Repositioning

These are one-off journeys cruise ships make when being transferred from one destination to another. For example, many ships spend the spring and summer in the Mediterranean before being transferred to the Caribbean for the winter.

Cruise lines are keen to at least partially offset the cost of transporting ships between different locations in the world by offering discounted tickets that often include freebies such as photography or dancing lessons to make them more attractive to prospective passengers.

However, many of these cruises take place during the spring and summer months, meaning passengers may experience some rough weather. They also typically spend more days at sea than conventional cruises.

Nevertheless, repositioning cruises offer passengers a wide selection of cruise destinations to choose from, all at considerably reduced prices.

Passengers can enjoy a transatlantic trip, starting from a port in northern Europe, the US or the Caribbean, stopping off at either the Canary Islands or the Azores on the way.

Repositioning cruises also operate down both sides of Africa, the east coast of the US and the Caribbean, South America and the Panama Canal, with stops in Mexico and the western United States.

There are also some around the world repositioning cruises. For example, some ships moving to the Far East may sail through the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, into the Red Sea and on to India before arriving at the Far East.

Repositioning cruises offer a superb opportunity to see the world without spending lavishly to do so. Cruise ships will be less busy than on conventional cruises, but with often considerable sums shaved off the price of a ticket, repositioning cruises are perfect for travellers on a budget.