What Is a Repositioning Cruise?
Have you ever come across the term "repositioning cruise" while surfing the Norwegian Cruise Line website and wondered what it means? They are what they sound like, and they involve repositioning a ship from one place to another. For example, a ship that offers Caribbean cruise itineraries out of a U.S. port in winter might switch things up for summer with Mediterranean sailings out of Spain. Norwegian gives you the chance to join the crew on a specialty adventure as the ship cruises across the Atlantic to its new summer port.
Repositioning cruises are few and far between since ships only change locations a few times each year. These cruises offer a rare opportunity to see the world in a new way.
Learn more about what repositioning cruises are and why you should book one.
Ready to start planning? Explore all repositioning cruises.
What Is a Repositioning Cruise?
As the seasons change, so do Norwegian cruise itineraries. Many popular cruise destinations provide only a limited window for optimal cruising based on the local climate and conditions. Take Alaska, for example. No one wants to cruise through the frozen waters of America's Last Frontier in the dead of winter.
As a result, the Alaska cruise season runs only from May through September, when the weather is at its finest. That opens up seven months of the year for Norwegian to cruise through parts of the world with more favorable winter weather, such as the Mediterranean or The Caribbean. Ships reposition at the end of the Alaska cruise season in the fall. This repositioning repeats a few weeks before the summer cruise season begins in the spring.
Golden State Bridge in San Francisco.
Where Do Repositioning Cruises Go?
Norwegian offers several repositioning cruises throughout the year. But these cruises are highly exclusive and customized since they happen only when a ship changes port, typically about twice a year. It's a good idea to book your cruise early so that you don't miss out.
Consider these featured destinations on Norwegian repositioning cruises:
- Transatlantic cruises: Ships cross the Atlantic Ocean as they make their way between ports in Florida & Europe.
- Panama Canal cruises: Cruise ships visit various ports as they reposition between ports in California & Florida.
- Extraordinary Journeys: Ships embark on unforgettable adventures that start in one city, such as Singapore, and end in another, such as Abu Dhabi.
- Pacific Coast cruises: Cruise lines move their ships from port to port in California & Canada.
- Transpacific cruises: Cruise ships cross the Pacific Ocean to reposition between North American and Asian ports.
Repositioning Cruise vs. Traditional Cruise: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Repositioning Cruise | Traditional Cruise |
Itinerary | One-way | Round-trip |
Sea Days | More | Fewer |
Price per Night | Often Lower | Standard |
Availability | Seasonal | Year-round |
What Can You Do on a Repositioning Cruise?
Repositioning cruises tend to run longer than typical cruises since the ships often have a long way to travel to reach their new port destination. Many cruises average between seven and 14 days, although Norwegian also offers a few shorter blocks, five to eight days, for repositioning cruises. What will you do with all this time?
On your ship, enjoy soaking up the sun in a lounge chair by the pool or go for a relaxing massage. Sample flavors from around the world at the many delicious dining options. Then, take in one of the spectacular live shows or dance the night away in a vibrant nightclub at sea. The choice is yours.
On land, Norwegian offers a host of carefully curated shore excursions for you to enjoy in each port of call. The Norwegian team selects the best activities to highlight in each port. All you need to do is choose the excursions that speak to your travel style, and away you go. It's that easy.
Experience Extraordinary Journeys with Norwegian.
Why Book a Repositioning Cruise?
A repositioning cruise isn’t just a way to get from one destination to another — it’s an opportunity to experience more days at sea, unique ports, and exceptional value all in one unforgettable journey. If you’re ready to sail beyond the ordinary, explore Norwegian Cruise Line’s upcoming repositioning cruises and discover where your next adventure can take you.
View available repositioning cruises and book your NCL cruise today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are repositioning cruises cheaper?
Yes, they often cost less per night because they include more sea days and operate outside peak season.
Do repositioning cruises visit fewer ports?
Typically yes, but they often include unique or rare destinations.
Can you book a round-trip repositioning cruise?
No, these cruises are usually one-way as ships move between seasonal homeports.
Are repositioning cruises good for first-time cruisers?
They’re ideal for travelers who enjoy sea days and onboard experiences.
