Sarah BretzIf you’re reading this article, chances are you’re considering booking a short cruise in the near future. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, as a family, or solo, there are quick getaway cruises for every style and budget. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best short cruises that you can take in 2026.
Best Short Cruises in 2026 For Couples
MSC Seashore
As one of MSC Cruises’ newest and most feature-packed vessels, MSC Seashore is a great option for couples looking for a short getaway amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Throughout 2026, the vessel will be offering three and four-day cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. Each short voyage will include a call at MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, which features multiple beaches and a spa offering massages in beachside cabanas.
Onboard the ship, couples can kick back at the adults-only aft infinity pool or grab a drink at one of the many bars including Brooklyn Cafe, The Sky Bar offering panoramic views, and The Cocktail Bar. For a special occasion or date night, specialty restaurants on MSC Seashore include Butcher’s Cut steakhouse with the option to dine outdoors, Ocean Cay seafood restaurant, and Kaito Teppanyaki.
Other highlights of Seashore include the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs walkway, the MSC Aurea Spa with thermal suite, and the Cabaret Rouge entertainment venue that highlights singers, dancers, and other talented artists.
For an elevated cruise experience, consider booking a cabin in MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious ship-within-a-ship complex that features its own pool deck, restaurant and lounge, and extra inclusions like alcoholic beverages and WiFi. Yacht Club guests also get their own private beach and restaurant on Ocean Cay.
Celebrity Reflection
Throughout 2026, Celebrity Reflection will be offering three and four-night sailings to Key West, Florida and the Bahamas. Key West is a very walkable port where you can explore the local restaurants and bars, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or Key West Shipwreck Museum, or take a snorkeling or jet skiing excursion. The Bahamian ports vary, with potential calls including Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, or Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay (Celebrity is a Royal Caribbean Group brand).
On board the ship, head out for a date night at one of the specialty restaurants including French venue Murano, The Lawn Club Grill overlooking a real grass lawn on the upper deck, or Le Petit Chef — a dinner experience where tiny animated chefs prepare and serve your food via projection mapping onto the table. Bars include the popular Martini Bar, Sunset Bar at the aft, and the Sky Observation Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows. Celebrity Silhouette also features a spa with thermal suite, the adults-only Solarium with a pool, and a variety of entertainment in the theater and around the ship.
For a more upscale and exclusive experience guests can book a suite in The Retreat, a luxury space that features its own restaurant, Luminae, as well as a sundeck, private lounge, and a bar.
Best Short Cruises For Families
Utopia of the Seas
One of the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Utopia of the Seas is the perfect quick getaway option for families — from grandparents to babies and everyone in between. The mega ship offers year-round three and four-night voyages from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. Port calls for the sailings are the same: Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay; the four-night option just adds a sea day.
On board, kids will enjoy their very own youth programming through Adventure Ocean, and teens have their own indoor/outdoor club in Social100. Attractions for the whole family include water slides, a rock climbing wall, a 10-story dry slide, an ice skating rink, multiple swimming pools, and high dive shows at the AquaTheater. Utopia also features Royal Caribbean’s first interactive railroad-themed dining experience and the brand-new Pesky Parrot tiki bar. Other dining includes southern-style cooking at The Mason Jar and Chops Grille steakhouse.
At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can enjoy one of several beaches on the island. The new adults-only area Hideaway Beach is perfect for hanging out, and the Coco Beach Club offers a luxurious spot to unwind complete with its own restaurant, clubhouse, and infinity pool. There’s also Thrill Waterpark, which features 14 waterslides and the Caribbean’s largest wave pool.
Disney Dream
If you know anything about Disney vacations, you know that they’re designed for families. Disney Dream offers short three and four-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, perfect for those who want to get away but don’t have much time to do so. Sailings are to the Bahamas, with a visit to one or both of DCL’s private destinations: Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point (some itineraries go to one of those destinations and Nassau).
Both Disney destinations provide the perfect beach day, with multiple beaches including at least one dedicated to families. They also include splash play areas, as well as games and activities for kids and teens.
On board Disney Dream, there’s something for every member of the family. At the top of the ship is the AquaDuck, a roller coaster/waterslide hybrid that takes guests on a journey through a clear plastic tube that juts out over the side of the ship. There’s also multiple pools (including one that’s just for adults), Nemo’s Reef splash area, lively deck parties, and Broadway-caliber stage shows featuring favorite Disney characters and stories. The kids’ Oceaneer Club features multiple spaces with themes including Toy Story and Star Wars. Tweens and teens have their own clubs called Edge and Vibe, respectively.
Disney Cruise Line offers rotational dining, which means guests rotate through three main dining rooms for dinner throughout the cruise. On Disney Dream, they are Royal Palace inspired by Disney princess films, Enchanted Garden themed after the French countryside, and Animator’s Palate, a colorful restaurant inspired by the art of Disney. Other dining venues include Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats dessert shop, Cabanas buffet, and the adults-only specialty restaurants Remy and Palo.
Other ships in the DCL fleet also offer short cruises in 2026 including Disney Magic, Wonder, and Wish, giving families variety.
Best Short Cruises For a Tight Budget
Carnival Radiance
Carnival Radiance sails from Long Beach, California year-round, offering affordable three to five-night cruises to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Catalina Island. Prices range from around $250 to $500 per person for an interior cabin. Formerly called Carnival Victory, Carnival Radiance was completely overhauled following a $200 million renovation and renamed in 2021.
