What is a repositioning cruise?
Repositioning voyages, when cruise lines move their ships between continents, can be a great way to save money on a sailing says Gillian Carmoodie
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase banded about – almost like an underground secret. The term ‘repositioning cruise’ may sound industrial and strategic, but it’s actually one of the cruise industry’s best-kept unofficial recipes for saving money.
Imagine your favourite cruise ship has been sailing the Caribbean all winter long, but as spring rolls around, it’s time for a change of scenery – a stretch in Scandinavia seeking the Northern Lights beckons. After those sun-seekers disembark for home, the ship has to cross the Atlantic to begin a new set of itineraries.
Say Cunard’s QM2 has bathed in the season’s warm Barbados sun but now has maintenance booked in Hamburg following a return to Southampton. The ship has to travel to its’ next docking point – often in between advertised itineraries.
Instead of sailing with an empty ship across the Atlantic or Pacific, cruise lines offer repositioning cruises to fill those cabins. These voyages, usually lasting longer than a typical cruise, tend to offer fewer stops along the way and more days at sea, but there’s a hefty benefit when bagging a cabin; they are often much, much cheaper than regular cruises. We'll explain why.
In essence, a repositioning cruise remains the unicorn of budget travel – except this unicorn can be grasped and tamed for your financial benefit. All you need are a few pointers, which is where we come in.
The best cruise lines for repositioning cruises
Several major cruise lines offer these bucket-list journeys, each with its own style and fan base. Let’s drop anchor and check out the top picks:
If you love big, shiny things (who doesn’t?), Royal Caribbean is your best bet. Their repositioning cruises often include state-of-the-art ships packed with endless entertainment options – think surf simulators and Broadway shows. With massive ships like Symphony of the Seas and ground-breaking Icon of the Seas, boredom is not an option.
Known for its more refined and slightly quieter vibe, Celebrity is perfect for those who want their days at sea served with a side of luxury. Wine tastings? Check. Spa days? Oh, you bet. Add in elegant dining and top-notch service, and you've got a high-end repositioning cruise without breaking the bank. The bragging potential is limited only by your imagination.
Want to 'freestyle' your way across the ocean? Norwegian offers a laid-back atmosphere with flexible dining options and entertainment galore. Whether you’re into live music, stand-up comedy, or simply sipping a cocktail by the pool, Norwegian keeps the vibes relaxed and the fun flowing.
Calling all hopeless romantics! Princess Cruises knows how to create the perfect ambiance for those long, romantic walks around the deck – cue the Love Boat theme song. Their repositioning cruises often feature enriching activities like art classes and lectures, ideal for travellers who want to learn something new while crossing the ocean.
Why repositioning cruises are the ultimate travel hack
Here’s where the magic happens. Repositioning cruises are dirt cheap compared to regular sailings. Why, you ask? Well, the appeal of a cruise for most people is hitting multiple ports in a week, exploring different cities, and only unpacking once.
A repositioning cruise, however, involves lots of time at sea with fewer stops. Fewer stops mean fewer activities off the boat, and cruise lines price these trips lower to attract people willing to sail long distances. You may have to fly home, as the ship won’t be doing a return route, but you’ll still be laughing where flights can be had for cheap. You don’t need to be elite to use their playground, after all.
For those of us who aren’t bothered by the idea of lounging poolside with a piña colada for several days straight, a repositioning cruise is a dream come true. Want to cross the Atlantic for less than the cost of your daily Starbucks habit?
It’s entirely possible when you consider a Starbucks visit costs on average £7 – giving you a £2,500 budget to live like Royalty without breaking the bank.
There’s more, too. Here’s the best kept secret. Repositioning cruises often have the same onboard amenities as regular cruises. You can enjoy fine dining, live shows, swimming pools, casinos, and all the other trimmings, just at a lower price.
Plus, think of the bragging rights: “Oh, I spent two weeks on the open ocean cruising from Miami to Rome and still have budget left over.” You’ll sound like the kind of sophisticated cruise goer who wears linen suits, and only eats Salade Niçoise and drinks espresso. The lack of nutrition is something for future you to worry about.
