular Scottish scenery
Queen Elizabeth II loved the river ship Hebridean Princess so much that she chartered it twice for family tours (if it’s good enough for royalty…). Hebridean Island Cruises focus on Scotland’s most stunning locations, with sailings from various handy ports around the UK. With just 48 guests and 38 crew, the ship feels like a tasteful country house hotel, served up with plenty of Scottish hospitality.
Book it
Hebridean Island Cruises has the four-night Inlets and Islands of the Clyde round trip, from £2,023pp which includes full-board accommodation, shore excursions, use of bicycles, Wi-Fi, tips and transfers.
Departs Greenock, 30 mins from Glasgow, on March 1, 2027.
Best for a big ship experience
Want to experience life on a mega-sized cruise ship? Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship Norwegian Luna has an onboard aqua rollercoaster, 15 dining options, nine bars and lounges and 13 entertainment choices and room for over 3,500 guests.
Book it
Norwegian Cruise Line has the four-day Bermuda round trip from New York, which includes the chance to visit the pink sands of Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay Beach or the pristine sea gardens by glass-bottom boat. From £665pp excluding flights.
Departs New York City on April 6, 2027.
Best for a short taster cruise
If you don’t want to commit precious time or too much cash, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers slower-paced cruising that appeals to mature guests. There are all the traditional onboard activities, including afternoon tea, dance classes and live shows.
Book it
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a one-night sailing to Newcastle onboard Balmoral from £199pp. Coach transfers available from £30.
Departs Rosyth, near Edinburgh, on August 18, 2026.