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Repositioning Cruises

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Luxury Repositioning Cruises

Sail from one incredible destination to another on one of our luxury repositioning cruises. Explore Europe’s dynamic cities. Lounge on Fort Lauderdale’s stunning beaches. Spend relaxed days on board one of our luxury cruise ships in the award-winning spa, dipping in the sparkling pool, and tasting world-class culinary creations inspired by global destinations. With plenty of days at sea and stops in some of the most coveted ports in the world, these repositioning cruises promise adventure both on and off the ship.

Browse Repositioning Cruise Itineraries

Itineraries, view all repositioning cruises, explore two continents on an unforgettable repositioning cruise.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean aboard our spectacular repositioning cruises. Sail from one continent to another on an award-winning ship , and experience unrivaled luxury, service, and entertainment as it relocates from one region of the world to another.

In the late fall, our repositioning cruises sail from Europe, where you’ll depart from fascinating cities like Lisbon, Southampton, and Rome, to North America. Stop in stunning destinations such as Nice, Provence, the Azores, and the Canary Islands, and luxuriate in consecutive days at sea before arriving at your debarkation port in Florida or the Northeast. Or cruise between Europe and South America on a cruise from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro and explore ports in the Canary Islands and Brazil. 

In the early spring, our transatlantic cruises depart from the United States and head back across the Atlantic, stopping in beautiful European destinations along the way, such as the islands of Palma de Mallorca and Corsica, before arriving in Rome, Southampton, and Lisbon.

Whether you choose to board a relocation cruise in the spring or fall, you’ll find a wealth of options to choose from. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll explore the sun-soaked Mediterranean, visit popular ports across Western Europe, or stop in Iceland and Greenland along the way. 

Sail across the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean on a transpacific cruise that travels from Asia to North America—and vice versa. Depart from the exciting city of Tokyo and stop in destinations in Russia and Japan along the way. A highlight of a transpacific cruise is traversing the International Dateline.

You can also board one of our repositioning cruises between Hawaii and Australia. Depart from either Honolulu or Sydney and visit breathtaking islands in the South Pacific, including New Zealand’s idyllic Bay of Islands, dreamy destinations in French Polynesia like Bora Bora and Tahiti, and the tropical islands of Hawaii.

Aside from these remarkable journeys across continents, we also have exciting repositioning cruises that travel from one destination to another within the Western Hemisphere. Sail between San Diego or Los Angeles and Vancouver and cruise along the Pacific Coast, stopping in destinations throughout California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada along the way. Or combine a tropical vacation in the Caribbean with sightseeing in the Northeast by embarking on an open-jaw itinerary between Miami and Cape Liberty or Boston; San Juan and Cape Liberty; or a Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan.

On all of our repositioning cruises, you’ll have access to exciting venues and unlimited entertainment. Spend days at sea lounging by the outdoor pool or relaxing at the indoor solarium. Schedule a day at the spa and choose from a number of reinvigorating and revitalizing treatments. Dine on delicious dishes designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Dance under the stars at one of our rooftop lounges. There’s no shortage of magic and adventure awaiting on a Celebrity cruise.

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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.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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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Repositioning Cruises from $796*

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Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises are the perfect way to bask in the wonder of cruising.

Stand aboard a luxurious cruise ship as the ocean breeze flows through your hair and soothes your senses. Experience the sights and sounds of the water and the marine life as you cross some of the world’s largest bodies of water. Stop along the way, and discover new cultures, peoples and attractions you never dreamed of. Expect a memorable cruise!

Things to Do on a Repositioning Cruise

In order to make sure cruisers have the best possible weather conditions for both their pleasure and their safety, cruise ships institute time limits for cruises to certain regions. For instance, most cruises to Alaska take place from May until September when the weather is warm. When the last Alaska cruise comes to completion, cruise lines don’t just keep their ships empty till May, they sail to a new region of the world. These trips from one destination to another, for instance Alaska to the Caribbean or Europe to the Caribbean, are called repositioning cruises. The most popular of these are transatlantic cruises, featuring plenty of days at sea to enjoy the amenities of your ship. But don't sleep on transpacific cruises, as they explore some of the most secluded, beautiful islands in the world. Featured below are highlights from possible repositioning cruises:

• A stop in Bangkok is sure to leave you with plenty of options for adventure. Spend the day visiting several stunning and intricately designed temples, or go to one of the many tailors in the city who will custom tailor an outfit at an affordable price.  
• Enjoy a fruit market, beautiful colonial era architecture and a museum with traditional African masks in Dakar, Senegal. Make sure to have your camera ready as your tour this fascinating city on Africa’s west coast.  

• Spend an afternoon walking along Las Ramblas in Barcelona where you can try some of Spain’s most tasty treats, like tapas, paella and pintxos. While strolling along this scenic tree-lined pedestrian mall, you'll pass some of Barcelona's most historic buildings and get a better understanding for the city's culture.  
• Visit a Pineapple Greenhouse. Pineapples are a major crop in the Azores, an island chain off the coast of Portugal.  

• Snorkel through a shipwreck off the coast of the petite island of Bermuda on your way to the Caribbean or a cruise port in Florida. The sunken ships beneath the surface of the turquoise waters are home to several bright species of fish.  
• Get your hips moving as you learn to hula during a sunset luau when you visit Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.  

Top 10 Repositioning Cruises

• Riviera 16 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Apr 2024)
• Celebrity Eclipse 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Aug 2024)
• Celebrity Eclipse 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Aug 2024)
• Nautica 35 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Apr 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 10 NT FORT LAUDERDALE TO CAPE LIBERTY Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Jul 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 13 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Aug 2025)
• Symphony of the Seas 3 NIGHT DEADHEAD REPOSITIONING CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Oct 2025)
• Brilliance of the Seas 7 NIGHT BOSTON TO SAN JUAN CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Nov 2025)
• Riviera 22 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Nov 2025)

Repositioning: Cruise Lines

Looking for an adventure? Try a repositioning cruise which, in some instances, will take you on a journey across the globe. These cruises where ships relocate from one location to another are available on both popular and luxury cruises. Explore what cruise line you can take repositioning cruises with:

With innovative spaces like the Lawn and the AquaSpa Celebrity Cruises gives their customers a taste of modern luxury.

