With a huge range of options to consider, we've rounded up our 8 top cruises in 2026 that sail for 5 nights or less. They all depart directly from Southampton, easy for anyone in the south of England to access by car or public transport, saving precious time for the trip.
Click the links below each cruise for the most up-to-date prices and full itinerary details.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
Shorter cruises are having a moment, find other key cruising trends here.
1. Scenic Jurassic Coast Cruise
Company: Cunard
Ship: Queen Mary 2 (2,691 capacity)
Departure: August
Duration: 2 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: England (although no port days)
This is the perfect cruise for someone wanting to test their sea legs and immerse themselves in cruising life for two days. Without any ports to explore, there's no pressure to rush, instead the focus is on enjoying everything the Queen Mary 2 has to offer and admiring the beautiful Dorset and Devon coastline.
2. A Day in France
Company: MSC
Ship: Virtuosa (6,334 capacity)
Departure: May
Duration: 2 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: France
Stepping up from cruise 1, this option offers a quick trip over the English Channel to the quaint seaside town of Cherbourg in France. Enjoy all that Normandy has to offer during the day and take advantage of the variety of entertainment at night on the Virtuosa. MSC is one of the cheaper cruise lines on this list, making it an accessible first cruise for many.
3. Cuisines and Culture of French Cities
Company: Fred Olsen
Ship: Borealis (1,360 capacity)
Departure: May
Duration: 5 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: France
Visit two contrasting French cities on this quick Fred Olsen Cruise. Beginning with a day in Honfleur, Borealis will then sail down the West coast to Bordeaux. Whilst the first stop offers a quaint, harbour town vibe, the second is an epicentre of elegance and culture, with vineyards upon vineyards as far as the eye can see. With two sea days included, this cruise is perfect for those wishing to explore France and cruising all in one go.
4. A Short Break to Bruges
Company: Cunard
Ship: Queen Mary 2 (2,691 capacity)
Departure: May, June or October
Duration: 3 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: The Netherlands
This Cunard cruise itinerary has been designed for those who seek pure relaxation, without the time to sail the Caribbean for two weeks. With two days at sea, they'll be plenty of time onboard the Queen Mary 2 to decide if holidaying on the high seas is right for you. It also allows cruisers to explore the beautiful city of Bruges, known for its chocolates, beer and postcard perfect streets.
5. New Year's Eve in Amsterdam
Company: P&O
Ship: Ventura (3,078 capacity)
Departure: December
Duration: 5 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: Belgium, The Netherlands
If you're looking for your first cruise to be marked with a bang, this is the one! Winter cruising is obviously very different to spring and summer. Instead of lying on the top deck by the pool with a cocktail, think of bringing the new year in relaxing in the spa jacuzzi, enjoying a romantic meal by candle-light and enjoying some of Europe's best Christmas markets. This cruise heads straight to Amsterdam for New Year's Eve and then makes a stop in Bruges on the way home - the perfect place to stock up on slightly-late Christmas presents, or just to treat yourself!
6. Hamburg and Rotterdam
Company: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Independence of the Seas (4,375 capacity)
Departure: October
Duration: 5 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: The Netherlands, Germany
Heading on a Royal Caribbean ship for a first family cruise is a dangerous move, as you'll never want to sail with another company. This huge ship offers a surf simulator, amazing water slides and twelve different eateries, plus ten bars, a cinema and a video arcade. If you have time, the 5-day itinerary includes stops in Rotterdam and Hamburg for some European adventures, but good luck tearing the kids away from the ship!
7. Cruising to Spain with Disney
Company: Disney Cruise Line
Ship: Disney Dream (4,000 capacity)
Departure: August
Duration: 4 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: Spain
This cruise takes you down the west coast of France for a day in Spain. A Coruna offers Roman architecture, a great aquarium and lovely beaches, but the focus of this cruise is on the adventures inside the ship. With Broadway-quality shows, magical dining experiences and a water park, Disney will pull out all the stops to make your first cruise the adventure of a lifetime!
8. The Landscapes of Green Spain
Company: Fred Olsen
Ship: Borealis (1,360 capacity)
Departure: August
Duration: 5 Nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Countries visited: Spain
This cruise is perfect for those wishing to explore as far as possible from UK shores within just five days. There are two ports days: Bilbao and Santander, both glorious spots to explore on Spain's northern coastline. Borealis is the perfect first-time cruisers ship. It's small capacity makes it feel intimate and special, with renowned staff who ensure every little detail is perfect.
Fred. Olsen Cruises
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
