Top 10 short cruise vacations

6. Maine Windjammer sailing
There’s no better way to sail the historic open waters of New England than on Maine Windjammer Cruises’ flagship 19th-century, 29-passenger schooner, the Grace Bailey. This National Landmark boasts hand-carved wood paneling and a piano in the lovingly restored main cabin (dating back to 1882) that make passengers feel like they’ve set out on a voyage back in time through uncharted waters. Set off on weekend sailings between June and October from Camden, Maine, and, depending on the winds and weather, your captain will charter a tailored route through Penobscot  Bay, passing by atolls and quaint harbors. Surely those days at sea will make you hungry — not to fret, passengers can expect a traditional onboard feast of succulent Maine lobsters.

7. Mississippi River barge cruise
It’s fitting that the largest river in North America — the great Mississippi — should lead to the United State’s longest wharf (at over 2 miles), in New Orleans. With the Big Easy staging a comeback after Hurricane Katrina, now’s a perfect time to join in on the city’s renaissance by embarking on a 4-night river barge cruise through the Mississippi Delta on RiverBarge Excursions. The laid-back atmosphere doesn’t sacrifice onboard style — 98 climate-controlled staterooms are fitted with picture windows, full-sized tubs with showers, and satellite TVs. Various guided land excursions include plantation tours and visits to St. Francisville and Baton Rouge. At night, things heat up onboard with entertainment like Dixieland jazz and blues bands.

8. Ohio River steamboat sailing
While sailing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Ohio, the “American Discovery” cruise, operated by Majestic America Line, has redefined the landscape of this slice of Middle America. In the 4 days it takes to sail up and down the Davy Crockett-land banks of the Ohio River (the largest branch off the mighty Mississippi), you’ll pass sights ranging from the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, the vineyards of Madison, Indiana, and the farms and plains of the heartland around Cincinnati. The real attraction of the cruise, though, is the 88-stateroom Delta Queen herself. Sporting a bright red stern wheel, an 1897 calliope (an organ-like instrument), and a circa 1883 bell (that Mark Twain actually used on steamboat sails of his own), passengers can experience the spirit of their journey even before leaving the dock.

9. Pacific Northwest cruise
Celebrity Cruises’ recently refurbished Mercury proves that life can be fine indeed in "outer space." See for yourself on a 3-or 4-night cruise to Canada from Seattle each fall that takes in ports like cosmopolitan Vancouver, charming Victoria, and the historic logging community of Nanaimo — all areas blessed by lovely foliage and fresh, mild temperatures this time of year. Between ports, sip cocktails at any of the ship’s numerous onboard bars, enjoy signature spa treatments, and gamble and dance the night away. With over 900 crew members, topnotch dining options, a fitness center, jogging track, movie theater, and golf simulator, you’ll surely feel you’ve been whisked away to another planet — even if only for a few days.

10. Tex/Mex cruise
For quick cruise flings to Mexico, most cruisers set their sights on Florida departure ports. We propose spicing things up a bit with a little Tex/Mex flavor, by setting sail from Galveston, Texas instead. You can kick off your vacation before you even hit the high seas — Galveston’s port is near to stunning beaches, newly built resorts, and an old-fashioned boardwalk lined by carnival-like attractions. Then catch a Carnival of another type — in the form of a cruise ship, with 4-night year-round sailings available on a Carnival “Fun Ship” through the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, stopping at Progreso and Cozumel, where shore excursions to Mayan ruins and folklore shows await. Onboard Ecstasy, guests can expect diversions like water slides, mini-golf, first-class bars and lounges, and a full sports deck to keep the excitement going 24-7.

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