Epicureans are delighted by the Oceania Cruises experience where Jacques Pepin is Executive Culinary Director and the Culinary Tours introduce you to a world of flavors.

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Repositioning: Departure Ports

A repositioning cruise is when a ship moves from doing a lot of sailings in one region to another region. For instance ships that sail in Alaska usually move to a warmer weather spot in the fall. Repositioning cruises offer an extended itinerary with a lot of sea days for relaxing. You can find repositioning cruises year round. You can embark from cities like Sydney, Barcelona, Fort Lauderdale and Buenos Aires among other domestic and exotic ports. 

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.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Reykjavik was just a small village until seeing a major expansion after World War II, but this popular cruise destination still offers a small town feel different than any other European capital.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

Photo Gallery for Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises travel all over the world, and our repositioning photo gallery does the same – albeit virtually. Your virtual tour includes highlights from Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Pacific – each of which could be included in your repositioning cruise destinations.

Bermuda Coastline

Girl Hula Dancing

Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain

Grand Palace in Bangkok

Azores in Portugal

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6 Reasons to Consider a Repositioning Cruise

Think beyond a traditional voyage and opt for deep discounts and few crowds on a repositioning voyage.

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Excellent values, unique itineraries and the chance to enjoy leisurely days at sea are a few draws of repositioning cruises.

In the cruise industry, typically in spring and fall, cruise lines relocate many of their ships to new ports. During these seasonal repositioning sailings – one-way voyages that cruise companies sell at a reduced price as ships switch locations from Europe and the Caribbean to new home ports – there are significant savings to be had. In the summer, for example, many ships call on Alaska or Europe. Conversely, in the winter, ships relocate from Alaska and the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Often these routes are unique, with more days at sea, and yield generous discounts. However there are some caveats to consider. While these cruises tend to offer themed onboard programming and activities along with extra perks like free Wi-Fi connectivity, they are longer and call at fewer ports, making them well-suited for those looking for peace and quiet rather than those craving nonstop activity on vacation.

[See: The 2017 Best Cruise Lines for the Money .]

To help you determine whether a repositioning cruise is right for you, U.S. News asked cruise experts to share the key benefits of these one-way sailings, and what to expect onboard.

You Can Snag a Deal

According to Greg Antonelle, managing director of MickeyTravels LLC, a Disney-focused travel agency based in New Jersey, a big reason to take a repositioning cruise is the substantial cost savings. "Repositioning cruises, regardless of the specific cruise line, will almost always be a more cost-effective option than a 'normal' cruise," he says. "Another great benefit is that the ships tend to be less crowded during a repositioning cruise, meaning less hustle and bustle and a higher likelihood of a more relaxing cruise," he adds. Antonelle suggests a 14-night Halloween cruise on the Disney Wonder that departs from San Diego on Oct. 27 and visits the Panama Canal as a great bargain for families. Ports include San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Cartagena, Colombia and the Cayman Islands, among other destinations.

Voyages Are Less Port-Intensive

For travelers looking for a more laid-back vacation, a repositioning cruise can be a great option, says Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of CruiseCritic.com. Unlike port-intensive itineraries, repositioning cruises have more sea days to allow for a more relaxing vacation without the need to constantly be on the go from port to port, she says. "On long repositioning cruises, an added benefit is built-in camaraderie. You really get to know passengers when you spend a week on a ship – no port days – with them," McDaniel adds.

[See: 10 Things You Shouldn't Do on a Cruise .]

You Can Opt for a Shorter Voyage

Another perk to a repositioning cruise is that in addition to longer journeys, there are also a number of two- to three-day repositioning cruises that are perfect to experience a new cruise line, McDaniel says. "If you're hesitant to sail with a different line on a longer trip, but are interested in exploring new options, a repositioning cruise is a perfect sampler," she adds.

You'll Start and End at Different Ports

Starting and ending your cruise in two different ports can create a unique travel experience. "The beauty about repositioning voyages is that travelers can combine two or more very different regions of the world in one unforgettable adventure – and at an immense value," says Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises . Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers repositioning voyages that take cruisers to more than 425 worldwide destinations on six continents. For instance, guests can marvel at the urban splendor of Dubai and embrace the exciting nightlife of Hong Kong on the 33-night voyage aboard Seven Seas Voyager , departing Nov. 14, or combine the sultry colors of Rio de Janeiro with Barcelona's vibrant cultural scene on a 17-night voyage aboard Seven Seas Mariner, departing on Feb. 25, 2018.

You Can Experience a New Ship at a Discount

Sailing on newer ships can be expensive, however, consider a repositioning cruise as a way to experience a new ship at a discount. Carnival Horizon's repositioning cruise from Europe to the U.S. next spring provides an opportunity to visit beautiful ports across two continents on its newest ship. Carnival Horizon, which will offer a 14-day transatlantic crossing departing from Barcelona on May 9, 2018, and will arrive in New York City on May 23, 2018, will include stops in ports such as Malaga and Vigo, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, as well as at Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Longer length repositioning cruises represent some of the best values in travel with affordable rates and interesting itineraries that visit a variety of beautiful destinations, as well as a wide range of fun and interesting activities on board," says Terry Thornton, Carnival Cruise Line's senior vice president of port operations.

[See: The Top 5 Places to Cruise This Summer .]

You Can Avoid Added Costs With Prior Planning

A repositioning cruise may take more time to plan than a traditional cruise. Because you begin and end in different ports, higher airfare costs and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations should be factored in. "Many times, you'll find these trips priced lower than a normal sailing, but remember you'll also need to book open-jaw flights, which could be a bit pricier," McDaniel explains.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , Cruises

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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Norwegian Sun South America Cruise Review | DIY Shore Excursions

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: July 29, 2023

Categories Central America , Chile , Costa Rica , Cruise Reviews , Guatemala , Mexico , North America , Peru , South America , Travel Blog Post , Travel Guides , USA

If you are looking for a bargain basement cruise then a repositioning cruise is definitely the way to go.

However, some of the ports on a repositioning cruise are often industrial ports and a fair way away from tourist attractions which can at times make it difficult to find things to do on a budget.

So this Norwegian Sun South America cruise review covers DIY shore excursions for those who might otherwise waste a day sitting around on the ship.

We mostly managed to find things to do on the ports that excited us.

Here are our review of the ports of the Norwegian Sun repositioning cruise from San Diego to Valparaiso, Chile.

