Seattle-based cruise ships offer short September trips

EVERY SUMMER, the pleasure palaces shuttle in and out of Seattle, carrying thousands of passengers on weeklong Alaska cruises.

Every fall, the towering white ships migrate south for warmer cruising. But before they go, a few offer short September cruises from Seattle.

If you're tight on time or money, or just want to see what cruising's like, such sailings can be the way to go. Turn it into a floating party with family and friends, lolling in the ship's hot tub or bellying up to the extravagant buffets and dessert bar. Or simply stroll the deck and soak up the sea and mountain views.

Holland America and Princess cruise lines together offer about a half-dozen short — very short — Pacific Northwest sailings this September, leaving Seattle in the late afternoon and arriving the next morning in Vancouver, B.C., around 7 a.m.

Such a cruise costs not much more than taking a train or bus to Vancouver. Holland America prices begin at $39 per person, plus about $30 in taxes and fees. At that price you'll be in the bowels of the ship, with no porthole or window, but who cares on such a short cruise? (Be sure to opt out of extra charges that the cruise line's website annoyingly adds automatically, such as trip insurance for $99 per person.) There also are a few multiday sailings along the Pacific Coast in fall.

Overnight or longer, it's an easy way to sail away from it all.

Kristin R. Jackson is a Seattle Times travel editor and writer. Contact her at kjackson@seattletimes.com. Alan Berner is a Times staff photographer.