Vacationing Aboard a Repositioning Cruise Ship

Thinking about cruising overseas but find it a bit pricey?  Consider a repositioning cruise. 

What is a repositioning cruise, you say?

A repositioning cruise is when a ship moves to another embarkation region.  This is usually done seasonably.  The most common itineraries feature Alaska to Hawaii sailings as well as spring Caribbean to Mediterranean sailings and vice versa in the fall.  These cruises are one-way trips, so travel arrangements must be made upon disembarking.

All cruises require proof of citizenship.  If you are not flying overseas, a passport card will do.  This costs less than a regular passport, and we use them every time we travel domestically.  Sometimes just a driver’s license or government issued ID will do, but the passport card is accepted every time without question, and they are good for ten years; and children’s for five years.  However, when you travel to another country, whether flying or disembarking from your one-way cruise ship, passports are required for all family members, including infants, and must have two or more blank pages.  Both passports and passport cards must be valid at least six months before you travel.  Check with the State Department to see if the country you plan to travel to requires specific documentation.

When planning a repositioning cruise, consider arriving at your departure port at least a day in advance to avoid delays.  You won’t want to miss your ship due to weather conditions or accident delays along the way.  Giving yourself an extra day or two will also give you time to relax and prepare for embarkation.  Believe me, you can expect almost anything to happen on embarkation day.  We have seen delays that seem like hours waiting in line to board.  By the time you get on the ship, you are exhausted.  Think how much worse it would be if you travel on the same day.  The same goes for post-cruise arrangements.  If you schedule your flight the day you arrive, there may be delays getting to the airport; and sometimes the port authority can cause disembarking delays.  Consult us for pre- and post-cruise hotel packages and flight arrangements for a much more relaxing vacation.

There is no restriction on how much luggage you can bring on board repositioning cruise ships; however, if you make flight arrangements, extra luggage may add to the cost of your trip.

What you pack will also depend on when and where you will be cruising to.  If you are heading towards the north, you may consider warmer clothing; and lighter clothing if you are traveling towards the warmer Caribbean.  

When researching the ports of call, it is important to determine exactly how long your cruise ship will stay docked there.  If you have enough time, you may be able to leave the ship and see what the port area has to offer, or take an excursion. 

By keeping the above-mentioned points in mind, you could make the most out of your repositioning cruise.  If you are interested in booking such a cruise, you are encouraged to schedule your reservation with us today. You can get an unbelievable deal on a repositioning cruise, but they don’t last.  A reservation is the best way to ensure that you will be able to have this amazing experience.   Contact us for more information.