MSC Opera received quite a bit of press this week. First it had to be towed in after suffering an electrical failure of some sort. Then P&O Cruises announced that the ship will embark on a 3-night mini cruise in December with none other than Russell “The Voice” Watson to entertain guests.

Tickets for the cruise (that will leave Southampton on the 3rd December 2011) went on sale on Wednesday. Prices start at a very affordable £299. Rumour has it that these tickets are selling like hotcakes.

Another P&O cruise ship, the Arcadia, will embark on a similar mini cruise on the 12th December 2011. This time the well-known Derren Brown, who performed to standing ovations on Aurora in 2009, will be on board to make sure guests remain entertained. Ticket prices also start at £299.

For first-time cruisers who want to test the waters, there are two more mini cruises in store for December. On the 15th Arcadia leaves on a 2-night cruise, with fares starting at £199. Oriana will depart from Southampton on the 12th for a slightly longer 5-night cruise. Fares for this cruise begin at £399.

All four of these cruises will dock at Zeebrugge. Other interesting ports of call include Le Havre and Hamburg.

Taking into account that all these mini cruise holidays take place just before Christmas, the atmosphere on board the ships is bound to be festive and passengers will no doubt enjoy the Christmas markets at the various ports of call.