A woman looking out over the ocean

Repositioning Cruise Deals 2026

WHAT IS A REPOSITIONING CRUISE?

A repositioning cruise is when a ship moves between regions for a new season, for example, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean in spring. These sailings often cost far less than standard cruises but still include the same five-star service and onboard luxuries. More sea days, fewer crowds, and unique ports, it’s slow travel done smart.

Because these itineraries aren’t your standard round-trip, you get incredible value for money, a lot of nights for your budget. Pair it with our Cruise Deals to make your voyage even better.

Corisca - France
A view of crystal clear water in the Caribbean

Because we make clever cruises even cleverer.

A Cruise Nation Smart Package turns a repositioning voyage into a full-blown holiday.
You’ll get everything handled in one go:

  • Flights included (outbound or inbound, depending on your route)

  • Free hotel stay pre- or post-cruise in cities like Rome, Miami, or Dubai

  • Transfers covered, airport to port, no stress

  • All port fees and taxes included

  • Full ATOL & ABTA protection

  • Flexible Pay Monthly options from £31pp

  • Backed by our Best Price Guarantee

Since 2009, Cruise Nation has been the home of Cruise & Stay Smart Packages, tailor-made cruise holidays designed for better value, smarter travel, and maximum enjoyment.

A woman in a pool looking out over the ocean at sunset

WHY CHOOSE A REPOSITIONING CRUISE?

Repositioning cruises can be found at the beginning and end of the season, the ships are effectively chasing the sun and so when the weather changes as does the route for most ships. This is a necessity so instead of ships travelling with empty cabins they decided to open up the route as a repositional.

Porto Cervo - Sardinia Island
An Image of a Harbour in the Mediterranean

Since they're not part of your typical itinerary, they’re usually sold at a discounted price, which means a lot of nights for your money! These incredible repositioning cruise deals often see a ship leaving the Mediterranean for the sunny Caribbean, with a short outbound flight and a lovely, sun-soaked ending to your holiday.

Mt Fuji - Japan
A view of Mt Fuji from the point of view of an old Japanese Pagoda

Popular Repositioning Routes

Repositioning cruises run across the globe, but the most popular sailings include:

  • Europe → Caribbean — trade spring showers for island sunshine

  • Caribbean → Europe — sail back into summer

  • Asia → Australia — from city skylines to coral coasts

  • Dubai → Mediterranean — the sands meet the seas

  • North America → South America — explore both sides of the equator

Each route offers lesser-visited ports, more time at sea, and smaller crowds, the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

South Beach - Miami, Florida
An Aerial image of South Beach in Miami, Florida

How Much Do Repositioning Cruises Cost?

Here’s the fun bit: because these cruises are based on ship logistics rather than demand, you can find two-week repositioning cruises from just £699pp, including flights.

That’s luxury-level travel for less than a city break, with food, entertainment, and new horizons included.

Add a Smart Package hotel stay at your embarkation or disembarkation port, and you’ve turned one trip into two holidays, at a fraction of the price.

Nyhavn - Copenhagen
A view of the Copenhagen canals and the surrounding buildings

Amazing Holiday Deals

* Price information

Prices on display are from and per person based on 2 sharing the lowest cabin grade unless otherwise stated. Gratuities are not included in any of these offers unless otherwise stated. Baggage charge may apply. No Booking fee is payable when you book online. Cruise Nation and Cruise Line Terms & Conditions apply. E&OE.

For the latest and most up to date availability & pricing, please click on a deal or call our team on 0333 455 8500

Why Cruise Nation?

Voted the UK's number 1 cruise holiday company - over 720,000 can't be wrong

By booking direct with us, you can save between 30% - 70% on the cruise package price

All our smart holidays include free stays so you can get to discover your destination before hand

All holidays are fully ATOL protected. We are members of ABTA, so your booking is safe

Repositioning Cruise FAQs

  • What is a repositioning cruise?

    A repositioning cruise is when a ship changes regions for a new season, for example, sailing from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean in spring or back again in autumn. These voyages are one-way, often longer, and usually far better value than standard round-trip itineraries. Think of it as a luxurious way to follow the sunshine while enjoying more sea days and fewer crowds.

  • Why are repositioning cruises cheaper?

    Cruise lines need to move ships between regions, so they offer discounted fares to fill cabins. You’ll still enjoy the same five-star dining, entertainment, and service, just at a fraction of the usual cost. It’s one of travel’s best-kept secrets: the same luxury, slower pace, lower price.

  • When do repositioning cruises happen?

    Typically spring and autumn, when fleets relocate between summer and winter homeports. For example, April–May sailings move ships from the Caribbean to Europe; October–November returns them west. Cruise Nation’s deals calendar makes it easy to see what’s sailing when, so you can plan your adventure around the seasons.

  • Which cruise lines offer repositioning cruises?

    Major lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Princess, P&O, and Norwegian Cruise Line all run repositioning itineraries each year. Some luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas also include grand crossings. Each offers different routes and inclusions, which Cruise Nation’s experts can tailor into a Smart Package for you.

  • What’s included in a Cruise Nation repositioning deal?

    Every Smart Package includes flights, hotels, transfers, and your cruise, all ABTA & ATOL protected. You can add extra hotel nights before or after your voyage to explore embarkation or destination cities. It’s a seamless way to extend your journey and see more for less.

  • Are repositioning cruises suitable for first-time cruisers?

    Absolutely. They offer longer voyages with extra sea days, perfect for settling in, exploring the ship, and unwinding. You’ll visit unique ports and enjoy quieter decks. For travellers who prefer calm over crowds, it’s the ideal first cruise experience.

  • Can I pay monthly for a repositioning cruise?

    Yes. Secure your sailing with a low deposit and spread the cost using Cruise Nation’s Pay Monthly plan. It’s flexible, interest-free, and designed to make even longer voyages accessible without the financial stress.

  • Are Cruise Nation repositioning deals ABTA and ATOL protected?

    Always. Every Cruise Nation package includes full ABTA & ATOL protection plus our Best Price Guarantee. That means complete peace of mind, from booking to boarding.

Average Customer Rating:
4.9/5|
Feefo logo

Independent Service Rating based on 11,601 verified reviews.Read all reviews

Award

Another great deal by Cruise Nation

The service was great | was helped all the way through the process to meet my requirements in booking a Cruise and flights, and even though I had changes to make after the first initial contract it was no problem to help me come up...

Mr David Stewart-11 February 2026

Great customer seevice

Shirley’s customer service is always 10/10. Always able to get the best price possible and ensures that we can use out MNVV on each voyage. Third time booking and will definitely book again in the future

Mr Nathan Brodie Kenny-10 February 2026

Flawless customer service and excellent prices

No waiting on hold, just hit the button and someone calls you back. No trying to upsell things you don't want and cheeper than anyone else!

Mr OG-09 February 2026

Best Cruise Agents

After my cruise was cancelled Cruise Nation were brilliant in getting me a replacement cruise and returning all monies paid back to us .

Mr Kevin Millward-08 February 2026