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A BOLDER WAY TO GETAWAY

Short weekend cruises.

Find Great Weekend Getaway Vacations Near Me

Go big on bold. Give your plans the ultimate makeover with weekend cruises from your favorite ports near you.

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Plan Your Perfect Quick Weekend Getaway 

Our quick weekend getaway cruises are bar-raising adventures designed to change the way you vacation. Whether you’re into action-packed thrills or beachside chill, you’re just one click away from relaxation mode.

GET ON ISLAND TIME

Caribbean vacation charm is the order of the day in The Bahamas, where you’ll find pristine beaches and calypso beats down every street. And at the newly revamped Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean® private destination, you’re in for game changing ways to chill and record-breaking thrills, like the tallest water slide in North America. Soak up all the adventure on 2, 3 or 4-night cruise sailing from Miami ,  Fort Lauderdale , or Port Canaveral (Orlando) .

EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

BASK IN A BAHAMIAN BREEZE

A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands. Cruise to the Bahamas to take a dive and witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau .

EXPLORE BAHAMAS CRUISES

MARVELS OF MEXICO

Soak up Mediterranean vibes in Catalina Island . Indulge in traditional Mexican flavors and spices in Ensenada , home of the fish taco. Or jump into the emerald waters of Cabo San Lucas. Adventure is calling. Travel back in time as you roam thousand-year-old Maya temples in Cozumel . There are plenty of weekend cruises sailing from Los Angeles or Florida .

EXPLORE MEXICO CRUISES

GET ROYAL DEALS, SIGN UP TODAY

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

THREE DIFFERENT STATES. ONE STATE OF MIND

Weekend cruises are easy to grab and they sail from every coast. Visit the top weekend destinations conveniently with home ports across three states — sunny Florida, Lone Star-studded Texas and golden California.

sunshine state sensations

Four convenient home ports make Florida the undisputed cruising capital of the world. Depart from sultry Miami or tropical Fort Lauderdale . Venture to the Gulf Coast and sail from Tampa . Or blast off on a weekend cruise from Port Canaveral .

EXPLORE FLORIDA CRUISES

IT'S BIGGER IN TEXAS

Start your adventure with some good old-fashioned southern hospitality in Galveston, Texas . Don’t miss the city’s must-see landmark buildings and bustling Pleasure Pier. Then board your ship and sail on a short cruise getaway to the beautiful shores of Mexico and the western Caribbean.

EXPLORE TEXAS CRUISES

california dreaming

Los Angeles isn’t just the city for the stars — it’s the place to get your ultimate weekend getaway started. You’re in for incredible sights on picture-perfect west coast shores — from the Old-World Mediterranean charm of Catalina Island to Baja gem Ensenada and energetic Cabo San Lucas.

EXPLORE WEST COAST CRUISES

YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY AWAITS

There are so many ways to enjoy your next weekend cruise vacation with our Oasis Class favorites like Allure, and Utopia of the Seas℠ or family favorites like Freedom, Independence and Liberty of the Seas℠.  

UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

THIS IS A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Take memories to the max on short cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay — our award-winning private destination in The Bahamas, where you can dial up the adventure with record-breaking ways to thrill and chill. Plus, savor craveworthy flavors onboard and ashore on your short cruise getaway.

UP YOUR WIND DOWN GAME

Chill out at your choice of six stretches of beach, each with its own vibe. Take a dip in the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon® . Or luxe the day away in your choice of cabanas — including the first Overwater Cabanas in The Bahamas.

WHEN ADVENTURE CALLS

Perfect Day at CocoCay delivers plenty of thrills to get your adrenaline pumping. Take on the longest waterslide in North America at Thrill Waterpark® . Conquer the Caribbean’s largest wave pool. Zoom along 1,600 feet of zip line. And even soar above the island on a helium balloon flight !

FOODIE FAVORITES

When it’s time to refuel, the signature wings at Captain Jack’s® hit the right spot. Dig in to all-you-can-eat deliciousness at two buffets. Try one of the famous chicken sandwiches dressed in our secret sauce at Snack Shack. Or indulge in the lobster roll at Coco Beach Club® .

ALL ADULTS. ALL PARTY.

Discover the ultimate beachfront party for your weekend getaway — Hideaway Beach℠ . From non-stop beats and endless craft cocktails to cabanas with exclusive plunge pool access and a personal attendant, this is your adults-only weekend in paradise.

Best Weekend Getaway Deals to Your Favorite Destinations

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

STARTING FROM 

CARIBBEAN CRUISES

CANCUN & COZUMEL

ENSENADA CRUISES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

No matter which coast you’re on, you don’t need a lot of days off to enjoy a short weekend getaway. Snag our best weekend deals and level up a quick vacation getaway like never before. From laid-back beachside lounging to adrenaline-amping thrills — do it all along the tropics’ most sought-after shores.

Unwind on Cabo ’s world-famous beaches. Swim with stingrays in the turquoise waters of The Bahamas . Or brave the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Whether you sail from L.A. , Miami , Fort Lauderdale , Tampa or Orlando , you have more ways than ever to pack big adventures into a short weekend getaway — onboard the best and boldest ships in the world.

Everything You Need to Plan a Perfect Day at Cococay

May 13, 2024

Planning on maximizing your experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay discover everything you need to know from record-breaking slides and rides, free kid-friendly attractions to delicious restaurants, and chilled out activities.

