Weekend Cruises 2025
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Weekend cruises are a fun and easy way to take a short break from daily life. These trips usually last three or four days, offering just enough time to relax, explore, and enjoy different activities without needing an extended vacation. Many cruises take passengers to nearby destinations like islands, beaches, or coastal cities, allowing everyone to enjoy new experiences and sights. Onboard, you’ll find pools, restaurants, live shows, and entertainment for all ages. Traveling with friends, family, or a partner, these cruises are a great way to chill and make the most of a weekend.
Another reason people love weekend getaway cruises is how simple they are to plan. Most packages cover food, lodging, and entertainment, which makes budgeting easier. It’s also an excellent option for first-timers who want to get a feel for cruising without committing to a long trip. Boarding is quick, and with a light schedule, passengers have more time to enjoy the ship and explore their stops. It’s a getaway for relaxation or a chance to party on the water. Short weekend cruises offer something for everyone in a short amount of time.
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Best Weekend Cruise Lines
Looking for the best weekend cruise deals? We’ve got you covered! These top picks offer the perfect balance of fun, relaxation, and adventure in just a few days. Ready to set sail? Let’s dive in!
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a great pick for a weekend getaway Cruise. It’s known for stylish ships, great food, and fun entertainment. You can relax by the pool or explore a port. MSC makes every moment feel special.
MSC Weekend Cruises
MSC Weekend Cruise Offers
- Visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
- Lowest cruise price
- Easy plus drink package - covers all drinks up to $10*
- Approx $50* to $100* onboard credit
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is a top choice for short weekend cruise deals. It’s perfect for quick trips with great food, fun activities, and exciting entertainment. Their ships are big, so there’s always something to do, whether you relax or explore.
Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises
- Allure of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruise Offers:
- Up to $500* onboard credit
- Up to $75* off short Caribbean cruises
Norwegian Cruises
Norwegian Cruises voted for best short-duration cruises. It's perfect for a quick escape with fun activities, tasty dining options, and cozy cabins. For people looking to relax or explore, there’s something for everyone on board.
Norwegian Weekend Cruises
- Norwegian Joy
- Norwegian Gem
- Norwegian Jade
- Norwegian Pearl
- Norwegian Getaway
- Norwegian Epic
- Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Weekend Cruise Offers
- Save up to 35%* off all cruises
- Free 3rd & 4th Guests or discount rate
- Unlimited open Bar
- Specialty dining offers
- Excursion Credits
- Wi-fi Package
Princess Cruises
According to USA Today, Princess Cruises is one of the best choices for a weekend getaway. It's perfect for a quick escape with fun activities, great food, and relaxing vibes. Cruising with friends or family, every moment feels special for guests of all generations.
Princess Weekend Cruises
- Discovery Princess
- Caribbean Princess
- Royal Princess
- Grand Princess
- Sapphire Princess
- Regal Princess
- Sun Princess
- Coral Princess
Princess Weekend Cruise Offers
- Discount price
- MedallionClass® experience
- Some Entertainment, Dining, and Fitness areas included
- Youth & teen clubs for ages 3-17 are also included
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers some of the best weekend getaway cruise deals, perfect for a quick escape. You’ll enjoy great food, exciting activities, and relaxing time by the pool. It’s all about unwinding and having fun with destinations and experiences you’ll love!
Celebrity Weekend Cruises
Celebrity Weekend Cruise Offers
- Lowest cruise fare
- Discount on the second guest
- 3rd and 4th guests sail free or low rate
Short Weekend Cruise to your Favorite Destinations
Variety of Weekend Cruise Excursion Choices
Millions of people take weekend cruises each year to relax and enjoy the fun activities onboard. Passengers love the delicious dining options, from formal meals to buffet spreads. There's plenty to do during the day, like swimming, mini-golf, basketball, hitting the gym, visiting the spa, or simply lounging on deck with a good book from the ship's library. But short weekend cruises offer more than onboard fun, and exciting shore excursions at each stop make the experience even better.
If you're planning a weekend cruise, here are five popular shore excursions to consider.
Sightseeing Tours
Cruise ships stop at places full of history and culture. For example:
- Greek Island Cruises: Visit Athens to see the Acropolis and Parthenon.
- Mexican Caribbean Cruises: Explore the ancient Mayan pyramids in Cozumel.
- Alaskan Cruises: Tour Skagway, the historic town famous for the 1899 Gold Rush and Jack London's Call of the Wild.