NCL South America Cruise Port Reviews

Huatulco, mexico.

Huatulco, Mexico was a fantastic port as the ship literally pulled right up at a gorgeous swimming beach (Santa Cruz Beach) with shops and restaurants lining the water. We went to Bahias beachfront restaurant and got some beers for 25 pesos a piece (about 1.2 USD – what a bargain!). While they did offer free wifi, this was only available far away from the good beachfront view. If this beach isn’t your cup of tea and you would like a more secluded beach away from the hoards of cruise ship passengers, there are numerous other beaches in close proximity including:

• La Entrega Beach (about a 5 minute drive away) – a popular choice for snorkeling and also has a lot of restaurants;
• Maguey Bay (about a 8 minute drive away) – a calm, clear water beach with a lot of restaurants and a view to die for; and
• Playa Bocana (about a 15 minute drive away) – a good surf beach.

We were personally happy to stay at the beach close to the cruise terminal as it was quite picturesque and we aren’t too bothered by the cruise crowd. Remember to bring your snorkel with you if you intend to go snorkeling at any of these beaches!

Tip – Things are always cheaper if you pay in pesos rather than USD. If you need to buy something from the supermarket, they can give you change in pesos.

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

This wasn’t our favourite port as it was an industrial port quite a long way away from tourist attractions. We decided to take it easy and just go for a stroll outside the gates of the port and have a beer at a local restaurant (20 pesos or less than $1 USD each – gotta love Mexico!). The port itself is decent and has a pool and a bar which the crew of the ship seemed to thoroughly enjoy. You could buy a beer by the poolside for $3 USD and use the pool. It was also possible to buy internet at this bar for $5 USD an hour but we heard reports that it was very slow. The other option for internet at the port is at the local convenience store. If you purchase a beer for $2 USD you can access their internet for free. What was cool about this port was that there was Mexican dance performances in the main tourist arena.

If you are up for a bigger day, alternatively you can visit the Izapa ruins from this port. You can get a collectivo taxi into the city of Tapachula from the Marina (which you can see from the boat) probably a 30 minute walk or short taxi ride away. If you haven’t been to Mexico, this city might be interesting enough as it is a traditional Mexican city but not much more than that. The collectivos cost around 15 pesos for the 30 minute ride into town. You can hail down a collectivo from the far side of the road right outside the marina’s entrance gate. From the city of Tapachula, take another collectivo for 15 pesos to Izapa. These leave from the main terminal two blocks form the zocalo, or main park in Tapachula. If you need extra help you can ask the tourism office across from the church. To return to Tapachula, wait on the same side of the road as the entrance to Group F for a collectivo.

Note: The Izapa ruins are not the best or most spectacular ruins in Mexico so if you have been to other Mexican ruins, I would recommend a relaxing day in this port. Further, the town of Tapachula is not particularly special but would be interesting if you have never visited a traditional Mexican city before.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

In this port I would highly recommend taking a day tarip to the UNESCO world heritage site and arguably the best colonial city in Central America, Antigua – a 17 th century city surrounded by volcanoes with Spanish baroque architecture. One of the nicest pieces of architecture in the city is a baroque white & yellow church known as La Merced which is a key part of Antigua’s Semana Santa or holy week with parades and rituals. Many of Antigua’s Spanish colonial buildings were restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200 year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital.

We thoroughly enjoyed travelling to Antigua and wished we had longer to enjoy this great city with cobble stone streets, pastel churches, great coffee & food and locals dressed in traditional clothing. If you visit the Plaza Central Park in the centre of the city, locals will swarm you, hoping that you will buy one of their many souvenirs which include colourful scarfs, bags & table runners. It is also possible to get your shoes shined for very little while in Antigua so wear or bring any shoes you want shined for the day!

You can purchase a DIY shore excursion on your cruise line for $40 USD or you can take the local transportation for $4 USD per person return. One important thing to note with this port is that Antigua is at least a 90 minute drive from Puerto Quetzal and closer to a 2 – 2.5 hour drive if taking public transport. We chose to take the local transportation not only to save money but also for the local experience. To catch public transportation, exit the cruise terminal gates and flag down a collectivo style van/taxi from the street directly outside the port terminal. These are vans filled with locals. It costs 10 Q or $1 USD to get to the town of Escuintla. They accepted a $1 USD note from us because we had no local currency but this is a little risky so better to have some local currency if possible. From Escuintla you need to transfer to a chicken bus to reach Antigua (another 10 Q or $1 USD). The right bus should say ‘Antigua’ on the top and leaves at the same place you got dropped off but you may need to ask a local (as we did) & people were more than happy to help! I would 100% recommend taking the local buses for the experience if you can manage to get off the ship  as soon as it docks and you are careful not to cut yourself too fine in returning to the ship once in Antigua.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

We have previously travelled to Costa Rica so in Puntarenas we decided to just relax in a beachside bar for the day. We were lucky not to arrive in Puerto Calderas (where some cruises dock) which is about 10 miles or 16 km south of Puntarenas and to arrive directly in the centre of Puntarenas. This was great as taxis are very expensive in Costa Rica and there was unlikely to be a reliable public transport system.

As you exit the cruise port, there is an arts and crafts market running parallel to the beach where you can buy local souvenirs such as flutes, clothing, beach gear, coffee & goods from local artists. The town is directly located on a black sand beach lined with bars (most of which offer free wifi if you make a purchase). We walked along the beachfront area and then found a great modern bar called Capitan Moreno with wifi and $2 USD or 1200 Colones Silver Imperial Beers.

If you feel like having more of an active day & haven’t visited Costa Rica before, I would suggest booking a tour outside of the cruise ship as they are 1/3 of the cost. A safari through the Tarcoles River to see the crocodile is particularly popular (and I can affirm that there are a lot of crocodiles in this river from a previous trip to Costa Rica). Alternatively, take a zip-lining tour through the gorgeous Costa Rican rainforest or visit the cloud forest of Monteverde. A tour is really necessary to these locations due to time restrictions as having a car is the best way to get around in Costa Rica.

Salavery, Peru

In Salavery, Peru we only had until 3.00pm on port so a lot less time than other ports. Salavery is the port closest to the city of Trujillo (about 10 miles away) which is founded by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro & the second largest city in Peru. The main touristic options at this port are to explore the city of Trujillo or one of the two main archaeological sights in the area: Chan Chan & Huacas del Sol and La Luna.