On board, guests can enjoy plenty of sunny day fun with the WaterWorks water park, a two-level ropes course, mini golf, and the lido pool. Adults can relax sans kids at the Serenity Retreat which features plush loungers, a hot tub, and a full bar. Bar options include the pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and the RedFrog Rum Bar, among others.
Dining options that are included in the cruise fare include Mexican fare at BlueIguana Cantina, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and Guy’s Burger Joint. For an extra fee, indulge in dinner at a specialty restaurant such as Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, or Italian restaurant Cucina Del Capitano. Other highlights of the ship include the Punchliner Comedy Club, Deal or No Deal game show, deck parties including the 80s Rock-N-Glow party, and clubs for kids and teens.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander
If you’re looking for a sunny getaway that doesn’t break the bank, consider a voyage aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Tampa-based ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander. Throughout much of 2026, the vessel is operating mostly four and five-night cruises to Key West, Florida and Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Prices are very reasonable, with most four-night voyages starting in the $300 to $350 per person range. Most five-night sailings range from $350 to $500 per person.
Passengers on a Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise are truly immersed in the “island time” atmosphere as they enjoy burgers from the Cheeseburger in Paradise burger bar, indulge in tacos and burritos at the Mexican Cutie Cantina next to the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Pool, and have a date night at the JWB Prime Steakhouse. Other highlights of the ship include clubs for kids and teens; live music, comedians, and magician performances; game shows including the Love & Marriage Show; the iconic flip-flop atrium, and the Bubbles Up Lounge & Champagne Bar.
Best Short Cruises For Adults
Valiant Lady
Virgin Voyages is one of the only cruise lines in the world that’s completely adults only, and it offers some shorter itineraries for those who need a quick escape from everyday life. Throughout most of 2026, the line’s ship Scarlet Lady will be operating four and five-night cruises to Key West, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean from Miami. There are several itineraries to choose from. Examples include a four-night Fire and Sunset Soiree to Key West and Bimini, Bahamas, where the line has an exclusive beach club; and the five-night Dominican Daze itinerary to Bimini and Amber Cove, Dominican Republic.
Virgin’s cruises are tailored to adults looking to have a good time, featuring lots of events and activities including a pajama party, themed nights in The Manor nightclub — including a 70s night, music and acrobatic-focused production shows, and Scarlet Night — an entire evening filled with events and live music that culminates in an epic dance party on the pool deck.
Highlights of the ship include the aft sundeck The Dock filled with lots of conversation areas and plush daybeds, the nautical-themed bar The Loose Cannon, Sip champagne lounge, and a tattoo parlor. Specialty restaurants are included in the cruise fare, with the ship featuring venues like Gunbae Korean barbecue, The Wake steakhouse, and Pink Agave offering modern Mexican fare.
Norwegian Getaway
While you may not think of NCL when you think of a cruise for adults, they’re actually a great option — particularly for those traveling solo. Throughout 2026, Norwegian Getaway will be offering three and four-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas — including calls to the line’s private island Great Stirrup Cay.
Getaway is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships to feature staterooms specifically for solo guests, which do not incur a single supplement fee. They also include access to the studio lounge where solo guests can meet others who are traveling by themselves. Norwegian Getaway is also a great option for adults because it features Spice H2O — a sundeck exclusively for those age 18 and older with its own wading pool and hot tub. For an adults-only sundeck that’s even more exclusive, guests can buy a pass to Vibe Beach Club.
Other highlights of the ship include live rock and roll music at Syd Norman’s Pour House, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, Headliners Comedy Club, and a real ice bar. The ship also features a full spa with thermal suite and game shows Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune. For a date night or special occasion, consider heading to specialty restaurants such as Ocean Blue seafood, French venue Le Bistro, or Brazilian steakhouse Moderno Churrascaria.
Best Short Luxury Cruises in 2026
Most people typically don’t think of a luxury cruise line when they think of short sailings, and that’s with good reason. It’s much less common to find a short cruise on a high-end cruise brand than it is on a mainstream line, and they aren’t usually a regular part of the schedule. However, some slightly shorter sailings do exist, and they can be a great way to get a taste of a cruise line before committing to a longer voyage.
Crystal Symphony
To start off, Crystal Cruises is offering a six-night Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada voyage departing July 18th aboard Crystal Symphony. It offers calls in Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as scenic cruising to Hubbard Glacier and the Seymour Narrows. Coming in at just over 50,000 gross tons, Crystal Symphony is a small ship that holds just 606 guests. The staff to guest ratio is nearly 1:1, and suite passengers enjoy butler service. Just about everything is included in the cruise fare with Crystal, including specialty restaurants, room service, WiFi, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Both Ilma and Evrima from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offer shorter cruises, with a small variety of three-night voyages to choose from in 2026. The schedule includes voyages to the Caribbean, Key West, and the Bahamas from San Juan, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Evrima is the first vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, and is an intimate 25,400 gross tons, holding just under 300 guests. Ilma is the second vessel in the fleet, coming in much larger at 46,750 gross tons with a capacity for 448 guests. Both are all-suite yachts, featuring butler services (called your Suite Ambassador), a nearly 1:1 staff to guest ratio, and a high guest to space ratio. Nearly everything is included in the cruise fare, including specialty dining, alcoholic and non-alcoholic both in the suite and around the vessel, room service, premium WiFi, gratuities, and the use of non-motorized watersports off the ship’s marina platform while at anchor.
Comments
Have you sailed on any of these cruise ships? Do you have any other selections to add to our list of the best short cruises in 2026? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on these shorter sailings.
