Travel Glossary · Cruises
Repositioning Cruise
Definition
Repositioning Cruise: A repositioning cruise is a one-way voyage that moves a ship between seasonal regions, such as the Caribbean to Europe, typically with many sea days and lower per-night fares.
Cruise lines follow the seasons. Ships spend winter in the Caribbean and summer in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, or summer in Alaska and winter in Mexico, Hawaii, Asia, or the South Pacific. Twice a year they must get from one region to the other, and those transfer sailings, typically in spring and fall, are sold as repositioning cruises.
Transatlantic crossings are the best known, often spending a week or more at sea with a few ports at either end. Other routes include Panama Canal transits and Pacific crossings. Because demand is lower than for peak itineraries, per-night fares are often attractive, and the many sea days suit travelers who enjoy the ship, books, spa time, and lectures more than a busy port schedule.
The trade-offs are a one-way flight, which can cost more than a round trip, long stretches without land, and possible rough seas, especially on the North Atlantic. An advisor can match flights, add hotel nights, and compare cabins. See our first cruise guide.
Example: An April sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona crosses the Atlantic in about two weeks, as the ship moves from its Caribbean season to summer in the Mediterranean.
Go deeper
- CruisesFirst Cruise Guide: How to Choose, Book and Board With ConfidenceA first cruise guide from a travel advisor: choosing a line and ship, picking a cabin, what fares include, embarkation day, seasickness tips and when to book.
- CompareRiver Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise: Which Is Right for You?River cruise vs ocean cruise compared: ship size, ports, included excursions, onboard life, seasickness, families and cost, so you choose the right cruise.
- CruisesMediterranean Cruises: Routes, Ships and the Best Time to SailPlan a Mediterranean cruise: western vs. eastern routes, the best months, big ships vs. small luxury ships, port tips for Rome and Santorini, and when to book.
- CruisesCaribbean Cruises: Routes, Seasons and Choosing the Right ShipPlan a Caribbean cruise: eastern, western and southern routes, hurricane season, mega-ships vs. small luxury and sailing ships, cabins, documents and booking.
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