Are you searching for an inexpensive summer escape? A three- to five-night cruise may be just the answer. These cruises depart from a wide variety of U.S. ports, which can eliminate the costs and hassles of expensive flights.

Short cruises are also a great way to maximize your summer vacation budget. Base cruise fares on some cruise lines are less than $200 per person for a three-night cruise, making these short summer sailings an incredible value. Daily meals, activities, and entertainment are included as well.

Short summer cruises visit captivating ports in destinations including Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Eastern Canada, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Ships vary in size and amenities, with some cruise lines deploying newer ships to handle shorter cruises. Cruise lines offer a wide range of itineraries, but they generally include two or more ports and often a day or two at sea. Cheaper cruises are often on older ships with fewer restaurants, bars, and amenities – but they all visit lovely beautiful vacation destinations.

So, who should consider a short summer cruise? These kinds of vacations are perfect for:

Escapists with limited vacation schedules. Short cruises of three to five nights are an ideal choice for a long weekend getaway or for those with only a few days available for a summer vacation. Although mid-week short cruises are available, most short cruise itineraries are built around long weekends and depart from various coastal cities.

Budget-oriented cruisers. Short cruise vacations are very affordable and provide accommodations, food, and entertainment at a reasonable price. These quick getaways are an excellent value compared to other similar land-based vacation options. To accurately assess your vacation options, do your research to see what's included on a short summer cruise versus a land-based vacation and price out similar trips.

Coastal dwellers. Short cruises depart from many drive-to-port cities, often eliminating the high cost of airfares. Some of these cities include New York City, New York; Bayonne, New Jersey; Baltimore, Maryland; Charleston, South Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Miami, Florida; Port Canaveral, Florida; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Seattle, Washington; and two ports in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Cruise newbies. Short cruises are an excellent way to try out the cruise experience to see whether it's something you will enjoy. Although these voyages and itineraries are shorter, you'll still get a feel for this vacation lifestyle and see whether you'd enjoy a longer cruise experience. Cruise lines and ships are quite different. It's often wise for new cruisers to consult with a cruise travel specialist to find the best match.

Families seeking fun for everyone. A short summer cruise break can be one of the best family vacation options. Cruise ships cater to families with extensive daily kids' and teens' programs, triple and quad cabins, high-energy activities and entertainment, family-friendly dining options, and much more. Carefully review each ship's family-oriented programs and amenities to choose the best floating playground for your family's summer vacation needs.

Type-A vacationers. Short cruises are filled with a wide range of activities and diversions. In addition to calling on fun ports, newer ships feature indoor and outdoor pools, spas, fitness centers, children's and teens programs, kids pools, rock walls and zip lines, discos, casinos, specialty restaurants, bars, theaters, boutiques, and other amenities. It's hard to get bored on these floating entertainment-laden resorts at sea.

Multigenerational and reunion vacation groups. Short cruises offer activities and amenities for every age range, making them excellent choices for family reunions and celebrations. Children's programs, teen activities, and adult diversions allow people to spend time on their own and with their group. With proper planning, it's easy to get everyone together at meals and other events. In addition, low prices make short cruises affordable for even the most budget-conscious family members.

Cruise junkies. Are you passionate about cruising and just can't get enough time at sea? Short cruises do have a slightly more rushed feel than their longer counterparts but remember - a cruise is still a cruise, even if it's just for a few days. You'll still relish the opportunity to get away, enjoy the beautiful ship, and relax in tropical ports of call.

Some of the many available short summer cruise vacation options include:

Bahamas: MSC Cruises offers three-night sailings on MSC Divina, departing from Port Canaveral and visiting Ocean Cay Marine Reserve and Nassau, Bahamas.

Carnival Cruise Line features five-night cruises on Carnival Sunrise, departing from Miami and visiting Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas

Royal Caribbean offers four-night sailings on Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, departing from Miami and visiting the CocoCay private island in the Bahamas and Nassau, Bahamas.

Bermuda: Norwegian Cruise Line sails five-night cruises on Norwegian Getaway, departing from New York City and visiting Bermuda for two days.

Royal Caribbean features five-night cruises on Adventure of the Seas, departing from Bayonne, New Jersey and visiting Bermuda for two days.

Caribbean: Carnival Cruise Lines offers five-night cruises on Carnival Freedom, departing from Port Canaveral and visiting Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

Disney Cruise Line offers five-night sailings on Disney Dream, departing from Miami and visiting Grand Cayman and their Castaway Cay private island in the Bahamas.

Mexico: Royal Caribbean features four-night cruise on Grandeur of the Seas, departing from Galveston, Texas and visiting Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival Cruise Line offers five-night cruises on Carnival Valor, departing from New Orleans and visiting Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean sails three-night cruises on Navigator of the Seas, departing from Los Angeles and visiting Ensenada, Mexico.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers five-night cruises on Norwegian Breakaway, departing from Miami and visiting Cozumel, Mexico and Harvest Caye, Belize.

Canada: Royal Caribbean features four-night cruises on Adventure of the Seas, departing from Bayonne, New Jersey and visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Alaska: Norwegian Cruise Lines sails five-night cruises on Norwegian Sun, departing from Seattle and visiting Victoria, Canada and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Carnival Cruise Lines offers six-night sailings on Carnival Spirit, departing from Seattle and visiting Victoria, Canada and Tracy Arm, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska.

For more information on taking a short summer cruise vacation, talk to your favorite travel advisor. You can also visit sites such as VacationsToGo.com, Cruises.com, CruiseCompete.com, and others to find the best short cruise vacation options for you.