Which repositioning cruises are offered annually Royal Caribbean?

Discover Which Repositioning Cruises Are Offered Annually by Royal Caribbean

Repositioning cruises are among the most exciting, value-packed, and unforgettable voyages Royal Caribbean offers each year. Unlike standard round-trip itineraries, repositioning cruises happen when ships switch regions for seasonal deployment. This creates rare, one-way routes that blend exotic ports, long sea days, and exceptional pricing.

If you're wondering which repositioning cruises are offered annually Royal Caribbean, this in-depth guide reveals every seasonal shift, the ships involved, the destinations covered, and why these itineraries have become bucket-list favorites for travelers worldwide.

Why Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruises Are So Popular

Unique Routes You Can’t Experience Any Other Time

Repositioning cruises are one-way, seasonal journeys that only happen once or twice per year per ship. They often include ports unavailable on regular routes, longer ocean stretches, and rare geographical combinations like Europe-to-Caribbean or Alaska-to-Hawaii.

Which Repositioning Cruises Are Offered Annually Royal Caribbean?

Transatlantic Repositioning Cruises (Spring & Fall)

These are Royal Caribbean’s most iconic repositioning voyages, occurring twice a year.

Eastbound (USA → Europe)

Typically in April–May, ships shift from Caribbean winter seasons to European summer seasons.

Ports may include:

• Azores

• Canary Islands

• Madeira

• Spain

• Italy

• France

Westbound (Europe → USA)

In September–November, Royal Caribbean ships return to North America.

Popular stops include:

• Barcelona

• Rome

• Southampton

• Tenerife

• Ponta Delgada

• Nassau or CocoCay

Why These Cruises Sell Fast

• Best cost-per-night of all Royal Caribbean sailings

• Multiple sea days ideal for relaxation

• Rare Atlantic islands and European ports

Some transatlantic journeys run only once each year, making early booking essential.

Alaska Repositioning Cruises (Spring & Fall)

When the Alaska cruise season opens and closes, Royal Caribbean ships reposition between:

• Vancouver

• Seattle

• Hawaii

• California

Spring (Pacific Coast → Alaska)

Ships sail north for summer itineraries. Routes may include:

• Oregon

• California ports

• Victoria

• Scenic Pacific Coast cruising

Fall (Alaska → Hawaii or California)

Ships escape the cooling Alaska climate and head south.

Possible ports include:

• Ketchikan

• Sitka

• Vancouver

• Honolulu

• Maui

• Lahaina

What Makes These Cruises Special

• Scenic coastal cruising

• More wildlife sightings than typical Alaska routes

• Warm-to-cool or cool-to-warm transitions

Alaska repositioning cruises are among the first to fully sell out—especially Hawaii-bound routes.

Australia & South Pacific Repositioning Cruises (Seasonal)

Each year, ships reposition from:

• The United States to Australia (fall)

• Australia to Asia or Hawaii (spring)

USA → Australia (September–November)

These long, exotic repositioning journeys may include:

• French Polynesia

• Tahiti

• Bora Bora

• New Zealand

• Fiji

Australia → Southeast Asia (April–May)

Ships leaving Sydney or Brisbane may head toward:

• Singapore

• Vietnam

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

Australia → Hawaii (Spring)

These Pacific crossings include multiple exotic islands.Itineraries may have:

• New Caledonia

• Vanuatu

• Hawaii (Big Island, Oahu, Maui)

Where else can you sail between continents while exploring tropical islands found only in travel magazines?

Asia Repositioning Cruises (Seasonal Rotations)

Royal Caribbean regularly moves ships between Asia, Australia, and Alaska.

Southeast Asia → Alaska (Spring)

Sailings may include:

• Singapore

• Vietnam

• Japan

• South Korea

• Crossing the North Pacific

Alaska → Asia (Fall)

After the Alaska season, ships head west.

Typical ports:

• Vancouver

• Japan

• Hong Kong

• Singapore

Why They’re Popular

Asia repositioning routes offer a rare blend of Asian culture, Pacific ocean crossings, and scenic northern ports.

FOMO: These routes often include ports visited only once a year by the ship.

Caribbean & Panama Canal Repositioning Cruises (Fall)

Each year, ships reposition through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal for winter deployments.

Panama Canal Transits

These itineraries are highly sought-after for:

• Full or partial canal transits

• Costa Rica

• Colombia

• Aruba

• Curacao

• Mexico

Southern Caribbean → Eastern/Western Caribbean

Some ships jump between seasonal bases, creating unique one-time routes such as:

• San Juan → Miami

• Tampa → Galveston

• Baltimore → Orlando

Why They Stand Out

Panama Canal repositioning cruises are an engineering marvel blended with exotic destinations.

FOMO: Limited slots through the canal mean these cruises are always scarce.

Northern Europe → Mediterranean or USA Repositioning Cruises

Every year, Royal Caribbean ships move between Northern Europe and other regions.

Northern Europe → Mediterranean (Summer → Fall)

Route may include:

• Norway

• Iceland

• Scotland

• Ireland

• France

• Spain

Northern Europe → USA (Fall)

Often part of a larger transatlantic journey with:

• Greenland

• Iceland

• Canadian ports

These itineraries combine culture, nature, and history into one incredible sailing.

What Makes Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruises Special?

More Sea Days Than Regular Cruises

Repositioning routes emphasize relaxation, exploration, and leisure.

You enjoy:

• Spa days

• Poolside lounging

• Entertainment shows

• Themed nights

• Learning programs

• Peaceful mornings at sea

With so many sea days, repositioning cruises feel like floating resorts offering endless activities.

Rare Ports and Unique Combinations

Unlike weekly departures, repositioning itineraries often include ports that appear only once a year in the Royal Caribbean schedule.

These may include:

• Azores

• Canary Islands

• Iceland

• Greenland

• Fiji

• Bora Bora

• Vietnam

• Japan

Exceptional Value

Repositioning cruises frequently provide the best price per night of any Royal Caribbean itinerary.

Because itineraries happen once per season, missing one means waiting another year.

Sample Annual Repositioning Routes (Typical Examples)

Europe → USA

• Barcelona → New York

• Rome → Miami

• Southampton → Fort Lauderdale

USA → Europe

• Fort Lauderdale → Barcelona

• Miami → Rome

• Cape Liberty → Southampton

Alaska → Hawaii

• Vancouver → Honolulu

Australia → Southeast Asia

• Sydney → Singapore

Asia → Alaska

• Singapore → Vancouver

Panama Canal Routes

• Los Angeles → Galveston

• Miami → San Diego

These are examples; routes vary slightly each year.

Who Should Choose a Repositioning Cruise?

Perfect For:

• Relaxation seekers

• Retirees

• Digital nomads

• Cruise enthusiasts

• Culture-loving explorers

• Travelers who want more for their money

Not Ideal For:

• People with limited vacation time

• Travelers who prefer short cruises

• Those who dislike long sea days