Last updated: 22 October 2026
Repositioning cruises are one of the best-kept secrets in cruising. Twice a year, cruise lines move their ships between seasonal regions: Europe in summer, the Caribbean in winter, Alaska in summer, Asia and Australia in the southern summer. These one-way voyages are often cheaper per night than normal cruises, have more sea days, and visit unusual ports.
A repositioning cruise is a one-way voyage that a cruise line operates to move a ship from one cruising region to another. The ship has to make the trip anyway, so the line sells cabins at attractive prices to fill it.
| Route | Typical months | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Europe → Caribbean / Florida (transatlantic) | October–November | 12–16 nights |
| Caribbean / Florida → Europe | March–May | 12–16 nights |
| Southampton → New York / New England | April–May, September | 7–14 nights |
| Alaska ↔ Hawaii or the Mexican Riviera | April–May, September | 7–15 nights |
| Caribbean ↔ US west coast via the Panama Canal | Spring, autumn | 14–16 nights |
| Asia ↔ Australia (for example Singapore → Sydney) | October–November, March–April | 14–20 nights |
| Europe → Dubai and the Middle East | October–November | 14–21 nights |
| Southampton → Australia (world cruise segments) | Winter | 4–6 weeks |
Pros:
Cons:
Southampton is the UK’s cruise capital. Each autumn, several lines sail from Southampton across the Atlantic to New York, Florida or the Caribbean, and in spring they return. It is a no-fly way to reach North America. Compare it with a transatlantic cruise on Queen Mary 2.
| Repositioning cruise | Cargo ship | |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | 2,000–6,000 | Usually 12 or fewer |
| Dates | Fixed, once or twice a year | Year-round, flexible |
| Entertainment | Shows, pools, bars | Bridge visits, the ocean, books |
| Routes | Popular tourist ports | Working container ports worldwide |
| Price | Varies widely | Around US$90–150 per day, meals included |
If the repositioning dates do not fit your plans, a container ship may sail the same ocean in the month you need. See our cargo ship travel guide.
A one-way cruise used to move a ship between seasonal cruising regions, such as Europe and the Caribbean.
Often yes per night, but you must add a one-way flight. Compare the total cost.
Mainly March–May and September–November, when ships move between seasons.
Yes. Several lines cross from Southampton to North America or the Caribbean, mostly in autumn.
Yes. Ships reposition from Asia to Australia around October–November, and world cruise segments sail from Southampton.
Container ships sail all year. Tell us your dates and we’ll check cabins.
Ask about cargo ship crossings →