Every port offers unique sightseeing opportunities, with bus, taxi, or foot tours. Wherever your cruise takes you, you'll have the chance to explore the history and beauty of the destination.
Water Sports Excursions
If you love water activities, weekend cruises offer various exciting options. Depending on your cruise ship docks, you can:
- Go parasailing along the Mexican Riviera.
- Snorkel or scuba dive in Bermuda, the Bahamas, or Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
- Try water skiing, jet skiing, or surfing.
- Enjoy kayaking, rafting, or paddleboarding.
There's always a water adventure to fit your style, whether looking for thrills or a relaxing day on the water.
Adventure Tours
For those seeking excitement, adventure excursions offer something for everyone. When you choose to go on an adventure cruise that gives you the thrills of goosebumps, you could:
- Zip-line through the forest or go horseback riding.
- Take a helicopter expedition that lands on a glacier or fly over a national park.
- Explore old mines and ghost towns in Australia.
- Hike, bike, or go off-road in a 4x4 vehicle.
In Mexico, float through ancient Mayan caves or swim with dolphins and stingrays in tropical waters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced adventurer, there's always a tour suited to your interests.
Food and Culture Tours
Get a taste of local flavors and traditions with food and cultural excursions:
- Go wine tasting in Australia's Barossa Valley.
- Learn to make authentic Italian pizza in Sorrento.
- Take a hands-on Moroccan cooking class and discover family recipes.
For cultural experiences, try learning the tango in South America or exploring the ancient ruins in Mexico. Many ports also offer visits to art and history museums, followed by a meal at a local restaurant where you can try regional dishes. Check out our best cruise lines for foodies that offer various dining options to satisfy your taste buds.
Wildlife and Nature Excursions
Wilderness excursions let you get close to nature and observe animals in their natural habitats:
- Spot moose or monkeys on a nature walk.
- Hike through rainforests or go whale-watching.
- See bald eagles soar through the sky or perch in treetops.
- Ride a camel across desert dunes for a unique experience.
These wildlife cruise excursions allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places you visit, from birds to bears.
Which cruises are just for the Weekend?
Weekend cruises, also called short cruises, usually last 2 to 4 nights and are great if you want a quick break. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess, and Celebrity all offer weekend cruise deals. You can sail to places like the Bahamas, Key West, or Baja Mexico. These trips are easy to book and often cost less than longer ones, so they’re perfect if you just want to get away for a few days.
What To Expect on a Weekend Cruise?
Planning a weekend cruise is exciting! It’s short, sweet, and packed with fun experiences. Whether you're a first-timer or a cruise lover, here's what you can expect when sailing away for a few days.
Lots of Delicious Food
One thing is sure: you won’t go hungry on a weekend cruise. There’s food everywhere, from buffets to fancy sit-down dinners. If you like trying new things, you’ll love the variety of seafood, international dishes, and endless desserts. Some cruises also offer late-night snacks, so midnight cravings are not a problem! Most meals are included in the ticket price, so you can eat as much as you want without worrying about extra costs.
Entertainment Day and Night
A short weekend cruise ships offer nonstop entertainment. During the day, you’ll find games, trivia contests, and pool parties. If relaxation is more your thing, you can chill at the spa or on a deck chair with a tropical drink. At night, expect live shows, music performances, and dance parties. Some cruises even have comedy clubs or themed nights, so bring outfits to match if you like dressing up. Learn more about the entertainment on the cruise!
Excursions at Ports
If your weekend cruise includes stopping at a departure port, prepare for adventure! You’ll have a few hours to explore local markets, beaches, or attractions. Cruise lines often offer guided tours, but you can also explore independently. Keep track of time—missing the ship’s departure is a nightmare!
Relaxed or Active—It’s Up to You
The beauty of a weekend cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. Some people fill their day with activities, while others simply relax by the pool. Whether you want a laid-back weekend or a busy one, the ship offers something for everyone.
Smooth Check-out and Goodbyes
The weekend cruise wraps up early on the last day. After breakfast, you’ll need to disembark, gather your belongings, and go through customs if necessary. The crew is usually very organized, so getting off the ship quickly and painlessly. Although it’s only a weekend, you’ll probably feel you’ve been away for longer!
A weekend cruise is a great way to take a break and have fun, even if it’s just for a few days. You can relax by the pool, enjoy tasty food, watch shows, or explore new places. How busy or laid-back you want it to be is up to you. You’ll feel refreshed and full of good memories in just a short time. It’s amazing how a quick trip to the ocean can make such a big difference.
