If you don't know about repositioning cruises, then you're missing one of the best kept travel industry secrets. When the weather changes cruise ships are rerouted and cruises taken aboard these rerouted ships are greatly discounted.
For example, in the autumn cruise lines have to relocate their ships from Alaska to the Caribbean. Then in late spring they transfer them back to Alaska.Ships that cruise European waters in the summer travel transatlantic to the Caribbean in the late fall. The following spring they're on their way back to Europe again.So, instead of sailing empty, cruise lines offer discounts to passengers who take these repositioning cruises.
Why do they do this?
Well, most passengers like stopping at several ports in their journey. These voyages seldom do. So, to attract passengers the cruise lines discount the fares.However, the cruise ships still have many of the usually amenities, such as shops and casinos and bars that will keep the passengers entertained during this longer-than-usual voyage.
These cruises are quite popular for a number of reasons.
Probably first and foremost is that the price is heavily discounted. The daily cost for these cruises is often significantly less than for cruises with the same departure and arrival ports.The cruise itself can be more relaxing since these cruises typically are longer than a week and include more days on the ocean instead of being in port.Repositioning cruises cruise to some of the best locations. They travel from:
Alaska back and forth to Hawaii, the Panama Canal and western ports in North and South America.The Mediterranean and Europe back and forth to the Caribbean and the United States.South America back and forth to the Caribbean and the United States.Asia back and forth to the Indian Ocean and various ports in the Pacific.Potential drawbacks
Because thousands of miles often separate the embarking and disembarking ports airfare can be considerably more expensive.The cruises are often a week to two weeks in duration. You must have the time available to enjoy the length of the cruise.There are fewer ports to disembark at and explore so you have to enjoy being aboard the ship.However, if you have the time and like being on the water on a cruise ship you'll find that taking repositioning cruises can be very relaxing and less expensive.
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