Weekend Getaways: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas [Infographic]

May 6, 2024

Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas gives you the best opportunity to create your own great weekend getaway the way you want to travel!

Girls and guys weekend trip ideas: How to plan a cruise getaway | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 22, 2024

Looking for great girls or guys weekend trip ideas? Here are some useful tips to plan the perfect getaway with your friends.

Best Long Weekend Getaways to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 19, 2024

Make the most of a weekend getaway Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas onboard Utopia of the Seas with these ideal travel tips.

Can You Take Days Off Without PTO? Here's What You Need to Know | Royal Caribbean Cruises

An epic vacation doesn't have to mean depleting all your vacation days. Can you take days off without PTO? Yes! Here are some ways to do it.

How To Have the Best Family Vacation on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship makes planning a family vacation easy. Here's everything you need to know.

Top Free Activities and Free Things To Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay

April 12, 2024

The best free activities and free things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay®, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Best Weekend Cruises from Florida | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 1, 2024

Whether you're a couple, a family or a solo traveler, weekend cruises from Florida make a fabulous quick break full of sun and sand.

Take Your Perfect Day at CocoCay® to the Next Level | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Who said you shouldn't mess with perfection? Visit a thrilling water park or a relaxing lagoon to make your Perfect Day at CocoCay® even better.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Liberty of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The fan-favorite cruise ship from New York, Liberty of the Seas, is home to some of the best cruise restaurants in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

6 Memorable Family-Friendly Attractions in the Caribbean

Looking for some top family-friendly attractions in the Caribbean? Here are the best things to do for kids and adults alike.

Traveling With a Toddler to Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Traveling with a toddler is easy when you book a cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Read on for advice and tips for traveling with a toddler.

Mexico Weekend Getaways from LA | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy Los Angeles and new Mexican flavors and vistas during one of our Mexico weekend getaways.

The Ultimate Girls Weekend Getaway in LA

Create plans for the perfect girls weekend getaway in Los Angeles with our guide to the ultimate LA travel vacation. We've done the heavy lifting for you.

Wonderful Weekend Getaways

The most relaxing vacation during a perfect weekend getaway. Don't leave home again without these tips in your back pocket!

One Day, Three Ways At Perfect Day At Cococay

Planning your time at the new CocoCay? If you want to unwind, head to Chill Island on the east side of CocoCay. Or visit the Oasis Lagoon or the Thrill Waterpark to get on the side of adventure.

Ultimate Guide To Oasis Lagoon

The best Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay insider Tips to discovering all the amazing things to do, family-friendly attractions and thrills you don't want to miss. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best Cruises From Miami

Cruise from Miami and start your vacation in one of the worlds best places to visit, then set sail from the Port of Miami to The Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico and beyond on weekend getaway cruise or a longer Caribbean adventure. Here are the best cruises from Miami

Perfect Day Honeymoon Guide

Celebrate your newly-wedded bliss on a romantic Caribbean honeymoon cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the best Caribbean destination for newly married couples. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

The Ultimate College Spring Break Cruise Vacation

If you are looking for an all-out college spring break vacation filled with beach vibes, thrilling rides and amazing parties it doesn’t get any better than a spring break cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Top 7 Most Thrilling Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Experience the top 7 most thrilling things to do at the Perfect Day at CocoCay from sliding down the tallest waterslide in North America to zip lining across the island and much more.

Top 4 Insider Tips to Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day At CocoCay top 4 insider travel tips uncovers free things to do, places to go and thrills you can share with friends. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best Restaurants at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Explore all the restaurants on the Perfect Day at CocoCay island and discover all the complimentary dining venues that offers loads of food and drink favorites that will fuel you up in between adventures.

Guide To Chill Island at Perfect Day

Discover Chill Island insider tips to all the relaxing things to do from renting overwater cabanas with VIP services, snorkeling with the friendly manta rays to finding the best places to unwind and soak up the island vibes.

The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Vacation to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Set sail to the best kid-friendly destination in the world on a cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to Perfect Day at CocoCay and discover all the amazing family-friendly activities, award-winning shows, and record-breaking attractions.

Amazing Family Friendly Summer Cruise Vacations

Enjoy your family summer vacation on a cruise to Perfect Day CocoCay and discover the private islands beautiful beaches, kid-friendly attractions, great restaurants and record-breaking water rides and activities for all ages. Find summer cruise deals.

The 5 Most Relaxing Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Discover the most relaxing things to do on your luxury getaway to Perfect Day at CocoCay from the luxury CocoCay Overwater Cabanas to the most popular Chill Island Cabanas and much more.

Relaxing Weekend Caribbean Vacation Ideas

Envision your next weekend Caribbean vacation, plan a short cruise or quick getaway to the best travel destinations to visit. Adventure awaits!

Relaxing Vacation Spots in the Caribbean

Visit tranquil places in the Caribbean, like the cenotes of Mexico, to find the most relaxing vacation spots.

Galveston to Caribbean Weekend Getaways

Start your western Caribbean weekend getaway from Galveston and visit the different attractions in Texas before or after your cruise vacation.

EXPLORE MORE

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The concept of a floating hotel that offers entertainment and sports in addition to lodging and food is tempting, but you are not sure if a cruise is your ideal holiday? Then a mini cruise is just right for you!

