repositioning cruises in 2024

Repositioning cruises 2024 and 2025: Save money with these unusual itineraries

Looking for a cruise where you can truly kick back and take advantage of onboard amenities without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of a different port of call every day? Consider a repositioning cruise.

Repositioning cruises are the name for one-way sailings that bring the ship to a new home port or a different part of the world to kick-start a new cruise season. Because these sailings often cross oceans, you'll likely experience ports in more than one cruise region — and have ample sea days to take advantage of the spa, dining and entertainment options on board.

All the major cruise lines offer the occasional repositioning cruises, typically on ships that usually sail in destinations with shorter seasons, such as Alaska or the Mediterranean . Here, we answer all your questions about repositioning cruises.

Note: Listed fares were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

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What is a repositioning cruise?

Cruise ships chase warm and sunny climates, so they often move, or "reposition," from one part of the world to another when chilly weather sets in. Cruise lines don't want to sail a ghost ship, one carrying only crew and no passengers, across the ocean because it's wasting an opportunity to earn money. They have figured out that by discounting rates, they can fill the cabins on these oddball itineraries.

Repositioning cruises are never round-trip sailings. Your origin and destination cities — or, in cruise-speak , embarkation and disembarkation ports — will not be the same. You might sail out of Florida and arrive in Barcelona or Southampton, England, allowing you to explore two continents on one vacation. Or, you might simply sail from Boston to Florida or from San Diego to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Repositioning cruises are known for having a greater-than-average number of days spent at sea, but it's not as if you never get off the ship. On a transatlantic sailing , port stops could be in Spain's Canary Islands or Portugal's Azores islands. A repositioning cruise from Southern California to Vancouver before the Alaska cruise season might sail up the Pacific Coast and visit cities like San Francisco and Astoria, Oregon.

Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

Another aspect that makes a repositioning cruise different from a typical sailing is that many of these itineraries are longer than a week. (This is by design. It takes longer to sail from Florida to Europe than it does to sail to and from the Caribbean .) Still, there is a lot of flexibility, just as with booking any cruise. The shortest you'll find is four or five days (for example, Southern California to Vancouver) and the longest is around 28 nights (yes, almost an entire month, usually between continents).

Are repositioning cruises one-way?

Yes, repositioning cruises are one-way voyages that start in one region and end in another. Because they happen when a cruise ship switches destinations based on seasonality, these sailings often involve travel to a different part of the world, which can result in many consecutive days at sea.

Where and what time of year do cruise ships reposition?

The good news is you can book a repositioning cruise nearly six months out of the year, spanning mid-spring and mid-fall months, which are the cruise lines' shoulder seasons.

Because repositioning cruises are not all tied to the same destination, this only widens your options in terms of geography. To envision where these will sail and when, you need to know a destination's cruise season.

Take Europe as an example. The majority of Mediterranean and Baltic sailings take place in the spring through the early fall. Europe-based ships flee the region during the winter, spending November through March in the warm Caribbean. Therefore, a ship will need to travel from the Caribbean to Europe in spring and return to the Caribbean by fall. Look for transatlantic repositioning cruises during those changeover months.

Related: From Alaska to the Panama Canal: Here are 9 of TPG's favorite fall cruise itineraries

Some ships stay in the Caribbean year-round and only reposition when the cruise line chooses to move them to a different home port. However, ships sailing short seasons in Alaska, South America, Canada/New England and Europe will always be repositioned at least twice a year.

Due to increased cruise itineraries in the Middle East and Asia over the last decade, you might also find a repositioning cruise departing or returning to either of those regions. For example, MSC Cruises offers cruises from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Genoa, Italy, in April prior to sailing European itineraries in the spring and summer. Just be prepared to be away from home for a long time. The aforementioned sailing lasts about three weeks — a long trek through the Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, by way of Egypt.

Note: Many cruise lines have canceled or altered their 2024 Middle East itineraries due to unrest in the region.

What happens on a repositioning cruise?

On many repositioning cruises, you will not get off the ship as often as you might on a typical sailing because there are no ports in the middle of the ocean you're crossing. These itineraries often feature a string of sea days, so be prepared to spend more time and money on board.

Some people love port-intensive cruises so they can quickly check off a list of countries and only unpack once. But if you prefer leisurely, lazy days, then a transoceanic repositioning cruise might be your ticket to utopia. This huge stretch of time is a great opportunity to crack open books you've been meaning to read, launch into a knitting project or finally have time for daily workouts.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Programming — such as comedy nights, fitness classes, boutique shopping, art auctions, wine tastings and evening shows — are as much a part of a repositioning cruise as any other sailing, only you might be able to take in a whole lot more than you normally would. Some cruise lines organize themed sailings or invite guest lecturers on board for extra sea day activities.

You also might want to consider springing for a cruise line's all-inclusive beverage package on a repositioning cruise. You'll get better value than usual from the price because you'll be ordering most of your drinks on board due to fewer port stops.

Another worthwhile splurge is a balcony cabin . You'll have easy access to fresh air without the top-deck crowds and can enjoy the romance of gazing out at the seemingly endless ocean. Just be sure to pack a sweater or sweatshirt because shoulder seasons in these climates are not necessarily sunbathing weather.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a repositioning cruise?

When you book a repositioning cruise, you'll likely be on board for at least two weeks, allowing enough time for the ship to sail between where it's currently based and its new home port. Sometimes the voyage can be even longer, and it's likely you won't have more than five or six port stops during that time.

That means lots of days on board, many of them consecutive. It's an advantage for anyone who enjoys relaxing at sea and doesn't mind exploring the ship for days at a time without touching land; it's a disadvantage for anyone who sees cruises as merely transportation to explore new places.

