Are Repositioning Cruises Worth It? Here’s What Travelers Should Know
If you enjoy cruising and have some flexibility in your travel schedule, there’s a type of cruise you may be overlooking: the repositioning cruise.
These sailings can offer longer itineraries, unusual ports, plenty of relaxing sea days, and sometimes surprisingly attractive fares. But there are trade-offs.
So, are repositioning cruises worth it?
For the right traveler, absolutely.
First, What Is a Repositioning Cruise?
Cruise lines move their ships throughout the year to take advantage of seasonal demand.
For example, a ship might spend the summer cruising the Mediterranean and then move across the Atlantic for a winter season in the Caribbean. Instead of sailing the ship empty, the cruise line sells cabins for that one-way voyage.
That creates a repositioning cruise.
Common repositioning routes include:
- Europe to Florida in the fall
- Florida to Europe in the spring
- Alaska to California or Hawaii
- North America to South America
- Mediterranean to the Caribbean
- Asia to Australia or the South Pacific
Many of these voyages are considerably longer than a typical seven-night cruise.
Why I Think Repositioning Cruises Are Worth Considering
1. You May Get More Cruise for Your Money
This is probably the biggest attraction.
Because repositioning cruises don’t always fit the traditional vacation schedule, cruise lines sometimes price them very competitively.
Instead of looking only at the total cruise fare, I recommend looking at the cost per day.
A 14-night or 16-night repositioning cruise can occasionally represent better value per day than a much shorter itinerary.
And you’re still enjoying your cabin, meals, entertainment, shipboard activities, and transportation between destinations.
2. The Itineraries Can Be Fascinating
Repositioning cruises frequently visit ports that aren’t included on the cruise line’s regular weekly itineraries.
A transatlantic sailing, for example, might combine several European destinations with Atlantic islands before eventually arriving in Florida.
For travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, that’s a big advantage.
3. Sea Days Become Part of the Vacation
This is where travelers tend to divide into two camps.
Some people look at an itinerary with five or six sea days and think:
“What am I going to do all day?”
I look at it differently.
Sea days are an opportunity to slow down.
Have a leisurely breakfast. Read a book. Attend a lecture. Enjoy the pool. Try a specialty restaurant. Have an afternoon coffee while watching the ocean go by.
And, yes, I can certainly handle the coffee part.
If your idea of a vacation includes actually relaxing instead of racing from one attraction to another, repositioning cruises can be wonderful.
But There Are Some Drawbacks
Before jumping at a low cruise fare, there are several things you need to consider.
Airfare Can Change the Economics
Most repositioning cruises begin in one city and end in another — sometimes on another continent.
That means you’ll probably need a one-way or open-jaw airline itinerary.
A fantastic cruise fare isn’t quite as fantastic if getting home costs considerably more than expected.
That’s why I recommend looking at the total trip cost, not simply the advertised cruise fare.
You’ll Need More Vacation Time
Many repositioning cruises run 10, 14, 16, 20 nights or even longer.
Add a pre-cruise hotel stay and international flights, and you could easily be looking at a two- or three-week vacation.
For retirees and travelers with flexible schedules, that can actually be an advantage.
For someone with limited vacation days, it may be a deal-breaker.
There Can Be A Lot of Sea Days
I love a good sea day.
Six of them in a row?
That’s something you should think about before booking.
If you’re happiest exploring a new port every morning, a repositioning cruise might feel slow.
If you enjoy the ship itself and appreciate some downtime, those sea days may become your favorite part of the trip.
Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Repositioning cruises often take place during seasonal transitions.
Ocean conditions and temperatures can vary considerably during the voyage. You might leave Europe wearing a jacket and arrive in Florida looking for shorts.
Pack accordingly.
Who Is the Ideal Repositioning Cruise Traveler?
I think these cruises are particularly attractive for:
- Retirees and travelers with flexible schedules
- Experienced cruisers looking for something different
- Travelers who enjoy sea days
- Couples wanting a longer, slower-paced vacation
- Travelers interested in unusual itineraries
- Value-conscious cruisers who compare the total trip cost, not just the advertised fare
They may be less attractive for first-time cruisers who aren’t sure how they’ll handle several consecutive days at sea.
One More Idea: Turn It Into a Bigger Vacation
This is where repositioning cruises can get really interesting.
Instead of simply flying to Europe and immediately boarding the ship, why not spend several days exploring beforehand?
Imagine spending three or four nights in Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon or London and then boarding a ship for a leisurely voyage back across the Atlantic.
Now the repositioning cruise isn’t simply transportation home.
It’s part of a much larger travel experience.
So, Are Repositioning Cruises Worth It?
My answer is yes — if the itinerary matches the traveler.
Don’t book one simply because the advertised cruise fare looks inexpensive.
Look at:
Cruise fare + airfare + hotels + transfers + excursions + onboard expenses + travel insurance.
Then compare that total with other vacation options.
That’s where working with a travel advisor can be especially helpful. The cheapest cruise isn’t necessarily the best value, and the best itinerary isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest advertised price.
The goal is finding the trip that fits how you actually like to travel.
Could a Repositioning Cruise Be Right for You?
If you’ve been curious about a transatlantic voyage or another repositioning cruise, I’d be happy to help you compare the options and determine whether the numbers — and the itinerary — make sense.
The Caffeinated Wanderer – Cruises & Tours
Where Every Journey Is Brewed with Care.
☕ Coffee in hand. Passport ready. Let’s find your next adventure.
