If you're flexible with your travel dates and have been dreaming of an extended ocean voyage, repositioning cruises offer one of the best values in the cruise industry. These one-way sailings move ships between seasonal regions, providing travelers with unique itineraries, multiple sea days, and significantly lower prices than traditional cruises.
Repositioning cruises typically occur in spring and fall as cruise lines move their fleets to chase warm weather. Ships sailing Alaska or Europe in summer need to relocate to the Caribbean or Asia for winter, creating these special voyages that often cost 50% less than comparable round-trip cruises. With fewer port calls and more days at sea, they're perfect for travelers who want to truly unwind and enjoy everything their ship has to offer.
We've researched dozens of repositioning options and identified the eight best voyages for 2025 and 2026. These cruises combine exceptional value, unique itineraries, and opportunities to cross oceans while visiting ports you might not see on typical cruise routes.
1. Celebrity Solstice: Hawaii to Sydney (October 2, 2025)
Duration: 19 nights
Starting Price: $2,418 per person
Route: Honolulu → French Polynesia → New Zealand → Sydney
This transpacific repositioning cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises' 2,852-passenger Solstice delivers an incredible South Pacific experience. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Papeete, Tahiti, plus calls at Raiatea and Moorea in French Polynesia. After crossing the international date line, you'll explore New Zealand's Tauranga, Auckland, and the spectacular Bay of Islands before arriving in Sydney.
The extended sea days provide ample time to enjoy Celebrity's specialty restaurants, rejuvenate at the Canyon Ranch spa, or catch Broadway-style shows in the theater. For those interested in understanding the value of miles and points, consider booking this cruise through Expedia or Hotels.com to earn rewards on your purchase.
2. Princess Star Princess: Fort Lauderdale to Seattle via Panama Canal (April 2026)
Duration: 20 nights
Starting Price: TBA (ship debuts October 2025)
Route: Fort Lauderdale → Aruba → Panama Canal → Fuerte Amador → California coast → Seattle
Set sail on Princess Cruises' newest ship through one of the world's most impressive engineering marvels. This repositioning cruise offers a full Panama Canal transit with scenic cruising through the locks, plus five port calls and 13 relaxing sea days to explore the brand-new 4,300-passenger vessel.
Highlights include exploring Panama City's rainforests, riding the historic Panama Canal Railway, and visiting the Miraflores locks. The ship then continues up the Pacific coast to its summer home in Seattle for Alaska season. Book through your preferred travel site or consider using CheapOAir for flight and cruise packages.
3. Carnival Luminosa: Singapore to Brisbane (November 2026)
Duration: 14 nights
Starting Price: Check current rates
Route: Singapore → Bali → Darwin → Cairns → Airlie Beach → Brisbane
Experience the best of Southeast Asia and Australia on Carnival's special repositioning voyage. This Carnival Journeys cruise includes nine sea days perfect for enjoying the ship's casual dining options, comedy club, Cloud 9 Spa, and Playlist Productions shows.
Port highlights include elephant safaris in Bali, exploring Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Airlie Beach provides access to the stunning Whitsunday Islands with their turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Learn more about Carnival's cruise offerings before booking.
4. Carnival Glory: Barcelona to Port Canaveral (April 11, 2026)
Duration: 14 nights
Starting Price: $739 per person
Route: Barcelona → Alicante → Malaga → Gibraltar → Celebration Key → Port Canaveral
This affordable transatlantic crossing visits Spanish coastal cities and the British territory of Gibraltar before crossing the Atlantic to Carnival's new private destination, Celebration Key in the Bahamas. With just four port calls, you'll have plenty of sea days to enjoy all the ship's amenities.
The reasonable price point makes this an excellent choice for first-time repositioning cruisers or budget-conscious travelers. Consider pairing this cruise with a few nights exploring Barcelona's architecture and cuisine before departure.
5. Holland America Rotterdam: Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale (October 18, 2026)
Duration: 14 nights
Starting Price: $1,229 per person
Route: Amsterdam → Bruges → Isle of Portland → Cornwall → Bermuda → Fort Lauderdale
Sail Holland America's newest ship on this classic transatlantic crossing that combines European charm with a mid-Atlantic stop in Bermuda. The itinerary thoughtfully breaks up sea days with interesting ports including Bruges, Belgium (famous for chocolate and medieval architecture) and England's scenic Cornwall coast.
Holland America's reputation for excellent service, culinary programs, and enrichment activities makes this an ideal choice for travelers who appreciate a more refined cruise experience. Their transatlantic crossings also feature special traditions like Dutch Day celebrations.
6. Norwegian Star: Mediterranean to Miami (November dates vary)
Duration: Typically 14-16 nights
Starting Price: Varies by departure date
Route: Mediterranean ports → Atlantic crossing → Miami
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several repositioning options each fall as ships leave the Mediterranean for Caribbean deployment. These cruises often include stops in the Azores or Canary Islands to break up the Atlantic crossing, providing a mix of European culture and island relaxation.
