What Are Repositioning Cruises - How to Book 2025 & 2026 Bargains
Repositioning cruises what are they and how to book
Repositioning Cruises Explained: 2025 & 2026 Deals, Dates & Expert Tips
For savvy travellers, repositioning cruises can be one of the best-kept secrets in the industry. They often cost less than a standard voyage, yet offer longer itineraries, exciting ports, and the relaxed pace of days at sea. If you’ve ever dreamed of crossing an ocean without paying luxury prices, this could be your golden ticket.
What Is a Repositioning Cruise?
Cruise ships don’t stay in one region all year. When seasons change, ships move - or reposition - to a different part of the world. For example, a ship based in the Caribbean during winter might head to Europe for the summer season. Instead of sailing empty, cruise lines sell these one-way journeys to passengers at attractive rates.
Common routes include:
Europe to USA Transatlantic is a popular repositioning route
Transatlantic (Caribbean or Florida to Europe in spring, returning Europe to Caribbean or USA in autumn)
Transpacific (Asia or Australia to North America, and vice versa)
Seasonal coastal moves (such as Alaska to Mexico or Hawaii)
Why Repositioning Cruises are a Bargain?
These cruises are less convenient for travellers who need to fly back from a different port or country, therefore prices can be dramatically lower - sometimes as little as half the cost per day compared to a standard cruise. They also provide a cost-effective opportunity to try more expensive or luxury cruise lines They often include more sea days, giving you time to unwind, enjoy onboard activities, and explore without rushing from port to port.
Is a Repositioning Cruise Right for me?
A repositioning cruise might be perfect if you:
Love days at sea and the onboard lifestyle
Are flexible with travel dates
Don’t mind one-way flights
Enjoy discovering multiple destinations in one trip
Repositioning Booking Tips for 2025 & 2026
Book Early for Best Cabins - Suites and balcony cabins often go first, especially on newer ships.
Watch for Last-Minute Deals - If you can travel at short notice, unsold cabins can drop to irresistible prices.
Factor in Airfare - Look for flight sales or consider using airline points to offset the cost. Some offers include flights.
Check Visa Requirements - You may be visiting several countries on one itinerary.
Pack for Multiple Climates - You might leave in warm sunshine and arrive in cooler spring or autumn weather.
Where to Find the Best Repositioning Deals
Most major cruise lines offer repositioning sailings, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Many smaller luxury and expedition lines also reposition their ships, often with more unusual routes.
Search using filters for “transatlantic,” “transpacific,” or “repositioning” on cruise line websites and major booking platforms. You can also set up alerts with cruise deal newsletters to spot the best fares for 2025 and 2026.
Top Repositioning Cruise Deals for 2025/2026
🇬🇧 UK-Based Repositioning Cruises
Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings: Cunard’s iconic liner offers classic crossings between Southampton and New York. For instance, a 7-night westbound sailing starts from £1,109 per person, with options to upgrade to Grill Suites. A 14-night roundtrip is also available from £819 per person.
MSC Grand Voyages: MSC Cruises provides repositioning cruises ranging from 14 to 29 nights, including routes like Venice to Durban, South Africa. These voyages often feature extended stays in ports such as the Greek Islands, Mauritius, and Réunion.
P&O Cruises: P&O offers repositioning and transatlantic cruises, allowing travellers to embark from one port and return to another, providing a unique travel experience.
🇺🇸 US-Based Repositioning Cruises
Viking Mars Atlantic Crossing: Viking’s 21-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Rome includes stops in St. Maarten, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, highlighting destinations like Sète, known as “Little Venice.”
Carnival Spirit Panama Canal Route: Carnival’s 16-day journey from Alabama to Seattle via the Panama Canal features stops in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia, offering a diverse cultural experience.
Silversea’s Singapore to Melbourne Cruise: This luxurious itinerary includes notable stops in Bali, Busselton, and Kangaroo Island, with excursions for local tastings and wildlife spotting.
💡 Tips for Booking Repositioning Cruises
To get the best from your repositioning cruise, consider the following:
Flexible Travel Dates: Repositioning cruises often depart in spring and autumn. Being flexible with your travel dates can help you secure better deals.
Early Booking: Booking early can provide access to better cabin selections and potential discounts.
Inclusive Packages: Consider cruise lines that offer all-inclusive packages, covering meals, drinks, and excursions, to enhance your cruising experience.
Consult Experts: Utilize travel consultants or cruise specialists to find the best deals and itineraries that suit your preferences
Have you taken a repositioning cruise? Leave your own tips in comments.