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10 of the best no-fly cruises

Skip the airport queues with this selection of sailings that leave from ports you can reach by car, coach or train.

L ooking for a holiday to remember but put off by the chaos of the airport? A no-fly cruise could be just the thing for you. These trips let you travel to stunning beaches, amble around medieval towns and see the northern lights without setting foot on a plane. Whether you dream of sunning yourself in the Med, cycling in the Netherlands or visiting Monet’s lily pond, there’s plenty to do even before you look at the activities onboard.

Main photo: Alesund, one of the stops on Silversea’s Norway cruise (Alamy)

1. Iceland via Ireland, from Southampton

There are vast contrasts on this voyage from Southampton on the smart Celebrity Silhouette. One day you’ll be admiring the rolling countryside of Ireland and the next gazing at the vistas, waterfalls and volcanic scenery around Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland . The ship has a gorgeous spa, a lawn on the upper deck for boules, croquet or a picnic, and 12 places to eat — so you can dine somewhere different each night of the trip.

Details Eleven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,183pp, including drinks, tips and wi-fi, departing on August 29, 2023

• The world’s most luxurious cruise ships • Best cruises from Southampton

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2. France, from Bordeaux

Make your own way to elegant Bordeaux for this voyage on Uniworld’s lavish SS Bon Voyage, with parking at the port included. The cruise explores the bucolic wine regions of the Médoc with some interesting diversions, including village tours, a Bordeaux heritage walking tour, the farmers’ market in Libourne and tastings galore, of course. There’s an infinity pool on deck if the summer heat becomes too intense.

Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,999pp, including all drinks, tips and excursions, departing on August 20, 2023. Drive to Bordeaux

• Best small ship cruises

3. Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban

Look out for red deer, eagles, otters and other wildlife on this potter through the starkly beautiful western Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban. Your home is the MV Hjalmar Bjorge, which sleeps just 12. Activities include wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull, with guided excursions provided by Skyefari. From there, depending on the weather and sea conditions, you’ll stop at Tayvallich to see otters or drop anchor in the quiet lochs of Hourn and Nevis.

Details Six nights’ full board from £1,860pp, including activities, departing on October 2, 2023. Take a train to Inverness

hebrideanadventures.co.uk

• Best UK cruises

4. The Rhine, from Basel

Drift through the steep-sided Rhine Gorge, offering some of Germany ’s most enchanting scenery, on a voyage from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the Amadeus Imperial. You’ll have a day in Strasbourg to sample the local classic of an Alsace white with a thin-crust tarte flambée. Other highlights include the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim, deep in the gorge; Roman-era Koblenz; and Cochem, guarded by the turreted Reichsburg Castle.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £1,689pp, including drinks with meals and train travel, departing on June 8, 2023

amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

• Best river cruises in Europe

5. The Netherlands and Belgium, from Amsterdam

Explore the network of waterways that criss-cross the countryside of the Netherlands and Belgium on the sleek riverboat AmaCerto. You’ll see the parade of old windmills that line the canal bank at Kinderdijk, and have days in Amsterdam and Brussels . The ship has a fleet of bicycles for exploring the conveniently flat countryside, which may be a welcome activity after all the beer and chocolate tastings.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £2,961pp, including drinks with meals, and excursions, departing on June 20, 2023

amawaterways.co.uk

• Best cruise lines for solo travellers

6. The Mediterranean, from Tilbury

Follow the sun south as the days begin to shorten in October. This 32-night epic on Ambassador Cruise Line’s comfortable Ambience whisks you from Tilbury to the furthest eastern reaches of the Mediterranean, visiting Istanbul , Haifa (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, the jumping-off point for Cairo. Other stops include Athens , Naples , Lisbon and Gibraltar . There is a pub, elegant lounges and an Indian fusion restaurant aboard.

Details Thirty-two nights’ full board from £2,199pp, departing on October 16, 2023

ambassadorcruiseline.com

• This is what it’s really like on a cruise: the myths dispelled

7. The Seine, from Paris

Most cruises on the Seine last a week, but this voyage on the sumptuous Scenic Gem gives you 11 days, including overnights in Rouen and Paris . You’ll see the Somme battlefields and the port of Honfleur, the beauty of which inspired numerous impressionists. Marvel at Monet’s lily pond and take in a classical concert at Château de la Roche-Guyon, a medieval castle carved into an alabaster rock face. Return rail fares from London to Paris are included, too.

Details Ten nights’ all-inclusive from £4,045pp including drinks, tips, activities and rail travel from London, departing on August 7, 2023

scenic.co.uk

8. The Canary Islands, from Southampton

Board the adult-only Aurora in December to soak up some sun before Christmas. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting Madeira , Tenerife , Lanzarote , Vigo and Lisbon . On board there’s masses going on; some of the best venues include Olly Smith’s wine bar, the Glass House, and the sumptuous Oasis spa.

Details Sixteen nights’ full board from £1,299pp, departing on December 1, 2023

• Best things to do in the Canary Islands

9. Scotland, Norway and Iceland, from Southampton

Explore Norway’s fjord-indented coast and Iceland’s rugged terrain in unfettered luxury on the 596-passenger Silver Shadow, a ship where everything from a home pick-up to free-flowing champagne is included. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, with stops in Newcastle and Edinburgh before heading on to Norway and Iceland . Other stops include Bergen, art deco Alesund, whale watching capital Husavilk and Reykjavik .

Details Fourteen nights’ all-inclusive from £7,300pp, including home pick-up, drinks, tips, wi-fi and some excursions, departing on June 21, 2023

silversea.com

• When’s the best time to cruise Norway’s fjords?

10. Mediterranean for the family, from Southampton

Take the kids on Royal Caribbean’s fabulously family-friendly Anthem of the Seas for a Mediterranean adventure which departs during the school holidays. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting destinations including Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia , Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona , Ibiza and Lisbon, each offering the chance for lazy days at the beach, plus museums, galleries and tapas bars galore. On-board thrills include bumper cars, rollerskating and a skydiving simulator.

Details Fourteen nights’ full board from £1,567pp, departing on August 11, 2024

royalcaribbean.com

• Best family-friendly cruise lines • Can I go on a cruise without being vaccinated? • What to pack for a cruise • How to save money on a cruise

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Inspired to book a no-fly cruise? Here are the best options from Imagine Cruising and Princess Cruises .

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Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

Repositioning Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

March 14, 2023 By John Widmer 10 Comments

As we’ve now spent more than a half year (189 days) in total living as passengers aboard twelve different repositioning cruises, we love explaining these unique cruises to other travelers. Yet upon first mentioning the concept of these seasonal one-way voyages, we’re often asked:

What is a Repositioning Cruise?

So we’ve written this detailed article to explain exactly what repositioning cruises are. We’re here to dish out all the comprehensive info and reveal all of our repositioning cruise travel tips from first-hand experience of regularly utilizing these lengthy oceanic voyages to journey around the globe.

We have a true passion for taking repositioning cruises, as they have become our primary means of transportation when traveling from one continent to another. We find it to be a fantastic method of slower travel, all while indulging in affordable luxury and visiting exotic ports along the way.

In fact, we even traveled entirely around the world without flights, by instead using repositioning cruises, and did so on a surprisingly low budget of about $60 per day! After all, repositioning cruises are regularly found at highly discounted rates that can be an ultimate travel bargain. We hope you’ll see throughout this article what a great travel deal repositioning cruises can be. That is… if you know how to find the deals and when to book. We’ll get to all that!

Repositioning cruises can actually be somewhat of a complex concept. But we’re here to break it all down and explain all the info you need to know about repositioning cruises.

• 🔍 Understand: How & Why Repositioning Cruises Are Formed
• 📜 A Brief History of Repositioning Cruises
• 👍 Benefits of Taking a Repositioning Cruise
• 🗓️ When Is the Best Time to Take a Repositioning Cruise?
• 🌍 Where Do Repositioning Cruises Go?
• 🤔 Common Misconceptions of Repositioning Cruises
• 💰 How Much Do Repositioning Cruises Cost?
• ⚠️ Potential Drawbacks to Repositioning Cruises: How to Overcome
• 💡 Travel Tips for Taking a Repositioning Cruise

What Is a Repositioning Cruise?