Drawbacks of repositioning cruises?
Ok, time for our trademark honesty. Repositioning cruises come with a few trade-offs that might send the hyperactive passenger running for the exit. Yet, for the right type of cruiser (those of us who enjoy relaxation, quiet time, and an excuse to consume every mocktail on the menu), these ‘drawbacks’ can actually be seen as perks. It’s all about what you are seeking. Let us explain.
1. Lots of sea days
Do you love being on a cruise ship and not having to do anything? Perfect! A repositioning cruise will offer that in spades. While run-of-the-mill cruises might hit a different port every day, repositioning cruises often go several days at sea without a single land sighting.
To some, that sounds like cabin fever waiting to happen. To others, it sounds like an eternal spa appointment featuring sunset backdrops.
If your idea of a good time is kicking back, catching up on novels you pretend you’ve read, taking time for away from the rush of contemporary living and basking in that ocean breeze, then congratulations, you’re going to thrive here. Each day will blend into the next, offering a carefree mantra destined to soothe your soul.
2. Few port stops
Repositioning cruises tend to feature fewer port stops, meaning you’ll have fewer chances to hop off the ship and explore foreign lands. While that might seem like a downside for someone who wants to cram in every museum, castle, and outdoor market known to man, it’s a blessing for those of us who find travel itineraries more stressful than relaxing.
Fewer ports also means fewer logistical headaches. No need to hustle out of bed at 5.30am for a shore excursion, no waiting in line to disembark. It’s basically a forced relaxation strategy, and some of us could really use the hint.
3. It’s not for those who get seasick
If the idea of rolling waves makes you queasy just thinking about it, a repositioning cruise might not be your ideal vacation. These trips often cross major bodies of water, such as the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, where rough seas are more common.
Even then, it’s worth remembering that modern cruise ships are massive floating cities equipped with stabilisers designed to eliminate pitch and roll. So, unless you’re particularly sensitive to motion, you’ll likely be fine (and, of course, there are always travel sickness tablets).
Why repositioning cruises are perfect for relaxation seekers
In today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced world, repositioning cruises offer something most of us sorely lack. And that’s time to unwind. A standard cruise can also offer such niceties, but as repositioning cruises often sail when only half full, it’s another level of peace and quiet.
Sure, you’re not waking up in a new city every day, but do you really need that level of excitement? Some days, it’s nice to just sip coffee on your balcony while staring at nothing but endless blue waves. I
t's a way to disconnect, recharge, and get the ultimate value from your vacation dollars. You often need to be alone with your thoughts to fully gear up for a new chapter in life, or continue to push forward. And a repositioning cruise can provide exactly that.
Instead of rushing around to absorb every ancient ruin and Instagram-worthy café, you get to live in the moment. A long stretch of sea days can help you reconnect with yourself, your travel companions, and the crew. By the end, everyone will feel akin to extended family. It’s like a spa retreat, but with 24-hour buffets and blackjack.
Repositioning cruises aren't just a cheaper way to cross an ocean. Far beyond even a fantastic opportunity for relaxation and unplugging from modern stresses. These cruises represent a hidden gem for travellers on a budget who wish to enjoy the luxurious cruise experience at a fraction of the cost.
Sure, it’s not for the port-hopping adrenaline junkie, but if you’re the type who can appreciate long, lazy days by the pool and a good book under the stars, this could be your ideal holiday.
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About Gillian Carmoodie
Gillian has been a part of the heritage world for longer than she would care to admit. From piloting pre-war racers across Montlhéry and traversing the Cumbrian mountains with an Edwardian automobile, to flying a WWI Tiger Moth and obsessing over all things shipping, Gillian lives for history.
When not buried in a book or lost to the archives, you'll usually find her under the bonnet of her classic Rover or exploring the old shipyards of the North East. When partaking in work for RNLI, Land Rover or RRM, Gillian mostly runs on high-octane Earl Grey.