An advantage of repositionings is the price, which is often cheaper than what you'd pay for a round-trip sailing of the same length or which has more port days built into the schedule. However, the cost of the potentially expensive one-way or open-jaw flights needed before and after a repositioning cruise could eat up most of the money you'd save by booking that type of voyage.

Do you need a passport for a repositioning cruise?

Yes. The only time you don't need a passport to cruise is if you're booked on a closed-loop sailing — a voyage that departs from and returns to the same port within the U.S. Since repositioning cruises don't leave from and return to the same port, the exception won't apply, and you'll need a passport in order to board the ship.

Are repositioning cruises cheaper than other cruises?

It depends on the sailings to which you're comparing them, but repositioning cruises are often relatively affordable. Even though repositioning sailings can often be two to three weeks in length, you might find that they're less expensive than a regular weeklong voyage that begins and ends in the same port of call. That's because repositioning cruises offer mostly sea days, during which you'll be enjoying the ship instead of lounging on the beach or exploring museums.

How to score repositioning cruise deals

More often than not, a repositioning cruise is a good deal because it costs much less per night than a typical sailing. This is because the one-way, sea day-heavy itineraries are less desirable to the majority of cruisers, and they take place during slower travel seasons.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Travelers who live near the embarkation or debarkation ports can save even more by only having to buy a one-way plane ticket rather than a full round trip.

Repositioning cruises can be tricky to find on booking sites. They often are referred to as repositioning cruises or transatlantic or transpacific cruises. When ships reposition between ports in the U.S. and Canada, the one-off one-way itineraries might not be labeled anything special beyond Caribbean or Pacific Coast cruises.

Not all of the cruise line or online travel agency booking pages have an option to check a box and search for repositioning cruises. If you can't find what you're looking for, do an online search for the term and the cruise line you wish to sail. Even better, call a travel agent or the cruise line's booking staff directly, and they can help you find the repositioning cruise that's best for you.

What are the best 2024 repositioning cruises?

14-night transatlantic on carnival glory.

This two-week repositioning voyage on Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Glory departs Barcelona on April 18 and offers just four port calls. The sailing will visit Valencia, Malaga and Las Palmas in Spain, as well as Bermuda, before reaching Port Canaveral, near Orlando, which is the ship's seasonal home base in Florida.

Prices start from $649 per person for an inside cabin.

15-night transatlantic on Rotterdam

On Oct. 12, Holland America 's newest ship, Rotterdam , sets sail on a transatlantic repositioning from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Florida's Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Those ports bookend calls on Bruges, Belgium; Le Havre and Brest, France; England's Isle of Portland; Bermuda; and Half Moon Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas.

Prices begin at $2,074 per person for an inside cabin.

14-night transatlantic on Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Escape will relocate from the Mediterranean to Miami on Nov. 26, offering a repositioning cruise that begins in Barcelona. It calls on Cartagena and Malaga, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; Antigua; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and NCL's private island , Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas along the way.

Fares start at $829 per person for an inside cabin.

16-night Panama Canal transit on Seven Seas Grandeur

For a repositioning sailing that transits one of the world's most impressive modern engineering marvels and offers lots of port stops, check out Regent Seven Seas ' 16-night Panama Canal crossing on Seven Seas Grandeur . Departing from Miami on Dec. 13, passengers can check out Grand Cayman before enjoying calls on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Antigua; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico, before reaching Los Angeles.

Prices for this voyage on Seven Seas Grandeur, which is an all-inclusive, all-suite vessel, start at $10,499 per person.

What are the best 2025 repositioning cruises?

15-night transatlantic on wind spirit.

Windstar Cruises ' Wind Spirit, a masted sailing ship, is repositioning from Barbados to Lisbon, Portugal, on Feb. 22, 2025. However, you'll only want to book this voyage if you're interested in sailing vessels or you're not easily bored. The ship is small, and there are no port calls on the schedule.

Prices start from $2,399 per person for a room with a window.

23-night Panama Canal on Coral Princess

For a lengthy voyage that will allow you to sail from Fort Lauderdale through the Panama Canal to Mexico and then up the California coast before arriving in Canada, check out Princess Cruises ' Coral Princess. Beginning April 10, 2025, the ship is featuring a cruise that's longer than three weeks as it repositions to Vancouver for a season of Alaska sailings .

Fares begin at $1,593 per person for an inside cabin. If you're short on time, you can opt instead for a shorter voyage of 16 nights that also begins on April 10 and ends in Los Angeles before the ship moves on to Canada. Fares for the shorter cruise start from $1,048 per person for inside accommodations.

17-night French Polynesia and Hawaii on Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Edge will relocate from its base in Sydney on April 14, 2025. Its ultimate destination is Vancouver, where it will be stationed for a series of Alaska voyages. On its way, it will take passengers on a 17-night trip to experience the beauty of French Polynesia before concluding the sailing in Honolulu. Port calls include Paihia and Auckland in New Zealand and Raiatea, Papeete and Moorea in French Polynesia.

Rates start at $1,574 per person for an inside cabin.

14-night transatlantic on Odyssey of the Seas

On April 27, 2025, Royal Caribbean 's Odyssey of the Seas is repositioning from Bayonne's Cape Liberty port in New Jersey to Rome. There are only five port stops — Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Malaga, Cartagena and Valencia, Spain; and La Spezia, the port for Cinque Terre in Italy — mixed in among the sea days. However, this Quantum Class vessel has plenty to keep cruisers busy on board. Amenities include surfing and skydiving simulators, bumper cars and a robotic arm that holds a glass-enclosed observation sphere for excellent ocean views.

Fares begin at $829 per person for an inside cabin.

