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While this might seem like a potential inconvenience, with a bit of planning, it can be transformed into an opportunity. Why not extend your vacation and spend a few extra days exploring the departure or arrival city? With the right mindset, what seems like a challenge can be turned into an exciting part of your adventure. Here are some examples of common repositioning routes, although itineraries and ports vary by cruise line and season. These one-way voyages are often sold at discount prices as they are not part of regular sailing schedules. To attract passengers, cruise lines may theme them with topics ranging from food and wine, to theatre, and big band music.
Are Repositioning Cruises Less Crowded?
From partaking in gourmet dining experiences to revelling in a variety of entertainment options and luxuriating in spa treatments, the array of activities available ensure that there is something for everyone. In order to get from one region to another, repositioning cruises tend to be significantly longer sailings, with lots of sea days inbetween. While all these extra days means more time to experience what is available onboard, many cruisers are concerned about the cruise getting dull or even boring. These reasons contribute to the appeal and popularity of repositioning cruises. All the major cruise lines offer the occasional repositioning cruises, typically on ships that usually sail in destinations with shorter seasons, such as Alaska or the Mediterranean.
Benefit: No Jetlag on Repositioning Cruises!
On one transpacific repositioning cruise, we had days of gentle ocean breeze and suddenly found ourselves amid a brisk wind as we approached the Polynesian Islands. It’s this variety that adds an extra layer of excitement to repositioning cruises, making each day an anticipation of what Mother Nature has in store. The availability of repositioning cruises largely revolves around the concept of seasonal changes. Unlike regular cruises that might stick to a certain route year-round, repositioning cruises is all about adapting to the season. Consider the case of cruise ships that frequent destinations with a specific cruise season, like Alaska or the Mediterranean.
Record Traffic at Popular Repositioning Cruise Port - Cruise Hive
Record Traffic at Popular Repositioning Cruise Port.
Posted: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Plan Port Exploration
On a Panama Canal repositioning cruise we took from Florida to Chile, the ship stopped at amazing Latin American ports nearly every other day as we journeyed down the western coast of South America. Most repositioning cruises make several port calls throughout their voyages, as this will appeal more to potential cruisegoers. Often the ports during repositioning cruises will be exotic remote destinations that aren’t typically reached by cruises. Although paying significantly less than normal, the amenities, level of service, and cuisine on the ship remain exactly the same as a regular full-priced sailing.
These one-way sailings are known as repositioning cruises, often crossing the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Yes, repositioning cruises are generally less crowded compared to standard cruises. Their unique nature, involving longer sea days and one-way itineraries, appeals to a more specific group of travelers, leading to lower occupancy rates. Ships often move from East Coast ports like New York and Fort Lauderdale to Europe for a season of Western Mediterranean or Northern European sailings. Then, as the weather turns colder, they make their way back to warmer destinations, offering Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda cruises. This constant movement not only brings variety to the cruise itineraries but also allows travelers like us to experience different parts of the world in different seasons, all on the same ship.
The Uncharted Allure of Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises are like hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered in the vast ocean of travel options. Compared to traditional cruises, these journeys are often longer, providing a more relaxed pace, and present unique itineraries that standard cruises cannot offer. In addition, they present a rare opportunity for travellers to traverse expansive oceans or seas, crossing multiple regions, and visiting ports that are often off the beaten track. Savvy cruisers who yearn for days at sea, as well as great deals, look forward to spring and autumn more than any other time of year. This is when repositioning cruises feature as an unsung element of cruise lines' rosters.
MSC Cruises Cancels Seaside's 2024 Repositioning Cruise - Cruise Industry News
MSC Cruises Cancels Seaside's 2024 Repositioning Cruise.
Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
On many repositioning cruises, you will not get off the ship as often as you might on a typical sailing because there are no ports in the middle of the ocean you're crossing. These itineraries often feature a string of sea days, so be prepared to spend more time and money on board. Immerse yourself in a unique seafaring adventure as we uncover the lesser-known marvel of the travel industry. Cruising is not just about visiting tropical islands or coastal cities; it can also be an exploration of the sea's tranquility during repositioning cruises. These journeys, often shrouded in mystery, offer a distinctive perspective on ocean travel, packing the charm of traditional cruising with the serenity of a transoceanic voyage.
There’s Nothing To Do on Repositioning Cruises
Opportunities for repositioning cruises arise when ships switch between key seasons. If the ship is stationed in the Caribbean over the winter, for example, it must get to the Mediterranean in the spring. But rather than sail an empty ship in the off-season, the cruise companies invite passengers on board, usually at a discounted rate. The vibe is very much, Well, we’re going there anyway, might as well make some money out of this.
What is the difference between a regular cruise and a repositioning cruise?
According to Grigsby, repositioning cruises typically have more days at sea than most cruises, sometimes lasting up to around 25 days—you are crossing oceans, after all. This also means staying put on the ship for longer chunks of time, as there are not many stop-off points in the middle of the ocean. And because repositioning cruises are always one-way voyages, you’ll end up at a port that’s different from where you started, so you might need to account for the expense of a flight for your way back home.
Determine the best ways to reach attractions, whether that be by walking, public transportation, taxi, or a local tour. Come night, there’s always a big production show in the theatre, from Broadway-style shows to musicians to Cirque du Soleil-style performances. From Rome, you’ll stop at ports such as Toulon in France, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, and Malaga before leaving Europe behind. Other itineraries take you across the Atlantic to the Spanish Canary Islands, basking off the west coast of Africa, and calling at lush Madeira before heading to continental Europe. Feel like you’ve escaped to a five-star spa resort by getting pampered at the onboard spa, a state-of-the-art facility where you can enjoy oxygen facials, hot stone massages, and wellness and exercise classes.

Europe-based ships flee the region during the winter, spending November through March in the warm Caribbean. Therefore, a ship will need to travel from the Caribbean to Europe in spring and return to the Caribbean by fall. Look for transatlantic repositioning cruises during those changeover months. Around April, just before Alaska wakes up to its cruise season, you’ll find ships embarking on a special voyage from Asia to Alaska.
I create cruise content across YouTube, this website and my social accounts, all with the aim of helping you to find, and take your perfect cruise. I also occasionally get seasick, so it is nice to be able to get off of the ship. I visited The Azores on a land-based trip and would thoroughly recommend a visit if you ever get the chance. I have a Christmas Markets river cruise booked, and I am really looking forward to it.

While they already tend to be cheaper due to the extended days at sea, holding off on immediate booking can be beneficial. Last-minute deals are common in repositioning cruises, with some offers being meager, such as around $40 per night for an inside cabin. These aspects make repositioning cruises attractive for those seeking a cruise experience without the hefty price tag. A repositioning cruise is when a ship moves from doing a lot of sailings in one region to another region. For instance ships that sail in Alaska usually move to a warmer weather spot in the fall.
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