A repositioning cruise is a one-way voyage that a cruise ship takes when it moves from one region to another for seasonality changes or other logistical reasons.

Rather than move an empty cruise ship from one location to another, the cruise lines create a repositioning cruise by offering passengers a chance to join these unique voyages.

As the cruise line transfers a ship to the next region, they are repositioning the cruise  ship from one area to another. Hence the etymology of repositioning cruise . Repositioning cruises are also known as “repo cruises” and are occasionally referred to as “relocation cruises.” It’s all the same thing.

Repositioning cruises are typically offered at a discounted rate and can be an affordable way to travel between different regions or continents. The routes of repositioning cruises are almost never direct cruises. Instead, there are typically interesting ports scheduled along the way, in an effort to make them more enticing to prospective passengers. These one-way repositioning cruises tend to be long (2+ weeks) in order to have time to cross an ocean or change hemispheres.

There are inevitably a number of consecutive sea days during repositioning cruises, which may not give such cruises as broad of an appeal as a packed Caribbean cruise that stops at a different island each day. Although we love repositioning cruises, they’re certainly not for everyone. Therefore, with a lack of demand, prices for repositioning cruises tend to drop to very attractive rates.

Cruise lines always attempt to fill their ships to capacity. So when repositioning cruises aren’t selling, prices often become slashed to attract passengers who may further spend on drinks, in the casino, and in the shops onboard.

Understand: How & Why Repositioning Cruises Are Formed

Repositioning cruises are formed when one of the following situations requires a cruise ship to move a significant distance:

• Seasonal changes (most common)
• Transfer of new ships
• Move ships to/from dry dock refurbishments

Relocating Cruises to Seasonal Vacation Destinations

Seasonal shifts are the most common cause for repositioning cruises, creating an abundance of repositioning cruise routes in the midst of every spring and fall, in advance of summer and winter cruise seasons.

For example, during winter months, Caribbean cruises are very popular. So cruise lines logically have a number of their ships serving Caribbean itineraries during the winter months, when it is too cold to cruise in locations such as Alaska and Northern Europe.

But in Spring, as the summer months approach, cruise lines want to move their ships to locations such as Alaska and Europe, both very popular summer cruise destinations. Relocating the ships between these regions can be a costly and time-consuming process. That’s where repositioning cruises come in. Passengers are able to enjoy the unique lengthy voyages that are created out of the need to move the ships.

After the summer cruise seasons subside, the cruise lines want to relocate their ships back to their winter locations. So another seasonal shift occurs.

For example, during fall, we’ve regularly used the route from European locations to Florida across the Atlantic. Yet as cruise lines don’t want to leave their ships in Alaska over the winter, we’ve also utilized repositioning cruise voyages from Alaska to warmer locations in Asia, where the ships will remain over winter.

Those are just a few examples, but we’ll review all the common seasonal repositioning cruise routes later in this article.

Logistical Reasons Can Also Create Repositioning Cruises

Logistical situations are another reason that sometimes creates repositioning cruises. One instance of this is when new ships are launched from a shipyard, they need to be moved to what will eventually become their home port.

A ship’s inaugural voyage is often a repositioning cruise! When a brand new ship is repositioned like this, it doesn’t necessarily follow the seasonal shifts that other repositioning cruises do. It’s more about the timing of the shipbuilding and the location the ship will be serving.

For example, we took a repositioning cruise when the Norwegian Bliss was first launched. The ship was built at a German shipyard, where it was launched in April. Yet this new ship needed to make its way all the way to Alaska to begin its summer itineraries. So the Bliss formed a series of repositioning cruises to cover that great distance.

We embarked on the sparkling brand-new ship in Europe and took it on a transatlantic voyage to New York City. During April, seasonal repositioning cruises are usually headed to Europe – not away from Europe. So this was an unusual circumstance that provided us with a great opportunity to be among the first passengers to experience this brand-new 5-star ship.

One final reason that repositioning cruise routes are created is when cruise ships need to be moved for major refurbishments .

When this happens ships typically go into dry dock for extended periods of time, usually about a month. The dry docks where these refurbishments are performed are usually located in Europe or Asia. So ships need to be temporarily relocated to these locations, accordingly.

A Brief History of Repositioning Cruises

The concept of repositioning ships for seasonal demand dates back to the early days of ocean travel. However, the concept of a repositioning cruise as a leisure activity on cruise ships is a more recent development.

Many popular repositioning cruise routes can perhaps be traced back to the golden days of ocean liners . In the late 1800s and early 1900s, ocean liners were the primary means used to travel long distances between continents. Transatlantic crossings were a common route during that period, which remains the most popular repositioning cruise itinerary today.

Yet to trace the origins of modern repositioning cruises, we need to go back to the 1960s. This is when regular long-distance commercial flights became more commonplace, and demand for ocean travel decreased.

Although ocean liners were losing favor to air travel, this actually helped give rise to the modern cruise industry that pushed forward in the 1970s and beyond. In fact, Carnival Cruise Line’s first ship, Mardi Gras (1972-1993), was actually a former transatlantic oceanliner, Empress of Canada, that had regularly traversed between the continents during the decade before it was reformed into a Carnival leisure cruise.

But as companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean emerged in the 1970s, they were not using their cruise ships to cross oceans, as is commonly done with repositioning cruises today. Instead, these cruises were composed of closed-circuit itineraries with amenities and activities that appealed to a wide audience, just as most cruises still are today.

It wasn’t until major cruise lines started increasing their fleets and expanding their routes, that the concept of repositioning cruises as a distinct type of cruise experience really took off.

At first, cruise lines would sail their ships with crewmembers only, and no passengers, when repositioning their ships to new locations. But cruise lines began to recognize that they could maximize the use of their ships by offering longer, one-way itineraries between different regions of the world while also maximizing the ship’s profitability. Hence, the birth of repositioning cruises as we know them today!

Over time, the popularity of repositioning cruises has only continued to grow, as more and more passengers have discovered the unique benefits of this type of cruising experience.

Benefits of Taking a Repositioning Cruise

Many curious or doubtful travelers often ask “Why would anyone want to take a repositioning cruise?”

Well, there are many benefits of repositioning cruises!

Benefit: Excellent Value of Repositioning Cruises

Part of the appeal of repositioning cruises is undoubtedly the fantastic bargains they can present. Because repositioning cruises often have highly-discounted rates, they can present an affordable possibility on what are otherwise pricey luxury cruise ships.

We’ve taken lengthy two-week-long repositioning cruises for just a few hundred dollars, on 5-star ships that normally cost thousands of dollars for a regular weeklong sailing! On ships that normally have rates around $400/night, we’ve paid less than $50/night.

Although paying significantly less than normal, the amenities, level of service, and cuisine on the ship remain exactly the same as a regular full-priced sailing. So repositioning cruises can provide a luxury experience that may otherwise be out of reach.

It’s like a floating luxury resort that transports you across the world. Prices are inclusive of dining, entertainment, activities, port calls, and so much more. It all adds up to exceptional value!

Later in this article, we’ll go into further detail about the costs of repositioning cruises and where to find these deals!

Benefit: An Interesting Alternative to Flying

If needing to travel long distances between continents, repositioning cruises can be a great alternative to air travel. Repositioning cruises are often priced about the same as, sometimes even less than, a coach ticket on a cramped redeye flight between the same locations.

Yet while a flight simply gets you from point A to point B in a slightly reclining seat, a repositioning cruise transports passengers between the same two locations all while sleeping in spacious staterooms, dining on decadent dinners, and stopping into exotic locations.

