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Looking for a city break? Try a mini cruise with Fred. Olsen

The popularity of city breaks and long weekends away has grown enormously in recent years, which helps explain why Fred Olsen Cruises has no fewer than 12 mini cruises in 2012, from a range of regional UK ports.

Visiting popular European cities such as Amsterdam, Antwerp or Rouen, these attractive quick hops offer wonderful value for money, as all your meals and the onboard entertainment are included in the price, and there are excellent onboard facilities such as heated pools, fitness centres and beauty salons, internet rooms with wi-fi access, and spacious lounges and bars.

Braemar’s mini cruise visits Ostende and Amsterdam in May 2012

Says Nigel Lingard, Fred. Olsen’s sales and marketing director: “A mini cruise is a great way to sample cruising for the first time, and Fred Olsen’s wide range of mini breaks provides the perfect way to enjoy a few days away with friends and family, maybe for a special celebration.

“Mini cruises are a cost-effective way to sample the delights of the major European capitals, with the ease and comfort of travelling by cruise ship.”

A few examples

A three-night Braemar cruise departing from Dover May 5 visits two lovely northern European cities – Ostende (Belgium) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). Ostende is an attractive port and from here, you can opt for an excursion to the medieval city of Ghent. Amsterdam, of course, is one of the most popular European cities for a short break, with its lovely gabled houses, network of canals, and some of the finest art galleries and museums, alongside cafés and marvellous shops. The cruise returns to Dover, and prices start from £339 per person.

Balmoral’s three-night cruise, departing Southampton on August 25, visits the delightful medieval town of Antwerp, in Belgium, for an overnight stay. The cobbled streets and quirky old buildings are truly picturesque, and horse-drawn carriages give rides to visitors around the centre. You can relax at a pavement café, visit one of the many old churches or museums, or treat yourself in some of the exclusive boutiques and stylish shops. Antwerp is the centre of the European diamond industry, so there is no shortage of desirable jewellery on offer. Cruise prices start from £349 per person.

For an early autumn break, join Black Watch’s three-night cruise from Dover departs September 9, and visits the historic French city of Rouen, its majestic cathedral immortalised by Monet. The city is steeped in history, and the Musée des Beaux Arts is a highlight. Prices start from £339 per person.

Cruises are also a wonderful way to visit European Christmas markets. Boudicca’s four-night mini cruise from Portsmouth on December 16 takes you to Cherbourg and Rouen. The traditional Christmas market boasts an ice rink, and an overnight stay means that you can explore the city after dark and enjoy the festive decorations. Prices start from £429 per person.

All prices are quoted per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes the accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port taxes.