Short itinerary cruises from New York City offer a mini-vacation at sea while introducing you to an inexpensive way to experience cruising. Sailings usually take place at the end of a week when ships are on a break between longer itineraries, consequently the cruises may occur on a sporadic schedule. Known as cruises to nowhere, these cruises operate without port stops, so the focus is on the ship’s amenities, including eateries, lounges and entertainment. The ships journey in a circular path to the high seas and back, far enough out to be able to open casinos and keep bars open longer. Only a handful of ships sail three-day cruises from New York Harbor.

Norwegian Gem Weekend Cruises

Usually sailing at the end of October or early November, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers three-day cruises on the 15-deck Norwegian Gem. You can dine in one of its complimentary dining spots or indulge in one of its specialty restaurants, including Cagney's Steakhouse; order pizza 24 hours a day; revel with a Las Vegas-type show in the 1,000-seat Stardust Theater; or party all night at one of the ship's 12 lounges and bars. You also can bowl, relax in the spa or tackle the climbing wall aboard this ship, which can carry about 2,400 passengers.

Norwegian Breakaway Weekend Cruises

Choose between selected weekend cruises in December, January and February on the Norwegian Breakaway, a newer NCL vessel capable of carrying 4,000 passengers. With dozens of dining options and a quarter-mile promenade lined with shops and eateries, you’ll wonder where to begin. With cruises during winter, the ship's deck activities are limited, but head indoors for the spa, workout room, and seemingly non-stop entertainment, including stage and comedy shows, dance clubs and lounges. The cruise line’s website touts that with 29 restaurant choices, the Breakaway offers you more unique dining experiences than any other cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean 2-Night Sampler Cruise

Across the New York Harbor with a direct view of the Statue of Liberty is Cape Liberty, New Jersey, where Royal Caribbean embarks the new Quantum of the Sea for its two-night sampler cruise in November. The cruise line is bent on enticing you on this sampler cruise to book a longer cruise with its innovative features aboard the Quantum. Some of these include simulated skydiving and bumper cars in a venue where you play basketball, table tennis or take part in trapeze lessons. At night the area transforms to a pulsing roller-skating rink. The ship also features a boom-operated observation capsule, which daringly swings you out from the ship, 300 feet above the water. With 16 decks, the ship can carry just under 5,000 passengers.

3-Night Carnival Cruise to Canada

If you’re able to add an extra day to your cruise, enhance your experience with a port stop in Canada. When you book a Carnival cruise from New York City to Saint John, New Brunswick, you sail in July so you’re able to enjoy the deck revelry in addition to the draw of the ship’s dining enticements for foodies, gala events and recreational possibilities. Saint John is on the Bay of Fundy, known has having the world’s highest tides, according to the Bay of Fundy Tourism website. Saint John’s Victorian architecture may coax you to return for the autumn sailing, extended more days with an additional stop at Halifax and sometimes New England. On either cruise, you may participate in shore excursions, which include hiking, kayaking, or a walking tour along charming streets bursting with history and quaint shops along the way. Sailing is aboard the Splendor, a 3,000-passenger ship.

About the Author

Edward Winkle got his start as a content writer and website manager for Guest Informant, a publisher of city guides. He continues to embrace topics on travel, real estate, health and nutrition. He graduated from Washington State University and lives in the Seattle area with his wife.

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