Cruising Basics
What is a repositioning cruise?
Usually during the fall and the spring, cruise lines move their ships from one destination to another, and basically, migrate by following the sun to the warm destination. In order to travel between these popular destinations, the ships must cross the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean thus calling them a Transatlantic or Transpacific cruise. Panama Canal cruises are typically a repositioning cruise as well.
Common fall repositioning cruise are fir ships in the Mediterranean during the summer that need to head to the Caribbean for the winter. Or after the Alaska cruise season during the summer, ships head out to Hawaii, Australia & New Zealand, or Asia. In the spring, it is the opposite. Repositioning cruises usually last about 13-17 days, and the spring cruises are generally during April and May, while the fall cruises are in October or November.
What are the top reasons for taking a repositioning cruise?
VALUE
The cost per day on a repositioning cruise is about half the cost of a regular cruise.PLENTY OF RELAXING DAYS AT SEA
If a relaxing vacation is what the doctor ordered, then you'll appreciate the six to seven days relaxing at sea. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy all the activities, entertainment, and food your ship has to offer…or just curl up and read a good book.VISIT TWO POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN ONE VACATION
Repositioning cruises usually start in end in the most popular destination ports.VISIT AN ISLAND OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Because these cruises go beyond the typical routes, there is usually a port stop in an exotic location.ONE-WAY FLIGHT
One-way flights are more affordable these days, so a vacation that includes Europe is much more affordable.TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CLASSES
You'll have plenty of time to take all the cooking and dancing classes, and attend all the onboard lectures and cultural enhancements.ENTERTAINMENT
From bingo, hilarious comedians, to the Broadway shows there is very little excuse to be bored. Music lovers can enjoy the small string quartets, or get their dance groove on to a dance band. The casino and shops are also a great way to spend your time.WARM WEATHER
The purpose of repositioning a cruise ship is to chase the sun, so be sure to soak in the rays as much as possible.GET A BETTER DEAL ON A BACK-TO-BACK CRUISE
You can add on the next cruise at your final destination for a usually discounted price whether it's the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, or Hawaii.NO JET LAG
The perk about traveling across the ocean by ship is that there is no jet lag. Every night you'll gain an extra hour of sleep—now THAT is what I call a vacation!