Sadly, what you will notice in Salavery is that this area of Peru is very poor & people can live in housing with just a tarp for a roof.

The cruise ship offers a shuttle to Trujillo for $15.00 USD pp return. However, if you are happy to explore the city of Trujillo by yourself you can reach the city for around $5 USD one way per taxi (note: it will require some negotiation!) If you are a lover of colonial architecture and design, the city of Trujillo is a good choice. If you choose to visit Trujillo you can enjoy the various colonial mansions, the cathedral and the city hall in Plaza Armas. The town is also located amidst the breathtaking Andes foothills. While you are walking around town look out to buy some hand-made leather shoes which Trujillo is particularly famous for.

Out of the archeological sights, due to time restrictions, I would recommend picking either Chan Chan or Huacas del Sol and de la Luna to maximise your time and experience. If you are particularly interested in visiting both, you can get a cab for around $5 – $10 USD per leg of the journey (e.g. port – Chan Chan). Alternatively, you can take one of their local buses to either of the archeological sights from the city of Trujillo. You are able to get a collectivo called “Campiña de Moche” from the corner of “Ave. Las Incas” and “Atahualpa” to go to Huacas del Sol and de la Luna . It only costs 1.50 soles one way but it takes around 1 hour on the collectivo. Due to the lack of time at this port, I’m not sure that this is a viable option unless you left very early in the morning as soon as the ship docks.

We decided to visit the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna due to holding the #1 spot on tripadvisor (tourists seemed to prefer the site to Chan Chan). Furthermore, we appreciated the inclusion of the guide at this location. We paid $5 USD for the cab each way to the archeological site. However, it did require asking a few cab drivers!

Unfortunately, currently, you cannot enter the Huaca del Sol. The guide explained that the reason for this is that necessary restorations have not been able to take place to allow tourists to enter due to limited monetary funds. Despite this, we particularly enjoyed touring Huaca del la Luna and seeing the largest mud structure on the South American continent. The desert climate is responsible for preserving these mud structures for hundreds of years. This site is also an older civilisation than Chan Chan being constructed during the Moche period, over 700 years before the Chimu civilisation and Chan Chan. The sight consists of two pyramidal temples, in close proximity, only around 500 metres apart. At the site you can view multiple layers of the pyramid structure yet still a large portion of the site is still hidden under the ground. Archaeologists are unable to undercover the sections of the pyramid & tombs below the ground as it would cause the visible parts of the temple above the ground to crumble. Despite the ‘great robber’ having looted and destroyed a large portion of these pyramids, they were still great to see and had original artwork from the Moche period still largely intact.

What is particularly good about these sites is that a guide is included in the entry price of $4 USD pp or 10 soles. However, as the guides are volunteer students and don’t get paid a small tip is greatly appreciated. The guide also explained to us that this civilisation believed in ‘gods of the elements’ such as sun god, earth god etc. The Moche people would battle for the king and the loser of the battle would be sacrificed for the gods. The main reason for these sacrifices is due to the city being located in the desert with dry conditions – the solution being to sacrifice people to appease the gods.

The other archaeological sight in the area, Chan Chan, arguably the more famous site being a UNESCO world heritage site, is the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest mud city in the world. One of the most incredible features of Chan Chan is extensive size of the city. Chan Chan was once home to over 60,000 Chimu people who lived around 1300 A.D. and preceded the Incas. The city at one time was a very rich city with a great deal of gold, silver, and ceramics. The city of Chan Chan was preserved until the Spanish came when the majority of the treasures of Chan Chan were taken by the Spanish or by looters. The price to enter Chan Chan is also 10 soles or $4 USD and there is an additional fee of 40 soles if you wish to hire a guide. Due to time restraints, we did not visit Chan Chan.

Callao, Peru (Lima)

As the port of Callao is an industrial port and no one is permitted to walk on their own to the exit of the cruise port, the cruise line provide a free shuttle bus that will drop you at the exit of the cruise terminal. Callao is located 15 km west of the historic centre of Lima. As an alternative option, Norwegian provides a shuttle directly into the Miraflores area of Lima at a price of $15 USD pp. If you want to save some money however, you are free to make your own way to the city centre. We decided to take a taxi as you can get a taxi for between $5 – $8 USD for the entire cab to Miraflores. The alternative is to take a public bus into the city which passes through Av. Dos de Mayo in Callao and ends in Plaza Bolognesi near the center of Lima. We had 4 people in the cab so we split the cost between the four of us and it was very affordable.

The only problem with this port is that the Callao area is a little dodgy and you need to be very careful walking around on your own in the area (we later learned 2 cruisers got robbed in this area). The roughness of the area was clearly evident to us when we attempted to walk 100 metres down the street (away from the taxis targeting cruisers at inflated prices) and police officers and streets merchants stopped at in our tracks and started making gun motions with their hands. At this point, our new Swedish friends, who had agreed to join us for the day, were looking very regretful of their decision to join the suicidal Aussies determined not to get ripped off by the cabbie mafia. However, we eventually had a fantastic day after we hastily jumped into a taxi (screw further negotiation!) and arrived in the beautiful Miraflores area. I would highly recommend spending your day in this area of Lima as it is just beautiful! In the end, we had a fantastic time walking the Miraflores Boardwalk, drinking cheap beer (10 soles for 1 litre) & trying pisco shots.

Arica, Chile

The great thing about this port is the cruise ship drops you directly into town so there is no need to get a taxi or transportation in this port (aside from a short shuttle ride complimentary of the cruise line). We spent our day just walking around this quaint little town, having a look in the many shops, going for a coffee & of course having a beer (or two)!

Arica is also a great stop for shopping at cheap prices! At the local markets in town (directly as you exit the shuttle bus) you can find much the same souvenirs that are sold in Peru but at even cheaper prices. We managed to buy ‘Karl the Llama’ at a bargain basement price at this port. Many of the ladies on the cruise ship also went wild in the many clothing stores here as they offered great prices.

While the town wouldn’t of course be comparable to the likes of a big city, we enjoyed having a look at some of the quaint architecture the city had to offer including this darling church pictured below.

Coquimbo, Chile

There isn’t a whole lot to do in Coquimbo itself so the best thing to do at this port of call is to go visit the cute nearby town of La Serena. You can get a bus (number 1 or 2) there for $1 USD from the street Juan Melgarejo.