River or Ocean

Voyage dates, voyage length, cruise lines, customer review, from/to port, from country, from/to country, includes flight, onboard language.

Itinerary: Istanbul, Kerkyra, Bari, Triest

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Why a mini cruise?

A mini-cruise is ideal if you are not yet sure whether a longer cruise is right for you or if you have a new cruise line in mind and want to experience some of the things it has to offer. Starting at the harbour you then sail (usually at night) towards the destination. During the day you stop at interesting ports in between and have enough time there for sightseeing, shopping or culinary delights.

Although these trips are much shorter, usually about 3 or 4 days, than on a normal trip, you still have all the amenities such as restaurants, bars, entertainment programs, sports activities and much more available. So you get to know the cruise line on a short cruise and know immediately if it suits you. With minimal effort you can appreciate what cruising has to offer.

  Mini cruise worldwide

Taster cruises are offered worldwide, so you are not bound to a particular departure ports. How about a Caribbean cruise , if you have planned a longer vacation there anyway? So you can ideally combine your holiday with a little taster trip. Even Mediterranean cruises and Asia cruises are available. Be inspired to experience the delights of cruising!

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Mini Cruises & Breaks 2024/2025

Mini cruises.

If you've never been on a cruise but fancy trying it without having to get stuck on a ship for two weeks with no hope of getting off, or you're short on time and want a quick and easy short break, then mini cruises could be for you.

Cruises aren't for everyone so a mini cruise break is a great chance to try one out in 2024 and 2025, and there are a variety of options available from destination, to ship to cruise company. You'll find that each cruise company offers something different and you should choose wisely depending on who you are and what you want from your break.

Popular Cruise Lines To Bruges

DFDS Seaways

P&O Cruises

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Dorada Palace Zona de Llevant

H10 Salauris Palace Salou

Mini cruise guide.

• From the UK
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Types Of Mini Cruises

Mini cruise deals from the uk.

Traditionally, Southampton was the main port you would cruise from, however a number of other ports in the UK now cater well for cruises. In fact, Liverpool is to undergo a huge redevelopment in order to be capable of taking large cruise ships.

Mini cruises from Southampton and Portsmouth in the south, and Newcastle and Hull in the north mean you don't necessarily have to drive the length of the country in order to enjoy a mini break. However some companies can help organise a car service or coach transfers to pick up you and take you to the right cruise terminal in port.

Whether you prefer a more upmarket experience on Cunard's Queen Victoria or Queen Mary, or you need sall the bells and whistles of a family friendly ship like the MSC Virtuosa, some of the best deals are usually either a year or two in advance or at the last minute (cruise companies hate having empty cabins!).

Mini Cruise Destinations

A mini cruise is great for seeing if you might like to go on a longer cruise but it's also a chance to see somewhere new. There are a number of destinations that can be on a short cruise itinerary. For example DFDS offers mini cruises aboard its ferry ships between Newcastle and Amsterdam (and have often had 2 for 1 mini cruise offers ), while P&O offers ports of call like St Peter Port in Guernsey, Bruges in Belgium (from Zeebrugge), and Cherbourg in France, on their short cruises.

It's worth noting that the mini cruises to Amsterdam with DFDS won't have the same level of facilities and activities as with a P&O or Carnival cruise ship, which are catered better for longer periods at sea and offer a much larger selection of restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities.

You can get off in each location and explore the area by yourself or as part of an organised excursion which can be booked in advance or onboard. Alternatively, if you just want to enjoy the facilities on board the ship, you're welcome to stay aboard while the crowds are on dry land.

British Isles

Exploring the British Isles is an interesting option, with several ships exploring the coast of the UK, stopping in places like Stornoway and the Orkney Islands, as well as cities like Liverpool and Belfast.

Norwegian Fjords

Trips to the Norwegian Fjords in northern Europe usually last from 7 nights to 14 nights, so a little longer than a shorter, taster cruise of a few days. However, if you've never cruised before, this can actually be a great option as most days are in a port or travelling through dramatic Fjordlands and incredible scenery, so you'll want to make the most of having a cabin with a window or, better still, a balcony.

Fly Cruises

While typically fly cruises are longer than just a few nights, there are options available, like 3 nights in the Bahamas from Florida, or 7 nights around the Mediterranean from Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca. While cruises from Southampton or somewhere similar in the UK skip the airports, flying to meet your ship might cost a bit more because you have the extra cost of flights to think about, but it means you can skip the sea days and head straight for the sunshine.

Last Minute Mini Cruises

If you're after a deal, booking a mini cruise at the last minute might be worth it. These ships are departing anyway so if there are cabins on board empty, the cruise companies would rather people in there than it going empty, so you may find that a late deals could save you £££s.

You may need to be flexible in where and when you go, as well as the sort of cabin you stay in. Outside cabins, especially those with balconies are incredibly popular and can get booked up very quickly, leaving inside cabins (which don't have windows) to the latecomers.

Romantic Breaks

If there's a special event coming up (anniversary, birthday or even planned wedding proposal) and you want to celebrate in a unique way, mini cruises are fantastic romantic breaks, especially when you can upgrade to balcony cabins and suites, or order a bottle of champagne to be in your room when you arrive. Enjoy fine dining, fab nights out and romantic destinations too.