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TRANSATLANTIC CRUISES AND REPOSITIONING CRUISES 2024 - 2025

Venturing through the seas, overcome distances, and building bridges between cultures. The wealth of different perspectives is truly embraced with MSC Grand Voyages. Unlock a world of astonishing discovery with an accurate selection of Transatlantic cruises and repositioning cruises. Delight in the beauty of the open seas sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean or crossing the Atlantic from Europe to Brazil and Argentina. Revel oceans' majesty from South Africa, heading towards the Mediterranean via Seychelles.   For your transatlantic and repositioning cruises in 2024 and 2025, choose from a selection of 37 cruises across 17 different ships, and discover over 35 countries and 100 ports. Sailing on a transoceanic cruise means leisurely gilding across the seas to iconic destinations, finally having time on one's side. With each intercontinental travel lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 days, these Grand Voyages are lengthier than usual! Crossing oceans is to hark back to travel's golden age and relive sea adventures of the past. You'll have numerous options to choose from with MSC Grand Voyages

Venturing through the seas, overcome distances, and building bridges between cultures. The wealth of different perspectives is truly embraced with MSC Grand Voyages. Unlock a world of astonishing discovery with an accurate selection of Transatlantic cruises and repositioning cruises. Delight in the beauty of the open seas sailing from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean or crossing the Atlantic from Europe to Brazil and Argentina. Revel oceans' majesty from South Africa, heading towards the Mediterranean via the Red Sea and Seychelles. 

For your transatlantic and repositioning cruises in 2023 and 2024, choose from a selection of 37 cruises across 17 different ships, and discover over 35 countries and 100 ports. Sailing on a transoceanic cruise means leisurely gilding across the seas to iconic destinations, finally having time on one's side. With each intercontinental travel lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 days, these Grand Voyages are lengthier than usual! Crossing oceans is to hark back to travel's golden age and relive sea adventures of the past. You'll have numerous options to choose from with MSC Grand Voyages

MSC GRAND VOYAGES DESTINATIONS

Transatlantic cruises.

Choose the best Transatlantic cruises in 2024 and 2025. Sailing across the Atlantic between Old World treasures, the shores of idyllic isles, and the New World's lush landscapes. MSC Cruises' transatlantic cruises sail to historic hotspots like Venice, Genoa, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Hamburg through the warm welcome of Mallorca, Casablanca, Canary Islands and the Caribbean . Reach South America and live the distinctive warmth of  Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires . Each cross Atlantic cruise is an extraordinary snapshot of the diverse and beautiful wonders that span the ocean. Book now the most exciting Atlantic crossing!

Repositioning Cruises

From the Mediterranean to South Africa, cruise through incomparable sites of historical value and beauty. Transoceanic cruises include those to the Mediterranean and back from cosmopolitan Durban or gorgeous Cape Town in South Africa. On these routes, delight in the paradise Isles of Réunion and Mauritius , before heading to the beaches, art and culture of the Mediterranean.

BOUNDLESS HORIZONS: A GRAND VOYAGE OF ENRICHING ON-BOARD EXPERIENCES

Enjoy fun new experiences around the clock on an MSC Cruises' ship

You’ll find plenty of entertainment on board your ship, browsing the on-board shops, playing tennis or going bowling. Enrich your mind with fascinating destination lectures, arts, and crafts classes. Creative souls will find joy in cake design, painting classes, and the art of calligraphy. For those seeking laughter and delight, a cartoon caricaturist, line dancing, and the joyous Ship Choir await. You can also attend dance classes, spanning from Ballroom to Reggaeton*. Or simply spend some time relaxing poolside. *all activities depending on availability 

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Reposition Cruises

Taking a Distinctive Voyage on Norwegian Cruise Line means just that. Whether it's a Pacific Coastal or East Coast, Panama Canal or Transatlantic Cruise, you'll see more of the world by departing and arriving in two different cities. Enjoy long and relaxing days at sea on a Transatlantic voyage and discover limitless ways to escape on board. Or experience the grandeur of crossing the Panama Canal - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you'll never forget. Along the way, travel to exotic, out-of-the-way places you've only dreamed of. Postcards don't do these journeys justice.

Every spring and fall our ships relocate to new and exotic places with the opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Since these cruises are usually longer, they offer more time to make the kind of memories you won't stop talking about.

Discover the world's greatest shortcut, the Panama Canal. Explore the majesty that unfolds up the Pacific Coastline. Or escape to the Caribbean for a little snorkeling and sightseeing. Only Norwegian gives you the freedom of Freestyle Cruising®. Don't let these special cruises pass you by.

Slip off your watch and slip into holiday mode. A cruise along the East Coast will take you to historic ports on the Atlantic Ocean in Bermuda, Canada & New England, or the Caribbean. Your wonderful adventure begins here.

Transatlantic

People have been cruising across the Atlantic Ocean for centuries, and now is your chance to share this amazing perspective. Enjoy relaxing days on board and take advantage of the flexibility that only Freestyle Cruising can offer.

Panama Canal

Traversing the 40-mile Panama Canal is a rite of passage and something you'll remember for a lifetime. Add in compelling ports like Cartagena, Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas, and you're in for a unique adventure.

Pacific Coastal

Mix the big city cool of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver with quaint towns like Astoria or Victoria, and you've got a fantastic cruise holiday on the Pacific Coast.

There's no better way to experience the history, the landmarks and the culture of Europe than with the freedom and flexibility of our exclusive Freestyle Cruising. Unpack once and wake up to a new city every day all across Europe and around the Mediterranean.

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5 best Princess repositioning cruises in 2024 from Vancouver (September, fall months)

The Princess cruise ships that are in Vancouver in the summer are doing Alaska cruises. So they will be repositioning away from Vancouver at the end of the Alaska cruise season, which is September.

This means that the cruise before every one of these repositioning cruises listed below is an Alaska cruise, so look into booking a back-to-back cruise! You can go to Alaska before you start the repositioning cruise from Vancouver!