For anyone who doesn’t like flying, repositioning cruises can be a great consideration to avoid taking a plane when traveling one way. Personally, we’re indifferent to flying in general. But we will always prefer spending a few weeks on a luxury cruise voyage rather than suffering through an overnight flight in a coach seat.

Benefit: Exotic and Desirable Itineraries

Repositioning cruises can be a great opportunity to reach far-flung destinations that aren’t regularly served by cruises . For example, we’ve been fortunate to visit the stunning Azore Islands on repositioning cruises crossing the Atlantic.

Meanwhile, transpacific itineraries often include exotic islands in the South Pacific or rarely-visited ports on Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. While crossing the Indian Ocean, we loved being able to stop into the Maldives, Seychelles, and the overseas French territory of La Réunion. These far-off locations would cost a fortune to visit using a series of flights!

In addition to such rarely-visited destinations, many repositioning cruises also stop at popular cruise ports too . For example, transatlantic repositioning cruises will regularly still include a wide assortment of popular Mediterranean ports, Caribbean ports, or sometimes both! When taking westbound northern transpacific repositioning cruises, the cruise lines have always been generous to form a weeklong Alaskan cruise before crossing the Pacific.

And let’s not forget about the interesting transit opportunities . Repositioning cruises have brought us through the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal, Alaska’s Inside Passage, and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. These scenic cruising days are events unto themselves!

For travelers like us, it is such a huge benefit of repositioning cruises to be able to experience these many different destinations and their cultures all in one big long voyage!

Benefit: Following Good Weather

For those who are nomadic or on a grand long-term trip, repositioning cruises can be an ideal mode of transportation to follow good weather.

When one part of the world becomes too cold, cruises move to warmer climates. So moving around the world by taking repositioning cruises can always lead you to nice weather on the other side!

Benefit: No Jetlag on Repositioning Cruises!

When traveling on eastbound or westbound itineraries, you’ll inevitably cross several time zones. When crossing several time zones on a flight, jetlag can be horrible. You arrive at your destination exhausted.

But when taking a repositioning cruise across these time zones, the shift in time is nice and gradual. Time zones may change every day or every other day. The gradual shift can be so much easier to deal with, arriving at your destination refreshed and ready to explore!

After several consecutive days of setting back the clocks (or moving the clocks forward), your internal clock may feel a tinge that something’s not quite right. But it’s never severe as transiting across 8 timezones all at once on an overnight flight.

Personally, we always prefer westbound repositioning cruises to eastbound routes. During westbound repositioning cruises (more prevalent in the fall), every day or so you get an extra hour of sleep ! It’s a phenomenal little perk to repositioning cruises! We tend to find ourselves waking up earlier than normal yet feeling well-rested.

We’re typically not early risers. Yet with all the extra hours of sleep on westbound voyages, we’re often awake to catch the many impressive sunrises while crossing the world’s oceans!

Benefit: Unique Onboard Experience of Repositioning Cruises

Often repositioning cruises will transit passengers across vast oceans. These grand voyages tend to bring out the romanticism of yesteryear , traveling by sea. There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about being in the middle of the ocean.

But it’s not boring. There’s so much to do on repositioning cruises, besides all the fun ports. Many of these large ships are like mini-cities, full of recreation, bars, theatres, libraries, pools, activity centers, gyms, spas, shops, and more.

We’ve been on repositioning cruises with rock-climbing walls, surfing waves, ice-skating rinks, and bowling allies! In addition to all that, most cruise lines bring on extra entertainment and lecturers to help fill the added time at sea.

There’s also more time to connect with crew and other passengers that you’ll see again and again throughout a lengthy repositioning cruise journey. We’ve found that people who take repositioning cruises often have the same mindset as us when it comes to travel, so bonds are easily formed with this mutual interest. We’ve made lifelong friends on repositioning cruises.

Outside the ship, repositioning cruises can present rare opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing out in the middle of the ocean. For example, taking a repositioning cruise across the North Pacific, we spotted almost unimaginable amounts of whales – hundreds of them! Another memorable moment was waking up to see a volcano outside our window while cruising near Russia.

Passengers aboard repositioning cruises also have the opportunity to complete an assortment of unique maritime feats . It’s quite the experience to entirely cross one of the world’s oceans by sea. That’s bragging rights! Most cruises send personalized certificates to passengers’ staterooms to formally document the feat of a full oceanic crossing.

Depending on the route, you may also cross the Equator , hence immediately going from fall to spring or vice versa. Or you can cross the International Dateline , in which you lose or gain an entire day. When crossing these lines, most cruise ships will put on special events to make a big deal about the occasion. Maritime superstitions are strong and there are some fun traditions that occur onboard during these events.

Seasonality of Repositioning Cruises

Most repositioning cruises operate seasonally, with routes that follow the same patterns every year. There are a few months during the year when repositioning cruises are in much greater abundance, whereas at other times of the year repositioning cruises are nonexistent.

It’s important to understand the narrow time windows when seasonal repositioning cruises make their regional moves and where these routes are commonly found.

When is the Best Time of Year to Take a Repositioning Cruise?

The best time to take a repositioning cruise is when these one-way cruises are actively running. This only occurs a few months each year.

Seasonal repositioning cruises are most active during the change in seasons:

These seasonal repositioning cruises occur in the greatest abundance twice per year , peaking around late March and well into April , and then again peaking again in October and November .

So those are generally the best months to take repositioning cruises. Although there are seasonal repositioning cruises that depart a bit earlier than average (March in the Spring, September in the Fall) and some repositioning cruises that depart later than average (May in the Spring, December in the Fall).

Meanwhile, repositioning cruises are very uncommon January-February and are exceptionally rare from June-August.

Because these seasonal shifts dictate the timing of repositioning cruise voyages, prospective passengers need to time their transits accordingly for spring and fall months. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to just pick any time of year you want to take a repositioning cruise. You must be on repositioning cruises’ schedule.

Where Do Repositioning Cruises Go?

Repositioning cruises generally travel on northbound and westbound itineraries in the spring while reversing course to voyage southbound and eastbound in the fall. The exact routes vary greatly by season.

Common Repositioning Cruises Routes in the Spring

The most common trend for Spring repositioning cruises is for ships to be relocated towards:

• European ports for Europe’s summer cruise season and
• the Pacific Northwest (specifically, Vancouver & Seattle) for Alaska’s summer cruise season.

Spring (April-May) repositioning cruises generally voyage Northbound and Westbound, with a few exceptions. To help remember, use this mnemonic device: spring repositioning cruises “spring up, spring forward.”

These are typical repositioning cruise routes during the spring months:

• Northern Transatlantic : Florida (and US East Coast) ➡️ Europe
• Southern Transatlantic : Argentina & Brazil ➡️ Europe
• Panama Canal : Florida (and US East Coast) ➡️ US Pacific Coast
• TransAmerica Panama Canal : Chile ➡️ Florida
• Southern Transpacific : Sydney & Auckland ➡️ Hawaii, California, & Pacific Northwest
• TransAmerica Pacific : Chile ➡️ California & Pacific Northwest
• TransAsia : Asia (usually Singapore) ➡️ Europe
• MiddleEastern : Middle East (usually UAE) ➡️ Europe
• TransAfrica : South Africa ➡️ Europe

Common Repositioning Cruise Routes in the Fall

During Autumn , cruises are repositioned away from Europe and Alaska. Most commonly ships are moved to Florida and US East Coast ports to do Caribbean cruises during winter months. But cruises are also repositioned to Asia and locations throughout the southern hemisphere.

Fall (October-November) repositioning cruises generally voyage on Eastbound and Southbound itineraries, with a few exceptions. Mnemonic device: fall repositioning cruises “fall down and fall back.”