Themed Cruises

There are also themed cruises often available, which can be as extravagant as dedicated fans to a certain celebrity or entertainer on board. These can be a great way to enjoy more of the evening (and daytime) entertainment if you're worried about it not being for you. From classic music and disco themed cruises, to even a Disney cruise, why not take a look at some of the themed breaks on offer?

First Timers

Generally cruises are suitable for everybody, from couples and families to single travellers. In fact, many ships offer events and meetups dedicated to single and solo travellers so that you can make new friends on your adventures. If you're a first timer, companies also cater well with hundreds, if not thousands of staff on hand to answer questions and make your cruise holiday the best.

More Fantastic Holidays

Cruises from southampton, cruises under £500pp, 2 for 1 mini cruises, mini cruises from southampton, mini cruises to bruges, adult only holidays, last minute holidays, low deposit holidays.

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If you're looking to escape for a few days, or want the perfect all-round venue to celebrate that special occasion, why not try a mini cruise.

Choose a departure range of up to 1 month if you have not selected a specific cruise line or Choose a departure date range of up to 3 months if you have selected a specific cruise line

Mini Cruise Offers

1. short break.

Aurora 3 nights 04 Jul 2024

• Elegant, traditional and exclusively for adults

2. Western Europe

Ventura 4 nights 09 Jul 2024

• Family Friendly Ship*

3. Short Break

Arcadia 3 nights 27 Jul 2024

4. UK & Ireland Getaway

Ambition 5 nights 28 Jul 2024

• Premium value, traditional cruise experience at an affordable price.

5. Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five

Balmoral 5 nights 02 Aug 2024

• Smaller ships. Fewer guests. Personal service.

6. France Cruise from Southampton

Disney Dream 4 nights 12 Aug 2024

• Fun for all the family
• Adult-exclusive pool, dining, nightclubs & lounges

7. Belgium Cruise from Southampton

Disney Dream 3 nights 16 Aug 2024

8. Spain Cruise from Southampton

Disney Dream 4 nights 19 Aug 2024

9. Spain Cruise from Southampton

Disney Dream 4 nights 23 Aug 2024

10. Spain Cruise from Southampton

Disney Dream 5 nights 27 Aug 2024

11. Short Break to Rotterdam

Queen Anne 4 nights 28 Aug 2024

• White Star Service
• Classically British cruise experience

12. From England to Amsterdam (& back)

Resilient Lady 4 nights 30 Aug 2024

• Exclusively for adults 18+
• All group fitness classes such as yoga & HIIT included
• All meals, selected soft drinks, WiFi & tips included

13. The UK to Amsterdam & Zeebrugge

Resilient Lady 5 nights 03 Sep 2024

14. Western Europe

Ventura 4 nights 10 Sep 2024

15. Bruges Short Break

Queen Mary 2 4 nights 11 Sep 2024

16. The UK to Zeebrugge & Amsterdam

Resilient Lady 5 nights 14 Sep 2024

17. From England to Amsterdam (& back)

Resilient Lady 4 nights 19 Sep 2024

18. Northern Europe from Southampton

MSC Virtuosa 4 nights 24 Sep 2024

• Gratuities Included

19. Cherbourg and Bruges

Queen Anne 4 nights 11 Oct 2024

20. Northern Europe from Southampton

MSC Virtuosa 4 nights 12 Oct 2024

21. Hamburg Short Break

Queen Mary 2 4 nights 13 Oct 2024

22. Northern Europe from Southampton

MSC Virtuosa 4 nights 16 Oct 2024

23. Northern Europe from Southampton

MSC Virtuosa 5 nights 20 Oct 2024

24. Belgium And France

Arvia 4 nights 21 Oct 2024

25. Amsterdam City Break

Ambience 3 nights 24 Oct 2024

26. Haunts of Hamburg and Amsterdam

Ambience 5 nights 27 Oct 2024

27. Hamburg Getaway

Sky Princess 5 nights 28 Oct 2024

28. Bruges And Rotterdam

Queen Victoria 4 nights 30 Oct 2024

29. Amsterdam Short Break

Queen Victoria 4 nights 15 Nov 2024

30. Amsterdam & Antwerp City Break

Ambition 5 nights 21 Nov 2024

31. Amsterdam & Antwerp City Break

Ambition 4 nights 22 Nov 2024

32. Short Break

Arcadia 3 nights 25 Nov 2024

33. Cherbourg And Bruges

Queen Victoria 4 nights 01 Dec 2024

34. Short Break

Aurora 4 nights 05 Dec 2024

35. German & Dutch Festive Sailing

Ambience 5 nights 08 Dec 2024

36. Rotterdam and Bruges

Queen Mary 2 4 nights 10 Dec 2024

37. Short Break

Arcadia 5 nights 14 Dec 2024

38. Cities of Western Europe

Queen Anne 5 nights 15 Dec 2024

39. Amsterdam Short Break

Queen Victoria 5 nights 28 Dec 2024

40. Western Europe

Ventura 5 nights 29 Dec 2024

41. Hamburg Short Break

Queen Anne 4 nights 05 Jan 2025

42. Amsterdam

Ventura 4 nights 07 Feb 2025

43. Western Europe

Ventura 4 nights 23 Feb 2025

44. Short Break

Iona 5 nights 13 Mar 2025

45. Southampton to Southampton

Queen Victoria 4 nights 28 Mar 2025

46. Western Europe

Iona 4 nights 01 Apr 2025

47. Western Europe

Ventura 3 nights 03 Apr 2025

48. Treasures of the Irish Sea

Ambition 4 nights 11 Apr 2025

49. Western Europe

Ventura 4 nights 16 Apr 2025

50. Western Europe

Aurora 3 nights 21 Apr 2025

About Mini Cruises

Mini Cruises find and book your mini cruise breaks with Cruise Direct.

