If you've never cruised before but want to try cruising on for size, are on a tight budget or only have a few days to take a vacation, a short, five-day ocean cruise may be right for you. Shorter cruises aren't much different from longer cruises; however, there are some specific tips to keep in mind when planning a shorter cruise.
For those taking short, or mini, cruises, it is more important than ever to choose your cruise wisely. Specifically, it is important to choose your preference on time at sea versus time at port. If you would rather relax on the boat, choosing a cruise with more time at sea is important. On the other hand, if you think the time at sea on a cruise is boring, you should choose a cruise that features more time at port. Five-day cruises will have fewer stops at ports than longer cruises.
Planning in advance is an especially good idea for five-day cruises. You'll want to make the most of your time, and time spent planning shore excursions, on-board activities and dining options while on the ship will cut into your fun and relaxation time. In addition, stops at ports of call may be shorter on five-day cruises, so you don't want to waste time trying to figure out your plans while you are actually at a port of call. Also, as with longer cruises, activities on and off shore tend to book up quickly, so make sure you secure your spot in advance. Your travel agent or the cruise company can help you with this planning by offering literature and advice on on-board and port-of-call activities and how to book them in advance.
Obviously, a five-day ocean cruise will require you to pack less than a longer cruise, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared. Temperatures can vary at sea, so check the weather and pack for the best- and worst-case scenarios. Additionally, short cruises tend to be a little more casual than longer cruises. This doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't pack at least one or two nice outfits for a more formal dinner on the ship or at port. Check with your specific cruise line for more details on the dress code of your five-day cruise.
