Imagine a multi-day voyage that visits unexpected ports, crosses oceans, and gives you more sea days, spectacular scenery, and lower per-day costs than typical round-trip sailings. That’s a repositioning cruise: a ship relocating between regions (for example, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean or Alaska to the Caribbean) and selling those unique voyages at huge value.
Repositioning cruises are beloved by seasoned cruisers for one reason: they deliver massive travel value and unforgettable itineraries. But they’re also different from normal cruises—different booking rules, timing, onboard dynamics, and savings strategies. Book the wrong way and you’ll miss big savings or end up in the wrong cabin. Book the right way and you get an epic, once-in-a-season voyage that friends will envy.
If you’ve ever wondered “How do I book a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise?” — this guide gives you everything: where to look, when to buy, how to choose a cabin, how to save money, special considerations, and a complete step-by-step playbook to lock the best deal without regrets.
Read this now and you’ll be ready to book like a pro.
A repositioning cruise occurs when a ship moves from one homeport/region to another for the season. Examples include:
Spring: Mediterranean → Caribbean (ships move to warmer waters)
Fall: Caribbean → Europe/Alaska (ships move for summer in the other hemisphere)
Transatlantic: Europe ↔ North America crossings
Transpacific: Asia ↔ Australia/Alaska repositionings
Why choose a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise?
Unique itineraries: Ports and sea days rarely combined on regular sailings.
Longer sea days: Perfect for relaxation, shipboard activities, and getting into a travel rhythm.
Lower cost per day: Many repositioning sailings are priced attractively—great value for long voyages.
Diverse experiences: You might combine tropical islands with historic European ports on a single trip.
Big-ship amenities: Royal Caribbean ships bring signature attractions (FlowRider, Broadway shows, large pools) to repositioning routes.
But they also bring tradeoffs you should know: fewer port days overall (more sea days), itineraries that may have longer stretches between ports, and different shore excursion availability. That’s why smart booking matters.
If you like the idea of stretching a long weekend into a mini-odyssey, or you crave unique port calls and tremendous value, repositioning cruises can be the trip of a lifetime. Let’s stoke the FOMO a bit:
Picture being on a transatlantic night deck, watching stars above a dark ocean, with only the ship’s lights behind you—no crowded tourist strips, just vastness and the gentle lurch of the sea. Few experiences create that quiet awe.
Imagine saving hundreds or thousands per day compared to an equivalent land tour covering the same regions.
Think about stepping off the ship into a port you haven’t seen in guidebooks—less tourist traffic, more authentic local flavor.
Consider the bragging rights: you’ll return with a travel story that’s not “we did the usual”—it’s “we crossed the Atlantic” or “we sailed from the Caribbean to Europe and visited X, Y, and Z.”
If those moments appeal, repositioning cruises are for you. But before we get carried away, let’s go practical: how to book one, avoid pitfalls, and extract maximum value.
Follow this sequential playbook. Each step is actionable and proven.
Step 1 — Decide When and Where You Want to Go
Repositioning cruises are seasonal. Popular windows:
Spring (April–June) — ships head from the Caribbean to Europe or Alaska to the Caribbean.
Fall (September–November) — ships move back or reposition for winter seasons.
Off-season crossings — transpacific or less frequent repositionings.
Pick the general season first (e.g., spring transatlantic), then narrow down by preferred regions and approximate travel length.
Step 2 — Set a Realistic Timeframe and Length
Repositionings can be long (10–20+ days). Decide:
Do you want a short repositioning (6–8 days), a medium (10–14 days), or a long crossing (15+ days)?
Will you need extra vacation days for travel to/from the homeport?
Longer cruises usually have more sea days and better value per day.
Step 3 — Search the Itineraries (Use Multiple Sources)
Look for:
Royal Caribbean official sailings listing for repositionings (filtered by dates/regions)
Repositioning-specific search filters on booking sites
Specialist cruises or travel agents who focus on repositioning voyages
When evaluating itineraries, compare:
Number of sea days vs port days
Ports visited and their value to you
Total price and cost per day
Step 4 — Choose the Right Ship and Cabin Type
Big ships bring big amenities, which matter more on sea days. Consider:
Ship class: Oasis/Quantum/Ocean/Edge classes have different onboard experiences.
Cabin type: For repositionings, interior cabins are great value if you’re mostly doing sea days. But if you prefer private outdoor space for long sea days, consider balcony cabins. Suites are ideal if you want more privacy and benefit from suite perks on long voyages.
Location: Midship cabins reduce motion and provide stability on open ocean crossings. Avoid forward or aft if you’re worried about motion.
Step 5 — Check Prices, Promotions, and Price History
Repositioning cruises can be discounted well in advance or near departure. Strategies:
Book early for best cabin selection and early-booking promos.
Watch price drops — if you see a lower fare after booking, Royal Caribbean may reprice before final payment (check policy).
Set alerts for the specific sailing.
Step 6 — Consider Fly-and-Sail Logistics
Many repositioning homeports aren’t near you. Plan:
Flights to the departure port (allow buffer for delays)
Overnight before embarkation if arrival is far or flights risky
Post-cruise travel from sometimes remote disembarkation ports (especially on transatlantic or transpacific crossings)
Factor these costs into total value.
Step 7 — Understand Visa, Immigration, and Entry Requirements
Some repositioning ports require visas or specific entry paperwork. Research:
Port entry rules for each country on the itinerary
Transit/visa requirements if you’ll be leaving the ship
Passport validity (often 6 months beyond travel)
Always confirm with official government sites or your travel agent well ahead.
Step 8 — Evaluate Food, Drink, and Onboard Spending
Sea days tempt onboard spending. Decide:
Will you pre-purchase drink or dining packages? (On longer repositionings, packages may be worth it.)