If you're looking to escape for a few days, or want the perfect venue to celebrate that special occasion, why not try a mini cruise?

Popular Mini Cruises Lines

P&o cruises mini cruises, cunard line short voyages, fred olsen mini cruises, royal caribbean international mini cruises.

Ferries from UK/Ireland

Ferries in Scandinavia

Ferries in the Baltics

Spain & Morocco

MiniCruises

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Onboard our routes

Inspiration

Discover DFDS

Travel Information

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Mini Cruise Breaks

Mini cruises & short hotel breaks

Enjoy a mini break to Europe by travelling on one of our two European cruise routes between Newcastle and Amsterdam and Copenhagen and Oslo . These short cruises are great ways to discover Europe and Scandinavia. A mini cruise is also a cost-effective alternative to a flight and expensive hotels.

You can enjoy your mini break on an overnight crossing and spend time exploring one of Europe’s most exciting cities. All our mini cruise options include coach transfers from the ferry port to your destination. With mid-week and weekend cruise deals available.

Onboard you can enjoy all the comforts of your own private cabin, a choice of great restaurants, bars, and entertainment. There are also play areas for the kids and shops for all your travel essentials, gifts, and souvenirs.

Newcastle-Amsterdam Mini Cruise

Visit Amsterdam with a 2-night mini cruise which includes two nights onboard and explore vibrant Amsterdam.

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Anyone do Viking River Cruise Moscow to St Petersburg? - Moscow Forum

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Anyone do Viking River Cruise Moscow to St Petersburg?

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Or is there another cruise line I should investigate?

We are two female seniors travelling. Thank you much.

2 female friends did a similiar cuise on Vantage River Cruises - you may want to compare both companies

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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A Gentleman in Moscow (2024) Episode 1 & 2 Review

A chance to humble the one percent.

A Gentleman in Moscow

Paramount+ presents its next adaptation, A Gentleman in Moscow, after pushing the second season for the Halo series. This one is a book adaptation of the same name written by Amor Towles and is expected to be a mini-series covering key moments of the historical fiction novel.

My initial reaction to the first two episodes of A Gentleman in Moscow was that the show surprised me. It got to the point straight away and wasted no time building out this world and the bonds within it. Also, Ewan McGregor can slay that mustache! It is very similar to Kenneth Branaugh playing Hercule Poirot in the Agatha Christie film adaptations .

The main plot follows Russian aristocrat Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov (McGregor), who recently returned to Russia following his journey to Paris. He spent decades banished to an attic hotel room following the October Revolution after being sentenced to house arrest by a Bolshevik tribunal. They told the Count that the moment he left Hotel Metropol, he would be shot on sight.

This was no regular hotel either. It was once exclusively frequented and lived in by Russian upper-class and royalty members. However, the Bolsheviks have decided otherwise. Mary Elizabeth Winstead revealed in a Q&A session after the screening of these first two episodes that 95% of the show was filmed in a real hotel. This included the rooms that connected to one another. Because of not being able to actually film in Moscow due to the current war and unfortunate events, the choice was made to use Greater Manchester, England.

Even though the Count is confined to the limits of the hotel, he manages to interact with the rest of Russia through visitors and old friends. Through his interactions with the hotel staff, his old privilege bled through the story. But it is a paradox. Generally, the ninety-nine percent of people on Earth have the urge to hate the One Percent and royalty for their posh debaucheries.

“The chemistry between McGregor and Winstead in A Gentleman in Moscow was off the Richter scale!”

Yet, the Count breaks the black-and-white mould of high-class aristocracy by being a down-to-earth person. He also has a lot of charm that does not immediately make people want to rip his throat out when he is humbled by the Red Army soldiers confining his living quarters and the rest of his life.

The chemistry between McGregor and Winstead in A Gentleman in Moscow was off the Richter scale! But it made sense since they are married in real life. While their relationship in the show is very different, I think anyone could tell their passion transcended the performance on-screen. It was nothing as steamy as Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas in Deep Water , following their fling in real life . And yet, that was not the only heavy chemistry I caught.

McGregor’s endearing relationship with kids never fails, for example, in his time in the Star Wars films and roles such as Christopher Robin in Christopher Robin . I felt like his touching relationship with the little girl resident of the hotel, Nina, was a little creepy at first. Quickly, it grows into a sense of camaraderie for navigating new parts of the hotel’s secret rooms and passageways they discover together. Other relationships of friendship and brotherhood emerged as well, offering McGregor a chance to trapeze through those connections, too.

A Gentleman in Moscow is directed by Sam Miller, with Sarah O’Gorman directing some of the episodes. The first two episodes included a lot of close-ups of McGregor, mostly when he is being oppressed or on his own, venturing Hotel Metropol. The focal lens of the camera was super tight and confined, elevating the experience of being under house arrest through the screen.

