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Cruise ships follow the sunshine just as much as holidaymakers do. As the seasons change, ships relocate from one region of the world to another, moving between summer and winter homeports ready for a new season of itineraries.
These one-way sailings are known as repositioning cruises – and for savvy travellers, they can offer some of the best value cruise holidays available.
If you’ve ever wondered what is a repositioning cruise, why repositioning cruises are often cheaper, or how to find a repositioning cruise, here’s everything you need to know.
A repositioning cruise is a sailing that takes place when a cruise ship moves from one part of the world to another for a new seasonal programme.
One of the most common examples is when ships leave Europe in autumn and sail across the Atlantic to begin Caribbean cruises for the winter season. In spring, many of those same ships make the return journey back to Europe.
Rather than sailing empty, cruise lines sell cabins on these voyages, creating an opportunity for guests to experience longer itineraries at a lower price than many standard cruises.
Repositioning cruises are usually one-way sailings and often include a combination of sea days and unusual ports of call not typically featured on regular itineraries.
One of the main reasons repositioning cruises have become so popular is value for money.
So, are repositioning cruises cheaper? In many cases, yes.
Cruise lines primarily operate these sailings because they need to move the ship to a new region, not because they are focused on maximising ticket revenue. As a result, fares can often be lower than equivalent roundtrip cruises on the same ship.
Guests are often able to enjoy:
For travellers who enjoy spending time on board and making the most of the ship itself, repositioning cruises can offer exceptional overall value.
A repositioning cruise itinerary usually combines multiple sea days with a selection of ports designed to break up the longer ocean crossing.
For example, Europe to Caribbean repositioning cruises often depart from Southampton, Barcelona or Rome before crossing the Atlantic towards destinations such as Barbados, Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Along the way, ships may visit destinations including:
These itineraries often feel more relaxed than traditional port-intensive cruises, with extra time to enjoy the ship’s restaurants, entertainment, spa facilities and outdoor spaces.
Other repositioning cruises may involve ships relocating:
Because of their one-way nature, repositioning cruises often visit ports that are less commonly included on standard cruise itineraries.
For many experienced cruisers, repositioning voyages are among the most enjoyable cruises available.
The slower pace and additional sea days create a very different atmosphere compared to shorter, busier itineraries. Days are often spent relaxing by the pool, enjoying long lunches, attending onboard talks or simply watching the ocean drift by.
Many guests also enjoy the chance to experience a ship properly without constantly rushing ashore every day.
Another major appeal is the opportunity to sail on premium or luxury cruise lines at more accessible prices, particularly on longer transatlantic voyages.
If you’re wondering how to find a repositioning cruise, the easiest approach is to look during the main seasonal transition periods.
Most repositioning cruises take place:
These are the periods when cruise lines move ships between Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia and Australia.
Many major cruise lines offer repositioning itineraries, including:
Searching specifically for ‘transatlantic cruises’ or ‘repositioning cruises’ is often the quickest way to identify these sailings.
Repositioning cruises aren’t for everyone, but for the right traveller, they can be fantastic.
Guests who enjoy busy itineraries with a different port every day may find the number of sea days less appealing. However, travellers who love spending time on board, relaxing and enjoying the ship itself often consider repositioning cruises among the best sailings available.
At Bolsover Cruise Club, we offer a wide range of repositioning cruises across multiple cruise lines and destinations.
Whether you’re looking for a transatlantic crossing, a Caribbean relocation sailing or a unique one-way itinerary, repositioning cruises can offer excellent value and a completely different style of cruising experience.
4 thoughts on “Save Money With A Repositioning Cruise”
Hi,
I am enquiring how a Caribbean repositioning cruise back to Southampton works . Is there transport available from Southampton?
Thanks
Hi Carol,
I have passed your enquiry to a Cruise Expert who will be in touch shortly.
Thank you.
Hi there
We’re considering returning to Australia at the end of the year Nov/Dec and would like to explore the possibility of either a repositioning cruise from the UK or flying into Singapore to pick up a cruise from there to Sydney. Was wondering if there are any offers at present or if it would be better to wait until the autumn to book.
Many thanks
Gina Jones
Hi Georgina, I have passed your enquiry to a Cruise Expert who will be in touch shortly. Thank you.