The Secret Isn’t Just Knowing—It’s Knowing How
You now know what repositioning cruises are. You’ve dreamed about crossing the Atlantic or Pacific. Maybe you’re already picturing yourself on deck, ocean stretching to every horizon.
But here’s where most travelers get stuck: How do you actually find and book one?
Repositioning cruises don’t advertise like standard vacations. They’re not the first thing cruise line websites show you. You need to know where to look, when to pounce, and how to compare value.
This guide gives you the exact system I use to find the best repositioning cruise deals. Follow these steps, and you’ll be booking with confidence.
Step 1: Know When to Look
Timing is everything. Repositioning cruises follow predictable seasonal patterns, and the booking window matters.
The Booking Windows
Route When They Happen Best Time to Book
Transatlantic (Spring) April–May 12–18 months ahead (or 60–90 days for last-minute)
Transatlantic (Fall) October–November 12–18 months ahead (or 60–90 days for last-minute)
Transpacific April–May & Sept–Oct 12–18 months ahead (limited availability later)
Alaska Transitions April–May & Sept–Oct 10–14 months ahead
Mediterranean Entries/Exits March–April & Oct–Nov 12–18 months ahead
South America/Antarctica Nov–March 12–18 months ahead (these sell out fast)
The Golden Rule: For popular routes (Transpacific, Antarctica, Suez Canal), book as early as possible. For Transatlantic, you have more flexibility—early birds get best cabins, but last-minute deals appear.
Why Book Early?
· Best cabin selection (especially if you want a balcony)
· Lower prices (prices typically rise as sailing approaches)
· Guaranteed spot on popular routes
· More time to plan flights to/from ports
Why Consider Last-Minute?
· If you’re flexible with dates and cabin type
· If you live near a departure port (no flight needed)
· If you’re willing to take whatever’s left
Pro Tip: Set up price alerts on cruise booking sites. When a repositioning cruise drops in price, you’ll know immediately.
Step 2: Know Where to Search
Not all booking sites are created equal. Here’s where the pros look.
Best Websites for Finding Repositioning Cruises
Site Best For Notes
VacationsToGo Repositioning cruise specials Their “Repositioning Cruises” section is excellent. Filter by date, region, price.
CruiseCompete Comparing prices Enter your criteria and travel agents compete for your business. Great for deals.
CruiseDirect Direct booking Easy interface, good filters for “repositioning” and “one-way.”
CruiseLine Websites Loyalty perks If you have status with a line, check their site directly for member deals.
Travel Agents (Specialists) Expert advice A good cruise specialist can alert you to deals before they’re public.
Search Terms to Use
When searching any site, try these filters and keywords:
· “Repositioning cruises”
· “One-way cruises”
· “Transatlantic cruises”
· “Transpacific cruises”
· “Relocation cruises”
· “Special offers” + your desired route
Aggregator Strategy
- Start with VacationsToGo to see what’s available
- Check CruiseCompete for price comparisons
- Verify on the cruise line’s own website
- If it’s a complex itinerary, call a specialist agent
Step 3: Understand What You’re Paying For
Repositioning cruise pricing can be confusing. Here’s what’s included—and what’s not.
What’s Included in Your Fare
· ✅ Cabin accommodation
· ✅ All meals in main dining rooms and buffet
· ✅ Most onboard entertainment (shows, lectures, games)
· ✅ Use of pools, gym, and basic facilities
· ✅ Transport from departure to arrival port
What’s NOT Included
· ❌ Gratuities/service charges ($15–$20 per person per day)
· ❌ Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee
· ❌ Specialty restaurants (extra fee)
· ❌ Shore excursions
· ❌ Wi-Fi (packages available for purchase)
· ❌ Flights to/from the ship
· ❌ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
The True Cost Calculation
When comparing to flights, calculate:
Cruise Total =
· Cruise fare
· · Gratuities (number of nights × daily rate)
· · Flight to departure port
· · Flight from arrival port
· · Any pre/post cruise hotels
· · Your expected onboard spending (drinks, excursions, etc.)
Compare to:
· Round-trip or one-way flight
· Hotels for equivalent nights
· Meals for those days
· Entertainment costs
Example: 7-Night Transatlantic
· Cruise fare: $499
· Gratuities (7 × $16): $112
· Flight to Europe: $400
· Flight from US: $0 (already home)
· Total: $1,011
vs. Flying Round-Trip:
· Flight: $800
· Hotels (7 nights × $150): $1,050
· Meals (7 days × $50): $350
· Total: $2,200
Savings: Over $1,000—plus you got a cruise.