On a cost per day basis, repositioning cruises are some of the cheapest cruises you’ll find. Longer one-way cruises with lots of sea days tend to be cheaper (that is the typical description of a repositioning cruise!) than a 7-day round trip cruise with a lot of port stops.

I have done a repositioning cruise from Vancouver on a Princess cruise ship, and of course it’s always fun to look for more! 😁 Here are the Princess repositioning cruises from Vancouver in fall 2024!

1. 30-day Vancouver to New Zealand cruise (one-way)

September 21, 2024 | Royal Princess

📍 Where does this cruise go? After leaving Vancouver, this cruise has 1 port in Canada, 1 port in Oregon, 3 ports in California, 2 ports in Hawaii, 2 ports in French Polynesia, 1 port in American Samoa, 1 port in New Zealand (before Auckland)… and then arrives in Auckland! ⚓ What cruise ports are on this itinerary? Vancouver Canada, Victoria Canada, Astoria Oregon, San Francisco California, San Diego California, Los Angeles California, Honolulu Hawaii, Maui Hawaii, Tahiti French Polynesia (overnight), Moorea French Polynesia, Pago Pago American Samoa, Tauranga New Zealand, Auckland New Zealand 🌊 How many sea days are on this cruise? There are 18 sea days! You will be crossing the international date line on one of those sea days! 📆 When does the cruise start and end? This cruise starts in Vancouver on September 21, and it arrives in Auckland on October 22. ⛰ What is the cruise before Vancouver? The last Alaska cruise for the Royal Princess can be booked as a 7-day one-way cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver that starts on September 14, or a 14-day round trip cruise from Vancouver that starts on September 7. ⚓ What is the next cruise after Auckland? After the cruise ship leaves Auckland, it heads to Sydney, stopping by the New Zealand cruise port of Picton first. 👪 How many passengers can be on this cruise ship? The Royal Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,560 at double occupancy.

• 5 minute walk from Pike Place Market
• public transport nearby
• few minutes walk to the waterfront

🤓 Be informed : Here is the New Zealand bucket list to help you decide if you should stay a week or more in New Zealand before flying back! Or use Auckland as a jumping off point to go to more South Pacific islands like the Cook Islands ! Then, to go to the US, Hawaiian Airlines has a direct flight from the Cook Islands to Hawaii. 😁

Princess repositioning cruise to New Zealand in 2024:

• September 21 on the Royal Princess: 30 day cruise from Vancouver to Auckland

You can search for cruises at Expedia. There’s a “transpacific” filter under “going to.” For example: Transpacific cruises . I’m an Expedia partner.

2. 36-day Vancouver to Australia cruise (one-way)

📍 Where does this cruise go? After leaving Vancouver, this cruise has 1 port in Canada, 1 port in Oregon, 3 ports in California, 2 ports in Hawaii, 2 ports in French Polynesia, 1 port in American Samoa, 3 ports in New Zealand… and then arrives in Sydney Australia! ⚓ What cruise ports are on this itinerary? Vancouver Canada, Victoria Canada, Astoria Oregon, San Francisco California, San Diego California, Los Angeles California, Honolulu Hawaii, Maui Hawaii, Tahiti French Polynesia (overnight), Moorea French Polynesia, Pago Pago American Samoa, Tauranga New Zealand, Auckland New Zealand, Picton New Zealand, Sydney Australia 🌊 How many sea days are on this cruise? There are 22 sea days! You will be crossing the international date line on one of those sea days! 📆 When does the cruise start and end? This cruise starts in Vancouver on September 21, and it arrives in Sydney on October 28. ⛰ What is the cruise before Vancouver? The last Alaska cruise for the Royal Princess can be booked as a 7-day one-way cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver that starts on September 14, or a 14-day round trip cruise from Vancouver that starts on September 7. ⚓ What is the next cruise after Sydney? On October 28, the Royal Princess starts a 13-day cruise to South Pacific islands, including 1 port in New Caledonia, 1 port in Vanuatu, and 3 ports in Fiji! 👪 How many passengers can be on this cruise ship? The Royal Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,560 at double occupancy.

🤓 Be informed : Here is the Australia bucket list to help you decide if you should stay a week or more in Australia before flying back! Generally speaking, May to October is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef .

Princess repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Australia in 2024:

• September 21 on the Royal Princess: 36 day cruise from Vancouver to Sydney Australia

3. 13-day Vancouver to Hawaii cruise (one-way)

📍 Where does this cruise go? After leaving Vancouver, this cruise has 1 port in Canada, 1 port in Oregon, 3 ports in California, and then arrives in Honolulu. ⚓ What cruise ports are on this itinerary? Vancouver Canada, Victoria Canada, Astoria Oregon, San Francisco California, San Diego California, Los Angeles California, Honolulu Hawaii 🌊 How many sea days are on this cruise? There are 7 sea days. 📆 When does the cruise start and end? This cruise starts in Vancouver on September 21, and it arrives in Honolulu on October 4. ⛰ What is the cruise before Vancouver? There is a 14-day round trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver that starts on September 7. ⚓ What is the next cruise after Honolulu? After the cruise ship leaves Honolulu, it heads to New Zealand and Australia, stopping by South Pacific islands in French Polynesia and American Samoa. 👪 How many passengers can be on this cruise ship? The Royal Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,560 at double occupancy.

🤓 Be informed #1 : Honolulu is on the island of Oahu, and it’s where you can go to Pearl Harbor National Memorial . To check some national parks off your bucket list, you’ll need to go to the island of Maui for Haleakala National Park and the Big Island for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .

🤓 Be informed #2 : It is possible to book a one-way cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver that is the cruise right before the repositioning cruise, but personally I would not feel comfortable booking that.

