What Are They?
Transatlantic & Repositioning Cruises Explained
Transatlantic and repositioning cruises are the cruise industry's best-kept secret. When cruise lines move ships between their summer and winter home ports (typically between Europe and the Caribbean/USA), they offer these relocation voyages at dramatically reduced prices — often 50–70% cheaper per night than standard itineraries.
These cruises are defined by long stretches of consecutive sea days (sometimes 5–8 days without a port). For travellers who genuinely enjoy ship life — activities, lectures, shows, dining, and relaxation — these sailings offer extraordinary value. For those who get bored easily or need constant stimulation, they can feel very long.
Popular Routes
Where Do These Cruises Go?
| Route | Season | Typical Duration | Key Ports (if any) |
|---|
| 🌊 Eastbound Transatlantic (USA to Europe)
| March – May (Spring)
| 14–16 nights
| Azores (Portugal), sometimes Bermuda, Southampton/Copenhagen/Barcelona
|
| 🌊 Westbound Transatlantic (Europe to USA)
| September – November (Autumn)
| 14–16 nights
| Azores, Bermuda, or direct to New York/Miami/Cape Canaveral
|
| ❄️ Canada/New England to Caribbean
| October – November
| 10–14 nights
| Boston, New York, Bermuda, Bahamas, Florida
|
| 🌴 Alaska to Mexico/Panama Canal
| September – October
| 14–21 nights
| San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal
|
| 🌏 Asia to Australia (repositioning)
| October – November & March – April
| 14–21 nights
| Singapore, Bali, Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney
|
可能有
Pros & Cons
Is a Repositioning Cruise Right for You?
✅ PROS: Why People Love Them
Unbeatable value: Often $50–100 USD per night for a balcony cabin — less than many hotels. True relaxation: No rush to get off the ship every morning. Unique experience: Crossing an ocean by sea is a special feeling. Great for remote work: Stable Wi-Fi and uninterrupted time to focus. Elite loyalty points: Many cruise lines count these as full cruises for loyalty status.
❌ CONS: Who Should Avoid Them
Lots of sea days: 5–8 consecutive days without a port can feel long if you're not a sea day person. Potentially rougher seas: The North Atlantic crossing can be choppy, especially outside summer. Fewer ports: Not for travellers who prioritise destination over ship experience. One-way flights: You'll need to book a one-way flight home, which can be expensive.
Top Tips
Expert Advice for Transatlantic Cruises
📅
Book Early, Then Watch for Price Drops
Repositioning cruises often start with low prices and can drop further closer to departure. Book early to secure your cabin, then monitor prices — many lines offer price protection or onboard credit adjustments.
💊
Prepare for Rough Seas
The North Atlantic can be unpredictable. Pack seasickness medication (start before boarding), book a lower-deck midship cabin, and consider a westbound crossing (Europe to USA) which typically has calmer seas than eastbound.
📶
Wi-Fi & Remote Work
If working remotely, check your ship's Wi-Fi capabilities before booking. Newer ships have Starlink satellite internet, which works well even mid-ocean. Older ships may have slower, more inconsistent connections.
✈️
One-Way Flight Planning
Repositioning cruises are one-way. Book your return flight as an "open jaw" ticket or consider two one-way tickets. Flying home from Europe to the USA/Australia can be expensive — book well in advance.
💡 Best Value Tip
Look for "back-to-back" repositioning cruises — some lines offer two repositioning cruises consecutively (e.g., Europe to Caribbean, then Caribbean to South America). This can be a fantastic way to spend 3–5 weeks at sea at a very low per-night cost, though you'll need to ensure visa requirements are met for any countries visited.
For Australian Cruisers
Getting to/from Repositioning Cruises
For Australians, repositioning cruises are attractive because they often start or end in Australia. The Singapore–Australia and Asia–Australia repositioning routes are particularly popular. For transatlantic cruises, Australians will need to fly to Europe or the USA to join — factor in $1,500–3,000 AUD for a one-way flight home, and consider spending extra days in the arrival city to recover from jet lag.
More Destinations
Explore More