Mini Cruises can be a great way to get your feet wet with cruising.  They also make a great weekend get away.  In this brief article we will examine what to expect on a Mini Cruise.

1.  Like other cruises on Mini Cruises you can expect the same level of service with your room, food and entertainment included.  Some items that will not be inlcuded are your drinks (alcohol, pop, coffee) and specialty entertainment (casino, bingo etc).

2.  Mini Cruises as the name implies are shorter than the average cruise and usually last from one to three days.  Day one will be the embarkation day.  Depending on the length of the cruise you may leave port in the morning (one day cruise) or later in the afternoon on longer cruises.

3.  Ports of call are usually limited to one on Mini Cruises.  The most popular destination on Mini Cruises is the Bahamas.  Time in port can last from a few hours to overnight. 

4.  Activities on Mini Cruises are similiar to the longer cruises and will include onboard games, shows, swimming, and clubs.

Three things to look for when booking your mini cruise:

1.  What is included in my price?  There are several "free" cruise options.  You will normally have to pay for your port charge per person, your drinks and your shore excursions.  If you would like a room upgrade you will also have to pay more for this.  On "free" cruises the cruise lines make their money from onboard purchases (drinks, shore excursions and room upgrades) but the cruise line may also charge for onboard meals so be sure to check to see what is included.

2.  What is avaliable in port while on Mini Cruises?  How much time will you have.  Some Mini Cruises will include a hotel room while you are in port.  Check to see if one is included.  If it is is there a time share presentation you are required to sit through?  One option when in port is to book your excursions directly through the tour operator.  You can easily save money here.  A quick example would be the Atlantis resort on Paridise Island in the Bahamas.  Most cruise ships will charge around $150.00 per person for a day pass at the resort.  By calling the resort directly you can usually get a day pass for $110.00 a person saving $40.00 a person.

Note that you do not have to purchase a shore excursion.  Some find that just wandering around the port of call is fun enough and doesn't cost a thing.

3.   What do past passengers have to say.  Most cruise lines will have reviews avaliable for their mini cruises.  If you don't find reviews on their site do a simple web search for Mini Cruise reviews.  Past passengers can provide the most valuable information.

I hope you found this article helpful.  Mini Cruises can be a great cruise vacation providing memories for a lifetime.