5 Best Weekend Getaway Ideas
By Lissa Poirot | Published on July 4, 2025
When you think of long weekend getaway ideas, cruises should be at the top of your list. With sailings as short as two or three nights from easy-to-reach ports, a weekend cruise can turn a few days off into a memorable escape, giving you a full vacation experience in just a fraction of the time. The best types of cruises for the weekend include relaxing retreats, voyages to exciting destinations, family adventures and couples’ getaways.
This guide provides everything you’ll need to use your time off wisely, including the perks of cruising over more traditional long weekend vacation ideas and how to plan a trip that maximizes both your PTO and your fun.
Best Types Of Weekend Getaway Cruises
If you’re looking for weekend getaway ideas that won’t leave you feeling more exhausted than when you started, cruises offer a surprisingly flexible solution. The best types of weekend getaway cruises include relaxing getaways, full-throttle adventures, couples’ retreats and family adventures.
Here are the top five types of weekend getaway cruises that may float your boat:
The Relax and Rejuvenate Retreat
Not every escape has to be action-packed. Sometimes, the best weekend getaways are beach vacations that let you totally decompress.
What Is It?
A relaxing weekend cruise could include:
- Indulging in a hot-stone massage.
- Unwinding in a thermal suite.
- Sipping cocktails in an adults-only solarium.
- Dozing on sun-kissed sand
Who Is It For?
The relaxing atmosphere on cruise ships is perfect for:
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway.
- Parents looking for a kid-free break.
- Anyone who needs pampering time.
The Full-Throttle Voyage
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to squeeze every drop out of a trip, weekend getaway cruises are one of the best options out there.
What Is It?
A full-throttle voyage is a great adventure for excitement and thrills. In just three or four nights, you can enjoy outdoor activities like ziplining, climbing and surfing without ever leaving the ships.
Many modern cruise ships feature thrill rides like:
- The FlowRider surf simulator.
- RipCord by iFLY skydiving chamber.
- Massive waterslide complexes like the Perfect Storm.
Royal Caribbean Oasis and Quantum Class ships also include rock-climbing walls and casinos that will make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot in Las Vegas.
Who Is It For?
- Families on long weekend vacations.
- Thrill-seeking couples.
- Individuals looking for new experiences.
The Couples’ Escape
Weekend vacation ideas for couples often focus on romance, and you’ll find that in spades on a weekend cruise. Many ships offer adults-only areas with hot tubs and lounges, making it easy to unwind together without distractions.
What Is It?
With stunning sunset sailaways and strolls on the upper deck, a cruise is one of the most romantic getaway ideas for couples. You can expect:
- Private balconies.
- Champagne buckets.
- Candlelit dinners at specialty restaurants.
- Broadway-style entertainment at no extra cost.
Who Is It For?
- Newlyweds and honeymooners.
- Couples celebrating an anniversary.
- Anyone looking to unwind and reconnect.
The Just-Me Journey
Solo travelers deserve great weekend vacation ideas too. You can meet like-minded travelers or enjoy some much-needed alone time with a good book and an ocean view.
What Is It?
Solo cruises are one of the most cost-effective long weekend vacation ideas if you book last minute. Last-minute weekend cruises often come with discounts and don’t require you to coordinate with anyone else. Just grab your passport and get ready for:
- Solo staterooms.
- Hosted mixers.
- Group shore excursions.
Who Is It For?
- Individuals interested in quick, fun vacations.
- Adventure-seekers on a budget.
- Anyone who’s single and ready to mingle.
The All-Ages Adventure
If you’re hunting for weekend family vacation ideas to maximize your time off, look no further than cruise ships that cater to all age groups. Choose a cruise line with excellent youth programs like Adventure Ocean and flexible dining options that make traveling with kids seamless.
What Is It?
A family weekend getaway cruise keeps everyone entertained and provides plenty of opportunities to make new memories. With promotions like “kids sail free,” it’s an economical choice too. You’ll find adventures for everyone:
- Splash parks.
- Water slides.
- Bumper cars.
- Kids’ clubs.
- Teen lounges.
- Spas.
- Fine dining.
Who Is It For?
- Parents taking kids on a first vacation.
