If you’re new to cruising, a repositioning cruise may be something you have yet to hear of, as they are outside a cruise line’s core offering. However, although repositioning cruises are often under-appreciated, discerning cruise guests will know that there are some excellent benefits to be had from booking on one.
Below, we share all you need to know about repositioning cruises, answering questions such as:
What is a repositioning cruise?
Where do repositioning cruises sail to and from?
How much are repositioning cruises?
What are the benefits of booking repositioning cruises?
And more!
What is a repositioning cruise?
Many cruise lines regularly move their ships to different parts of the world to offer itineraries where the weather is at its best. These one-way sailings are known as repositioning cruises, often crossing the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.
One of the great things about repositioning cruises is that cruise lines are keen to fill their ships, so you’ll often find these holidays at discounted prices. And, despite the cruise lines’ drive for more passengers, they are usually quieter than your standard cruise.
How often do cruises reposition?
A lot of the leading cruise lines move their ships to different worldwide locations twice a year. When the weather gets cooler in Europe and the Mediterranean, many cruise ships reposition to the Caribbean and USA. Then, when it begins to warm up again, they return. Therefore, the seasons when cruises reposition tend to be at the beginning of autumn and early spring.
There are also the less typical cruise destinations in the Middle East, and ships may reposition from here to Europe via the Suez Canal in the spring too.
Then there are some cruise lines that keep their vessels in their destinations year-round, only moving them when there is a schedule change and a ship needs to sail from a different home port.
Where do repositioning cruises go?
With the most popular cruises in sunny, temperate destinations, cruise lines use repositioning cruises to relocate their ships to these warmer climes. The most common repositioning cruises sail across the Atlantic. Although you’ll also find some repositioning cruises that cross the Pacific, and these can include some quite spectacular destinations.
Transatlantic Repositioning Cruises
Although it may seem like most of the leading cruise ships are heading on the same route across the Atlantic at the end of a season, the destinations on repositioning cruises can be pretty varied.
For example, you can find transatlantic repositioning cruises that sail from a variety of destinations in the Mediterranean to Florida or the Caribbean, sometimes stopping by the Canary Islands or the Azores. Some ships may also reposition from Southern Europe to countries in South America, such as Brazil or Argentina.
Other destinations on repositioning cruises sailing from Europe and the Mediterranean can include New York and ports in Canada, where there will often be stops in Iceland or Greenland.
Transpacific Repositioning Cruises
When cruise lines move their ships across the Pacific Ocean, there is even more variety in destinations on repositioning cruises. However, you will find fewer of these cruises than the Transatlantic sailings.
In the northern hemisphere, Transpacific repositioning cruises can sail from ports in countries including Japan, China and Singapore to Alaska, Canada or the USA.
Transpacific repositioning cruises in the southern hemisphere can sail from Australia, from ports such as Sydney, stopping at tropical destinations like the Bay of Islands, off New Zealand or French Polynesia and finishing in Honolulu, Hawaii.
One interesting aspect of sailing on a Transpacific repositioning cruise is that you will cross the international dateline, meaning you will gain or lose a day depending on the direction you travel.
How long do repositioning cruises last?
The length of a repositioning cruise depends on where in the world the ship is travelling to and from. However, you can typically expect a repositioning cruise to last much longer than a standard cruise.
You can also expect more back-to-back days at sea, meaning what’s available to do on the ship becomes more important. Therefore, it’s worth taking the time to research the differences in elements, such as entertainment, sports and activities, between the various cruise lines to find one that suits you best.
Are repositioning cruises cheap?
With cruise lines eager to make their repositioning cruises as profitable as possible by not sailing with half-empty cruise ships, the cost of a repositioning cruise is often a lot less than your standard cruise holiday.
Some of the best deals for repositioning cruises can be up to 50% less per person per night.
However, one of the reasons why repositioning cruises are cheaper than round-trip cruises is the other costs that are involved. As a one-way cruise, you will need to pay for your transport back, which often involves a one-way flight and, potentially, additional overnight stays.
The benefits of booking a repositioning cruise
Alongside seeing some unique and incredible destinations at a great price, there are other excellent benefits of booking a repositioning cruise.
The cruise ship is quieter than at peak season, so there is more space to enjoy its amenities. There are shorter queues for things like dining, spa and leisure facilities and activities, which is always a great bonus during your precious holiday time.
With a repositioning cruise typically involving more days at sea, you’ll also have the time to really relax on your holiday and enjoy lazy days reading, swimming and basking in the sunshine.
However, don’t worry about being bored; cruise lines often put on more activities and entertainment during their repositioning cruises. Themed sailings are also common on repositioning cruises, whether related to music, dance or theatre, food and drink, hobbies or iconic eras.
How do I book a repositioning cruise?
As repositioning cruises do not get booked up as quickly as standard cruises, you can find some excellent last-minute deals.
When looking for where to book a repositioning cruise, you can find some great repositioning cruises with the majority of the leading cruise lines.