This is where cruise lines tend to reposition their cruise ships in the Fall:

• Northern Transatlantic : Europe ➡️ Florida (and US East Coast)
• Southern Transatlantic : Europe ➡️ Argentina & Brazil
• Panama Canal : US Pacific Coast ➡️ Florida (and US East Coast)
• TransAmerica Panama Canal : Florida ➡️ Chile
• Southern Transpacific : Hawaii, California, & Pacific Northwest ➡️ Sydney & Auckland
• TransAmerica Pacific : California & Pacific Northwest ➡️ Chile
• TransAsia : Europe ➡️ Asia (usually Singapore)
• MiddleEastern : Europe ➡️ Middle East (usually UAE)
• TransAfrica : Europe ➡️ South Africa
• Canadian Maritimes : US East Coast ⬅️➡️ Quebec, Canada

Common Misconceptions of Repositioning Cruises

We regularly hear so many misconceptions about repositioning cruises. When people hear about us getting a good deal on a repositioning cruise, we regularly get comments like, “you must be washing the dishes.” I assure you we are not.

Repositioning cruises are NOT stripped-down versions of a cruise. They are full-on cruises, with all the same great complimentary dining options, entertainment, activities, and high standards as their regular itineraries.

We want to debunk these myths and tell you what repositioning cruises are really like.

Repositioning Cruises Are Full of Days At Sea

Repositioning cruises do usually have more sea days than a regular cruise itinerary. But repositioning cruises also usually make many stops throughout the voyage, for passengers to get off the ship and explore.

We’ve already mentioned how one of the best benefits of repositioning cruises is their exotic itineraries. Yet many people don’t fully realize the full potential of interesting destinations along the way during repositioning cruise itineraries.

Many people envision weeks at sea over expanses of open ocean. Sure, there is a bit of that. But there are also fascinating dots of land along the way that you may have never realized.

Most repositioning cruises make several port calls throughout their voyages, as this will appeal more to potential cruisegoers. Often the ports during repositioning cruises will be exotic remote destinations that aren’t typically reached by cruises.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises often stop in the Azore Islands, the Canary Islands, and Bermuda, in addition to Caribbean and European ports. These mid-Atlantic islands help to minimize what would otherwise be lengthy stretches of sea days. And while you’ve probably heard of Bermuda and the Canary Islands, you may not realize what a beautiful and fascinating place the Azores are!

Meanwhile, transpacific repositioning cruises often create exotic South Pacific itineraries to include an assortment of South Pacific islands, including the likes of Fiji and Hawaii. We’re particularly big fans of the northern transpacific routes, which almost always include an assortment of intriguing Japanese ports, beautiful Alaskan ports, and scenic cruising, like in Glacier Bay – wow!

Other routes can be even more packed with ports, such as Asia repositioning cruises or repositioning cruises to/from South America. On a Panama Canal repositioning cruise we took from Florida to Chile, the ship stopped at amazing Latin American ports nearly every other day as we journeyed down the western coast of South America.

Meanwhile, a two-week repositioning cruise we took from Hong Kong to Singapore only had three sea days during the entire trip! On that voyage, we actually wanted a few more days to relax in between so many busy port days. It all just goes to show that repositioning cruises are not all boring cruises completely filled with sea days every single day.

Cruise lines know that potential customers won’t be attracted to boring repositioning cruise itineraries. So they almost always plan many interesting ports along the way.

There’s Nothing To Do on Repositioning Cruises

Many people falsely believe that since the cruise is being repositioned, there is a lack of entertainment and things to do onboard. It’s actually the opposite.

For example, on one of our last repositioning cruise journeys, we didn’t have any time to watch to even begin the first episode of the series we downloaded on our laptop that we intended to watch during the voyage to Japan. Instead, we were too busy taking advantage of the many fun activities, learning the basics of the Japanese language, going to cooking demonstrations, listening to navigation talks, watching awesome performances, attending parties, and soaking in the many intriguing lectures.

While the thought of attending lectures may sound boring to some, we find the quality of lectures on repositioning cruises makes them very worthwhile. Take Celebrity’s “Beyond the Podium” lecture series for example, which usually brings on 2-3 speakers to give talks on various topics. But since this was a lengthy repositioning cruise, they packed the agenda with 6 different speakers, each with their own expertise.

This included the first British woman to reach the North Pole (Sue Stockdale), a former F1 racecar driver, a Buddhism and meditation expert, a naturalist explaining the aquatic life around us, an expert on Marilyn Monroe, and a neuroscientist showing us how to unlock secrets of the brain. We departed the ship much wiser than we arrived!

After working out our minds, we try to squeeze in a bit of exercise into the day. Although there are always great gyms onboard with ocean views, we favor fresh air and walking around a lower deck while whale watching and putting into practice what we learned at the naturalist lecture.

Then there are all the different deck games and challenges . We’ve gone to putting competitions, bean bag toss, bingo, and even archery at sea. But we just enjoy the pub-style trivia and are part of a trivia team that meets each afternoon. This progressive competition is fun in itself. But it doubles as an opportunity to meet, mingle, and get to know our teammates and new friends.

Come night , there’s always a big production show in the theatre, from Broadway-style shows to musicians to Cirque du Soleil-style performances. We particularly enjoy if there’s a rock concert or a good comedian.

Finally, the late nights on repositioning cruises usually wind down with a live game show and/or a full-on theme party. On our last repositioning cruise, there was a Motown party and a “Latin Sizzle” fiesta, complete with professional dancers in costume.

Meanwhile, there are all features and shipboard amenities that these megaships offer that go way beyond shuffleboard. Instead, there are rock climbing walls, go-kart tracks, surfing waves, ice skating rinks, laser tag, water slides, and more. There’s usually so much to do! Even on repositioning cruises with many sea days, we often find ourselves scrambling on the last few days trying to experience all the things we haven’t done yet.

And during repositioning cruises, there are almost never any lines or waits for these activities that are otherwise packed during the single sea day of a regular cruise itinerary. I once learned to surf on Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider because no one else was ever using it, so I had it all to myself. I also got real good on NCL’s go-karts since they never had a line.

And if that all isn’t enough, there are even more social activities organized by passengers on sites such as CruiseCritic. During one of our first repositioning cruises, we participated in a multi-day Amazing Race-style competition organized by fellow passengers, which turned out to be a highlight of that two-week voyage.

With all that there is to do, we sometimes find it necessary to schedule downtime to relax by the pool or watch a movie. Otherwise, we have a bad habit of packing our schedule during sea days with activities nearly every hour.

Rest assured, you will not go bored on a repositioning cruise. …Unless, of course, you want to, and that’s okay too!

The Seas Are Too Rough in the Open Ocean

While the seas can be rough in the middle of the ocean, this is not always the case. Modern cruise ships are becoming so large and stable that it’s often difficult to even feel like you’re on a boat during a moderate chop. But if the seas do get rough, most ships have what’s known as stabilizers , which greatly lessen any rocking sensation.

The exact route and time of year of each repositioning cruise will impact your chance of rough seas too. If you’re on a transatlantic repositioning cruise at the end of September, this is the height of hurricane season. But that still doesn’t necessarily mean that the open ocean will be rough during that time.

All ships will steer far clear of a storm of such magnitude. Still, hurricanes still have the capacity to churn up the sea hundreds of miles away. So this is something to keep in mind. But the middle of the ocean can also be remarkably calm.

Our ocean crossings have been mostly calm and often surprisingly flat seas in the middle of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. In nearly 200 days aboard repositioning cruises, we’ve experienced only a handful of days with some motion, but it was never bad enough to cause us to become seasick.

How Much Do Repositioning Cruises Cost?

Repositioning cruise deals can vary greatly in cost, based on purchasing trends, the timing of the purchase, the popularity of the ship, and the appeal of the exact itinerary.

That said, it is regularly possible to find luxury repositioning cruises that cost less than a ticket for a coach seat on a cramped redeye flight between the same two points.

Ok, so exactly how much does a repositioning cruise cost?

A decent deal for a two-week oceanic crossing can range from around $400-$800 per person. That breaks down to about $30-$60 per person, per night! Personally, we try to shoot for repositioning cruise prices under $50 per person, per night. Occasionally, we’ll go above that threshold for a great itinerary or if extra perks are included.

