If you’ve ever spotted a cruise itinerary that looks longer, calmer, and surprisingly affordable, you may have stumbled upon a repositioning cruise — one of cruising’s best-kept secrets.

These sailings are about more than getting from one place to another. They’re about slowing down, settling into ship life, and enjoying the journey itself. But they’re not for everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at what repositioning cruises are really like — and how to know if one is right for you.

What Is a Repositioning Cruise?

Cruise ships move seasonally around the world — Caribbean in winter, Europe in summer, Alaska during peak season. When it’s time to move, the ship repositions.

Rather than sailing empty, cruise lines sell these journeys as longer itineraries, often including:

• Transatlantic crossings
• Mediterranean → Caribbean sailings
• Alaska → Asia routes
• Panama Canal crossings
• Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific repositioning

These cruises typically last 10 to 21+ nights and focus less on ports and more on the onboard experience.

Why Repositioning Cruises Offer Incredible Value

Because these sailings aren’t destination-heavy, you’ll often find:

• Lower fares per night
• Excellent pricing on balcony and suite cabins
• Fewer port fees
• More availability and flexibility

For travellers who enjoy the ship as much as the destination, the value can be exceptional.

What Repositioning Cruises Are Really Like

Repositioning cruises are sea-day forward, which creates a very different onboard rhythm.

Expect:

• Multiple consecutive sea days
• A relaxed, unhurried pace
• Enrichment programming like lectures, wine tastings, and demonstrations
• Time to enjoy spa treatments, fitness classes, and specialty dining
• A social, well-travelled guest mix

This is classic cruising — intentional, slower, and immersive.

Why the Cruise Line Matters on Repositioning Cruises

When sea days dominate the itinerary, the ship is the destination. Some cruise lines are especially well-suited to longer sailings.

Cunard: The Only True Ocean Liner Experience

If you’re considering a transatlantic repositioning cruise, Cunard is in a league of its own.

Queen Mary 2 is the only true ocean liner in service today, purpose-built for open-ocean crossings — not warm-weather cruising.

Why Cunard excels:

• Designed for rougher seas and ocean conditions
• Classic traditions like afternoon tea and formal evenings
• Exceptional enrichment lectures and cultural programming
• A refined, elegant pace ideal for long sea days

For travellers drawn to old-world travel romance, Cunard is unmatched.

Virgin Voyages: Modern, Social & Adults-Only

Virgin Voyages turns sea days into part of the fun. With flexible dining, wellness programming, and an adults-only vibe, their repositioning cruises feel relaxed — but never dull.

Highlights include:

• WiFi, dining, gratuities, and fitness classes included
• A welcoming atmosphere for solo travellers
• Stylish spaces designed for long stays

Perfect for travellers who like freedom, creativity, and connection at sea.

Celebrity Cruises: Polished & Effortless

Celebrity Cruises shines on longer itineraries thanks to its balance of comfort, design, and enrichment.

Why it works well:

• Beautiful ships made for lingering
• Excellent food and wine programming
• A calm, modern onboard atmosphere

A great fit for travellers who enjoy refined cruising without feeling formal.

Oceania Cruises: Slow Travel for Food & Culture Lovers

Oceania repositioning cruises are ideal for travellers who love enrichment and culinary experiences.

What sets Oceania apart:

• Destination-inspired cuisine
• Cooking demonstrations and wine education
• Smaller ships with an intimate feel
• A loyal, well-travelled guest community

Perfect for guests who savour the journey.

Silversea & Seabourn: Luxury for Long Voyages

Luxury lines elevate repositioning cruises into floating boutique hotel experiences.

Expect:

• All-suite accommodations
• Exceptional service
• Elegant, low-key entertainment
• Plenty of space to relax

Ideal if comfort and service are priorities on a longer sailing.

Who Repositioning Cruises Are Best For

You’ll likely love a repositioning cruise if:

• You enjoy sea days and slower travel
• You have flexibility with travel dates
• You value enrichment and onboard experiences
• You want excellent value over a longer journey
• You enjoy meeting well-travelled, like-minded guests

Who Might Want to Skip a Repositioning Cruise

Repositioning cruises aren’t for everyone — and that’s okay. You may want to think twice if:

You’re prone to sea sickness

Some repositioning routes — especially transatlantic crossings — spend days in open ocean, where seas can be rougher at certain times of year.

If this is a concern, it’s important to:

• Choose a stable ship and itinerary
• Select a mid-ship, lower-deck cabin
• Travel during calmer seasonal windows

This is something I always factor in when advising clients.

You prefer frequent port stops

Repositioning cruises focus on the journey, not checking off destinations.

You have limited vacation time

These cruises are longer by nature.

You’re looking for high-energy nightlife

The vibe leans more toward enrichment, relaxation, and connection.

Best Time of Year for Popular Repositioning Itineraries

Timing plays a huge role in comfort, seas, and overall enjoyment.

Transatlantic Crossings

Best time:

• April–May (Europe → North America)
• October–November (North America → Europe)

Why:

• Milder weather
• Fewer winter storms
• Classic ocean-crossing experience
• Excellent value

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is especially well-suited to these sailings.

Mediterranean → Caribbean

Best time:

• October–November

Why:

• Ships relocate for winter
• Comfortable temperatures
• Strong pricing on longer itineraries

Alaska → Asia

Best time:

• September–October

Why:

• End of Alaska season
• Rare, unique itineraries
• Beautiful fall scenery

Panama Canal Repositioning Cruises

Best time:

• October–April

Why:

• Drier conditions
• Comfortable temperatures
• A great mix of sea days and ports

Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

Best time:

• March–April (southbound)
• September–October (northbound)

Why:

• Seasonal transitions
• Pleasant weather
• Longer, immersive journeys

So… Is a Repositioning Cruise Right for You?

For the right traveller, repositioning cruises offer incredible value, meaningful journeys, and the chance to truly enjoy life at sea. The key is choosing the right ship, route, and time of year — especially if seas or motion sensitivity are a concern.

If you’re curious whether a repositioning cruise fits your travel style, I’d love to help you find the perfect match.

- Matthew, Float On Travel Co.