Repositioning Cruises Explained: Bargains, Hidden Traps, and Must-Know Tips

Repositioning Cruises Explained: Bargains, Hidden Traps, and Must-Know Tips

While repositioning cruises can be an absolute bargain, they come with catches, watch-outs, and easily made mistakes that can turn what looks like the cruise deal of a lifetime into a regret-filled trip.

Welcome aboard, I’m Gary Bembridge from Tips For Travellers, and after doing many repositioning cruises, I want to share what they are, how to find them, and the mistakes I see cruisers make — and how to avoid them.

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What Is a Repositioning Cruise?

Repositioning cruises are one-way voyages that happen when cruise lines move ships between regions — typically in spring and autumn.

• Spring (March–April): Ships move from the Caribbean to Europe or Alaska.

• Autumn (October–November): Ships move back to the Caribbean for the winter season.

Instead of sailing empty, cruise lines sell these trips at discounted fares, making them a hidden gem for experienced cruisers.

The most common repositionings are:

• Transatlantic (Europe ↔ Caribbean)

• Panama Canal / Pacific Coast (Alaska ↔ Caribbean or Mexico)

• Transpacific (Alaska ↔ Japan or Asia)

Others include rare routes via the Suez Canal, French Polynesia, South America, or Australia.

Because of the distances involved, repositioning cruises are longer (10–21 nights) and sea-day heavy, often with five or more consecutive days at sea.

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Why People Book Repositioning Cruises

1. Incredible Value

Fares are often half the daily rate of the same ship’s normal cruises. Many cruisers use this to try premium lines like Viking, Regent, or Crystal or to upgrade to a suite they couldn’t otherwise afford.

2. Unique Itineraries

These voyages link regions rarely combined — like the UK and Caribbean or Alaska and Japan — offering fascinating port combinations.

3. Relaxing Sea Days

For cruisers who love sea days, repositionings provide the ultimate chance to unwind, attend lectures, and enjoy ship life.

4. Peaceful Atmosphere

They attract a more mature, quieter crowd, often with few families or children onboard since they fall outside school holidays.

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How To Find Repositioning Cruises

• Ask a cruise-specialist travel agent – I share recommended agents by region at TipsForTravellers.com/agents.

• Check RepositioningCruise.com – the best site for all lines and itineraries in one place.

• Use cruise line websites – search filters for “repositioning cruises” (e.g., Celebrity Cruises).

• Visit the onboard Future Cruise desk – you can often get extra discounts, upgrades, and pre-cruise hotel stays when booking your next repositioning during a cruise.

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Common Watch-Outs and Mistakes

1. Expecting a Regular Cruise

Repositionings have many sea days, so the onboard program focuses on enrichment lectures, trivia, games, dance classes, and cabaret performances rather than constant shows and parties.

2. Choosing the Wrong Cruise Line

Don’t pick a line just for price or route if you’ve never sailed with them. For example, lines like Viking are quieter and less party-focused — great for some, disappointing for others.

3. Underestimating Weather and Seas

Crossing oceans like the Atlantic or Bering Sea can mean rough seas and cold, windy conditions. Ports can be cancelled, and pools or decks may close. Always pack for multiple climates.

4. Booking the Wrong Cabin

With so many sea days, inside cabins can feel claustrophobic. Go for at least an ocean-view or balcony, ideally midship for less motion.

5. Forgetting Flight and Hotel Costs

One-way flights and pre/post-cruise hotels can eat into savings. Always check total trip costs before booking.

6. Choosing the Wrong Direction

Repositionings crossing multiple time zones can be easier westbound (you gain hours each day) and tougher eastbound (you lose hours).

7. Ignoring Practicalities

• Check visa/ETA requirements for all countries.

• Don’t assume Wi-Fi will be strong across oceans.

• Ensure you have travel insurance covering medical evacuation and repatriation.

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Who Repositioning Cruises Are For (and Not For)

Perfect For:

• Experienced cruisers who love sea days

• Retirees or flexible travellers

• Budget-savvy guests wanting luxury for less

• Solo travellers (great value even with supplements)

Not Ideal For:

• First-time cruisers

• Families with children

• Anyone who dislikes long sea days or rough seas

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Final Thoughts

Repositioning cruises can be one of the best cruise bargains — more nights for less money, on often luxurious ships, with fascinating itineraries.

But they’re not for everyone. Know what to expect, plan carefully, and you can enjoy one of cruising’s best-kept secrets without falling into the traps that catch many first-timers.

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