If you fancy the idea of a cruise vacation but don’t have the time for a full-length journey, you may be interested in the launch of a number of sampler sailings from Princess Cruises during the 2008-09 season.

Passengers can opt for one to four-night journeys in the spring and autumn aboard the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess. The ship offers guests the choice of casual dining options of burgers and pizzas or speciality dining options for those on a more formal cruise. Princess says that guests on the longer sampler voyages will also be able to explore the world-renowned wine producing parts of the region, including Santa Barbara and San Francisco.