That should give you a general idea of how low in price repositioning cruises can be. But understand that they can be much more expensive than that. Factors such as great itineraries and sought-after ships will certainly help to drive up the prices for repositioning cruises. Purchasing trends also affect pricing. It’s not uncommon to see repositioning cruise fares at $1,000 per person and much higher.

Yet supply and demand for each particular voyage can help drop repositioning cruise prices very low. So how low can they go?

The lowest price we’ve ever seen for a long-distance repositioning cruise was  $159 per person for an inside cabin on the Pullmantur Monarch. That came out to only $12.23 per person, per day, as we wined and dined while crossing the Atlantic for two weeks! Yes, for a mere twelve dollars per day! And this voyage even included an unlimited beverage package! It’s hard to believe but it’s true.

We couldn’t afford NOT to go! So how was this super cheap repositoning cruise? While we still enjoyed that extremely inexpensive voyage, it was on a 3-star ship on a European cruise line. Although we appreciated the fun umbrella drinks, comfy confines, and steak dinners, that particular repositioning cruise wasn’t exactly luxury. You can read our full review of our $159 Pullmantur Monarch cruise here .

Often, the cheapest repositioning cruises can be found on older 3-star ships. For example, there are usually a good assortment of MSC ships making the repositioning cruise voyage between Brazil and Italy for rates of $30 per day, or less. We once took a long repositioning cruise on one of MSC’s 3-star ships. While it definitely wasn’t our favorite, we still had an enjoyable cruise. Yet reviews on those sailings can be mixed.

So what does a 5-star repositioning cruise cost?

In the past, we’ve found two-week repositioning cruises on 5-star ships for as low as $300. In 2023, the least expensive repositioning cruise we’ve spotted is $446 for a 13-day late April voyage from Miami to England on the 5.5-star Celebrity Silhouette .

It’s a great ship and this particular sailing has a decent itinerary including Bermuda, Ireland, France, and England. But keep in mind that the least expensive repositioning cruises can sometimes be cheap for a reason, either a poor itinerary or an undesirable ship. There’s a good chance you’ll be spending more than $500 per person, for the repositioning cruise you desire.

That said, every year you can typically find at least several dozen repositioning cruises for under $1,000 and dozens of repositioning cruises priced below $50 per person, per night (based on double occupancy).

To provide you with some recent examples of low-priced repositioning cruises, check out the repositioning cruise deals below for 2023 and 2024.

Do note that prices are always changing, so the deals listed below certainly can change or be gone by the time you read this. The list below is intended simply to provide some idea of how inexpensive 2023 repositioning cruise prices can be. That said, if you see a repositioning cruise deal you like, click the link to see up-to-date availability and pricing through our trusted affiliate partner at CruiseDirect .

Examples of Cheapest Repositioning Cruise Deals 2023 :

• MSC, 5-star, March 2024, Brazil to Canary Islands, 11 nights – $329 ($30/night)
• MSC, 3.5-star, April, Brazil to Portugal, 13 nights – $349 ($26/night)
• Celebrity Silhouette, 5.5-star, April, Miami to UK, 13 nights – $446 ($34/night)
• Holland America, 5-star, Florida to Spain, 14 nights – $399 ($28/night)
• MSC, 3.5-star, Nov 2023, Italy to Brazil, 21 nights – $599 ($28/night)
• MSC, 3.5-star, Oct 2023, Norway to Brazil, 21 nights – $649 ($31/night)
• Princess, 5-star, March 2023, Florida to England, 14 nights – $569 ($40/night)
• Norwegian, 4.5-star, April 2023, NYC to Spain, 15 nights – $662 ($44/night)
• Holland America, 5-star, April 2023, Florida to Italy, 14 nights – $399 ($29/night)
• MSC Divina, 4-star, April 2024, NYC to Italy, 16 nights – $499 ($31/night)
• Royal Caribbean, 5-star, April 2023, Australia to Hawaii, 17 nights – $851 ($50/night)
• Holland America, 5-star, April 2023, Japan to Vancouver, 14 nights – $799 ($57/night)
• Norwegian, 5-star, April 2023, Miami to LA, 15 nights – $586 ($39/night)
• Norwegian, 4-star, April 2023, Miami to Seattle, 20 nights – $679 ($xx/night)
• MSC, 3.5-star, Nov 2023, Italy to Egypt, 11 nights – $299 ($27/night)
• MSC, 3.5-star, April 2024, South Africa to Italy, 23 nights – $599 ($26/night)

Search CruiseDirect to find many more repositioning cruises that meet your ideal criteria. We’ve booked many cruises with CruiseDirect and found they often have the best deals and promos. Search repositioning cruises on CruiseDirect .

Potential Drawbacks to Repositioning Cruises: How to Overcome

These repositioning cruises sound great. So what’s the catch?

Really there is no big catch. Repositioning cruises are truly fantastic travel bargains. Yet there definitely are some challenges that repositioning cruises present that prospective passengers need to be aware of.

Consider: The Time of Year of Repositioning Cruises May Not Work

Most repositioning cruises occur in mid-Fall and mid-Spring when the seasons change, as already discussed. If you want to take a repositioning cruise o utside of those narrow windows of time, it’s usually not possible .

For example, let’s say you’re able to take some time off in the month of June and want to take a repositioning cruise in June. Sorry, there usually aren’t any repositioning cruises happening over the summer months.

How to Maximize the Narrow Time Windows of Repositioning Cruises :

• Try to plan your travels around repositioning cruises, if possible.
• Travel in the Spring and Fall.

In doing so, you not only take advantage of a great repositioning cruise deal, but you’ll arrive in a destination that is in shoulder season. This is the period between the high season and the low season. During this time weather tends to be nice yet the overcrowding and higher accommodation rates haven’t yet gone into effect.

Consider: The Need for a Return Ticket

Most people will still need a flight to return back home  after the repositioning cruise Sometimes one-way international flights can be costly. If you are not continuing to travel onward, the repositioning cruise may not be financially practical.

How to Lessen the Expense of a Return Flight After a Repositioning Cruise :

• Use travel hacking techniques and/or redeem points to book a return flight for cheap or free.
• There are some great budget airlines with inter-continental flights. Example: it’s now easily possible to score flight deals between Europe and the US for under $500.
• If you have the flexibility, you can just continue traveling. (That’s the solution we take!)

Yet even if you don’t have the flexibility of time to continue traveling, these cruises are still bargains even with the added cost of a return flight, perhaps just slightly less so.

Consider: Length of Voyage of Repositioning Cruises May Be Prohibitive

The average transatlantic repositioning cruise takes about two weeks, while transpacific cruises and other routes can take three weeks or even longer. The longest repositioning cruise we’ve taken was 30 days, from Italy to South Africa.

We’re fortunate to have the flexibility of time when planning our voyages. Yet many working Americans only get about two weeks of vacation time per year, so such a crossing may not make sense or be logistically possible. It could be completely illogical to spend two weeks crossing the Atlantic, only to then immediately take a flight back home.

How to Take Advantage of Long Repositioning Cruise Voyages

Repositioning cruises may not be ideal for people with limited vacation time. If you’re not in a position to take an expanse of time off from your job, you may want to reconsider taking a repositioning cruise.

So who can take advantage of repositioning cruises ?

• Location independent professionals,
• long-term travelers,
• people on sabbatical or a gap year,
• those who are relocating from one region to another,
• digital nomads, and
• retirees (which leads us to the next point).

Consider: Repositioning Cruises Attract a Mature Crowd

Retirees have long known about the travel secret of repositioning cruises. Many savvy seniors rightfully take full advantage of these one-way cruise deals.

If you’re below the age of 60, you’ll likely be among the youngest 5% of passengers on a repositioning cruise. This may be a turnoff for Gen X, Millenials, or Gen Z passengers.

How to Find Your Tribe on Repositioning Cruises :

Enjoy everyone! We took a dozen repositioning cruises throughout our 30s and we loved meeting interesting people regardless of whether they were one of the few passengers on repositioning cruises our age to the 80-year-olds on the cruises and everyone in between.

