{"id":99689,"date":"2026-10-22T17:12:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/repositioning-cruises"},"modified":"2026-10-22T20:02:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T20:02:18","slug":"repositioning-cruises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/repositioning-cruises","title":{"rendered":"Repositioning Cruises 2026\u20132027: What They Are, Best Deals &#038; Routes from the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Repositioning Cruises 2026&ndash;2027: What They Are, Best Deals & Routes from the UK\",\n            \"description\": \"What is a repositioning cruise? 2026&ndash;2027 guide to repositioning cruise deals, routes from Southampton, the best months, pros and cons, and alternatives.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/repositioning-cruises\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/09\\\/AdobeStock_341009459-1024x682.jpeg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is a repositioning cruise?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"A one-way cruise used to move a ship between seasonal cruising regions, such as Europe and the Caribbean.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Are repositioning cruises cheaper?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Often yes per night, but you must add a one-way flight. Compare the total cost.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"When are repositioning cruises?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Mainly March&ndash;May and September&ndash;November, when ships move between seasons.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Are there repositioning cruises from Southampton?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Several lines cross from Southampton to North America or the Caribbean, mostly in autumn.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I take a repositioning cruise to Australia?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Ships reposition from Asia to Australia around October&ndash;November, and world cruise segments sail from Southampton.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Last updated: 22 October 2026<\/p><p><strong>Repositioning cruises are one of the best-kept secrets in cruising.<\/strong> 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.<\/p><h2>What is a repositioning cruise?<\/h2><p>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.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays18-1024x476.jpg\" alt=\"Cargo ship sailing at twilight on the open sea\" width=\"1024\" height=\"476\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Cargo ship sailing at twilight on the open sea\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Repositioning voyages include more sea days than a typical cruise.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Popular repositioning routes<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Route<\/th><th>Typical months<\/th><th>Dur\u00e9e<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Europe &rarr; Caribbean \/ Florida (transatlantic)<\/td><td>October&ndash;November<\/td><td>12&ndash;16 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Caribbean \/ Florida &rarr; Europe<\/td><td>March&ndash;May<\/td><td>12&ndash;16 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Southampton &rarr; New York \/ New England<\/td><td>April&ndash;May, September<\/td><td>7&ndash;14 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Alaska &harr; Hawaii or the Mexican Riviera<\/td><td>April&ndash;May, September<\/td><td>7&ndash;15 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Caribbean &harr; US west coast via the Panama Canal<\/td><td>Spring, autumn<\/td><td>14&ndash;16 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Asia &harr; Australia (for example Singapore &rarr; Sydney)<\/td><td>October&ndash;November, March&ndash;April<\/td><td>14&ndash;20 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Europe &rarr; Dubai and the Middle East<\/td><td>October&ndash;November<\/td><td>14&ndash;21 nights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Southampton &rarr; Australia (world cruise segments)<\/td><td>Winter<\/td><td>4&ndash;6 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h2>Pros and cons<\/h2><p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Lower prices per night<\/strong> than standard itineraries, especially for longer voyages<\/li><li><strong>More sea days<\/strong>, so you have time to relax, read and use the ship&rsquo;s facilities<\/li><li><strong>Unusual ports<\/strong>, such as the Azores, Madeira, Bermuda or Canary Islands stops<\/li><li><strong>Generous luggage allowances<\/strong>, which suit people moving abroad or on long trips<\/li><li><strong>No flying in one direction<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>You need a one-way flight home<\/strong>, which can wipe out the saving<\/li><li><strong>Several sea days in a row<\/strong>, which some people find long<\/li><li><strong>Weather<\/strong>: the Atlantic in autumn and spring can be lively<\/li><li><strong>Fewer ports<\/strong> than a typical cruise<\/li><\/ul><h2>How to find repositioning cruise deals<\/h2><ol><li><strong>Search by month.<\/strong> Look for sailings from March&ndash;May and September&ndash;November.<\/li><li><strong>Book early<\/strong> for the best cabin choice, or late if you are flexible and want a deal.<\/li><li><strong>Price the flight home first<\/strong> before you commit to a sailing.<\/li><li><strong>Compare total cost per night<\/strong>, including gratuities and drinks.<\/li><li><strong>Look beyond the big lines.<\/strong> Smaller lines also reposition, often with more interesting ports.<\/li><\/ol><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_262306740-1024x640.jpeg\" alt=\"Ship transiting the Panama Canal\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Ship transiting the Panama Canal\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Some repositioning cruises transit the Panama Canal between the Caribbean and the Pacific.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Repositioning cruises from Southampton<\/h2><p>Southampton is the UK&rsquo;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/transatlantic-cruise-from-uk\/\">transatlantic cruise on Queen Mary 2<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Repositioning cruise vs freighter travel<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Repositioning cruise<\/th><th>Navire cargo<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Passagers<\/td><td>2,000&ndash;6,000<\/td><td>Usually 12 or fewer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dates<\/td><td>Fixed, once or twice a year<\/td><td>Year-round, flexible<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entertainment<\/td><td>Shows, pools, bars<\/td><td>Bridge visits, the ocean, books<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Routes<\/td><td>Popular tourist ports<\/td><td>Working container ports worldwide<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Prix<\/td><td>Varies widely<\/td><td>Around US$90&ndash;150 per day, meals included<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p>If the repositioning dates do not fit your plans, a container ship may sail the same ocean in the month you need. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/cargo-ship-travel-guide\/\">cargo ship travel guide<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>What is a repositioning cruise?<\/h3><p>A one-way cruise used to move a ship between seasonal cruising regions, such as Europe and the Caribbean.<\/p><h3>Are repositioning cruises cheaper?<\/h3><p>Often yes per night, but you must add a one-way flight. Compare the total cost.<\/p><h3>When are repositioning cruises?<\/h3><p>Mainly March&ndash;May and September&ndash;November, when ships move between seasons.<\/p><h3>Are there repositioning cruises from Southampton?<\/h3><p>Yes. Several lines cross from Southampton to North America or the Caribbean, mostly in autumn.<\/p><h3>Can I take a repositioning cruise to Australia?<\/h3><p>Yes. Ships reposition from Asia to Australia around October&ndash;November, and world cruise segments sail from Southampton.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Cross an ocean on your own schedule<\/strong><p>Container ships sail all year. Tell us your dates and we&rsquo;ll check cabins.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/sinformer-pour-une-croisiere-cargo\/\">Ask about cargo ship crossings &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a repositioning cruise? 2026\u20132027 guide to repositioning cruise deals, routes from Southampton, the best months, pros and cons, and alternatives.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99798,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1020,1019,1459],"tags":[1549,1550,1548,912,1545],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99689"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99689"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99689\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99716,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99689\/revisions\/99716"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99689"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}