The situation almost seemed similar to living through COVID-19 lockdowns, minus the part where the upper class was being targeted for execution. Even though it was only a two-episode preview, I got a general sense of unease with the Count’s situation. On the same note of the camera angle and shot choices, I really enjoyed the long takes of following characters from one area to another.

“A Gentleman in Moscow used many different camera techniques that elevated the storytelling for me…”

At first, it was a bit jarring that they used some shaky camera work to do follow shots. It was almost like the Count’s life was being documented through the use of a modern handheld camera, and this was the found footage. It’s not as shaky as in J.J. Abrams’ Cloverfield , though. I’m not sure if it was the goal, but it adds to the feeling of being over-surveillance, too.

A Gentleman in Moscow used many different camera techniques that elevated the storytelling for me—one more comes to mind. The Count’s life is told in two timelines: his current time in Hotel Metropol and his time with his family and friends of high-luxury and leisure. While his present time was shown in a normal widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, the past memories of the Count was shot in fullscreen 4:3 aspect ratio. I thought this was a cheeky way to separate timelines without the help of text appearing on-screen.

As a historical drama and thriller, A Gentleman in Moscow appears to be shaping into a whimsical, intriguing ride. With eight episodes to cover the book’s material, I believe it will do the novel justice. For about eight hours of content to figure out the full picture of the Count’s life, I feel like there will be many twists and turns until the very end. Whether he lives or dies by the end of the series, I guess we will all have to wait and see.

Final Thoughts

Ridge has almost always grown up around three things: Star Wars, video games, anime, manga, TV shows, films, basketball, hockey, volleyball, and anime. He typically writes about—you guessed it—anime-centric content. When he is not doing any of those things, he is usually trying out something new like streaming on his Twitch channel @wrainsparrow.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, CGMagazine may earn a commission. However, please know this does not impact our reviews or opinions in any way. See our ethics statement.

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A Gentleman in Moscow: What to expect from the Paramount+ series? Explored

A Gentleman in Moscow promises to be a fascinating story about a Russian Count banished to a hotel for life. The story is set against the backdrop of the Bolshevik Revolution. Ewan McGregor plays Count Alexander Rostov, a charming and well-mannered gentleman, punished to a life of confinement, in times of social and political upheaval.

The upcoming Paramount+ TV with Showtime series also stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Johnny Harris, Leah Harvey, and Beau Gadson in prominent roles. The eight-part mini-series will be released on Friday, March 29, 2024, with new episodes every week.

Which book is A Gentleman in Moscow based on?

The series is based on a 2016 novel of the same name by Amor Towles and revolves around a Russian count put under house arrest in a hotel attic. The book was among the New York Times bestsellers when it was released and received favorable reviews.

It was on the bestseller list for over 40 weeks, received wide critical praise, and was featured in several Best Books of the Year lists.

What is A Gentleman in Moscow TV mini-series about? Plot explored

It is set in Moscow, around the Bolshevik Revolution, when Alexander Rostow is arrested for writing counter-revolutionary poems. By the courtesy of a few powerful friends, he is spared from execution. But he is condemned to life imprisonment inside a hotel.

Count Rostow is a man of strong belief. He is always composed and is a perfect gentleman. Rostow spends decades in this hotel but never loses his refined manners. His time in the grand Hotel Metropol leads to interesting encounters and charming conversations.

This unique setting is aided by the themes of freedom and hope and is told through intriguing characters, captivating scenes, and smart dialogues.

What to expect from A Gentleman in Moscow TV mini-series?

The show looks visually stunning in the trailer, with elements of suspense, drama, comedy, and political intrigue. Here's what fans can expect from the series.

1) Suspense

The Russian Revolution was one of the most important events in the history of the world. It marked an end to the reign of the Romanovs and the beginning of socialist rule under Vladimir Lenin.

The revolution flipped the country's politics, not just with the hammer and sickle, but also with gunpowder and bullets. The powerful lost power, and the aristocracy became a symbol of vulgar opulence, class oppression, and corruption.

The story about a noble aristocrat set in that era is bound to give the audience elements of suspense. One wrong move or word can become a matter of life and death.

2) Playful relationships (young girl helping him escape the hotel)

The trailer also featured Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Beau Gadson, Leah Harvey, etc, as characters who would encounter Rostow in his imprisonment. The unusual relationships the protagonist builds with the people around him will be a source of interest for the viewers.

The trailer showed a young girl helping Rostow escape from the hotel. Would they succeed or end up in front of a firing squad?

3) Plot twist (Entry of the actress)

Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Anna Urbanova, an actress who 'stars in bad movies', as said by one of the characters in the trailer. She catches Rostow's attention upon her arrival at The Metropol Hotel . The diva and the prisoner incite steamy stares and flirtatious exchanges. During his confinement at the Metropol, her presence stir things around.

4) Meaning and Symbolism

"They can take away everything, but they can't take away who you are."

When a nation adopts a new ideology and undergoes a socio-political transition, new symbols of unity are simultaneously created. This story, spanning over three decades primarily, revolves around the protagonist's struggle to preserve his identity against those who want to erase it.

What happens when the world you were born into becomes nothing more than a memory? In A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles uses subtle moments of clever comedy to elevate the humane drama. The trailer promises to be an honest attempt to bring the brilliant book to life .

