Most cruises loop back to where they started. Repositioning cruises? One way, straight into adventure. These sailings happen when cruise lines shift ships to a new region for the season—like moving from the Caribbean to Europe in spring or Alaska to Asia in fall. Instead of sailing empty, they fill cabins at a fraction of the cost. Fewer people. More sea days. Better deals. If that sounds like your kind of trip, keep reading.
Why a Repositioning Cruise is the Best
Let’s talk money. A repositioning cruise can cost way less than a regular itinerary, sometimes as little as half. Why? Fewer port stops mean fewer fees, and cruise lines know not everyone wants a long, one-way trip. Their problem, your win. You’ll get the same luxury, same food, same entertainment—just for way cheaper.
But the real magic? Time at sea. You get to fully enjoy a ship without feeling rushed. This is your chance to stretch out by the pool. Try every restaurant. Watch the sunrise and set over nothing but open water. It’s the kind of slow travel that forces you to relax.
Where Repositioning Cruises Take You
Some routes are classics. Others change based on the season. Either way, repositioning cruises cross some serious distances. Here are the big ones:
Transatlantic Cruise
Spring and fall are prime time for a transatlantic cruise. Ships shuttle between Europe and North America, often making stops in Spain, Portugal, or the Azores. Think old-world charm before you hit the modern buzz of Miami or New York. Plenty of sea days, plenty of time to unwind.
Transpacific Cruise
Want something more offbeat? A transpacific cruise is your ticket. These sailings connect Asia, Australia, and North America, often with dreamy island stops in Hawaii, Tahiti, or Fiji. Some even venture as far as Japan before wrapping up in Los Angeles or Sydney.
Panama Canal
This one’s an experience. Ships move between the East and West Coasts of the U.S., cutting through the famous Panama Canal. Stops in Central America and the Caribbean make it a mix of engineering marvel and tropical escape.
Alaska to the Pacific
Alaska’s cruise season is short. Once it ends, ships head south—often toward California or Hawaii. That means an affordable one-way route with rugged northern landscapes before ending in sun-soaked paradise.
Asia to Australia
When summer starts heating up down under, ships move south. A repositioning cruise from Asia to Australia might include stops in Singapore, Bali, or the Great Barrier Reef before finishing in Sydney or Melbourne.
Is It for You?
A repositioning cruise isn’t for everyone. You need time, a one-way ticket, and a love of sea days. But if you want an ocean crossing without the usual price tag—and don’t mind a little adventure—this is hands-down the best deal in travel.
Planning a cruise should be exciting, not overwhelming. That’s where we come in. The best ships, itineraries, and perks without spending hours researching. Whether you’re after a luxury escape, an adventure-packed voyage, or a stress-free getaway, we’ll handle the details.
Here are some of our favorite upcoming repositioning cruises to spark your wanderlust:
Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages
13-Night Iceland, Greenland, Canada & NYC
September 6-19, 2026
From Reykjavik to New York City
Sail from Iceland to the heart of New York City on this 13-night transatlantic cruise aboard Valiant Lady. Start in Reykjavik, then explore the remote beauty of Isafjordur, the colorful charm of Qaqortoq, and the Arctic landscapes of Nuuk. Stop in St. John’s, Newfoundland, before visiting Halifax’s iconic harbor. Finally, arrive in the city that never sleeps—just in time for its electric skyline to welcome you. Few voyages pack in this much variety.
Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
22-Day Africa: Spain, Canary Islands & Namibia
May 30-June 1, 2026
From Cape Town to London
Set sail on a repositioning cruise like no other aboard Norwegian Sky. Over 22 days, explore Namibia, Angola, Senegal, Cape Verde, and more. In Walvis Bay, spot rare migratory birds—over 150 species call this coastal haven home. Stop in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s lively hub, and explore Le Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire for a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural roots. Wander the charming streets of Santa Cruz de la Palma, browsing boutique shops, or venture beyond the town to take in its rugged, volcanic landscapes.
Image courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
18-Night Tahitian Treasures
September 28-October 17, 2026
From Honolulu to Sydney
Sail across the Pacific on an 18-night transpacific cruise aboard Celebrity Edge, where paradise is just the beginning. Depart from Honolulu and make your way to French Polynesia, stopping in Moorea’s lush peaks, Raiatea’s hidden lagoons, and the vibrant streets of Papeete. Then, cross the ocean to New Zealand, where Tauranga’s golden beaches and the Bay of Islands’ stunning coastlines await. Finally, arrive in Sydney, with its world-famous harbor greeting you in style. This repositioning cruise is more than a voyage—it’s an adventure through some of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth.
Image courtesy of Holland America Line
Holland America
15-Day North Pacific Crossing
April 26-May 10, 2026
From Tokyo to Vancouver
Sail from Japan to North America on this 15-day transpacific cruise aboard Westerdam, where every stop brings a new kind of wild beauty. Wander the peaceful marshlands of Kushiro, watch for massive brown bears in Kodiak, and spot bald eagles soaring over Sitka. Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay offers an unforgettable front-row seat to towering glaciers and icy blue waters. From the serene shores of Japan to Alaska’s rugged landscapes and finally, the Pacific Northwest, this repositioning cruise is an adventure shaped by nature at its most spectacular.
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