Vacations: Cruising Nowhere

In a world still creeping out of recession, many of us don't have the time or money for a long cruise on the Love Boat. So how about a quickie instead?

Many cruise lines offer two- to four-day nonstop "cruises to nowhere" that leave and return to the same port. For the cruise lines, they can be a way to give a new ship a test float. For passengers, they offer an affordable aquatic getaway. And for some, part of the appeal is getting out into international waters to double down on the blackjack tables.

Following are just a few upcoming cruises:

United States: Carnival Cruises offers two-day cruises from Miami on Sept. 5 (from $237) and Norfolk, Virginia, on Oct. 17 (from $220). 1-800-CARNIVAL, carnival.com.

In 2004, Cunard Line will run a three-night Mother's Day weekend cruise from New York City May 7 to 10 (from $599), and a four-night cruise in July (from $749). 1-800-728-6273.

SYDNEY: P&O Cruises' three-nighter embarks March 26, 2004. Prices start at $795 Australian (about US$540). 61-213-2469, pocruises.com.au.