The town of La Serena is far bigger than Coquimbo & much more picturesque. When you are walking to the town centre of La Serena from where the bus drops you be sure to visit  Lighthouse Coffee shop for fantastic coffee & great food! There is no wonder it is the #1 rated place for coffee & deserts in La Serena. The coffee shop was also interestingly decorated in a very hipster style so its definitely worth checking out while you are in town.

Overall, we really enjoyed the town of La Serena. From looking through the markets in the centre of town & the many souvenir shops to checking out one of the nicest buildings in town, the Catedral de La Serena, spending a day in La Serena is a day well spent!

Valpariso, Chile

Although many people are not particularly fans of Valparaiso, we really enjoyed our final port. Our Swedish friends told us before arriving that this port was the ‘Berlin of South America’ and seen as Berlin wasn’t our favourite city in Germany (Sorry Berlin) we weren’ initially very excited about coming here. However, Valpariso really did exceed our expectations.

Valpariso is a hipster’s paradise. Walking up the narrow streets in Valpariso lined with colourful houses & tasteful graffiti to reach a great view at the top was really an unexpected treat. Valpariso was a real artsy place with interesting boutique shops, funky cafes & bars in true hipster fashion only selling craft beer. One thing that did surprise us about Valparaiso was that prices were a little higher than the rest of Chile so expect to pay slightly more here if you wish to dine in hipster paradise, especially if the hipster restaurant also boasts fantastic views of the city!

How to get the best price?

If you are flexible with dates, you can search cruisedirect by month for all sailings. You can get a repositioning cruise to South America for as little as $399 USD pp on cruisedirect . What we like is that the site is quite user friendly and you can search cruises by price. If you can, it is usually best to wait until last minute to book your cruise as the price *usually* drops quite substantially close to the time.

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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Disney Cruise Line Repositioning Cruise Itineraries

From the comfort of a Disney cruise , experience a relaxing voyage in and across the world’s two largest oceans. Aboard your classically designed Disney ship, take a journey that echoes the grandeur of ocean crossings in the golden age of sea travel. Navigate through the Panama Canal, take a sweeping journey across the majestic Atlantic or experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Coast while visiting unique ports of call along the way. Add exclusive Disney entertainment, signature service, fantastic dining and world-class recreation and you’re bound to discover a vacation that holds incredible fun for the whole family.

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Embark on an enchanting journey with Disney Cruise Line as you sail through the magnificent Panama Canal, immersing yourself in the splendor of vibrant port cities. Create unforgettable moments with your loved ones as you indulge in this extraordinary experience.

14-Night Halloween on the High Seas Westbound Panama Canal Cruise from Miami ending in San Diego

Embrace the spirit of adventure on this spook-tacular 2-week Disney Cruise sailing that begins in Florida and ends in California. Highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime voyage include cruising the fabled 40-mile engineering wonder that is the Panama Canal, a bucket-list destination that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific—plus stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Puerta Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. On board, delight in a not-so-scary Halloween celebration, complete with bewitching surprises and fireworks at sea.

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14-Night Very Merrytime Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego ending in Galveston

Sail from San Diego to sunny ports of call and pass through the world-famous Panama Canal! Visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Cartagena and more while enjoying blissful days at sea with themed dining, imaginative pools, lounges and signature entertainment aboard your Disney cruise ship.

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Disney Cruise Line voyages across the Atlantic offer a variety of experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages—with exciting itineraries to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Scandinavia and British Isles. Whether you’re looking to relax on white-sand beaches, behold majestic natural wonders or make a splash across the Pond, your wish is our pleasure.

11-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in New York

Experience the maritime history of Southampton, England before taking off on an epic cross-continental voyage over the Atlantic Ocean to bustling New York City. Along the way, drop anchor in Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bermuda. And with 7 luxurious days at sea, you’ll have ample time to discover all the magical offerings on board—from sparkling pools, engaging youth clubs and fireworks at sea to Broadway-caliber shows, world-class dining, relaxing spa treatments and more.

Ship: Disney Dream

13-Night Eastbound Transatlantic from Fort Lauderdale ending in Barcelona

Cruise from the golden-sand shores of Fort Lauderdale to utopic ports in Portugal. Let Ponta Delgada be your gateway to the Azores and embrace the explorer spirit of the country’s capital in Lisbon—the home of Magellan and Vasco de Gama. Discover Spanish adventures in romantic Cádiz, sunny Cartagena and cosmopolitan Barcelona. And with 6 magical days at sea, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore world-class amenities, spectacular Broadway-style productions, entertaining themed dining, festive deck parties and Disney fun for the whole family!

• May 5, 2024

13-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Southampton ending in Fort Lauderdale

Embark on a spectacular transatlantic voyage on your way to captivating ports of call along Spain’s romantic coast. Spend 8 magical days at sea aboard the Disney Dream and experience world-class amenities, Broadway-quality entertainment and one-of-a-kind Disney fun for the whole family! Explore ashore in Vigo, Lisbon and Ponta Delgada—plus, spend a day at Lighthouse Point, our newest island retreat in The Bahamas.

• October 20, 2024

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Repositioning Cruises – Are They Right For You?

Repositioning cruises differ from regular itineraries because they sail from one port and end in another. Itineraries range from  three-day mini cruises  to world cruises of more than 150 days. If cruising on a budget, repositioning sailings generally offer the best cruise deals.

These one-way Itineraries come with “Black Friday” pricing, unique itineraries, lazy sea days, and unusual ports of call. They are very different from your traditional cruises, which usually leave and arrive back at the same port.

Learning about repositioning cruising and its advantages and disadvantages will determine if this type of vacation is right for you.

What Is A Repositioning Cruise?

Cruise itineraries typically chase the warm weather. After all, no one leaves their home under a few feet of snow to vacation in a place with just the same cold weather.

If you live in a location with seasons, most people (like myself) want to escape the reality of winter for a warmer climate.

Destinations like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean have great weather year-round. Consequently, most cruise ships have a homeport in Florida or the Caribbean and offer year-round itineraries.

However, some places (like Alaska and the Baltics) have short cruise seasons due to weather changes.

As a result, cruise ships must reposition from one area in the world to another. So simply put, a repositioning cruise has a different debarkation port than its embarkation port.

