Repositioning cruises are used by cruise companies to move ships between major cruise destinations. Instead of leaving a ship empty for weeks as it travels long distances, they will often sell reduced-price tickets to ensure their boats are continuing to make a profit. While these cruises won't suit everyone, they can be an excellent option for those looking for a different kind of holiday experience. To help work out if they're for you, here's our top 10 reasons as to why you may wish to book one for your next adventure on the high seas.
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1 - You want a great deal!
As these cruises often take unconventional routes with less ports included in their itineraries, they will usually be considerably cheaper than a traditional cruise. This is especially the case if you're happy to wait around for last minute deals - these can be some of the best in the whole cruise industry. One thing to consider though is the price of flights. Repositioning cruises will always be one-way, and so at least one flight will need to be factored into your overall costings.
2 - You're looking for a unique itinerary
Repositioning cruises travel the often-untraveled path. They can therefore be a great option for those seeking something a bit different. Two of the most common repositioning itineraries feature the Mediterranean and Alaska. In Autumn, many cruise ships need to move from the Med to the Caribbean and these sailing often include ports in both destinations, plus the Canaries and the Azores. In Spring, these ships then have to do the opposite journey. Spring is also a great time to travel up the Pacific coast, starting in the south and heading to Alaska, past the USA and Canada, for the start of their cruise season. Or, in Autumn, the ships need to head south from Alaska back to warmer climes. Both of these options offer two very different climates and lots of amazing views and experiences.
Royal Caribbean
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3 - You want more time in two exciting ports
As repositioning cruises only travel one-way, cruisers get as much time as they want in both the start and end ports. For example, a cruise beginning in Italy and ending in the Bahamas offers a great opportunity for a long weekend in Rome and then, after two-weeks at sea, a few days relaxing on the white beaches of the Caribbean. Another great example is a cruise from Los Angles to Alaska. UK cruisers can have the trip of a lifetime spending a few days soaking up the glamour of Hollywood before cruising up the Pacific coast and hanging out with the glaciers before heading home.
4 - You're looking for a long cruise
Repositioning cruises often need to travel long distances, usually across oceans. This means they often last at least two weeks. With cheaper prices, this makes the cost of each day extremely reasonable in most cases, so cruisers who want to make their home onboard for an extended period of time should definitely consider this type of cruise. They run the same entertainment as a 'normal cruise' and so they'll be plenty to do. Booking with companies such as Royal Caribbean or NCL is a great idea for families or young couples who want adrenaline-fuelled activities throughout the day and plenty of new opportunities in the evening.
One thing to consider with a longer cruise is the choice of cabin. When you only cruise for a few nights, this doesn't really matter, but when spending over 14 nights in a room, it's crucial to pick the right location. Carefully consider the ship's deck plans to check you're not right under the pool deck or nightclub and, especially if you can get seasick, stick to the middle, lower decks of the ship.
5 - You're happy to pack for all weathers
Within the space of a fortnight, you could be sightseeing in the Mediterranean in a coat and boots and then putting on a bikini to lounge on a Caribbean island. Those on a repositioning cruise therefore need to be adaptable to the differing types of weather they may experience and pack carefully, which nicely leads onto number 6...
6 - You're an organised packer
Not only will you experience many different climates during one cruise, you will also have a lot of time onboard the ship and even the most excitable 10-year old can tire of riding the waterslides by day 9! It's therefore crucial to pack smartly. Often, a repositioning cruise can go a week without any stops in port if, for example, it's crossing the Atlantic. So if you've only packed one book, forgotten your favourite shampoo or not got enough entertainment for the toddler, there's a long time to regret you're packing choices!
Also, speaking of being organised, with so few days in port, you will want to have a good plan for what to do when you reach dry land. You could be on the ship for another week once you reembark, so you will want to have planned out a careful itinerary, or have the perfect excursion booked, to make the most of your time.
7 - You don't get seasick
As previously mentioned, repositioning cruises include a number of sea days and these can often be in the middle of an ocean. Even the largest boats can experience some uncomfortable rocking in these circumstances, especially in Autumn and Spring, when the weather can be unpredictable. Those prone to sea sickness therefore may wish to give these itineraries a miss, or at least pack a good amount of medication to get them through!
8 - You're not fussy about dates
The very nature of a repositioning cruise means that each itinerary for each ship will very probably only happen once a year. You will find cruises leaving the Mediterranean for the Caribbean and leaving Alaska for South America in September and October and then making the reverse journeys in April and May. It is therefore not possible to be specific about dates. Unless you're really lucky and there's an itinerary beginning at the perfect time, you will need to be flexible.
Repositioning cruises, for this reason, don't usually work for families as they are likely to lie outside of the UK school holidays. This will often have a big impact on the types of cruisers on the ship, with repositioning cruises often attracting an older, adult demographic.
Find out what to expect in the Caribbean in the Spring or Autumn.
9 - You enjoy socialising with other cruisers
With a longer itineraries and many at-sea days, repositioning cruises usually have a wonderful, social atmosphere on board. You may sit next to the same couple at breakfast for three weeks or meet the same group in the bar each evening. These cruises are therefore a great way to meet new people and make great friends and are especially good for this reason for solo travellers. Those who prefer to keep themselves to themselves may find this harder on such a long cruise with few port days.
The social atmosphere of a repositioning cruise makes them perfect for solo travellers.
10 - You're looking for a relaxed vibe
With so much time, repositioning cruises ultimately have a really relaxed vibe onboard. There's no rush to complete the waterslide, climbing wall and surf simulator all in one day; you have plenty of time to watch the onboard entertainment; and those speciality restaurants are far easier to book when people have so many nights to choose from. This feeling of possibility is our favourite aspect of a repositioning cruise. There's little fear of 'missing out' and so much time to relax and cruise your way. To take this to the next level, choose a company whose ships cater perfectly to this vibe. Celebrity Cruises or Princess have excellent spa facilities and adult only areas that are the perfect way to relax at sea.
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