A Gentleman in Moscow will be released on Paramount+ on March 29, 2024.

P&O Ferries Bruges mini cruise from £80pp

One of the best mini cruises to Bruges, one of my most favourite cities in the world.

Treat yourself to a two-night mini cruise break to the medieval city of Bruges with P&O Ferries.

You'll get to spend the day touring the small city of Bruges in Belgium at your own pace.

👍 Hear about the deals first - click here and follow my Mini Cruise Addict page on Facebook (opens in new window).

At 6.30pm your modern ferry will leave the Port of Hull and sail overnight to Zeebrugge.

Enjoy the entertainment on-board, feast on a delicious dinner, or enjoy a bit of shopping before heading to bed in your own en-suite cabin.

At 8.45am (or 9.30am on weekends) you'll arrive in Zeebrugge where a coach will be waiting to take you to the city centre. Depending on traffic you'll normally be there around half an hour to an hour later.

Enjoy touring Bruges at your own leisure. Meander the shopping streets of this small city, browsing the shops and admiring the beautiful architecture along the way. There are plenty of chocolate shops to tickle your fancy although seek out the artisan shops to taste quality confectionery. Walk around Minnewaterpark and enjoy the tranquil public green space that borders Minnewater Lake.The city boasts a surprising number of museums, historical attractions and religious sites and these are worth a visit too. And don't forget about a canal boat ride or a horse and carriage ride along old cobbled streets.

At 5.30pm the last coach departs Bruges taking the last load of passengers back to the ferry terminal. At 7pm the ship sets sail bound for Hull the following morning.

The dull-but-necessary small print

All deals are subject to availability and can be withdrawn by the operator without prior notice. The lead-in prices (otherwise known as the 'from' prices) are, unless otherwise stated above, based on two adults sharing the cheapest available cabin on the cheapest available date. Typically the best prices are available at the start of any promotion period so the earlier you book the better choice of sailing dates and cabin availability you should have. Mid-week sail dates are likely to be cheaper than weekend sail dates.

16 comments on “ P&O Ferries Bruges mini cruise from £80pp ”

can you please tell me can you still cruise from hull

The Bruges route is not currently available from Hull. P&O axed this during the pandemic. I'm hopeful it will return in some shape or form, but time will tell.

Any idea on 241 mini cruises

I don't think these will return until the pandemic is under control. Travel still isn't quite back to normal, so I think it will be a while before we see the cheaper fares return.

when will you be starting your mini cruise to Brugge from Hull we would like to book in December ( club class)

The route was axed as a result of the pandemic. There's no plans to revive it yet, as far as I can see, which is a shame as I loved my Bruges mini cruises. The next best thing now is taking the Eurostar train from the UK to Bruges via Brussels. It's a few hours each way, and you'd need a hotel stay for a night or two to do it justice. It's not the same as travelling by sea though. Hopefully P&O will reconsider the route, or another provider will offer something similar.

P&O still run the Hull to Rotterdam/Amsterdam route though. Amsterdam is everything you'd expect it to be, while Rotterdam's really hip and trendy, with a focus of art and food. Rotterdam's well connected too. Last time, we booked a cruise-and-stay to Rotterdam, but took the metro up to The Hague, spending the afternoon, a night, and the following morning there, with that afternoon in Rotterdam (especially Markthal) before catching the coach back to the port.

When do the 2-1 offers start? Are they in all year round

The next round should be in October. They're normally October through to March.

Can you upgrade to a club cabin on the 2 for 1 offers on Hull to Bruges ? If so what is the cost of the upgrade ? Cheers

The 2 for 1 offer expired at the end of March but is likely to return around October for the Winter season. Indeed, club class cabins are normally available under this deal, obviously at a premium over a standard or Premier class cabin.

I love the 2 for 1 Bruges trip .we go every year. Also amstradam aswell it's cheaper then a hotel . 80 pounds for 2 .it's a give away by p&o ferries

I completely agree! It's incredibly great value, and you get to see some of Europe too.

I havent been on bruges since last year.i going on tuesday national coaches 134 to yepres .flavour of flanders.i think its pride of york

Hope you have a great time!

when will the next 2 for 1 offers be on in 2023 to Bruge please

The Bruges route was axed during the pandemic and has sadly yet to return.

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Hi, I'm David and I'm a mini cruise addict. I love the ease and simplicity of exploring Europe from the comfort of a cruise ferry or cruise ship almost as much as I love finding great value deals, including the mother of all deals, the famous '2 for 1' deals.

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine 'destroys Russian Black Sea minesweeper'

Ukraine's navy says it has destroyed a Russian Black Sea fleet minesweeper. Meanwhile, an attack on a residential area in Kharkiv left six civilians injured - with Ukraine saying it is investigating the bombing as a potential war crime.

Sunday 19 May 2024 16:33, UK

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• Six killed - including pregnant woman - in strikes on Kharkiv recreation area
• Ukraine investigating 'potential war crime' after civilians wounded
• Ukrainian soldiers reveal how they were secretly moved ahead of Russian invasion
• Russia takes control of village in Kharkiv - defence ministry
• Live reporting by  Josephine Franks  and Jess Sharp  

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

Russian forces likely intend to launch the second phase of their offensive following their anticipated seizure of Vovchansk, three miles from the Russian border, according to the latest analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that Russian forces advanced between five and 10 kilometres in the northern Kharkiv region before Ukrainian forces stopped Russian advances.