So, if you’re looking for a cheap time to cruise , consider booking a repositioning cruise.

Spring And Summer Repositioning Cruises

While some cruise ships keep the same homeport year after year, others move several times a year. These repositioning cruises typically happen in the spring and fall due to the seasons changing.

During the spring, ships reposition from and to the following areas:

• Australia or New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest (for Alaska cruises)
• Florida and the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest (for Alaska cruises)
• Asia to the Pacific Northwest (for Alaska cruises)
• Florida and the Caribbean to Europe (for England and Europe cruises)
• South America to Europe

As summer ends and rolls into fall, ships reposition as follows:

• Pacific Northwest to Australia or New Zealand
• Pacific Northwest to Florida or the Caribbean
• Europe to South America
• Pacific Northwest to Asia
• Europe to Florida or the Caribbean

Repositioning Cruise Itineraries

Some itineraries reposition in the Middle East and include islands like the Canary Islands. Some repositioning cruises travel great distances to get from one area of the world to another. Usually, the journey is broken up into two or three itineraries.

Consequently, you can book one of the legs if you’re limited on time or have a budget. For instance, ships that leave Australia to reposition to the Pacific Northwest usually take 25 to 35 days. However, the first part of the cruise sails from Australia to the Polynesian Islands in the South Pacific.

The second leg consists of the Society Islands to Hawaii and the final leg sails from Hawaii to Vancouver or Seattle. I have taken multiple repositioning cruises leaving the Vancouver cruise port to Hawaii and California.

From the Pacific Northwest, it’s a long flight to Florida to take a Panama Canal cruise. However, repositioning cruises sail from Florida to Vancouver via California. Purchasing a one-way flight cuts down on the overall cost of the vacation.

Alternative cruises sail to South America, to Buenos Aires. Then they cruise through Antarctica before ending in Santiago. From Santiago, they continue to reposition north to Los Angeles and beyond.

Remember that no matter how low the fare, always buy travel insurance. Insurance is essential when traveling during hurricane season and now that we’re living in a pandemic.

A world cruise is essentially a repositioning cruise. Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and smaller lines like Crystal offer these itineraries. If you don’t have the time or the budget, you’re not committed to cruising worldwide. Instead, you can pay for a section of the overall journey.

Reasons To Book Repositioning Cruises

If you’re like me and hate to take long flights, taking a repositioning cruise is a great way to travel without the dreaded long-haul flight. Cruising is far more relaxing and takes away the stress of dealing with an airport departure.

I have met many people who  visit Vancouver from Australia . By sailing a repositioning cruise, they only need a one-way flight, either from or to Australia, depending on the time of year they cruise.

If you’re traveling through many time zones, cruising removes the element of jetlag too. There are no more struggles to become accustomed to night and day when flying long distances. By taking a cruise, time changes happen over a few days. So, you won’t notice the one-hour shift each time.

The biggest reason to try a repositioning cruise is the rock-bottom prices. I took a five-day cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles, with stops in Seattle, Washington, and Astoria, Oregon . My five days in a balcony stateroom cost an astounding USD 169 or under USD 35 a night.

That’s far less than a single night in a hotel in Vancouver, and the cruise fare included the food and entertainment. Now how can you resist a deal like that?

I’ve also taken cruises from Vancouver to Hawaii, with the Celebrity Cruises trip being my favorite. They ranged in length from nine days to twelve days. I took my first cruise to Hawaii on  the Carnival Spirit  as it was moving to Australia. 

The Hawaii repositioning cruises are my favorite and save a pile of money instead of booking Norwegian’s Pride of America.

Repositioning Cruise Pricing

Cruise lines are more likely to lower the price of cruises repositioning to another area because these are harder to sell. Bear in mind; that you will need to add the cost of an airline ticket to or from the embarkation or debarkation port.

The one-way airline ticket can cost far more than your cruise if you’re taking a Transatlantic cruise. In some cases, the cost of that ticket can turn that cruise line deal into a “not-so-good” bargain.

However, if you dislike long flights, cruising the Atlantic Ocean from North America means you only need to fly one way. For those who love the Transatlantic crossing, you can’t go wrong with experiencing it on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, a proper ocean liner.

Pricing on relocation cruises might seem too good to be true. Sometimes, they may include perks like onboard credit. Cruise lines make up the cost of sailing from other fees to offset the cost. These include drink packages, photos, gambling in the casino, excursions, specialty restaurants, and duty-free shopping.

However, if you decide to try your luck on one of these fantastic itineraries, I have seen cruise repositioning deals for under USD 35 a night. Samples of repositioning cruises for the 2022/2023 season include:

10 days from Portugal to New York for USD 279 14 days from Florida to Spain for USD 302 15 days from Florida to Denmark for USD 631

When considering a repositioning cruise, I have found the best time to book is within a few months of the sailing date. Remember to factor in the cost of the flight before booking.

Longer Cruises And More Sea Days

While most passengers book cruises of 7-day lengths, repositioning cruises are typically longer. Also, they tend to have more sea days as many of them are crossing an ocean like the Atlantic or the Pacific. If you prefer more port days, then repositioning cruises might not suit you.

I don’t mind some sea days, especially at the end of the cruise, and many have  plenty of sea day events . It’s a perfect time to relax and unwind before heading back to the realities of work life.

I recently crossed the Pacific Ocean on the Ovation of the Seas . The Quantum-class vessel has lots of unique activities like iFly, FlowRider, North Star, and the Sea Plex, so there’s excuse for boredom.

Besides, these cruises offer more classes and enrichment courses to keep you busy. Since these cruises are much longer than your average voyage, they tend to be void of families with small children.

This might be a decisive factor in booking a repositioning cruise for some. I remember my first cruise across an ocean, the Pacific. The water was so calm, it looked like a sheet of glass. To my surprise, in five days, I saw only one ship, a large tanker far off on the horizon.

While I experience calm waters during each of my sailings, this isn’t always the case. Be prepared by packing motion sickness patches , a bottle of Dramamine , some sea bands, or whatever works for you.

Repositioning Cruise Ports

Repositioning cruises are suited to those who live close to the port. While you can’t take a cruise from every port to another location, some ports are hubs for repositioning itineraries.

New York, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Diego, Quebec City, Anchorage, and San Juan serve at embarkation and debarkation ports for cruise ships moving from one area to another. Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami are a couple of the Florida ports offering such cruises.