Besides, 60s are the new 40s! While repositioning cruises typically attract a more mature crowd, they certainly aren’t a floating geriatric retirement center.

The people who go on repositioning cruises t end to be adventurous souls who like to have a good time . Many older repositioning cruise travelers have done a heck of a lot more traveling than we have. They have some incredible travel stories to share! They’re often savvy travelers too and understand great travel value, so we always share that in common with our fellow repositioning cruisers and swap tips.

These adventurous cross-ocean cruise itineraries tend to attract fun-loving groups and many of them can party harder than we can. Just think about your crazy drunk uncle or your fun aunt. There are lots of them onboard, and they are awesome!

And there’s always at least a handful of other people onboard who are around our age. They stick out, just like we do, so the younger people are easy to spot. Being among the only younger passengers on the ship, you’ll have something to immediately bond over. After two weeks at sea together, you may have just developed a lifelong friendship.

Consider: Waiting for Cheapest Rates on Repositioning Cruises Can Be a Gamble

Sometimes it takes a bit of knowledge and watching rates to score a highly discounted price on a repositioning cruise. Repositioning cruise rates fluctuate greatly based on supply and demand. So it can be tricky to score a repositioning cruise bargain at the super-cheap prices we’ve touted in this post.

It’s often a good strategy to wait until the last minute to score a bargain. Yet you run the very real risk of prices rising or a repositioning cruise selling out. It’s a gamble.

How to Snag Great Deals on Repositioning Cruises

• Be thorough when you search for repositioning cruises
• Book a refundable cruise fare. Then keep an eye on the price. If it drops, have your fare adjusted or cancel and rebook the cruise. Or book a different cruise if you discover something else, and cancel your refundable repositioning cruise.
• Yet if you’re flexible with the cruise line and exact itinerary, the gamble of waiting usually pays off to snag last-minute deals on common repositioning cruise routes. The more flexible you are, the better. If you can be brave enough to wait until a month or so before the departure and book a non-refundable fare, this is often the best time to book a low-priced repositioning cruise on common routes.

Consider: Solo Travelers Are Hit with Heavy Single Supplement Fees

Solo travelers can have a difficult time finding great deals on repositioning since cruises tend to impose a single supplement fee. It’s usually at least 50%-75%, but is more often double the price – ouch! Therefore repositioning cruises, or cruising in general, can often become cost prohibitive for solo travelers.

How Solo Cruises Can Try to Avoid the Single Supplement Fee on Repositioning Cruises

• Sometimes repositioning cruise rates go so low, that they’re still affordable even when having to pay a single supplement. For example: if you find a $400 repositioning cruise with a 100% single supplement fee, the $800 fare can still be a great deal for a 2-week voyage.
• Try to find a travel buddy to join you.
• Some cruise lines are nice enough to waive a single supplement fee. Seek these out! We’ve found that Norwegian tends to be the most generous at waiving single supplement fees and some NCL ships even have solo cruiser cabins and lounges.

Consider: The Wifi on Repositioning Cruises Can Be Slow and Costly

For those who need to stay connected for work or other responsibilities, repositioning cruises can become problematic. Wifi during repositioning cruises tends to be slow and very expensive. Often the cost to have unlimited wifi during the voyage can exceed the cost of the entire repositioning cruise itself. It’s that expensive!

Wifi usually runs on a satellite signal. So while out in the middle of the ocean, it can become extremely sluggish or will go out entirely. Yet as cruise ships upgrade to more reliable wifi technology, like Starlink, this should become less of an issue.

How to overcome expensive wifi on repositioning cruises :

For those who need some minimal connectivity, like us, repositioning cruises can still be very feasible.

• If you’re able to take a digital detox without having work obligations, it can be so refreshing to disconnect for a few weeks.
• If not, then whenever in port, visit cafes with free wifi or use your phone to connect if it has an international data plan.
• Buy small internet packages to take care of crucial tasks while at sea.
• And be sure to use all our Cruise Wifi Hacks .

Consider: Extra Costs Add To the Total Price of Repositioning Cruises

Wifi isn’t the only item that’ll add a significant expense to a repositioning cruise. First, understand that the prices you see listed online usually don’t include port fees and taxes, which often tacks on an extra few hundred dollars to the total cost of the cruise.

In addition to those fees, once onboard, you’re charged an additional $10-$15 per person, per day for gratuities to the deserving waitstaff and cabin steward. For a two-week repositioning cruise that can add up to an extra $400 for a couple to your total cruise expense.

Additionally, alcoholic drinks are often pricey cruises, as are shore excursions to take while in port.

Minimize and Budget For Additional Repositioning Cruise Fees and Expenses

• Take taxes and port fees are unavoidable. When searching cruises, see the full cost including these fees.
• Research the gratuities on your ship and budget accordingly for them.
• Don’t throw money away in the casino.
• When in port, go ashore independently to avoid expensive group tours offered by the cruise line.
• Limit your drinking while on repositioning cruises and take advantage of our 25 Best Ways to Get Free and Cheap Drinks on a Cruise .

Consider: The Best Repositioning Cruise Deals Are For Interior Staterooms

The best deals are usually for interior staterooms (meaning, no balcony or window). To enjoy the luxury of waking up to the ocean breeze in your stateroom, you’re likely going to need to pay more than the prices we’ve mentioned throughout this article.

But not necessarily. Inexpensive veranda rooms are possible on repositioning cruises. We’ve regularly seen balcony staterooms on repositioning cruises for less than $1,000 per person, per sailing. On rare occasions, we’ve even managed to score deals in which the cruise was selling balcony staterooms for the same price as interior staterooms!

If the price is right, it can certainly be worth it to upgrade to a balcony stateroom during repositioning cruises, given all the extra time at sea.

How to Find Inexpensive Balcony Staterooms on Repositioning Cruises :

• If a balcony room is important to you, filter your search accordingly and sniff out the cheapest repositioning cruises with balconies.
• After purchasing an inside or outside cabin, bid for an upgrade to a balcony.
• Read our comprehensive article detailing: 10 Secrets How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

Travel Tips for Repositioning Cruises

Choose the best cruise line to fit your repositioning cruise desires.

We’re often asked, what’s the best cruise line for repositioning cruises? The answer is highly subjective.

Personally, we like to focus on the best itineraries and the best values. That has led us to cruise on most major cruise lines and even a few more obscure lines. While we’ve definitely enjoyed some cruise lines more than others, we have no favorite to suggest to a wide audience. We’re often easy to please whenever on a repositioning cruise that has a great itinerary at a low cost.

But other travelers can be much more particular about their preference in choosing a cruise line for a long voyage like a repositioning cruise. All cruise brands are different. So if you’re going to call the ship home for several weeks, it’s a good idea to ensure the cruise line is a good fit for you. Your experience on a repositioning cruise can be greatly affected by the cruise line you choose.

Here are our personal opinions having taken repositioning cruises on the following lines:

• Carnival – Casual, we enjoy the “fun ship” but the party atmosphere may not be for everyone
• Costa – Caters to European travelers, excellent Italian food, subpar amenities, and entertainment
• Celebrity – Lives up to its “modern luxury” branding, great dining, elegant yet still fun
• Holland America – Refined yet relaxed, great dining, older crowd, fantastic enrichment, best itineraries
• MSC – Experience varies by ship with older 3-star ships being subpar yet we’ve still enjoyed, can be a largely international crowd depending on the repositioning cruise route
• Norwegian – Casual, focus on flexibility, more areas to spend $ than other lines, fantastic entertainment
• Royal Caribbean – Casual and fun, good all-around experience, lots of onboard activities

Research Ports Before Your Repositioning Cruise

If you like to explore, ensure to do research on your ports before you embark on your repositioning cruise. Or download travel articles and ebooks about the destinations to read during sea days.

