Why Repositioning Cruises Might Be Your Favorite Way to Cruise (Even If You've Never Heard of Them)

Shelly Bishop
Jun 28
3 min read

Tranquil head-on ship on endless sea – A sleek, modern liner gliding through glass‑like water—quintessential repositioning cruise energy.

Repositioning cruises are one of the best-kept secrets in modern travel. These one-way sailings happen when a cruise line moves a ship from one part of the world to another as the seasons change—think Caribbean to Europe in the spring, or Alaska to the West Coast in the fall. Rather than send the ship empty, cruise lines offer these unique sailings to guests, usually at a great value.

That means you get longer itineraries, more sea days, and a chance to visit unexpected ports of call. It’s a win-win: the cruise line keeps cabins full, and you get a relaxing, all-inclusive adventure for less.

Why These Cruises Make So Much Sense

Let’s be real, travel can be exhausting. Airport security, tight schedules, and packing all the things in five days. But repositioning cruises flip the script. They're perfect for anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

Here’s why my clients (and I) love them:

More Sea Days – If you enjoy lazy mornings with ocean views, quiet time at the spa, and afternoon trivia with a cocktail in hand, this is your kind of cruise.

Uncommon Routes – These aren’t the same seven-night loops you see every week. You might sail through the Azores, stop in coastal France, or explore ports in Japan and British Columbia—all in one trip.

Incredible Value – These cruises tend to be longer and more affordable per day than traditional round-trip sailings. Think: more cruise for your money.

City-to-City Travel – Perfect excuse to explore amazing pre- or post-cruise cities like Barcelona, Tokyo, or Vancouver.

Who Should Consider One?

Repositioning cruises are ideal for:

· Retirees or empty nesters with flexible time

· Frequent cruisers looking for new experiences

· Travelers who prefer relaxation over rushing

· Couples wanting a unique vacation without the crowds

They’re also great for anyone who enjoys the onboard experience just as much as the ports. You don’t need to be a cruise expert; bring your passport and a sense of adventure.

Yes, you’ll need one-way flights and a hotel on at least one end. A travel professional will work with clients to integrate these seamlessly. Often, that “extra planning” turns into an opportunity to explore more.

These trips aren’t for someone who wants a port every day or only has a week to travel. But if you’re open to slowing down and enjoying the ship as the destination? This is your kind of modern travel.

Some 2026 Cruises To Consider

Here are a few real examples of unique repositioning cruises in 2026 that I’m keeping an eye on:

Celebrity Xcel – April 26, 202614 nights from Ft Lauderdale to BarcelonaBermuda, the Azores, Portugal, SpainA relaxed, sun-filled transatlantic journey to kick off spring in Europe.

Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas – May 1, 202615 nights from Tokyo to VancouverMultiple ports in Japan, crossing the international date line, and overnight in VancouverA once-in-a-lifetime blend of cultures and coastline.

NCL Viva – April 14, 202614 nights from Miami to BarcelonaPortugal, Spain, Italy, and FrancePerfect for foodies and culture lovers craving a taste of Europe.

NCL Encore – October 12, 20265 nights from Vancouver to Los AngelesCanada, Oregon, CaliforniaA short, scenic repositioning cruise packed with coastal charm.

Let's Plan Your Next Adventure

If you're someone who enjoys unique itineraries, quieter ships, and the luxury of time, a repositioning cruise might be the perfect fit. These sailings offer uncommon routes, great value, and the chance to truly enjoy the ship, not just rush from port to port. Whether you want to pair your cruise with time in Europe or relax with an ocean view and no schedule, it’s a different kind of cruise vacation, one that modern travel lovers are starting to embrace more and more.

But figuring out the logistics (one-way flights, pre- or post-cruise stays, choosing the right itinerary) can feel overwhelming. That’s where having a travel professional makes a world of difference. I’m a travel professional with more than 30 years of cruising experience. I’ve sailed on everything from short Caribbean getaways to coastal journeys, and I’ve trained with all the major cruise lines. I know the ships, the routes, and how to help you choose the cruise vacation that fits you, without the stress.

Ready to explore something different and stress-free? Click here.