It's always good to have a break. When the hustle and bustle of a hectic lifestyle starts to get you down, a long weekend getaway can provide the perfect tonic. Time away from work may be limited, but a cruise enables you to cut out the need to board a flight and therefore offers the best value for money. A variety of cruise ships will depart out of UK ports on short itineraries throughout 2017 and 2018, taking passengers to destinations throughout the UK and Western Europe.

Whether you can spare two, three or four days, you are certain to be able to find a short cruise to suit your tastes and desires. This week, we take a look at some of the short escapes and weekend cruising breaks departing from the UK.

Overnight breaks

Sometimes, just being able to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a couple of days can help you put things into perspective. What better way to get away from it all than on board an overnight cruise?

Two-night breaks

A two-night break makes for an ideal long weekend getaway and presents an opportunity to travel slightly further afield. You can embark on a journey to Western Europe, stopping in some of the finest cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. P&O Cruises will operate short itineraries that incorporate cities in both of these countries on board Oriana, while Cunard's luxuriously traditional vessels will operate sailings out of Southampton to Hamburg. Additionally, P&O Cruises will also operate a number of sailings out of Southampton to the sun-kissed island of Guernsey.

Three-night breaks

The ultimate long weekend option - spending three nights on board one of a range of spectacular vessels as you sail towards spectacular towns and cities. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' mid-sized vessels are significantly smaller than the majority of cruise ships and offer a sense of sophistication with personalised service. Their smaller size enables them to sail out of some of the UK's lesser-known ports including Dover and Harwich on journeys to Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

Contrastingly, Royal Caribbean's impressive Independence of the Seas is a contemporary vessel which has been fitted with a range of spectacular amenities. Cruisers can experience this majestic ship for themselves on a four-night cruise out of Southampton to the romantic cities of Bruges and Paris.

If you have never embarked upon a holiday on the seas before, a short two, three or four-night cruise may be a perfect option. Sailing out of the UK on board a luxurious and elegant vessel, you can put your feet up and relax as you travel from one destination to the next.

To make an enquiry about any particular cruise departing from the UK, contact our friendly sales team via the freephone number above or complete the online enquiry form.