PHOTO: Norwegian Getaway. (courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, but there is still time to sneak in a getaway before autumn creeps in. These eight cruises sail over the Labor Day holiday from easy-to-reach departure ports in the U.S. and Europe.
Royal Caribbean's Bahamas Getaway
The Majesty of the Seas sails round-trip from Miami to the tourism hub of Nassau, Bahamas as well as Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's privately owned island. The cruise embarks September 4 and returns the 7th, making it a convenient option for a weekend getaway.
Coastal Maine Cruise on a Small Ship
Explore the quaint towns and cities of coastal Maine with American Cruise Lines on a seven-night, round-trip voyage from Portland. The cruise stops in Bar Harbor, the home of gorgeous Acadia National Park, followed by the sleepy town of Castine. The ship also calls in Camden, the "tall sailing ship capital" of Maine, and nearby Rockland, a hub for delicious lobster. Rounding out the itinerary are Bath and Boothbay Harbor, two picturesque areas known for shipbuilding and boating. The 104-passenger Independence of the Seas embarks September 5.
Short Break to Mexico on the Pacific Coast
Cruise travelers living on the West Coast of the U.S. can easily hop aboard the Carnival Inspiration for a three-night voyage to Ensenada, Mexico. The ship embarks from Long Beach, California on September 4 and returns on Labor Day - September 7.
France River Cruise to Normandy
Although river cruises often start and end in different ports, CroisiEurope has a six-night voyage that sails round-trip from Paris, making it a convenient option for a longer Labor Day getaway. The river cruise ship MS Botticelli embarks on September 4 and sails on the Seine River to scenic Les Andelys in Normandy. The ship then visits the picturesque fishing port of Honfleur, where an optional excursion to the Landing Beaches is available, followed by Duclair, home to several fascinating abbeys.
Disney Cruise Line's Caribbean Voyage
The Disney Fantasy is sailing a seven-night itinerary on September 5 from Port Canaveral - making it ideal for families interested in combining an Orlando trip before the cruise. Fantasy cruises to Cozumel, Mexico and Georgetown, Grand Cayman - two beautiful ports for snorkeling. The ship also visits the newest Jamaican port of Falmouth before stopping at Disney's own special island.
Cunard Transatlantic Voyage from New York
The tail end of summer can be the perfect time to make the famed transatlantic crossing aboard Cunard's regal Queen Mary 2. The ocean liner embarks from New York City on September 4 and spends six full days cruising the Atlantic before reaching Southampton, England.
NCL's Virgin Islands Cruise
Experience one of NCL's newest ships, the Norwegian Getaway, on a seven-night cruise from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean. The ship embarks on September 5 and calls on St. Thomas (USVI) and Tortola (BVI) before making its way to Nassau, Bahamas.
Greece, Italy, and Turkey on the MSC Poesia
Escape to the Eastern Mediterranean with MSC's round-trip voyage from Venice embarking September 5. The port-intensive itinerary calls in Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
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