Back in a flash: 4 short cruises worth a look

Credit: gavdana.

By Kim Windyka

The idea of getting away for a week or two, totally free of responsibilities and worries, probably sounds great, right? Unfortunately, for many of us, leaving the “real world” behind to indulge in a fun-filled vacation is often easier said than done.  But if you can spare a mere three or four days — or even two — a short cruise is the perfect way to have some fun without the stress of kids, work or the dog… for too long. And with cruises departing from 21 different ports, you won’t have trouble finding one that sets sail near you. Talk about hassle-free!

Check out this  handpicked sampling of sailings that’ll make for the perfect quick trip.

4 short (but sweet) cruises:

• 2-Night Bahamas: If you’re in the mood for a super-short weekend escape, look no further than this tropical Celebrity cruise . You’ll sail to Nassau, Bahamas, where you can spend the day lounging on the beach or, for themore adventurous, trying some water sports off of Paradise Island.
• 4-Night Western Caribbean: Start your voyage aboard Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas with a stop in vibrant Key West, Florida. Located at the southernmost point in the US, you can grab a fun souvenir from a street boutique and enjoy fresh seafood or Cuban fare for lunch before sailing on to Cozumel, Mexico. Once there, walk or cab it to San Miguel for a true shopper’s paradise, with everything from jewelry to apparel and crafts. For a little more relaxation, head to peaceful beach Playa Escondida.
• 4-Night Baja Mexico: Only 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Islandoffers an oasis away from the hustle-bustle of the city. It boasts delicious cuisine, a botanical garden, hiking trails, golf courses, and even a casino if you’re feeling lucky. Pace yourself though, you still have the quaint fishing village of Ensenada, Mexico to visit on this Carnival cruise. Check out the catch of the day before heading to La Bufadora, one of only three tidal blowholes in the world.
• 4-Night Canada/New England: Beginning and ending in New York City, this Carnival sailing might offer you the opportunity to have some extra fun in the Big Apple before or after your cruise if you have the time. You’ll sail to charming and walkable St. John, New Brunswick. Located right near the Bay of Fundy, it’s full of music, art, and culture. When you’ve done enough exploring in town, make sure to check out one of the Bay’s many natural attractions. I recommend the Reversing Falls, a phenomenon caused by the intersection of the Bay and the St. John River that occurs twice per day.

Kim Windyka is a travel brands copywriter, bona fide Twitter addict and freelance feature writer whose work has appeared in Metro Boston, the New Hampshire Visitors Guideand the Nashua Telegraph. Despite being a Northeast native, she dreams of palm trees daily.

Tagged: Caribbean, Cruise, Mexico