London, Rome, Amsterdam, Genoa, Stockholm, and Copenhagen are hubs for repositioning cruises in Europe. In the far east, choose from Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Auckland, and Sydney.

Combining A Land Itinerary

It makes sense to add on a few days on land when cruising from one port to another. If you want to spend a few days touring a city, either fly in a few days earlier or stay longer after your cruise ends.

In the United States, add on extra days in Florida to visit the theme parks. Take to trip to Las Vegas from Los Angeles. The possibilities are endless.

Some cruise passengers create their own itinerary by combining one cruise with a drive to another port. From there, they reposition to another area. By combining driving and train tours with repositioning journeys, they create a self-guided world expedition.

Which Lines Offer Repositioning Cruises?

The following cruise lines offer repositioning cruises: Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Cunard, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Oceanic Cruises, P & O Cruises, Ponant, Princess, Pullmantur, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea, Viking Cruises, Windstar.

In conclusion, repositioning cruises are suited to those who have plenty of time, usually the retired. They are also great for those seeking a cruise deal and who like the long days at sea. Before you book one, read some reviews online to ensure it’s suited for you.

Happy travels ~ Karen

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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.

Repositioning Cruises

Ships, Itineraries, Sailng Dates, Prices

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Repositioning Cruises Spring

Repositioning Cruises Spring 2024-2025-2026 offer one-way specials on sailings scheduled for March, April and May. Spring repositioning cruise deals as routes and destinations provide cheap vacations to Alaska with departures from Australia and Hawaii (Honolulu). Your Alaskan vacation also may include a Panama Canal transition from Florida or a Pacific Coastal itinerary starting from California to Vancouver BC or Seattle WA.

Here you will also find (one-way) Transatlantic cruises to Europe from USA – Florida ports (mostly departures from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa), from Galveston TX and New Orleans LA. Some relocation cruises in Spring start from South America or Caribbean with Transatlantic crossing to Europe – to end in some of the largest Mediterranean ports and some go even to UK and the Baltic Sea.

Spring Repositioning Cruises- ships, lines, cheap prices

Most Spring repositioning cruises have longer than usual itineraries. They also call on unique ports and offer plenty of time to enjoy the full range of the “ship fun” activities on your special voyage.

Ship relocation deals are the once-a-season opportunity to be an “Around the  World” traveler at the cheapest cruise vacation prices possible.

Low season discounted Spring cruising deals, cheap “flight and cruise” packages and some of the world’s best sea vacation destinations are simply part of the very definition for these so special voyages. They also give you the unique chance to sample with relatively cheap rates some of the world’s top luxury cruise ships at their transition cruises – the sweet “cheap all-inclusive deals” special!

Spring Repositioning Cruises- itineraries (classification by destination)

• Suez Canal transition from Asia to Europe – Dubai to Mediterranean, and some longer itineraries are departing from Southeast Asia, and even from Australian ports.
• Relocation cruises to Alaska  from Australia, Hawaii and California, ship reposition to Hawaii from Australia (Sydney to Honolulu), and from Honolulu to Vancouver/Canada.
• For our classification by departure dates  see in the below tables all ship relocation cruise departure dates in the lush Spring 2019-2020 months of March, April, and May. To see detailed itineraries and to compare cruise prices PP (suggestive rates), follow the line-links from the table or from our list at top-page right.

Repositioning Cruises Spring 2024-2025-2026 ships relocation

Our list of all Spring 2024-2025-2026 Repositioning Cruises as dates and itineraries gives you the perfect chance to find the “right one”. All you gotta do next is to book it. These are the cheapest deals on some of the world’s largest and most popular passenger ships. Their Spring discounted one-way itinerary specials are among the most affordable ways to sample the modern onboard amenities and the lines’ feature fun activities at sea. The alluringly low prices on the so cheap relocation voyages in March, April and May are also “the proper way” to prepare yourselves for one “best ever” cruising Summer. Have a great fun time at sea, best of luck with your Spring repositioning deals, and always happy adventures!

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Cruise from San Diego, California

San diego shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in san diego.

Park It in Balboa

Balboa Park's Casa de Balboa Building in San Diego, California

With 1,200 acres of hiking trails, fountains, beautiful architecture, gardens and museums it is easy to spend an entire day getting lost in Balboa Park. There are also venues located in the park featuring numerous performing arts shows like concerts, plays and youth ballet performances.

Man the Cockpit

USS midway aircraft carrier in beautiful sky, in San Diego, California

From the engine room to the flight deck, the USS Midway museum is home to 60 carefully preserved exhibit areas and 30 restored aircraft taking you on a unique warship journey the moment you step on board. You'll be able to climb into the cockpits, explore where the crew lived and even take a tour of the Captain's and Admiral's quarters.

Urban Oasis

Another wide-open space right in San Diego is Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. Stretching across 1,500 acres of undeveloped land, you'll find unspoiled beaches, a lagoon and jaw-dropping landscapes. If hiking, enjoying a seaside picnic and Pacific Ocean views are your thing, you've come to the right place.

Local Cuisine

San Diego's cuisine is the definition of diverse. Tuck into the Mexican-inspired but decidedly non-authentic local favorite of carne asada fries topped with slices of shaved beef, cotija, crema and guacamole. Indulge in decadent New American dishes like the duck fat fries at Searsucker. Italian more your style? Head to Cucina Urbana for pasta made with fresh, seasonal ingredients like local herbs and tomatoes.

The shopping is endless in San Diego. Be sure to grab a local souvenir from Noon Designs. Choose from handcrafted jewelry, letterpress printed cards and goods by local artisans. If you're looking for something a little more mainstream while still keeping it local, head to The Gaslamp Quarter or Del Mar Plaza. Jump onbpoard a San Diego cruise and check out Old Town Market for unique, handcrafted tchotchkes like the animal-themed decor at Love My Pet.

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Port to plate in 48 hours? How Holland America Line brings fresh fish to guests

The semitruck carrying my dinner backed into its parking spot at the Port of San Diego on a late morning in early April.

Shortly before noon, the vehicle opened to reveal roughly 2,800 pounds of fish that had been caught just days earlier. Workers transferred boxes of mahi-mahi and other seafood from the chilly trailer to a warehouse-like space. The fish was inspected and moved onto an extension lift – think a utility vehicle modeled on Mr. Fantastic – parked near Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship.

