Everything You Need to Know About Repositioning Cruises — Unique, One-Way, Extended Itineraries That Offer Great Value

As I disembarked the pier and boarded my vessel in Ushuaia, Argentina, it struck me that I wouldn't set foot on solid ground for nearly three weeks. The National Geographic Explorer from Lindblad Expeditions was ready to transport me across the South Atlantic to Cape Town. Now, that’s what I call a cruise.

This was, in fact, a very specific kind of cruise known as a repositioning cruise, or "repo." Repositioning cruises do precisely what their name implies — they move a ship from one location to another. In my case, the National Geographic Explorer had just finished a season in Antarctica and was gearing up for a tour in Africa. Thus, the ship embarked on a repositioning cruise to travel between the two regions, carrying along a small group of adventurous travelers.

Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about repositioning cruises.

What exactly is a repositioning cruise?

Repositioning cruises are all about moving cruise ships from one location to another — it’s that straightforward. To grasp the need for repositioning, it’s important to understand how most cruise lines manage their fleets.

In general, cruise ships don’t simply crisscross the globe on a series of one-way journeys, moving from A to B, then B to C, and so forth. Most vessels spend extended periods "homeported" at specific ports, like Miami or New Orleans, or within broader regions such as the Mediterranean. During a season, they typically sail either the same itinerary or a few variations. For instance, a ship may be based in Miami throughout the winter, offering Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries for several months, but not necessarily year-round.

"Due to weather conditions and seasonal changes, most cruise ships don’t remain in the same geographical area for the entire year. They must therefore reposition from one region to another — these are known as repositioning cruises," explains Dinogo A-List Advisor Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise + Travel, to T+L. "For example, a ship that operates in Alaska during the summer might spend its winter in the Caribbean; thus, it will reposition in the fall, traveling from Alaska via the West Coast and the Panama Canal to the Caribbean, returning in the spring."

Depending on the route, cruise lines may choose to reposition ships without any guests on board. In such cases, the crew may use this time for thorough cleaning and maintenance. However, repositioning cruises consume a significant amount of fuel, prompting many cruise lines to allow guests on these trips to help offset costs — or even generate profit if they’re fortunate. For guests, this means sailing on a non-traditional itinerary, potentially visiting lesser-known destinations. On my journey, we explored the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the extremely remote Tristan da Cunha, a small volcanic island in the Atlantic accessible only by ship.

Where do repositioning cruises travel, and how long do they last?

Clabbers outlines some typical repositioning routes below, though these cruises can occur almost anywhere globally. One key rule applies to all repositioning cruises: they must be one-way.

• Between the Mediterranean and South Asia: Traditionally through the Suez Canal, but more recently via the southern tip of Africa.
• Between Antarctic and Arctic regions: Along the coasts of the Americas (possibly including an expedition into the Amazon), or sometimes along the coast of Africa and Europe.
• Between Alaska and Japan: Through the North Pacific.
• Between North America and Australia/South Pacific: Via Hawaii and French Polynesia to Australia and New Zealand.
• Between Europe and North America: Across the Atlantic, which may include routes from the British Isles through Iceland and Greenland to Canada for the Canada/New England season in late summer/fall.
• Between Alaska and the Caribbean: Along the West Coast and through the Panama Canal.

The duration of repositioning cruises can vary significantly. According to Clabbers, "Repositioning cruises, such as transatlantic voyages, are typically longer than a standard seven-night itinerary and include more days at sea, as they cover greater distances."

However, some repositioning cruises may be divided into shorter segments. For example, a ship relocating from Alaska to the Caribbean might have a West Coast sailing followed by a Central America journey that crosses the Panama Canal. While these two trips could be combined for an extended cruise, they can also be booked separately as shorter segments.

What can you expect on a repositioning cruise?

It varies based on your sailing route. According to T+L A-List Advisor Olga Placeres, president of Preferred Travel & Co, "Depending on the region, ships may visit fewer ports or stop at more unconventional locations due to their remoteness." She cites transatlantic cruises as an example—they typically feature many sea days but may also include stops in less-visited destinations like the Azores.

If you're on a mega ship, you'll likely have the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities available. My transatlantic repositioning cruise was aboard a small expedition vessel, which meant our focus was on education and adventure, resulting in sea days filled with lectures, wildlife observations, and plenty of time for reflection.

When do repositioning cruises take place?

Repositioning cruises can occur throughout the year, though they are most common in spring and fall, which are typically considered shoulder seasons. Some cruises capitalize on seasonal changes; for instance, ships moving from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean in the fall can take advantage of the stunning autumn foliage in the Northeast U.S. and Canada.

Are repositioning cruises more affordable?

The brief answer: It varies based on demand, which is influenced by the itinerary and the ship's size. According to Clabbers, "More unique itineraries—like those through the Panama Canal or to some of the lesser-known islands in the South Pacific—can be highly sought after, which is reflected in the prices."

However, not every repositioning route attracts the broader market, leading cruise lines to struggle with occupancy. As Placeres notes, "Fewer travelers enjoy lengthy crossings with many sea days. Most passengers prefer to visit ports, not just sail the open ocean." Weather can also play a role—rough crossings require a good sailor's spirit to enjoy the ride. In these scenarios, demand may be lower, resulting in comparatively cheaper prices per day.

In general, though, many repositioning cruises tend to be more affordable than standard week-long voyages. Clabbers explains, "Numerous ships transition from the Caribbean to Europe in the spring, including several larger contemporary vessels. This results in ample capacity at a variety of attractive prices each year for those looking to travel between continents. These cruises can be quite budget-friendly, particularly when viewed from a per-day angle. Plus, with fewer port calls, the associated taxes and fees might also be lower."

5 Repositioning Cruises You Should Consider Booking Now

Celebrity Cruises

17-night Fiji Transpacific Voyage aboard Celebrity Solstice

Set sail on April 9, 2025

Embark on an incredible journey across the South Pacific from Sydney to Honolulu. This itinerary features nine days at sea but includes several remarkable ports of call, such as Loyalty Island in New Caledonia, Mystery Island in Vanuatu, two islands in Fiji, Apia in Samoa, Pago Pago in American Samoa, and Kailua-Kona in Hawaii.

Royal Caribbean

16-night Journey from Tokyo to Los Angeles aboard Ovation of the Seas

Sets sail on May 15, 2025

Prepare for a high-seas adventure! This cruise will stop at several ports in Japan and include an additional day in Los Angeles, but most of the journey will be spent cruising the open ocean. Thankfully, the grand ship offers plenty of activities to keep you engaged, from a skydiving simulator to a spa and over twenty dining options.

Holland America

18-day Viking Adventure aboard Zuiderdam

Sets sail on Aug. 5, 2025

For those seeking a repositioning cruise with minimal sea days, this itinerary linking Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Boston is ideal. It features only six days at sea, with the majority of the journey exploring ports in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada.

Viking

22-day Journey Across the Southern Atlantic aboard Viking Jupiter

Embarking on Nov. 8, 2025

Are you ready for three weeks at sea? Viking's voyage from Barcelona to Buenos Aires features a quick stop in the Mediterranean and a visit to Casablanca, Morocco, before crossing the Atlantic. To break up the lengthy transatlantic stretch, Viking Jupiter will make a stop at São Vicente Island (Mindelo), culminating with a week along the South American coast.

Virgin Voyages

16-night Panama Canal and Pacific Treasures aboard Brilliant Lady

Sets sail on March 21, 2026

Experience the iconic Panama Canal on this balanced journey from Miami to Los Angeles. You'll encounter no more than three consecutive sea days, with stops at ports like Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, along the way.