That would mean you would be embarking in one US cruise port (in Alaska) and disembarking in a different US cruise port (in Hawaii), and the laws about embarking and disembarking in 2 different US cruise ports seems ambiguous.

I read a story in a cruise facebook group about someone who had booked back-to-back cruises individually in a similar way (it was another cruise line), and just a few weeks before the cruise, they were contacted by the cruise line and told they can’t do that.

Maybe there’s something about this specific itinerary that would actually make it okay (I have no idea), but the uncertainty of it makes me feel uneasy about booking it myself! Research before you book!

If the cruise line is selling it as a cruise from one US cruise port to another (like a Panama Canal cruise from California to Florida ), then it’s not a problem, but when you would be booking 2 individual cruises, know before you book!

Princess repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii in 2024:

• September 21 on the Royal Princess: 13 day cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu

4. 20-day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver (one-way cruise to Florida)

September 24, 2024 | Sapphire Princess

📍 Where does this cruise go? After leaving Vancouver, this cruise has 1 port in Canada, 1 port in California, 1 port in Mexico, 1 port in Guatemala, 1 port in Panama, Panama Canal Full Transit New Locks scenic cruising day, 1 port in Colombia, and then arrives in Fort Lauderdale Florida. ⚓ What cruise ports are on this itinerary? Vancouver Canada, Victoria Canada, San Francisco California, Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Puerto Quetzal Guatemala, Fuerte Amador (Panama City) Panama, Cartagena Colombia, Fort Lauderdale Florida. 🌊 How many sea days are on this cruise? There are 11 sea days, plus 1 scenic cruising day (Panama Canal). 📆 When does the cruise start and end? This cruise starts in Vancouver on September 24, and it arrives in Fort Lauderdale on October 14. ⛰ What is the cruise before Vancouver? The last Alaska cruise for the Sapphire Princess is a 10-day round trip cruise from Vancouver that starts on September 14. ⚓ What is the next cruise after Fort Lauderdale? The next cruise is a 10-day Caribbean cruise that goes to 6 islands that starts on October 14. The following cruise that starts on October 24 is another 10-day Caribbean cruise that goes to 6 islands, but goes to several islands that the first cruise doesn’t go to. 👪 How many passengers can be on this cruise ship? The Sapphire Princess has a passenger capacity of 2,670 at double occupancy.

🤓 Be informed #1 : There are the new locks and the old locks of the Panama Canal. This cruise goes through the new locks.

🤓 Be informed #2 : You can also start this Panama Canal cruise on the Sapphire Princess from San Francisco as a 16-day Panama Canal cruise from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale .

Princess repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Florida in 2024:

• September 24 on Sapphire Princess: 20 day cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale FL

5. 7-day Vancouver to Los Angeles cruise (one-way)

September 21 | Royal Princess September 28 | Discovery Princess

Even a 7-day repositioning cruise you can turn into a long cruise by doing the last Alaska cruise of the season before you start the repositioning part of the cruise from Vancouver!

📍 Where does this cruise go? After leaving Vancouver, this cruise has 1 port in Canada, 1 port in Oregon, 2 ports in California (before LA), and then arrives in Los Angeles. ⚓ What cruise ports are on this itinerary? Vancouver Canada, Victoria Canada, Astoria Oregon, San Francisco California, San Diego California, Los Angeles California, Honolulu Hawaii 🌊 How many sea days are on this cruise? There are 2 sea days. 📆 When does the cruise start and end? The Royal Princess cruise starts in Vancouver on September 21, and it arrives in Los Angeles on September 28. The Discovery Princess cruise starts in Vancouver on September 28, and it arrives in Los Angeles on October 5. ⛰ What is the cruise before Vancouver? The Royal Princess does a 14-day round trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver that starts on September 7. ⚓ What is the next cruise after Los Angeles? The Royal Princess continues on to Hawaii, the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. The Discovery Princess will be based in Los Angeles to do a 7-day round trip California coast cruise starting on October 5, and after that does a 7-day round trip Mexico cruise starting on October 12. 👪 How many passengers can be on this cruise ship? The Royal Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,560 at double occupancy. The Discovery Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,660.

🤓 Be informed #1 : This is basically a California coast cruise! It can be a perfect cruise if you want to get a taste for coastal California cities.

🤓 Be informed #2 : To check a national park off your bucket list after a cruise to Los Angeles, you’ll want to rent a car and go to Joshua Tree National Park (3 hours from LA) or Death Valley National Park (5 hours from LA). You can also take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park from a harbor that is 1.5 hours from LA.

🤓 Be informed #3 : To check a national park off your bucket list after a cruise to San Francisco, you’ll want to rent a car and go to Yosemite National Park that is 4 hours away from San Francisco. If you’re ambitious, do the Majestic Mountain Loop to go to Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park in 3 days! Redwoods National Park is 5.5 hours from San Francisco up the California coast.

🤓 Be informed #4 : See “be informed #2” under the Vancouver to Hawaii cruise section if you are consider doing an Alaska cruise and want to make your final destination Los Angeles.

Princess repositioning cruises from Vancouver to California in 2024:

• September 21 on Royal Princess: 7 day cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles
• September 28 on Discovery Princess: 7 day cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles
• September 24 on Sapphire Princess: 4 day cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco
• September 25 on Grand Princess: 4 day cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles
• September 26 on Ruby Princess: 3 day cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco

More cruise searches for fun: Best Alaska cruises from San Francisco (back-to-back cruises that go to Alaska and Hawaii or Mexico!)

What Princess cruise ships are in Vancouver?

In 2024, the Princess cruise ships with Alaska cruises from Vancouver are the Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, and Sapphire Princess.

