How to Find Bargain Repositioning Cruises

"Repositioning" cruises can be a very affordable way to travel and see new places. Most cruise itineraries are seasonal, which means when the "season" is over in one part of the world, the cruise line moves the ship to another part to get ready for the next seasonal cruise program. For example, at the end of September, a ship that has had a weekly program along Alaska's Inside Passage must now be moved to the Caribbean or Europe to begin cruises there. This is "repositioning" and the cruise lines offer one-way cruises at low prices. These can be wonderfully relaxing cruises without the stress of time-conscious port stops.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera
• Weather appropriate clothing for embarkation and debarkation ports
• binoculars

1. Board in one city and disembark in another. Most repositioning cruises are available during the spring and fall months. There are many choices for the flexible traveler who is willing to try a different kind of cruise and who doesn't mind being on open water for long periods. Examples include traveling from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal. Some repositioning cruises can be as long as a month beginning in San Diego, California, and ending in Rome, Italy.

2. Talk to a travel agent or other people who have experienced repositioning cruises. Research repositioning itineraries of individual cruise lines on the Internet. The following ships will be repositioning to Europe or the Eastern United States: Holland America's Noordam and Eurodam; Princess's Grand Princess and Crown Princess; Celebrity's Constellation, Summit, Century and Solstice; and Carnival's Liberty. Some ships even take the longer route from Mexico, to Hawaii, to Vancouver and then to Alaska.

3. Plan in advance. Making travel plans to board your ship in one port and get off in another can be a hassle or financial issue. Solid planning will enhance your enjoyment of a trip. Try combining debarkation with a land tour returning to your home city. Sometimes cruise lines will help with those arrangements. The cost of repositioning cruises can be as low as $75 per day, including all meals, Broadway style shows and other activities and amenities that usually come with a standard cruise.