8 best short cruises to take in 2026

Short cruises of five nights or less have become increasingly popular over the years. In fact, some of the big family brands like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer short cruises as ideal itineraries for families. While a three, four, or even five-night sail may seem too short for some families, the best short cruises pack a lot into just a few days, from onboard fun around the ship to exciting days spent on some of the Caribbean’s best private islands.

And don’t worry if you don’t like these big family cruise lines. Some river and luxury cruise lines are also jumping into the short cruise trend, with sailings to unique destinations over a few days.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute weekend getaway, want to make the most of your PTO with more vacations in the new year, or simply enjoy short cruises, you’ll want to keep reading. These are the best short cruises to take in 2026.

Best small family cruises to take in 2026

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

Dubbed “The World’s Greatest Weekend,” Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas offers thrills and plenty of time to relax. The ship departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, on three- and four-night Caribbean itineraries, including a stop at Royal’s incredible private island, Perfect Day at CoCoCay.

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On board, there is something for everyone in the family, with 21 restaurants, 23 bars, five swimming pools and three water slides. And the entertainment on board Utopia of the Seas is second to none, with breathtaking shows around the ship, including an ice skating show, an 80s-themed diving and synchronized swimming show, and live music. And if all you want to do is hang out and enjoy a fun and enjoyable weekend with your family, you can do that too. There’s plenty of space along the pool decks or in one of the many indoor hangouts for a more relaxed vibe.

The Disney Destiny of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Destiny, will make its maiden voyage on November 20, 2025, with an inaugural season of four- and five-night cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship has a fun heroes and villains theme, great for kids and adults. And although it’s a sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, it feels like it’s in a class of its own.

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Onboard, many new experiences await, including an all-new immersive dining experience called Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, part of the rotating dining program for all families. There is also the incredible staging, Disney Herculeswhich will be screened inside the Walt Disney Theater. And I can’t wait to see all the character interactions that Disney has been teasing, including the magic tricks with Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog and fashion shows with Cruella de Vil de 101 Dalmatians.

Virgin Voyages’ Fire & Sunset Evenings

If your family is all adults, consider a getaway with Virgin Voyages. The brand is known for its adults-only cruises around the world, from the Caribbean and Mediterranean to the brand’s inaugural Alaska season in 2026. But for a short sail, there’s nothing better than Fire & Sunset parties departing from Miami, Florida. This four-night itinerary on Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady or Brilliant Lady sails year-round and visits Key West, Florida and the Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas.

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Having traveled this route in the past, I can confidently say that it is one of the best and most relaxing short cruises around. Virgin’s ships feel like a retreat with plenty of quiet spots, although the party heats up in the evening. Additionally, ports of call offer a multitude of activities, from beachcombing to charter tours to local delicacies such as conch.

Four-day roundtrip to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line from Jacksonville

Norwegian Cruise Line recently began homeporting in Jacksonville, Florida, a small cruise port in North Florida. From there, you can take a four-day roundtrip cruise on Norwegian Gem to Grand Bahama Island and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. I love that Norwegian’s private island is getting even better, with new additions in late 2025, including a 28,000-square-foot heated pool and two swim-up bars. Then, in 2026, the island will open the Great Tides Water Park, featuring several water slides, a lazy river, a children’s play area and more.

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Onboard Norwegian Gem, you can relax at O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill with a pint of beer, play a game of basketball or tennis, or take in one of the many incredible shows inside the theater. Not to be missed is Blazing Boots, a tribute to country stars like Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and others.

Carnival Cruise Line, four days in the Caribbean, departing from Galveston, Texas

One cruise homeport that will get a lot of attention in 2026 is Galveston, Texas. The growing port welcomes more ships than ever, making it easier for southwest cruises to the Caribbean and beyond. Those looking for a short cruise from Galveston will want to consider a four-day Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Line. With dozens of dates in 2026, this itinerary won’t break the bank and will still leave you with plenty of PTO for other vacations.

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The cruise is on the Carnival Breeze and has a port of call in Cozumel, Mexico, so you’ll spend a lot of time on the ship. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either, since there are so many things to do on board, like dining at Guy’s Burger Joint (arguably the best burgers at sea), a 320-foot-long Twister slide, and entertainment around every corner.

Best luxury short cruises to take in 2026

Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Getaway

If your 2026 travels take you to Europe, Viking Ocean Cruises has some incredible options for short sailings. The one that will be worth the flight to Europe alone is the five-day Mediterranean trip, which begins in Barcelona, ​​Spain, and ends in Athens, Greece. During the short cruise, you will also have the chance to disembark in Valletta, Malta, known for its old-world charm and stunning architecture.

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The cruise takes place on the Viking Saturn, one of the brand’s newest ships, launching in 2023. This is a great cruise to add on to build an entire vacation by adding a few nights before or after to the existing itinerary. There is only one cruise with this itinerary, and it’s February 1, 2026, so if this sounds interesting to you, you’ll want to book sooner rather than later.

Silversea Palma De Mallorca to Nice

If summer in Spain and France is your dream, then book this short five-day cruise from Palma de Mallorca to Nice with Silversea. The ultra-luxury cruise sails on Silver Shadow, with stops in Barcelona and Palamos, Spain, before heading to Sète, Marseille and Nice, France. This unique cruise takes place from July 8 to 13, 2026.

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Aboard the Silver Shadow, you’ll be pampered with butter service, an almost one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, unlimited pours of champagne, free Wi-Fi, and much more. And as you sail between ports of call, you can enjoy enriching lectures from experts, four restaurants and a magnificent pool deck with panoramic views of the passing landscape.

Best Short River Cruises to Take in 2026

Magical Paris and festive cruise on the Seine from Riviera Travel

Taking a river cruise through France is a unique experience, but add in the holiday season with Europe’s exquisite Christmas markets and you’re in for a treat. A short cruise that combines these two things is the new Magical Paris & Festive Seine River cruise from Riviera Travel. The five-day, four-night sailing begins in Paris, then visits Vernon, Conflans and returns to Paris for one night.

While cruising on the MS Jane Austen, you can visit Bizy Castle, attend a private organ concert at Vernon Cathedral, and stroll through the glittering Christmas markets of Paris. On the ship, you’ll enjoy all-inclusive luxury, from drinks and excursions to meals and free Wi-Fi. Cruises run throughout December, so you still have plenty of time to book and plan your winter vacation.

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