The other Princess cruise ships in Alaska are the Crown Princess (from San Francisco) and Majestic Princess (from Seattle).

In 2025, the Princess cruise ships with Alaska cruises from Vancouver are the Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Grand Princess, and Sapphire Princess.

The other Princess cruise ships going to Alaska are the Discovery Princess (Seattle), Royal Princess (Seattle), and Ruby Princess (San Francisco).

HAPPY CRUISING FROM VANCOUVER!

👆 Top row: San Francisco, Hawaii, American Samoa. Bottom row: New Zealand, French Polynesia, Vancouver.

Emerald Azzura Repositioning to the Caribbean for 2024-25 Season

• June 5, 2024

Emerald Cruises today announced that the Emerald Azzurra is repositioning to the Caribbean for the 2024-25 winter season.

According to a press release, the 100-guest luxury yacht was previously scheduled to sail in the Red Sea and will now offer new itineraries to less-traveled Caribbean islands.

This redeployment comes in response to strong demand for the Caribbean sailings onboard the Emerald Sakara, which have nearly reached full capacity for the upcoming season, Emerald Cruises said.

“Our decision to increase our Caribbean presence reflects the strong guest interest in this region and aligns with changes in the Red Sea conditions,” said Nichola Absalom, managing director, sales & marketing, Scenic Group UK.

“This adjustment not only enhances our offerings in highly sought-after destinations but ensures guests’ safety and satisfaction. The new schedule of the Emerald Azzurra has been meticulously crafted to access unique ports that larger vessels simply cannot reach, providing exclusive and intimate exploration for all onboard,” he added.

In addition to increasing Emerald Cruises’ presence in the Caribbean, the repositioning postpones the 2024-25 Seychelles season to prioritize guest safety in light of the ongoing situation in the Red Sea.

The new itineraries sail between December 14, 2024, and February 22, 2025, and include the “Discover the Yachting Islands of the Caribbean” cruise.

According to Emerald, the 15-day itinerary offers an “intimate glimpse into the life of the Caribbean’s smaller ports,” showcasing the unique culture and pace of island life.

The voyage features visit to less-traveled destinations in the Caribbean, the company added, including Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Montserrat and Antigua.

Other highlights include an overnight stay in St. Barths and visits to the islands of Guadeloupe and Barbuda.

Emerald Cruises’ full collection of yacht cruise itineraries is currently being offered with a 30 percent discount, the company added.

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Royal Caribbean International Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises with Royal Caribbean means experiencing the excitement and culture of one destination and ending with the exploration and discovery of another. You may spend a few days learning and immersing yourself in an ancient civilization in Cozumel, and then travel to the luxurious and unique society and people that you can find in Dubai. Craft the perfect cruise vacation, mapping out the most important destinations--allowing yourself to match and optimize your voyage. Choose a Repositioning Cruise with Royal Caribbean and make memories you and your family will cherish forever.

Things to Do on a Repositioning Cruise with Royal Caribbean

Coast to coast, country to country, with the best excursions along the way. Your repositioning cruise will be the most excellent vacation once you book some perfect cruise excursions. Frolic with the flamingos in Kralendijk, Bonaire, go swimming with the dolphins in Curacao, or have some afternoon tea in St. Kitts. You may even go kayaking in Manatee Cove, or an off-road safari as well. Do yourself a favor, speak with one of our cruise consultants and start planning the vacation of a lifetime today.

• 4x4 Arawak Off Road Safari (Kralendijk, Bonaire) Take a safari filled with authentic traces of the Arawak Indians on a roving 4X4 vehicle. Pass through the rural areas of Hato and Sabadeco, along the blue ocean, and into the village of Rincon. Finally, you’ll visit the Boca Onima bay, featuring raw, unique shoreline and incredible Indian designs.  

• Fairview Greathouse Plantation Estate Afternoon Tea (Basseterre, St. Kitts) Have you ever had High Tea in a West Indian Great House near a tropical garden? Time to check something off your bucket list with this unique excursion. Tour the Great House, enjoy some fine tea, and walk amongst the tropical plants in the Botanical Garden for a complete day and bliss.  

• Dolphin Freedive Snorkel (Willemstad, Curacao) Join an underwater dolphin party with this awesome excursion opportunity. Freedive in the lagoon and give a dolphin a kiss as you swim and interact with them in this underwater world. The program lasts for about 30 minutes.  

• Flamingo Salt Tour (Kralendijk, Bonaire) Visit one of the most magnificent mangroves in the Caribbean while at port at Kralendijk. You’ll come in close contact with the long-legged, somewhat awkward and yet strangely graceful flamingo during your day, as well as some donkeys and goats. Then dip in the water at Sorobon Beach and have a nice drink before heading to the salt flats for some history and more flamingos.  

• Kayaking at Manatee Cove (Port Canaveral) Learn, interact and view some fantastic wildlife by kayak with this excursion. You’ll see West Indian manatees, bottlenosed dolphins and countless other birds, animals and plants. This is a splendid look at Manatee Cove you’ll never forget.  

• Panama Canal Tour (Colon, Panama) Take a narrated drive to Balboa, where a ferry will take you through the Miraflores Locks, along the scenic Miraflores Lake and then through the Pedro Miguel Locks. Lunch buffet is included in this comprehensive canal excursion.  