It can be nice to arrive at a port with a solid plan of what you want to do with the minimal time you have there. If you’re comfortable traveling independently, exploring on your own will help save significantly on costs in comparison to purchasing the ship’s pricy shore excursions. Just be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship so you don’t get left behind!

Research popular points of interest. Determine the best ways to reach attractions, whether that be by walking, public transportation, taxi, or a local tour.

Take Full Advantage of the Entertainment and Onboard Amenities

Most of the amenities, activities, and entertainment on repositioning cruises are free. Don’t be a homebody and sit in your stateroom during the sea days. Get out there and take advantage of all the fun things to do on the ship itself.

Get out of your comfort zone and try something new, even if it’s not something you typically enjoy. Participate in progressive trivia, which can be a great way to make new friends. Go to the enrichment lectures to learn about the destinations you’re visiting. Make it a point to attend the shows in the evening and get a front-row seat! Eat all the food and do all the things !

Important Things to Do on the First Day of a Repositioning Soon

There are a few things you should consider doing on the first day of any repositioning cruise to help ensure you’ll be comfortable throughout the long voyage.

Here’s a checklist of tips for things to do on the embarkation day of any repositioning cruise.

🕒 1) Get with the program – A daily program always awaits new passengers. Check it. While other passengers could be clustering at the buffet for lunch, this lets you know what other complimentary restaurants are open to enjoy. It also helps to plan out the rest of the day. Start your repositioning cruise off right and be informed. Know when the muster drill is, where to go for the sail away party, and what time you can make dinner reservations.

🍽️ 2) Make dinner reservations – We always forgo traditional set dining times in favor of “anytime dining,” to have the flexibility to eat whenever we want. The drawback to this is sometimes there are popular periods, in which walk-ins can incur waits. This is particularly true on the busy first night of a cruise. To avoid this and waltz right into the main dining room, simply make a reservation soon after boarding the ship.

🛳️ 3) Explore every nook – Repositioning cruises are on ships that are often enormous! We’ve found that cruises tend to have many hidden venues and quiet nooks. Get to know this place that’ll be your home for several weeks. We like to get our bearings by walking the length of all major decks, plus going up & down the bow and stern stairs. In doing so, we’ve discovered many awesome spaces that we’ll retreat to throughout the voyage.

⚖️ 4) Weigh yourself – There are so many indulgent dining opportunities while cruising that many people say they pack on 5 lbs during each week of a repositioning cruise. With such an abundance of delicious food, a lengthy cruise can be dangerous to the waistline. So we like to keep track of that. We’ll always order dessert. But if the scale starts tipping too far in the wrong direction, we’ll know it’s time to start making healthier choices.

📚 5) Get to the library – Most cruises have a healthy stocked library. But on long repositioning cruises, the best books can get swooped up quickly. Those planning to do some reading at sea must act fast!

💆‍♀️ 6) Enter the Spa Raffle – On most ships, the spa usually has a raffle on the first day of the cruise in which they’ll give away spa passes and free treatments. You must be present to win. Find out when it is and then take 20 minutes to listen to their offers and enter the raffle. You may win spa access for the length of the cruise or a treatment during a slow sea day.

🧳 7) Unpack and unwind – This may seem obvious, but when staying in hotels for 2-3 nights at a time it can be counterproductive to unpack everything. We don’t. But lengthy cruises offer the simple luxury of closet space! It’s something to fully take advantage of during a multi-week stay on these floating hotels. This can be the final embarkation day chore before fully slipping into vacation mode.

Stay Active during Sea Days

We’ve found it can get easy to feel sluggish during a long stretch of sea days during a repositioning cruise. But it can feel good to stay active! Hit the gym and then give yourself a good excuse to have a second dessert.

Personally, we love to simply walk laps around the outer deck during repositioning cruises. It’s nice to get those fresh ocean breezes and listen to the endless swells while watching for marine life and getting a bit of exercise.

Ensure to Stay Safe By Having Medical Coverage on Your Repositioning Cruise

When traveling great expanses across the ocean, a travel insurance policy is an absolute must-have. We never take a repositioning cruise without travel insurance. Sure, travel protect the investment of the repositioning cruise itself. Yet, more importantly, travel insurance can help keep you safe in the event of any illness or unfortunate accident during a repositioning cruise.

The shipboard doctor visits on cruises are notoriously expensive should you need their services. A good travel policy will help to cover the hundreds of dollars of your shipboard doctor visit if you were to get a cold. But what you really need to have travel insurance coverage for is in the instance of something really serious happens and you’d need to cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical evacuation and/or repatriation . Without proper travel insurance, such an unfortunate occurrence would be financially devastating .

Thankfully, we’ve never had to be medically evacuated from a cruise ship. But travel insurance has covered our medical bills and has even lost luggage when flying in to catch a repositioning cruise. In that instance, I was allotted $800 to buy new clothes, so we got to go on a shopping spree before our cruise! Needless to say, travel insurance can pay for itself.

Find a policy and coverage that fits your needs. As for what travel insurance coverage to buy for your repositioning cruise , consider the following plans, depending on your coverage needs. (We’ve used each of these for different coverage needs.)

• Safety Wing – A travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads. Low-cost coverage can be used as a safety net to cover critical medical needs that may arise. Covers most nationalities, up to age 69. Get a quick quote .
• World Nomads – More comprehensive coverage, including adventure sports, higher medical coverage limits, trip cancellation, and more. Covers most nationalities, up to age 70. Get a quick quote .
• CruiseSafe by VisitorsCoverage is comprehensive travel and medical insurance, that includes trip cancellation and medical evacuations. Typically more expensive, but offers comprehensive coverage that is specific to cruise travel. Covers up to age 99. Get a quick quote .

Pack for Versatility on a Repositioning Cruise

It’s possible that you’ll need formal wear and beachwear for a repositioning cruise. Given that you’re changing regions, you may also need to pack for tropical climates and cold weather climates all in the same trip.

Pack light, but bring layers for varying weather conditions. Do your best to pack versatile clothes that can be repurposed.

Be strategic in how you pack too! If traveling from a cold weather climate to a warm weather climate, pack the warm-weather clothes on the bottom of your luggage. Then once in a warm-weather location, stuff your jackets, gloves, and scarves into packing cubes like these  so they don’t get in the way of the warm-weather clothing you now need.

When it comes to formalwear on repositioning cruises , packing can be a challenge. Many repositioning cruises have a few formal nights throughout the long voyage when most passengers dress up and a dress code may be imposed in the dining room. This can pose a problem for nomads and long-term travelers who aren’t roaming the world with suits and cocktail dresses in their packs.

So there are some different strategies to use for formal nights on repositioning cruises :

• Choose a cruise line, like NCL, that doesn’t have a formal night.
• Don’t participate in formal night and hit the buffet instead.
• Go to a thrift store to buy cheap yet acceptable formalwear. Then donate it after the cruise, so you don’t have to continue to carry it in your luggage. (We’ve often done this.)
• For men, jackets are often the norm but I’ve been greeted in the main dining room on formal night wearing slacks, a collared shirt, and a tie.
• For women, pack a versatile dress that can be dressed up or down.

For more packing tips or inspiration on what to pack, read our Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist and Packing Tips for World Travel .

Have a Plan for Laundry on Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises are lengthy voyages, so you may have a need to have your clothes washed. Laundry service is available on repositioning cruises, but it tends to be quite pricy. Be sure to have a plan.

Here are a few ideas for doing laundry on lengthy cruises:

• Just pay for laundry on the cruise and budget accordingly.
• When on the ship keep an eye out for sales on laundry service .
• Pack enough clean clothes to last the entire voyage .
• Hand wash laundry in the sink. Pack a small bottle of Woolite or these travel packets of SinkSuds.
• If you have a long or overnight port call, get your clothes washed for cheap on land.
• Self-service laundry is increasingly rare on cruises, but some ships still have laundry facilities. If your ship does, plan according.

Enjoy The Unique Repositioning Cruise Journey!