The ISW says Russian forces are currently prioritising the seizure of Vovchansk because it is likely one of the remaining tactical objectives of the first phase, noting it is the largest settlement immediately on the border that would provide Russian forces with a staging ground to prepare for and launch the second phase.

The Russian objectives of the second phase are not yet clear, the ISW says. It could be to expand the "buffer zone" further in width along the border, or to advance closer to Kharkiv city.

Russian forces have also recently intensified efforts to seize the operationally significant town of Chasiv Yar, the ISW says, seeking to exploit the pressure on stretched Ukrainian forces. 

The number of people killed in Russian strikes on a Kharkiv recreation area has risen from five to six, with an employee of the resort still unaccounted for. 

At least 27 people were injured in the two airstrikes, which came about 20 minutes apart, according to an update from the Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office on Telegram. 

The missing employee was fishing by a reservoir when the attack happened, the update said. 

Two police officers are among the injured, it added. 

The UK's defence secretary has confirmed the military aid that has been "rushed" to Ukraine. 

Grant Shapps said the "world cannot wait" as he urged nations to "step up" and support Kyiv's fight against Russia. 

Among the items sent by the UK are 80 defence missiles, one million rounds of ammunition and 20 Viking amphibious protected vehicles. 

Mr Shapps' tweet comes after he urged allies to give permission to Ukraine to use the weapons they have supplied against targets in Russian-annexed Crimea.

"We have been very, very clear with the world and helpful to Ukraine - for example, providing permissions for our weapons to be used throughout the whole of Ukraine ... that includes Crimea, which was taken by Putin in 2014," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 

"Now, we do not get into how we would allow targeting with our weapons to be used outside of that. But we do provide our weapons to Ukraine in order for them to defend their country."

Pressed on Volodymyr Zelensky's calls for weapons to be available for strikes inside Russia, Mr Shapps said: "I can't go into the specifics of those private conversations about how the weapons are precisely used."

Finland will propose a law that would see it turn back migrants to Russia without processing their asylum applications - despite this potentially breaching its international human rights commitments.

Finland shut its border with Russia last year to stop a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia.

It accused Moscow of weaponising migration against Finland and the European Union, an assertion the Kremlin denies. 

"As this phenomenon is in Russia's hands - who comes, where from and when, to Finland's border - we cannot permit it," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters.  

"Therefore we have to augment our legislation." 

The bill would allow border authorities to turn back asylum seekers who cross from Russia, with or without using force. But it would not apply to children and disabled people.

The proposal will go to parliament next week, where it will be submitted to the constitutional committee for review. It will need five-sixths of votes cast in parliament to pass - the high bar required for constitutional matters - and success is not certain. 

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces have published their daily operational update... 

It says "intense" fighting is ongoing along almost the entire frontline, with 78 "combat clashes" already today, compared to 110 for the entirety of yesterday. 

The Russian forces became increasingly active on the Kharkiv front, with seven clashes reported so far today.

The situation in Kharkiv is "dynamic", it says, with Russian troops trying to push back the Ukrainian units near Vovchansk, Starytsia and Lyptsi.

Russia said on Saturday its forces had captured the village of Starytsia, bringing the total number of villages it has taken in the Kharkiv region to 13.

Russia has been pushing ahead with a ground offensive in recent days that opened a new front in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region and put further pressure on Kyiv's overstretched military. 

Russian forces have also increased their activity on the Siversk front and are attempting to break through Ukrainian defences in Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamianske and Rozdolivka, the update says. 

Oleksandr Usyk defeated British boxing star Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday night.

But Fury says the outcome was down to the Ukraine war. 

He disputed his loss after the match, saying: "I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few rounds but I won the majority of them.

"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

In response, Ukrainian Usyk said he was "ready for rematch," but later added: "I don't think about rematch now, I want to rest."

After today's attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities. 

He said there were reports "every hour" of fresh attacks. 

"Missiles, bombs, artillery are the only things that allow Russia to continue its aggression," he said on Telegram. 

"The world can stop Russian terror - and to do so, the lack of political will among leaders must be overcome."

"Two Patriots for Kharkiv will make a fundamental difference," he said, referring to Patriot missile defence systems. 

Air defence systems for other cities and sufficient support for soldiers on the front line would ensure Russia's defeat, the president added. 

This morning, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the delay in giving aid to Ukraine gave Russia a window of opportunity for its new offensive. 

Five people have died in strikes on two villages in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv, local officials say. 

It brings the number of people killed in the Kharkiv region today to 10, after five people died in strikes on a recreation area in a northern suburb of the city of Kharkiv.

Local governor Oleh Syniehubov said Russian forces shelled two villages with a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. 

At least nine people were injured in the attacks. 

We're getting photos of the aftermath of strikes on a recreation area just outside Kharkiv which killed five people and left at least 16 injured. 

The pictures show a lakeside resort, where shortly before the attacks local residents were "resting, enjoying a normal way of life", according to a local police inspector (see our 11.54 post).

Parademics and police tend to the wounded, but were also caught up in the second strike, which came about 20 minutes after the first. 

These are known as "double tap" strikes, which kill or injure emergency workers at the scene of strike impacts. 

Here are the latest photos from the scene...

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