The freestyle cruising concept means you'll have flexibility in dining times and dress codes, perfect for the casual atmosphere of a repositioning voyage. Check NCL's website for specific dates and itineraries.
7. Windstar Wind Spirit: Lisbon to Barbados (November 4, 2025)
Duration: 14 nights
Starting Price: $2,599 per person
Route: Lisbon → Atlantic crossing → Barbados
For those seeking a more intimate experience, Windstar's sailing yacht Wind Spirit offers a unique repositioning voyage with no port calls between Lisbon and Barbados. This ship carries just 148 guests, creating an exclusive atmosphere for those who truly want to disconnect and enjoy the journey.
While the price is higher than mass-market options, the small ship experience, gourmet dining, and personalized service justify the premium. This voyage is ideal for couples or solo travelers who appreciate sailing and don't need constant entertainment. If you're specifically interested in a quieter cruise experience, check out our guide to adult-only cruises for more serene options.
8. Princess Coral Princess: Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale via Panama Canal (Various dates)
Duration: 15-16 nights
Starting Price: Check current rates
Route: Los Angeles → Mexican Riviera → Panama Canal → Costa Rica → Caribbean → Fort Lauderdale
Princess Cruises offers multiple Panama Canal repositioning cruises featuring their smaller Coral Princess, which can navigate the original locks. These voyages typically include popular ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), and Caribbean islands before arriving in Florida.
The ship's smaller size (2,000 passengers) creates a more intimate atmosphere while still offering Princess's signature features like Movies Under the Stars and excellent specialty dining options.
Tips for Booking Repositioning Cruises
When to Book
Repositioning cruises typically go on sale 12-18 months in advance. The best deals often appear during "Wave Season" (January-March) when cruise lines offer their biggest promotions. However, last-minute deals can also emerge if ships aren't filling up.
What to Expect
- More sea days: Repositioning cruises have fewer ports and more days at sea than traditional itineraries
- Diverse passenger mix: These cruises attract experienced cruisers, retirees, and value-conscious travelers
- Relaxed atmosphere: With fewer ports, the pace is more leisurely
- Enhanced programming: Ships often add special lecturers, classes, and activities for sea days
Hidden Costs to Consider
- One-way airfare: You'll need flights from different cities, which can be expensive
- Visa requirements: Some itineraries require visas for certain ports
- Gratuities and beverages: Budget for daily gratuities and drink packages
- Shore excursions: Fewer ports mean each one might be more special (and expensive)
Making the Most of Your Voyage
Take advantage of the extended time at sea to try activities you might skip on a port-intensive cruise. Book spa treatments on sea days when they're often discounted. Try specialty restaurants you might not have time for on shorter cruises. Attend enrichment lectures about the regions you're sailing through.
Consider booking a cruise travel insurance policy for these longer voyages, especially if you're booking far in advance or have expensive flights.
Best Repositioning Cruises for Different Travelers
For Adventure Seekers
The transpacific crossings from Hawaii to Australia or Asia offer the most exotic ports and longest sea stretches. These appeal to travelers who want to completely disconnect and experience different cultures.
For History Buffs
Transatlantic crossings often include stops in the Azores, Bermuda, or historic European ports. Choose itineraries that break up the crossing with culturally rich destinations.
For Budget Travelers
Look for older ships on simple point-to-point crossings. The Carnival Glory Barcelona to Port Canaveral sailing offers exceptional value for a two-week vacation.
For Luxury Seekers
Premium lines like Celebrity, Holland America, and Windstar offer more inclusive pricing, better service, and refined experiences worth the higher fare.
Planning Your Repositioning Cruise
Start by determining your flexibility with dates and departure/arrival cities. Search multiple cruise lines directly and through travel sites like Booking.com or Agoda to compare prices. Consider the total vacation cost including flights, hotels, and ground transportation.
Join cruise line loyalty programs before booking to start earning points toward future cruises. If you're new to cruising, read our guide on capturing stunning travel photos to document your ocean crossing.
Conclusion
Repositioning cruises represent exceptional value for travelers who have time for extended voyages and appreciate days at sea. Whether you choose a massive new ship crossing the Atlantic or an intimate sailing yacht traversing the Pacific, these unique itineraries offer experiences you won't find on traditional round-trip cruises.
The 2025 and 2026 repositioning seasons promise exciting options across all cruise lines and budget levels. From the tropical allure of transpacific crossings to the historic intrigue of transatlantic voyages, there's a perfect repositioning cruise waiting for every traveler willing to think outside the traditional cruise box.
Start planning now to secure the best cabins and prices on these extraordinary voyages. Your next adventure might just be a one-way ticket to somewhere completely new.
Featured Image: Celebrity Cruises
