Short cruises are gaining popularity for anyone looking for a quick getaway. Not only are they a great value, guests pay one price and unpack once! Luckily, there is no shortage of short cruise options as a number of cruise lines offer three- and four-day cruises that leave at least twice a week – and typically from convenient South Florida ports. However, as regular cruise goers know well, it is unusual to find a short cruise on the brand-new ships or certain high-end cruise lines.
New ships are typically deployed on longer cruises so the guests can take full advantage of everything the vessel has to offer, while the older and smaller ships in a cruise line’s fleet operate the shorter itineraries. In order to experience the world’s newest, largest and most technically advanced ships, vacationers typically need to book a seven-night cruise or longer, which can be both pricier and more time-intensive for many!
So how does a vacationer looking for a short cruise get to experience the newer and most innovative ships? iCruise.com, an award-winning travel agency specializing in cruises and resort vacations, explains. According to the Delray Beach, Florida-based travel agency, occasionally, when cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises reposition their new ships from other regions, they are able to offer short, one-off preview cruises to fill the days between its regularly scheduled itineraries. “As a result, cruisers have the rare opportunity to experience a new ship or cruise line on a short getaway,” adds iCruise.com co-president Uf Tukel. “It’s truly a win-win for the cruise line and the guests!”
Following is a list of the best, and most unique short cruises available on the world’s newest ships, according to iCruise.com. To book any of these trips, please visit iCruise.com or call a travel agent directly at 1-855-544-6414.
*All prices subject to change. Check for exact trip dates and costs.
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Edge
3-Night Bahamas Preview Cruise from Ft Lauderdale departing Nov 21, 24, Dec 1, Dec 6, 2018
The Celebrity Edge is easily the most anticipated new build in the cruise industry in years. Celebrity found much success with its popular Solstice-class vessels and its new series of ships will not disappoint. The Celebrity Edge is the first of what will be five Edge-class ships. She features endless ways to connect with the sea including an outward-facing pool deck and two-story martini hot tubs; rooftop garden; the world’s first cantilevered floating platform that reaches 13 stories above sea level; modern-luxury staterooms, suites and villas. She will sail alternating 7 Night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, but is offering four, 3-night Preview Cruises in November and December to introduce the ship to those who may want to try Celebrity without the weeklong commitment.
Balcony cabins start at $599 per person for three nights
Royal Caribbean – Symphony of the Seas
3-Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami departing August 31, 2019
At a whopping 230,000 tons, the Symphony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship with all the bells and whistles including the tallest waterslide and 20 dining options. Since her maiden voyage on April 8, 2018, she has been sailing a series of Mediterranean cruises. When she arrives in Miami in the Fall, she will alternate between 7 Night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. The August sailing will be her only short cruise, so this is a great opportunity to try Royal Caribbean’s latest and greatest without the time and cost of taking a full week.
Inside cabins start at $349 per person for three nights:
Carnival Cruises – Carnival Horizon
2-Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami departing September 20, 2018
Launched in early 2018, Carnival Horizon features the best outdoor spaces, breathtaking ocean views and vibrant attractions. You can count on discovering more chances to soak up the sights and the sun while embarking on new adventures by sea. As a sister ship to Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon has many of the same features that have been delighting guests such as SkyRide, Havana Bar and IMAX. Look to Carnival Horizon for a fresh perspective on how much further Carnival can take vacation.
Inside cabins start at $229 per person for two nights:
Holland America Line – Nieuw Statendam
4-Night Bahamas Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale departing December 19, 2018
Holland America’s newest ship will be christened in December 2018 by Godmother, Oprah Winfrey. Sister ship to ms Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam is the second of Holland’s Pinnacle-class ships. She carries forward the nautical heritage, signature service and classic style for which Holland America Line is known, while raising the bar for 21st century elegance. They feature all the hallmarks of Pinnacle-class design: grand light-filled spaces, visual drama and sumptuous interiors. In the winter, she will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises or 14 day back-to-back cruises before heading to Europe for the summer.
