8 Popular Repositioning Cruise Beliefs That Are Completely Wrong (And What To Expect Instead)

Repositioning cruises can look incredibly appealing. The fares are usually far lower than regular cruises, the itineraries look more adventurous, and the idea of crossing oceans or sailing between continents can feel wonderfully romantic.

However, after doing multiple repositioning cruises over the years – including my most recent 18-night Silver Nova sailing from Alaska to Japan – I’ve seen many cruisers arrive with expectations shaped by common online advice and articles. And unfortunately, I have also seen disappointment when those expectations don’t match the reality.

So today, I want to challenge the most widely believed repositioning cruise “truths” that are, in fact, misleading.

By the end, you’ll know which beliefs about repositioning cruises are flat-out wrong, and what to expect instead.

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Myth #1: Repositioning Cruises Are Just Like Regular Cruises… But Cheaper

Repositioning cruises are usually fantastic value — often up to half the price of a regular cruise in the same cabin category. But they are not simply the same cruise at a bargain price.

They are a different style of cruise entirely.

Sea-Day Heavy Sailing

Repositioning itineraries typically include large stretches of consecutive sea days.
For example:

• My recent Transpacific on Silver Nova included six sea days in a row.

• I have a future Crystal Transatlantic booked with seven sea days total, four of them back-to-back.

If you don’t genuinely enjoy sea days, reading, relaxing, enrichment talks, and onboard life — you may find the experience repetitive or confining.

Maintenance & Testing Happens Onboard

Cruise lines often use repositionings to:

• Rehearse new production shows

• Test new systems and technology

• Refresh or modify venues

• Complete light maintenance

On one MSC repositioning I was on, contractors were refitting dining spaces during the voyage. On my recent Silver Nova sailing, the entertainment team were trialling two new shows, not yet performance-ready.

This type of “work in progress” does not happen on core-season itineraries.

You Must Plan One-Way Flights

Repositioning cruises are almost always one-way voyages, so you need at least one one-way long-haul flight — which can be surprisingly expensive. Any cruise fare savings can disappear quickly if flights are booked late.

Conclusion:
Repositionings are not cheaper regular cruises. They’re a different pace, rhythm, and experience.

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Myth #2: Repositioning Cruises = Transatlantic Cruises

While the majority are Transatlantic crossings (spring and autumn), that’s far from the only type.

Repositionings also include:

• Transpacific sailings (e.g., Alaska ↔ Japan)

• Australia seasonal repositionings via Hawaii & Tahiti

• South American repositionings

• Africa & Indian Ocean seasonal moves

For example, I’ve booked a 29-day Tahiti to Vancouver repositioning on Silver Whisper for 2027 — hardly a standard Atlantic crossing!

In reality: repositionings can be:

• Simple

• Complex

• Exotic

• Long or short

They vary far more than many people realise.

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Myth #3: The Weather Will Be Great

Many expect sun loungers, calm seas and endless warmth.

However, repositionings take place at the edges of seasons, when weather is transitioning — not at its peak.

Examples from my own voyages:

• Decks closed on Silver Nova due to high winds,

• Cold, grey, winter-jacket weather on multiple Atlantic repositionings,

• Choppy ocean conditions crossing open seas.

If your dream is lying by the pool every day, repositionings may not deliver that.

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Myth #4: Cabin Choice Doesn’t Matter on Repositionings

I often hear, “You’re only sleeping there.”
But on repositionings, with:

• Many sea days,

• Unpredictable weather,

• Fewer outdoor spaces open…

People spend far more time in their cabin than they expect.

What this means:

This is one of the top regrets I hear onboard repositionings.

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Myth #5: There Isn’t Much To Do Onboard

Actually, cruise lines add extra programming on repositionings:

• Enrichment lectures

• Bridge, trivia, games

• Dance classes

• Craft workshops

• Digital and photography classes

• Guest entertainers

However…

It Can Get Repetitive

Because cruise schedules are designed for 7-night itineraries, the daily schedule often repeats almost exactly day to day.

Production entertainment is also limited — so cast members often perform small cabaret evenings to fill the gaps.

There is plenty to do — just not the variety some are used to.

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Myth #6: Repositionings Are Perfect For Trying a New Cruise Line

This is one I see backfire frequently.

Yes, repositionings allow you to try a premium or luxury line at a better fare.
But you are committing to two or more weeks on a line you might not like.

Examples I’ve seen onboard:

Better:
Use the lower fare to upgrade cabin category on a line you already know you enjoy.

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Myth #7: It’s Best to Book Repositionings Last Minute

Yes — sometimes prices drop.
But two major risks:

1. Poor cabin selection

2. Flights become very expensive late

Any cruise fare saving can be completely cancelled out by airfare increases.

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Myth #8: Repositioning Cruises Are for Everyone

They are wonderful — but only for the right type of traveller.

Repositionings are ideal for:

• People who love sea days

• Slower paced travellers

• Sociable and flexible guests

• Solo travellers (great community feel)

• People who enjoy enrichment, reading, and downtime

They are not ideal for:

• First-time cruisers

• Families with young children

• Travellers who cruise mostly for ports or excursions

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Final Thoughts

Repositioning cruises can be absolutely fantastic, but only when you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

If you’re curious about how to choose the right repositioning cruise — the itinerary, cabin, ship, and timing that will suit your travel style — I’ve created a detailed guide:

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