Top 10 Royal Caribbean International Repositioning Cruises

• Serenade of the Seas 22N ULT. ICELAND, GREENLAND & CARIBBEAN Departing From Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
• Jewel of the Seas 16 NIGHT ICELAND & GREENLAND CRUISE Departing From Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
• Brilliance of the Seas 14 NIGHT PANAMA CANAL EASTWARD CRUISE Departing From Los Angeles, California (Sep 2024)
• Quantum of the Seas 14 NIGHT SEATTLE TO TOKYO CRUISE Departing From Seattle, Washington (Sep 2024)
• Radiance of the Seas 16 NIGHT PANAMA CANAL CRUISE Departing From Los Angeles, California (Oct 2024)
• Ovation of the Seas 18 NIGHT TRANSPACIFIC CRUISE Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Oct 2024)
• Oasis of the Seas 14 NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Oct 2024)
• Adventure of the Seas 12 NT PORTUGAL & PERFECT DAY CROSSING Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida (Oct 2024)
• Explorer of the Seas 12 NIGHT SPAIN & AZORES TRANSATLANTIC Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Nov 2024)
• Odyssey of the Seas 14 NIGHT SPANISH TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Nov 2024)

Royal Caribbean International Repositioning Departure Ports

Learn more about the different departure ports for a Repositioning cruise with Royal Caribbean. Your Royal Caribbean Repositioning cruise could begin in any of the following cities:

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

Photo Gallery for Royal Caribbean International Repositioning Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of Repositioning cruising photos from Royal Caribbean. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Royal Caribbean Repositioning cruise vacation.

Desert Road in Bonaire

High Tea with flowers and treats

Man kissing dolphin in the water

Miraflores Locks in Panama Canal

Pink flamingos on the island of Bonaire

West Indian Manatee swimming

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Embark on a cross-continental journey with us as our lady ships set sail from their homeports in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic — seeking out the most gorgeous weather possible.

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Funchal, madeira, gran canaria, miami, florida, palma de mallorca, santa cruz de tenerife, an ocean crossing that lets you (atlantic) sea it all.

With a homeport only steps from Barcelona's diverse neighborhoods and the famed urban beach of La Barceloneta, Sailors will uncover hidden secrets from local market cooking classes to modern and historic art in this vibrant seaside, architecturally stunning European city.

With a home port only steps from Civitavecchia's diverse neighborhoods, Sailors will uncover hidden secrets from local market cooking classes to modern and historic art in this vibrant seaside, architecturally stunning European city.

One of the oldest cities in Europe, this gorgeous Spanish city is drenched in sailing history and rich Andalusian culture. With its close proximity to Seville and dotted with vivid green water and bright white buildings, Cádiz moves to a thrilling beat — where the sound of flamenco hangs in the air.

Tour one of the countless museums, palaces, churches or mosques that pepper the city, appreciate the Herculean architecture, immerse yourself in the eclectic food scene, soak up the sun on one of their white sand beaches or peruse the local shops.

Tucked between the mountains and the Madeira coastline, Funchal is known as, "God's Floating Garden". From its center, filled with bars, cafes, and galleries, to the flora-covered coasts and dramatic cliffs that line the emerald-blue sea — this Portuguese city (and its wine) beg to be experienced.

From the stretches of shimmering white beaches and golden sand dunes to the buzzing capital of Las Palmas, this subtropical island is full of both endless natural wonders and trendy European flair. Days can be spent hiking, scuba diving, or exploring the city’s center for fresh seafood and martinis.

Often regarded as one of the most exciting cities in the world, Istanbul is more than a place, but an experience. See architectural wonders, peruse countless vendors, appreciate the ladened museums, and indulge in the eclectic fare here in the aptly nicknamed “city of the world’s desire.”

Known as the city that glows, the Portugese capital sits atop seven hills that form a natural amphitheater, reflecting light all around. Beyond the cosmic gleam, Lisbon is filled with dreamy, seaside romance — from the white-sand beaches to wine-tasting along the cobbled streets downtown.

Uncover centuries of history in one of the oldest cities in Europe and among the oldest continuously inhabited in the world. Sailors can venture off to visit Alhambra, a beautiful old-world palace, or just spend the day reveling in the small town charm.

From the art scene in Wynwood to the shores of Miami Beach, Florida's Magic City is a perfect collision of relaxation and tradition. Whether you're getting down at a taco shop-turned live music performance or lounging on a yacht, Miami makes for one perfect cruise destination and home port.

Hop-On Hop-Off Miami

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This capital city of the island of Mallorca is the perfect dose of countryside serenity you might expect from a secluded Balearic island. Bike through picturesque villages, enjoy art in Valldemossa or stop off at a family-owned winery with a history so rich, you can taste it with each sip.

From the marine life in the bays or radiance of San Juan's nightlife, Puerto Rico glows. Punctuated by El Yunque rainforest and the shores of Isla Verde and Condado beaches, San Juan is perfectly located to easily access all the geographical and cultural diversity that makes Puerto Rico so special.

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Valencia truly encompasses everything that the Mediterranean is about. Take a tour through the incredible old town tasting wine and indulging in as many tapas as you can, tour the litany of impressive architectural gems that call this eclectic city home or go on an outdoor adventure.

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

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11 Ways to Find a Cheap Cruise: The Secrets of Cruise Discounts in 2024

By Tamara Hinson

May 31, 2024

Bag a shoulder season deal

In travel, shoulder season is the period between peak season and low season, and you’ll find it in cruising, too. Cruise lines don’t only offer consistently lower prices during shoulder season sailings—they’ll typically offer regular flash sales during these times, too. 

“Keep an eye out for flash sales during shoulder seasons,” says Elaine Warren, founder of specialist cruise travel agency FamilyCruiseCompanion.com . “Cruise lines are desperate to fill ships during these times. I've found some real steals by being ready to book as soon as I see a great offer pop up.” 

Bear in mind that different regions have different shoulder seasons. In Alaska, for example, the main shoulder seasons are April and early May, and then at the end of summer between September and mid-October. Europe’s shoulder seasons are April and May, and then again in September to November. For Caribbean cruises, it’s May, June, and July and then in December, January, and March.

