Mini Cruises
A Fred. Olsen mini cruise from the UK is the perfect way to relax, explore, and create lasting memories. These shorter sailings offer enriching adventures without taking too much time out of your schedule perfect for balancing exploration with a busy lifestyle. [ReadMoreMob]
Choose from a variety of destinations: stroll through the cobbled streets of Amsterdam and Antwerp, cruise past Scotland’s rugged islands, marvel at the beauty of Norway’s fjords, or enjoy an overnight sailing to enjoy the onboard atmosphere.
Whichever you choose, you’ll experience the same warm, attentive service, delicious dining and engaging entertainment that make cruising with Fred. Olsen so special.
A Fred. Olsen mini cruise offers the chance to unwind, discover new destinations, and enjoy unforgettable experiences that could inspire your next adventure.
How long is a mini cruise with Fred. Olsen?
Our mini cruises range from a single night at sea to five nights. They're a relaxed way to enjoy a long weekend or a few days away, and every sailing departs from a UK port, so there are no flights to arrange. Whichever length of cruise you choose, you'll enjoy the same warm, friendly service, full-board dining and evening entertainment on board our smaller ships.
| Duration | Typical destinations | Ideal for |
| 1-2 nights | Short sailings between UK ports, such as Rosyth to Newcastle | A first taste of life on board |
| 3 nights | Belgium, with a call at Zeebrugge for Bruges | A short city break |
| 5 nights | The Norwegian fjords, the Scottish Isles of Orkney and Skye, northern Spain, or Amsterdam and Honfleur | Scenic cruising or several destinations in one short break |
Mini cruises from your local UK port
We sail from five ports around the UK, so a short break with us can begin close to home, with no flights to arrange. Choose your nearest departure port and relax as soon as you step on board.
Mini cruises from Southampton
Sail from Southampton to cities and coastlines of near-continental Europe, from Amsterdam and Honfleur to Dublin and Cobh in Ireland. With good road and rail links across the south of England, it's an easy place to begin a short break.
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Mini cruises from Liverpool
Head north from Liverpool to discover Scotland's islands, with calls at Kirkwall, Lerwick and scenic cruising past the legendary Fingal's Cave. It's a convenient starting point for guests across the North West, the Midlands and North Wales.
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Mini cruises from Newcastle
From Newcastle, the Norwegian fjords are within easy reach, with five-night sailings to Ulvik and Bergen, and scenic cruising through some of Norway's most breathtaking landscapes. Thanks to their smaller size, our ships can navigate narrower waterways, bringing you closer to spectacular sights such as the Fureberg Waterfall.
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Mini cruises from Rosyth (Edinburgh)
Sail from Rosyth, near Edinburgh, to Norway's spectacular fjordland, where you can visit Olden and the Briksdal Glacier, take in panoramic views from the Loen Skylift, or explore the mountain-framed destinations of Åndalsnes and Skjolden. It's an easy way to enjoy a short break from Scotland, with no long journey south required.
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Where can I go on a mini cruise?
A short break with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines can take you to some of Europe's most rewarding cities, all within easy sailing distance of the UK. Here are a few of the places our mini cruises visit.
Kirkwall & Lerwick
Discover the islands of Orkney and Shetland through their charming capitals, Kirkwall and Lerwick. Explore historic streets, fascinating Viking and maritime heritage, and dramatic coastal landscapes, while enjoying the warm welcome and distinctive character of Scotland's northern isles. Alongside this, spend time out on the decks of your smaller ship as you sail past sights like Fingal's Cave or the striking Dutchman's Cap.
Bruges & Amsterdam
Belgium and the Netherlands are natural choices for a short break, with history, architecture and canal-lined cities all within easy reach. Bruges is a picture of medieval Flanders, with cobbled streets, peaceful canals and the Belfry rising above the Markt. In Amsterdam, explore the city's network of waterways by canal boat, discover Anne Frank's House, the Rijksmuseum or simply stroll its characterful streets. Both destinations are easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace, with opportunities to sample Belgian waffles, Dutch stroopwafels and other local treats along the way.
Hamburg
Sailing along the River Elbe to Hamburg is an experience in itself, as the city's bustling harbour comes into view. Ashore, explore the red-brick warehouses of the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the striking Elbphilharmonie concert hall overlooking the waterfront. In December, Christmas markets fill the city with seasonal sights, flavours and traditions, while its canals, bridges and historic architecture make it a pleasure to explore at any time of year.
Frequently asked questions about Mini Cruises
Which countries does Fred. Olsen visit on a mini cruise?
Our mini cruises offer quick getaways to enchanting destinations. Whether you want to experience the charm of the British Isles or a city break in France, Belgium, or Germany, our mini cruises are the perfect solution. In less than a week, you can even embark on a journey through remarkable Norwegian Fjords, sail to Cobh (for Cork) or the Isles of Scilly.
Which ports can I sail from on a Fred. Olsen mini cruise?
Our mini cruises sail from ports around the UK, meaning you’re never far from a Fred. Olsen holiday. Cruise from Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth or Southampton and start relaxing from the moment you step on board.
What are the benefits of a mini cruise?
For those considering their first cruise, a mini cruise is an ideal place to start. Offering a taste of the cruise lifestyle in just a few days, it's a relaxed and easy way to see whether cruising is for you.
Mini cruises also fit neatly into busy lifestyles, making it easy to enjoy a short escape. With everything you need close at hand, your holiday starts as soon as you step on board.
How much does a Fred. Olsen mini cruise cost?
The price of a mini cruise depends on how long you sail for, when you travel and the cabin you choose, so the most accurate way to compare is to search our current sailings above. Whichever you book, the fare includes more than you might expect: full-board dining, crew gratuities, evening entertainment, and port taxes and fees. Choose a Freedom Fare and you'll also enjoy selected drinks with lunch and dinner. Because every mini cruise departs from a UK port, there are no flights to add to the cost.
Are mini cruises good for first-time cruisers?
Yes. A mini cruise is a simple, relaxed way to discover whether cruising suits you, without committing to a longer holiday. Our smaller ships are easy to find your way around, and with fewer guests on board, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming from the start. Our crew are always on hand to help you settle in, and sailing from a UK port means your holiday begins as soon as you step on board. Find out more in our New to cruising guide.
Can I do a mini cruise as a solo traveller?
Yes. Many of our guests travel on their own, and a mini cruise is an easy way to enjoy a short break at your own pace. Our ships have cabins designed for solo travellers, and you can use the "Show Solo Prices" option when searching, to see solo fares for each sailing. On board, there are plenty of chances to meet fellow guests, from talks and activities to evening entertainment, while the warm, friendly atmosphere of a smaller ship means you'll never feel lost in the crowd. See our latest solo traveller offers.