How will you budget for excursions and specialty dining?
Remember: more sea days = more opportunity to spend onboard.
Step 9 — Book with a Travel Agent or Directly (Pros & Cons)
Travel agent: good for complex repositionings, visa advice, and repricing monitoring. Agents can sometimes find unpublished fares or bundles.
Book direct with Royal Caribbean: direct control over booking, easier management in some cases.
Choose based on your comfort level and complexity.
Step 10 — Add Protections: Insurance and Flexible Booking
Repositioning cruises are longer and sometimes more logistically complex. Consider:
Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and interruption.
Cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) insurance if your dates are uncertain.
Check Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy and any post-booking repricing rules.
Insurance is strongly recommended for repositionings.
Step 11 — Finalize Extras and Pre-Cruise Planning
Reserve specialty dining and shore excursions early (some unique ports have limited capacity).
Book flights and transfers with generous layovers.
Plan for sea days: books, download entertainment, schedule wellness treatments in advance.
Step 12 — Monitor and Reprice Before Final Payment
Keep watching fares until final payment—lines sometimes offer promotions and adjustments. If a price drops, contact Royal Caribbean or your agent to request a reprice.
Tip 1 — Midship, Lower Deck for Ocean Crossings
Midship cabins on lower decks have the least motion. If prone to seasickness, choose these.
Tip 2 — Favor Oasis/Quantum/Edge Class for Longer Sea Days
These ships have more onboard features, keeping you entertained for multiple days at sea.
Tip 3 — Pack for Sea Days and Varied Ports
Bring layered clothing (Atlantic crossings can be cool), sea-sickness remedies, and power adaptors convertible for multiple plug types if you’ll disembark in varied regions.
Tip 4 — Book Shore Excursions Selectively
Repositionings often include smaller, less touristy ports with limited excursions—book early to secure spaces or plan self-guided visits where safe.
Tip 5 — Look for One-Way Flight Deals
Sometimes booking one-way flights to/from different continents is cheaper than round-trip. Compare options.
Tip 6 — Watch for “Fly/Cruise” Packages
Combining flights and cruises with the same provider or agent can reduce stress and sometimes cost.
Tip 7 — Bring Entertainment & Comfort Items
Long sea days are perfect for reading, puzzles, or course work. Pack chargers, headphones, and a lightweight blanket for cooler nights.
Tip 8 — Consider Seasonal Weather Patterns
Transatlantic crossings in late spring/early summer tend to be mild; fall repositionings can have rougher weather. Choose timings wisely.
Exceptional value: lower per-day cost on many itineraries.
Unique itineraries: ports and sequences you won’t see on regular sailings.
Time efficiency: long travel in fewer moves—see more without constant packing/unpacking.
Relaxation: long stretches at sea are restorative for many travelers.
Photo ops and special moments: sunrises over the open ocean are unforgettable.
Less crowded ports: smaller crowds at unusual or off-season ports.
Ignoring visa requirements—some ports will require visas you didn’t expect.
Underestimating travel logistics—flights and transfers can be expensive if not planned early.
Booking nonrefundable airfare without buffer time—risk of missing embarkation.
Overplanning every sea day—allow downtime and spontaneous moments.
Skipping insurance—repositionings are longer and higher risk for interruptions.
Booking a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise is a wonderful way to travel differently—mixing long sea days with distinctive port calls, great onboard amenities, and often excellent per-day value. The key to success is preparation: pick the right season, plan flights and visas carefully, choose a cabin that fits your sea-day comfort level, add the right protections, and monitor pricing until final payment.
If you follow the step-by-step guide above, use the insider tips, and avoid common mistakes, you’ll be set for a spectacular repositioning voyage that’s as practical as it is memorable.
Now go find the perfect repositioning route and make a booking you’ll be proud to tell people about.
1. What is a repositioning cruise?
A repositioning cruise is when a ship relocates from one homeport or region to another, creating unique itineraries often with more sea days and special port calls.
2. When do Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises usually happen?
They typically occur during seasonal transitions—spring, fall, and sometimes late autumn or early winter—when ships move between regions like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and Asia.
3. Are repositioning cruises cheaper than regular cruises?
Often yes—many repositionings are priced attractively, giving a lower per-day cost. However, factor in flights, visas, and logistics for total trip cost.
4. Are there more sea days on repositioning cruises?
Yes, repositioning itineraries generally include more sea days compared to round-trip cruises.
5. Do I need special visas for repositioning cruise ports?
Possibly. Some ports on repositioning itineraries are in countries that require visas for certain nationalities—check each port’s entry requirements well before travel.
6. What cabin is best for a repositioning cruise?
Midship cabins on lower to mid decks are ideal for motion stability. For long sea days, many travelers prefer balcony cabins for private outdoor time.
7. Should I buy travel insurance for a repositioning cruise?
Yes—comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended given the trip length, transfer complexity, and sometimes remote ports.
8. Can I book repositioning cruises through a travel agent?
Absolutely. Travel agents can help with complex logistics, visa questions, and monitoring repricing.
9. Are shore excursions limited on repositioning cruises?
Some ports may have fewer organized excursions; book early or plan safe, independent exploration where feasible.
10. How far in advance should I book?
Book early for best cabin selection and flight options; however, last-minute deals can also appear. Balance selection vs. potential savings.
11. Is motion sickness more likely on repositioning cruises?
Ocean crossings can be rougher, so those prone to seasickness should choose midship, lower deck cabins and pack remedies.
12. What about Wi-Fi and connectivity?
Long sea days mean more reliance on onboard Wi-Fi if you need it. Buy packages in advance for savings, or plan offline activities.
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