- Families with teens looking for bonding opportunities.
- Multi-generational groups.
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Why A Short Cruise Is Perfect For Weekend Getaways
A short cruise is perfect for long weekend getaways because it’s easily accessible, affordable and all-inclusive. When you compare the perks against other travel options, cruises quickly rise to the top.
Here’s why a short cruise checks every box:
No Planning Stress
One of the best reasons to book a cruise for the weekend is that it requires almost no planning. Meals, entertainment, lodging and transportation are all bundled together in one price. You won’t need to spend hours researching restaurants or day trips either. Start planning your weekend cruise and within minutes, your itinerary is locked in.
Unpack Once, See Multiple Places
Why check in and out of multiple hotels when you can unpack once and wake up in a new destination every day? Many three- to five-night cruises are an efficient way to experience more of the world in less time, including stops in:
- The Bahamas.
- Cozumel.
- Mexico.
- Private island destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay.
You Don’t Need to Fly to Escape
Weekend cruises will sail from easy-to-reach, drive-to ports like:
- Port Canaveral, Florida.
- Miami, Florida.
- Los Angeles, California.
That makes them one of the most accessible long weekend getaway ideas for people who want to skip airport delays and expensive flights, not to mention a car rental. Explore cruises from your nearest port and set sail within hours of leaving your house
You Can Take Advantage of Long Holiday Weekends
Long holiday weekends all offer the chance to turn a three-day weekend into a full cruise vacation. Booking a cruise over Memorial Day or Labor Day is one of the smartest ways to stretch your PTO: You can enjoy a five-day getaway and only use two PTO days when you anchor a vacation around a long holiday weekend.
Tip: Labor Day weekend cruises are among the most popular last-minute weekend cruises due to end-of-summer pricing and favorable weather.
Easy to Travel Together
Cruises aren’t just weekend vacation ideas for couples or families — they’re a dream solution for larger group travel, too. Friends can book side-by-side cabins and multi-generational families can reserve connecting staterooms. Everyone can do their own thing by day and come together by night. It’s one of the few weekend vacation ideas that satisfies different ages, budgets and interests without friction.
How To Plan The Perfect Weekend Getaway
A little prep goes a long way toward making a long weekend getaway feel like a true escape. Maximize your weekend getaway with these cruise planning tips:
Book the Right Cruise
Cruise lines offer tons of two- to five-night itineraries departing from easily accessible U.S. ports. To book the right one, decide where you want to go and where you’ll depart from:
Florida
Some of the best weekend cruises from Florida include Key West and Cozumel from Miami. You’ll also find cruises to the Caribbean like Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay from Port Canaveral.
California
From the West Coast, you can visit Ensenada, Mexico and Southern California’s Catalina Island from Los Angeles and San Diego.
Texas
Mexico is just a sail away from Galveston with voyages to Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Choose the Right Cabin
Don’t just pick the cheapest room — pick the right one for your travel style. Solo travelers should look for solo cabins with no single supplement, while families can benefit from connecting staterooms or suites with bunk beds. Weekend vacation ideas for couples may mean a balcony or suite with a bathtub and butler service. Cabin location matters too: midship for motion sensitivity, forward for quick access to theaters and aft for quieter nights.
Pick the Right Experience
With only a few days, it’s best to prioritize long weekend getaway ideas that are both memorable and efficient. Great opportunities include:
- Soaring through the jungle on a zip line in Mexico
- Snorkeling above vibrant reefs in the Caribbean.
- Hiking trails in the rainforests of Puerto Rico.
- Strolling its downtown streets on a walking tour of San Juan and the National Park Service’s Historic Site.
Tip: Booking excursions online before you sail helps secure your spot and saves valuable onboard time.
Pack the Right Essentials
Weekend trips don’t require overpacking — just a few well-chosen items. Be sure to bring:
- Swimsuits and cover-ups.
- A mix of casual and dressy clothes.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Phone charger.
Tip: Downloading your cruise line’s app before you board will make it easy to manage reservations and daily schedules throughout your trip.
Make the Most of Your Time Off
You don’t need a full week off to recharge. With more ships offering short itineraries, budget travel options and amenities designed for every type of traveler, your PTO can stretch further than ever.
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