Are you someone who wants to experience the joy of cruising but is short on vacation days? A 3-day cruise ship getaway is what you need. You can unwind without using your entire week of PTO. Isn’t that exciting? Read the article to learn about the destinations you can visit, how much it costs, and what the experience will be like.
Top Destinations You Can Visit in 3 Days Cruises
To give you a full vacation vibe, short cruises usually focus on nearby destinations. Some of the most common ports of call are:
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Caribbean
- Mexico
- Canada & New England
Major Departure Ports in the U.S.
Most 3-day cruise ships depart from the following U.S. ports:
- Port of Miami, FL
- Port Canaveral, FL
- Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), FL
- Port Tampa, FL
- Port of Los Angeles, CA
- Port of Galveston, TX
💡 Parking tip: Parking at the Cruise terminal can get pricey. Book affordable offsite cruise parking on Cruiseparking.com and enjoy the shuttle service to the ship. Please note that parking options are available near all the above ports.
How Much Does a 3-Day Cruise Cost?
The cost of a 3-day cruise varies depending on the cruise line, itinerary, season, and cabin type. Popular cruise lines that regularly offer 3-day cruises are Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, and Celebrity Cruises.
The table below shows the starting prices for 3-day/3-night cruises on these cruise lines:
| Cruise Line | Starting Price |
| Royal Caribbean | $266 |
| Princess Cruises | $409 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | $299 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $249 |
| Celebrity Cruises | $369 |
These rates are subject to change at any time by the Cruise Line authorities
Also Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
3 Days at Sea: What to Expect Each Day (It’s Technically 4 Calendar Days!)
Are you curious to know what your 3-day cruise trip looks like? Here’s a short cruise itinerary:
Day 1: The Embarkation Day
On your first day, you can explore the ship, enjoy the cruise ship food, participate in the sailaway party, and unwind by the pool or spa.
Day 2: Time for Shore Excursion
On the second day, you step off the ship and explore. Shore excursions might include a beach day, a cultural tour, shopping, or watersports. You can visit the ports of call mentioned in your itinerary. After exploring the destinations, return to the ship in time for an onboard show or dinner.
Day 3: Day at Sea, Relaxation, and Disembarkation
You can enjoy the ship activities, go shopping, dip in the hot tub, capture the sunset, and prepare for disembarkation.
⚠️ Heads-up: While it’s called a 3-day cruise, the journey usually spans 4 calendar days. Most cruises depart in the evening on Day 1 and return by morning or noon on Day 4. So, if your cruise sets sail on December 5 (evening), you’ll likely disembark on December 8 (morning or noon). You’ll still enjoy three full days of fun onboard or at ports of call, but be sure to account for that 4th day when planning return travel or booking parking.
What to Pack for a 3-Day Cruise
For a 3-day cruise ship journey, you won’t need heavy packing. Some of the essentials that you should pack are:
- Casual daywear, swimsuit, flip-flops.
- One formal outfit for dinner. Don’t forget to check your cruise line’s dress code.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle, as you might be visiting sun-drenched destinations.
- Travel documents (passport or birth certificate with ID).
What Is Available Onboard a 3-Day Cruise Ship Journey?
On a 3-day cruise ship journey, you can expect the following:
- Duty-free shopping
- Kids’ clubs & adult-only retreats
- Live music, comedy shows, karaoke
- Pools, hot tubs, waterslides
- Spa & fitness center
- Themed restaurants & buffets
This short cruise trip is like a mini vacation at sea, and every day is packed with options!
Common Queries
Are 3-day cruises worth it?
Yes, 3-day cruises are great for first-time cruisers, weekend getaways, anyone short on time, and budget-conscious travelers.
Do I need a passport for a 3-day cruise?
A passport is not always mandatory if you are a U.S. citizen traveling on “closed loop” cruises (starting and ending at the same U.S. port). Your birth certificate and government-issued ID would be enough, but a passport is recommended.
Can I do a cruise over the weekend?
Absolutely. Many 3-day cruises depart on Friday and return on Monday, which is perfect for long weekends.