Its mechanical arm reached across the edge of the pier into a square opening toward the vessel’s aft, where it disappeared from view. But by about 7 p.m., a piece of that mahi-mahi was on my plate in the ship’s main dining room.

Prepared with cilantro rice, guajillo chiles, chipotle and tomato, the fish was mild and sweet with a kick from the spicy sauce.

As part of its Global Fresh Fish Program, Holland America brings a wide range of seafood from port to plate within 48 hours across its fleet. Last week, the brand took that a step further, revealing it is the first global cruise line to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications for more sustainable and responsible seafood sourcing.

USA TODAY got a behind-the-scenes look at how the program works during a recent cruise.

What is Holland America’s fresh fish program?

The cruise line sources fish locally from more than 60 ports around the world. During Koningsdam’s April 5 voyage, the crew picked up the mahi-mahi along with rockfish, swordfish, rainbow trout and sea bass in San Diego.

The 48-hour window applies on most voyages, but on repositioning sailings or crossings, fresh fish may be served over a longer window. In those circumstances, however, the fish is not served under the “port to plate” banner.

On our sailing, they initially loaded enough for five or six days and would later restock. “So out of the 22-day voyage, hopefully, we can do maybe 12 or 13 times fresh fish upstairs and in the dining room,” said executive chef Darran Yardley-Salisbury in a storeroom lined with metallic shelves on one of the vessel’s lower decks.

Michael Stendebach, the line’s vice president of Food & Beverage and Guest Services, told USA TODAY the program was born in response to increasing guest demand for seafood and a desire to make the procurement process more sustainable. He said at least 75% of Holland America passengers order fresh fish once – if not twice – per cruise.

“We were looking into the destinations where we are cruising, like Alaska or the Caribbean, and we wanted to get away from the delivery of (shipping) containers into ports,” Stendebach said. “We wanted to build relationships in the single destinations we are in with suppliers.”

The cruise line previously announced in 2022 that it was certified by Responsible Fisheries Management by serving only fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood on its ships sailing there before scaling up its efforts.

Unlike frozen fish, which is prepared in larger portions – though they vary based on the ship’s size – Stendebach said the fresh fish is cooked “á la minute.”

“The fresh fish is kept cold until the order is coming in and then they start to produce it, so there's no overproduction,” he said. “It's really on the spot, and I think that is the freshest way you can experience the fish.”

During the first few days of the April cruise, other fresh fish dishes included sea bass with lemon butter sauce and tapenade at brasserie Rudi’s Sel de Mer and trout with a bread crumb and cashew crust served in a curry sauce at Asian restaurant Tamarind.

Fresh fish is not available in all ports, though, Yardley-Salisbury said, and the line also still serves seafood that has been frozen (outside of Alaska). The percentage of fresh versus frozen fish varies by sailing.

What kinds of fish are part of the program?

The program features more than 80 kinds of fish, with different selections depending on where the ship is sailing. The Caribbean has options like summer flounder and yellowfin tuna, while Hawaii offers striped marlin and Hawaiian pink snapper, among others (a full list can be found on Holland America’s website ).

Getting fresh supplies is easier on some cruises than others. On sailings like ours with many sea days, the kitchen staff has fewer options than in Europe for instance, where vendors are plentiful. "In Europe, it's a little bit like heaven for a chef," said Yardley-Salisbury. "We can go from port to port and we can get the most amazing stuff."

The cruise line denotes which options are fresh on the menus, and will label items that are MSC and ASC certified as well. MSC certifications apply to wild-caught seafood, while ASC certifications are for farmed seafood.

“Overfishing, unregulated fishing, excessive bycatch, these are all things that have a huge impact on the oceans,” said Erika Feller, regional director, Americas at the MSC.

MSC issues certifications to fisheries that meet its sustainability requirements, as well as Chain of Custody certifications that affirm the fish customers are buying comes from a certified fishery. The process is voluntary and the certifications are based on third-party audits.

The fishery certification lasts five years, while the Chain of Custody certification is good for three. Both undergo annual audits to ensure they are maintaining those conditions.

The crew on Koningsdam did a quality check of its own kind.

Yardley-Salisbury and members of the kitchen staff tasted dishes, including fish, before service to make sure the dishes are prepared according to the recipe and the flavor profile is "as it should be." Gathered around a table in a galley, they each grabbed spoon or forkfuls of every dish.

They repeat that process every day before service. "Any alterations that we need to make should only be seasoning issues, temperature issues, volume issues, maybe a little bit of sauce," he said.

What happens to uneaten cruise food?: These lines are working to reduce waste

Does fresh fish cost more?

Fresh fish may be more expensive, but passengers shouldn’t worry about seeing higher fares or food costs as a result. Stendebach said the line is saving money on logistics costs by cutting back on containers “being shipped from A to B.”

“So for that reason, you can spend more money on the product,” he said.

The program and the new certifications help offer guests a user-friendly way to eat more sustainably . Feller said, “the whole idea here is to make it easy for people to find that good choice.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

San Diego, CA

Cruises from San Diego depart year-round. This Southern California city, 125 miles south of Los Angeles, is known for its 70 miles of coastline and the San Diego Bay, which is surrounded by landscaped promenades, public art and more than 20 parks. Visitors can go shopping in Seaport Village, visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego, take a trip to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, or hop on a trolley for a guided sightseeing adventure. Visit one or more of San Diego's historic districts: The Gaslamp Quarter is home to dining, shopping, nightlife and entertainment, while Old Town San Diego-location of the state's first settlement-is packed with culture, from strolling mariachis and authentic Mexican fare to museums and a living-history experience at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Driving Directions and Parking Information for the Port of San Diego Port of San Diego "B" Street Cruise Ship Terminal 1140 Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 The Port of San Diego is located within 5 miles of San Diego Lindberg Airport. Traveling from the North - On I-5 Southbound, take the exit for the San Diego International Airport. Continue straight on Kettner Boulevard. Turn right on Laurel Street. After crossing over Pacific Highway, stay in the left lane; the right lane will take you to the airport. Turn left on Harbor Drive and proceed to the terminal. Traveling from the North and South (alternate route) - On I-5 north or south, take the Front Street exit and head south on Front Street. Turn right on Broadway. Turn right on Harbor Drive and proceed to the terminal.