Step 4: Choose Your Cabin Strategically
Cabin choice on a repositioning cruise matters more than on a port-intensive itinerary. You’ll spend more time in your room.
Cabin Types Compared
Type Pros Cons Best For
Inside Cheapest, darkest for sleeping No windows, can feel claustrophobic Pure budget travelers, good sleepers
Oceanview Window, natural light Small window, possibly obstructed view First-timers, light seekers
Balcony Private outdoor space, fresh air More expensive Sea-day lovers, readers, couples
Suite Huge space, perks Expensive Special occasions, luxury seekers
The Repositioning Reality
On a cruise with 5+ consecutive sea days, a balcony becomes significantly more valuable. Being able to step outside, feel the ocean air, and watch the waves without fighting for deck space is worth considering.
The Compromise: Look for “guaranteed” balcony cabins. You let the cruise line assign your specific room, often at a discount. You’re guaranteed a balcony category, just not a specific location.
Location Matters
· Midship, lower decks: Least motion (best for seasickness)
· Forward: Most motion, more vibration
· Aft: Engine noise possible, but wake views
· Near elevators: Convenient, but possible noise
Pro Tip: On a repositioning cruise, avoid cabins directly under the pool deck or nightclub. Sea days mean more activity above you.
Step 5: Consider the Add-Ons
Travel Insurance: Non-Negotiable
Repositioning cruises involve:
· Multiple countries
· Open ocean
· Potential weather disruptions
· One-way flights
Always buy travel insurance. Medical coverage, trip interruption, and missed connections protection are essential. Some cruise lines offer it; third-party providers (like Allianz, World Nomads) often offer better coverage for less.
Wi-Fi Packages
Most lines offer packages:
· Social: Messaging apps only
· Value: Social + email + basic browsing
· Premium: Streaming-capable
For a repositioning cruise with many sea days, premium or value is worth it. You’ll want to stay connected.
Drink Packages
Do the math. If you drink 3–4 alcoholic beverages daily plus specialty coffee, a package might save money. If you drink moderately, pay as you go is cheaper.
Shore Excursions
With fewer ports, you might want to splurge on a special excursion. But remember: DIY is almost always cheaper. Our On-the-Ground Cost Cutting guides show you how.
Step 6: Book It
Booking Methods Compared
Method Pros Cons
Direct with Cruise Line Simple, loyalty points, direct communication No expert advice, may miss deals
Online Agency (CruiseDirect, etc.) Easy interface, sometimes lower prices Limited personal service
Travel Agent (Specialist) Expert advice, perks (onboard credit), problem solver May have slightly higher base prices
CruiseCompete Agents compete for your business Can be overwhelming with offers
My Recommended Process
- Research on VacationsToGo or CruiseDirect to understand options
- Compare on CruiseCompete to see if agents offer better deals
- Check the cruise line’s website for loyalty perks
- Book through a reputable agent if they offer onboard credit or perks
- Or book direct if the price is identical and you prefer control
What to Have Ready
· Passport information for all travelers
· Preferred cabin type and location
· Flexible dates (if applicable)
· Payment method
Step 7: After You Book
Immediately
· Confirm your booking details
· Note final payment date
· Book flights to/from ports (consider arriving 1–2 days early)
· Purchase travel insurance
3–6 Months Before
· Check-in online (when available)
· Book shore excursions (if desired)
· Reserve specialty restaurants (if interested)
· Arrange any visas needed
1 Month Before
· Print all documents
· Pack strategically (see our Repositioning Cruise Packing List)
· Arrange airport transfers
· Notify bank of travel
The Night Before
· Check-in for flights
· Download cruise line app
· Charge devices
· Get excited
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake Why It Hurts Fix
Booking too late for popular routes Limited cabins, higher prices Book 12–18 months ahead
Forgetting gratuities Budget surprise Factor into comparison
Skipping travel insurance Huge risk Always buy it
Not budgeting for extras Overspending Calculate true cost
Booking flights too close Missed ship if flight delayed Arrive 1–2 days early
Ignoring seasickness potential Miserable crossing Prepare ahead
Final Thought: You’re Now Ready
Finding and booking a repositioning cruise isn’t complicated—it just requires knowing the system. You now have that system.
The next step is simple: Start watching the sites, set some alerts, and when the right route at the right price appears, book with confidence.
That crossing you’ve been dreaming about? It’s closer than you think.