updated 10:15 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2007

There’s little doubt that a cruise craze has swept the nation — some of us were just born with seafaring souls, some love cruising for the popular (or yet-to-be-discovered) ports of call, while still others are simply in it for the hassle-free vacation that a cruise vacation can provide. The catch, for many of us, however, is finding the time to make our dreams of deck-time a reality.

Well, happily your ship’s come in, thanks to these short cruise vacations that will get you just about anywhere from popular islands with turquoise shores to south-of-the border hotspots, or from the banks of the Mississippi to the historic harbors of New England. From mega cruise ships to houseboats, and steamboats to windjammers, we’ve got you covered. Best of all, each of these short sailings — ranging from one to four nights in duration — depart from ports within the continental U.S., making these quick cruise escapes within easy reach.

1. Bahamas cruise
Although most adults would jump at the chance to lie out on exotic island shores for a week or two, long-haul Caribbean cruises don’t always appeal to the entire family. That’s why a 3- or 4-night Disney Cruise Lines sailing to the Bahamas is just the ticket for the whole gang to enjoy. Cruises set sail year-round from Port Canaveral, Florida, just 60 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, and head towards the Bahamian capital of Nassau, plus Castaway Cay — Disney’s own private island. The 875-cabin ship, Disney Wonder, offers character encounters and kids-only Oceaneer Clubs, as well as game rooms, a sports deck, fully loaded spa, Broadway-style shows, and a trio of family-friendly pools designed to look like the head of everybody’s favorite mouse.

2. Baja and Southern California cruise
From the glittering lights of Hollywood, to the exotic desert and ocean landscapes of the Baja peninsula, a 4-night Royal Caribbean cruise is a great way to sample the bounties of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The 1200-cabin Monarch of the Seas launches from Los Angeles, and continues to San Diego, the palm-lined shores of Catalina Island, and fun Ensenada, Mexico on the Baja coast; even though it's just 80 miles from San Diego, Ensenada comprises a world all its own, thanks to its rich history as a fishing town where passengers can stretch their sea legs at numerous restaurants dotting the coast, or shop for goods handcrafted by locals.

3. California wine country sailing
You may not associate fine wines with cruising, nor cruising with portside vineyard tours and tastings, but that’s exactly what you’ll get on a 3-night “Culture of the Vine” cruise to California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys each harvest season. Cruise West’s intimate ships sail round-trip from San Francisco Bay, through San Pablo Bay, and up the Napa River — delighting up to 138 passengers with vintage-focused soirées en-route. On-land highlights abound as well, including a Napa Valley balloon excursion, tastings at local vineyards, and even a tractor-pulled tram ride through Sonoma’s Benziger Family Winery. Note that wine country cruises are only offered in the prime harvest months of September and October.

4. Cruise to nowhere from NYC

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Autumn is an enchanting time to visit New York City; it’s also prime season for seafarers in search of a quick fix. Enter the one-night “Dinner & Dance Cruise” offered by Norwegian Cruise Line. Embarking on select Saturday afternoons in September and October from Manhattan’s West Side, Norwegian Spirit glides down the Hudson River, past New York’s classic “canyons of steel” cityscape, and into New York Harbor under the gaze of Lady Liberty. As the mega-ship continues to drift towards the horizon, cruisers can kick off their evenings gambling at the onboard casino, dining at one of the 11 restaurants, or dancing under the stars. Ships dock back in the city early Sunday morning, leaving a full day to cap off a perfect Gotham visit.

5. Houseboating in Lake Powell
Visualize the red-rock-gilded Grand Canyon filled with 8.5-trillion gallons of turquoise-blue water and you’ll have a spot-on mental image of Lake Powell, the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States. Now imagine spending three days exploring this watery wonderland’s hidden coves, sandy beaches, and otherworldly sandstone formations on a luxe houseboat with 11 of your closest friends. You can rent your own floating party barge for 3 days — complete with waterslide, wet bar, TV, outdoor gas grill, GPS navigation system and enough beds for 6-12 people — from Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas for as little as $1,000.

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