Inside cabins start at $379 per person for four nights:
Princess Cruises – Sky Princess
3-Night Inaugural Getaway Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale departing December 4, 2019
Princess’ newest ship Sky Princess will sail her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean in the Fall of 2019. The ship will include signature elements that have become synonymous with the brand’s best-in-class guest experience. She will bring together the best features found on her Royal-class sister ships: Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess including a soaring central Piazza-style atrium, Princess Live! entertainment venue, a relaxing adults-only sanctuary, a wide variety of dining venues, an outdoor movie theater, and some exciting new innovations to enhance guests’ experience even further which will be revealed in the coming months. After her 3-night preview cruise, Sky Princess will offer 7 and 14 day Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale.
Inside cabins start at $399 per person for three nights:
Azamara Club Cruises – Azamara Journey
4-Night Key West and Havana Cruise from Miami departing November 20, 2018
The Azamara Journey is not a new ship. She’s been around for a long time. However, she is new to the Short Cruise market. Azamara Club Cruises is an Upper Premium, all-inclusive cruise experience featuring butler service in each stateroom and suite; more verandas than most cruise ships; two specialty restaurants; spa and wellness center; and wine and champagne tastings. With only 700 passengers, she typically sails longer, more exotic itineraries around Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s very rare to have a cruise line of this caliber sailing a short itinerary. If you typically sail on the more contemporary cruise lines, this is a great opportunity to step up your cruise experience. Sailing to Cuba is a bonus!
Inside cabins start at $1,074 per person for fournights:
Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Getaway
4-Night Bermuda Cruise from New York departing April 9, 2019
Norwegian Cruise Line’s state-of-the-art 4,000-passenger ship embodies the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami’s own David ‘LEBO’ Le Batard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves. The Getaway highlights a quarter-mile boardwalk; 42 exclusive suites with access to private restaurants, bars, pools, spas and fitness center; and is ranked among the top large-ship cruise lines for families. Typically, the Getaway offers 7 Night Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami year-round. However, vacationers will get the chance to experience the Getaway for a smaller price and length on its 4 Night Bermuda Cruise from New York.
Inside cabins start at $449 per person for four nights:
Royal Caribbean Cruises – Mariner of the Seas
3- and 4-Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami sailing departing weekly
Although the Mariner of the Seas is not one of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, she recently completed a $90 million makeover. Royal Caribbean is trying to appeal to the “new to cruise” market and the Mariner of the Seas is now the largest and most revolutionary, quick Caribbean getaway ever featuring its new virtual reality Sky Pad, FlowRider, waterslides, and a new dining menu each day with multi-course meals and flexible dining times. She sails weekly from Miami.
Inside cabins start in the $200s:
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Equinox
3-Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami departing Dec 8, 2018
The Celebrity Equinox is a beautiful, 122,000-ton Solstice-class ship. She typically sails 7 Night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. On December 8, 2018, there is a rare 3-night cruise to the Bahamas. This is the perfect cruise to try the very essence of Celebrity’s premium and sophisticated cruise experience with its 10 exceptional dining venues and chic and spacious accommodations.
Inside cabins start at $249 and balcony cabins at $399 per person for three nights:
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Cruises – Ritz-Carlton Yacht I
4-Night Cruise from Ft Lauderdale departing Feb 1, 2020
She launches in two years, but she will sell out fast. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht I is the first of three luxury yachts built by the five-star resort chain. With 159 suites, she promises to bring the Ritz Carlton brand experience to ports that will never see a permanent Ritz Carlton. Enjoy the laid back and flexible yacht experience; elegant décor; a boutique-resort atmosphere; full-service spa; cocktails and dancing.
Suite starting at $3,100 per person for four nights:
About WMPH Vacations / iCruise.com
iCruise.com / WMPH (We Make People Happy) Vacations is an award-winning travel agency specializing in cruises and resort vacations. Based in Delray Beach, Florida, WMPH Vacations has delivered the best value on cruises and vacation packages to more than 600,000 clients since opening in 2004. The company is a top producer for all major cruise lines, including Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, and Royal Caribbean. WMPH Vacations also operates under a number of owned and partner brands including iCruise.com, CruiseCheap.com, AlaskaCruises.com and more. Today, WMPH Vacations is a member of the Cruise Lines International (CLIA) and the Cruise Industry Hall of Fame.
Learn more at https://www.wmphvacations.com/ or book your next cruise at https://www.icruise.com/.
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