Try to book at least six months in advance 

Passionate cruisers Don and Heidi Bucolo, founders of top cruise blog EatSleepCruise.com , say that advance booking can be a key to great deals. 

“Our advice is to book cruises between 6 and 12 months in advance. Typically, cruise prices tend to go up closer to the sail date, especially for newer ships or for more desirable travel dates.”

Consider repositioning cruises 

Repositioning cruises are one-way sailings during which ships relocate from one region to another, like when they switch between summer Europe sailings to a winter Caribbean schedule. Because these voyages typically cross entire oceans, they’re a great way to see multiple regions. 

You’ll need to brush up on shoulder seasons to find the best deals. For example, autumn is when ships based in the Mediterranean are most likely to head to the Caribbean’s sunnier shores, while spring is when ships based in the Middle East often reposition to the Mediterranean. But when you find a good repositioning run the savings can be huge.  

“Repositioning cruises can be 50% cheaper than regular sailings, offering great value and the chance to discover destinations many travelers overlook,” says Jeremy Clubb, founder of Antarctica Cruises .

Consider an itinerary with fewer port days 

On the itinerary of the cruise you’re considering, pay extra attention to the number of in-port days and the number of sea days. Doing so can help make your money go further while also making sure you get the most out of your sailing.  

“I always try to weigh up port days versus sea days based on the [client’s] interests and budget,” says travel advisor Elaine Warren, founder of FamilyCruiseCompanion.com . “Extra time on board means fewer shore excursions, and excursion costs can really add up over a week.”

Leverage your loyalty

If you’re considering booking with a cruise line you’ve sailed with before, ask for a loyalty discount. Remember that it always pays to ask. "Even if your preferred cruise line doesn’t explicitly promote loyalty discounts, there’s absolutely no harm in asking for one,” says Jeremy Clubb at Antarctica Cruises . “More often than not, you’ll be successful because cruise lines prefer to incentivize repeat business rather than spend more attracting new customers.”

Book your next cruise while you’re still aboard

When you’re still on a cruise, you’ll almost always be able to get a discount off future sailings on the same cruise line, and many ships have special booking desks set up expressly to handle new reservations. Some lines will also give you onboard credits to use for expenses on your next voyage. So if you’re planning another vacation with the same cruise line, don’t wait until you’re on dry land.

Ask about special discounts

You may not know that many cruise lines offer fixed discounts to shareholders, military personnel, senior citizens, and members of the armed forces. And the reason you may not know is they’re usually poorly advertised, and when they are, details are often vague at best. 

For example, Royal Caribbean promotes discounts for anyone aged 55 and over ( RoyalCaribbean.com ) but only on selected cruises, while Cunard touts onboard credit offers to members of the armed forces ( Cunard.com/en-us/military ). Norwegian Cruise Line gets bonus points for clearly laying out its discounts for shareholders on a dedicated page ( NCLhltd.com ) although there’s no information relating to other discounts.

It’s important to bear in mind that cruise lines won’t necessarily shout about available discounts—if you don’t ask, you won’t get them.

Don’t hold out for last-minute bargains 

These days, waiting for last-minute cruise discounts can end up costing you more. 

“While cruise lines once used last-minute reductions to fill their ships, there’s not currently any need for them,” says Chris Owen, founder of ChrisCruises.com ). “This is because, currently, post-pandemic, there’s no need as there’s still this huge pent-up demand.”

Hold off booking that expedition cruise

If you dream of exploring Antarctica or gawping at the Galapagos’ sea lions but you’re put off by the high prices associated with this type of cruise, don’t despair. Cruise lines are constructing an ever-growing number of expedition-style ships serving these destinations, and as availability to these regions increases with time, prices are likely to fall. 

“More cruise lines are starting to offer expedition voyages,” say Don and Heidi at EatSleepCruise.com . “In the coming years, there will be an increase in the number of cruises being offered to places once considered remote—destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic Circle and the Galapagos are all becoming more accessible.”

Consider older ships

Only looking at new ships could cost you dearly, and the rewards aren’t necessarily worth it.

 “Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas , the world's largest cruise ship, has cruise fares which are close to double what you might pay for similar sailings on other megaships from the brand's older Oasis-class ships, which were once record-breaking ships and still have loads of onboard attractions and amenities,” says the team behind  EatSleepCruise.com . “To get the most value for your money, we’d suggest looking at ships which are between 5 and 7 years old. These will still offer some of the best on-board options in terms of restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife but will be considerably cheaper than ships which are 1 or 2 years old.”

Use a trusted travel advisor

As tempting as it might be to go it alone, booking through a travel agency—ideally, one specializing in cruises—will frequently result in the best deals. Because they deal with the cruise lines often, travel advisors may know how to find the best discounts, too. 

“Travel advisors can access the best perks, like on-board credit and free gratuities, as well as other promotions in addition to the deals the cruise line might be offering at that time,” say Don and Heidi of EatSleepCruise.com . “Additionally, they’ll be able to help with any issues that may arise before or during your trip.”

If you know the specific line and departure date you want to take but don’t know a good travel agent to book it with,  CruiseCompete.com , which has been running since 2003, allows travelers to obtain free price quotes from multiple travel agents at the same time. Many of them will throw in upgrades or onboard credits to earn your business.

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Celebrity ascent: the best dining, amenities and more on celebrity cruises' newest ship.

Top-notch eateries, adults-only areas and entertainment options stand out.

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois

Key Takeaways

• There are 32 different dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the line's iconic Martini Bar.
• The onboard entertainment is incredible. The "Awaken" show combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars. 
• The Solarium adults-only pool area is a relaxing spot with comfortable lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs; head to Eden for delightful cocktails and optimal sunset views.

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Find your perfect cruise

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

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Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

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• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
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• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

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