Repositioning cruises are a different type of travel. Take some time out of your day to appreciate this unique mode of transportation as you ply the seven seas! Soak in the endless views, catch the endless sunsets and sunrises, and get into the relaxing rhythm of the ocean swells. Enjoy!

More Cruise Tips to Save Money on Your Repositioning Cruise!

Are you intrigued about repositioning cruises? Don’t stop reading now! We’ve still got lots more to spill. Be sure to check out these articles below for further reading all of our best cruise tips:

🚢 Be sure to check out  all of our favorite cruise tips  in our latest article about cruising:  Top 50+ Cruise Hacks to Save You Money, Hassle, and Weight Gain .

🚢 Want a balcony stateroom, but can only afford an inside cabin? You need to read our:  10 Secrets to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise .

🚢 Have some fun drinking on a repositioning cruise without breaking the bank: 25 Best Ways to Get Free and Cheap Drinks on a Cruise .

🚢 And see how we used a series of repositioning cruises to string together an entire Cheap World Cruise on A Budget .

Conclusion: Travel Guide to Repositioning Cruises

Okay, I know that was a lot to take in. Thank you for reading our Ultimate Guide to Repositioning Cruises! If you’ve skimmed your way to the end of this post or think you may need to refer back to this post later, then consider bookmarking this page to refer back to .

We hope that this article has given you a thorough understanding of what a repositioning cruise is, how it came to be, and the many benefits of taking one.

Repositioning cruises offer a unique and affordable way to travel the world. If it’s an intriguing travel idea that is feasible for you, we’d encourage you to consider taking one on your next adventure. With our guide, you now have all the tools to plan the ultimate repositioning cruise experience. Hopefully, our tips and tricks will help overcome any challenges so you can make the most of your repositioning cruise.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, we hope that our guide has been helpful in your quest to explore the world on a repositioning cruise.

If you have any other questions about repositioning cruises that weren’t covered in this guide, please ask them in the comments section below. Other readers may be wanting to know the same thing! We’ll be sure to respond back and may even add the info to our guide as we update it in the future.

Bon voyage! -John & Heather

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August 8, 2022 at 1:43 AM

Excellent information in Great detail.obviously it seems more for the American people but we Europeans do appreciate it Thank you so much

December 9, 2016 at 9:15 AM

Very informative information but our goal is to take a re positioning ship to Europe ( Spain, Italy or any similar Mediterranean port or country) but being claustrophobic (meaning I can’t fly) what we’re trying to do is take a ship across to Europe “one way” and spend whatever amount of time is necessary exploring parts of Europe (example: 2 to 3 months but we’re flexible ) and then take a re positioning ship back to the USA’s east coast (preferably Florida but not imperative) but I can’t seem to get clear information if this is available… Cordially Ray and Rose

December 12, 2016 at 3:24 PM

Yes, you most definitely can do that. Florida happens to be one of the best places to do it from. But you may find it necessary to spend at least 4 or 5 months exploring Europe in order to get the timing right. You need to book two separate cruises. Most repositioning cruises from Florida to Europe go in April (with a few at the end of March and beginning of May). So you’ll likely arrive in Europe around sometime in May. Cruises returning from Europe to Florida begin around mid-September which really comes to an apex in October and lingers into early November. So if you were able to find an early May repositioning cruise to Europe and then a mid-September cruise returning, that would give you four months in Europe to explore over the summer. If you’re flexible to stay a little longer on either end, you’ll have even more options. Hope that helps!

February 12, 2016 at 7:32 AM

We have a trans-atlantic cruise booked for April 2016 – looking for a map that we can print or get e-mailed to us of the route – my husband wants to keep track of each day – doing ft. lauderdale to azores (horta & ponta delgarda) then spain, france, belguim, netherlands and fly home from cophegan. don’t know which rt. holland america will use.

February 12, 2016 at 8:00 AM

Hi Pat, We also love having the cruises route to keep track of exactly where we’re going. I would recommend going to the Holland American website. Once their you can search for your exact cruise which will have the map route for your exact itinerary. Hope that helps!

November 20, 2015 at 2:47 PM

My friend and I are in our early 70’s and want to cruise a lot! Any tips for how to search for repositioning cruises would be great. Thanks, Bev in Utah

November 20, 2015 at 4:42 PM

Hi Bev! Be sure to see our next post in this series which provides our step-by-step strategies for exactly how to search for repositioning cruises. Its at this link here: http://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/how-to-get-a-repositioning-cruise-deal-for-less-than-50-per-day/

There tends to be a lot of fun active retirees around your ages on the ship, so you’ll be in good company. Hope you find yourselves the perfect cruise and enjoy!

October 8, 2015 at 6:09 PM

Hey! I really love your blog and this post is pretty cool! I also have a blog, so I read a lot of travel blogs… so far you are the best! Really great tips and insights… and you write so well! you should’t have 1000 followers, but 100.000! Congrats!

October 10, 2015 at 7:05 AM

Thanks for stopping by and for such the kind words, which are very encouraging! Looking forward to following along your blog as well. We’re in Portugal now! (Azores)

November 5, 2014 at 6:40 AM

I agree with your post that there are a lot of fun activities we can enjoy if we go for repositioning cruise.For the cost, we can ask if there are also onboard credit or any great cruise deals because there are some limited promotions that we might avail.

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No-fly Cruises From Southampton

Find your dream no-fly holiday from southampton.

If you’re the kind of person who prefers a fuss-free holiday, then why not simply choose to cruise instead. Each of our ships has a number of unique features and facilities that provide the ultimate P&O Cruises experience. And your holiday begins the moment you step on board in Southampton. Without the luggage restrictions of flights, you can bring as much as you like – an outfit for every day and evening occasion, from glam Celebration Nights, to hiking boots and swimwear. And you can relax knowing your bags are taken off your hands the moment you get to the terminal. They’ll simply be whisked to your cabin so that you can start your holiday with a smile.

When it comes to your dream holiday, why leave anything up in the air? Instead, look to the seas for a hassle-free no-fly cruise holiday.

Why cruise from Southampton?

So many destinations on a no-fly cruise...

With a wonderful range of destinations on a no-fly cruise from Southampton, the world really is your oyster!

Norwegian Fjords

See the Fjords at their most beautiful by sailing through them. There is awe-inspiring scenery all the way – mountains, waterfalls, lakes and forests. You’ll call in at ancient Nordic ports, such as Stavanger, Bergen and Flaam.

Short Breaks

With holidays starting from just two nights, it’s easy to get away from it all. A call at Le Havre lets you enjoy a whirlwind tour of Paris. Sail down Amsterdam’s canals. Call in at Zeebrugge and feast on Belgian chocolate in Bruges.

Mediterranean

The Med has it all. Explore unforgettable cities, like Venice, Rome and Dubrovnik. Visit world-famous landmarks – Pompeii, the Acropolis and Ephesus. The French Riviera or the Greek Islands – it’s up to you.

White sand beaches, turquoise seas and swaying palms – this is paradise. Explore tropical forests. Sip rum cocktails. Shop in open-air markets. Tuck into sizzling street food. Or simply sunbathe under blue skies.

Northern Europe and Scandinavia

Northern Europe and Scandinavia has a fairy-tale feel. Discover Stockholm’s 14 islands. Try Michelin-starred dining in Copenhagen. Admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Helsinki.

British Isles

Holiday on home shores with a British Isles cruise. Two nights could take you to pretty St Peter Port in the Channel Islands. Or join us for longer. You could walk on the Giant’s Causeway, kiss the Blarney Stone and see Edinburgh castle.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, stunning volcanic scenery, fantastic beaches and adventures to suit everyone

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No-fly cruise FAQs

Yes, we sail to lots of places straight from Southampton, where your ship will return to at the end of your holiday. 

A no-fly cruise is a holiday that starts and ends on your ship in Southampton. If flying isn’t for you, you can embark at one of the cruise terminals in Southampton before you set sail and disembark in the same place at the end of your holiday. 

As much as you want. There’s no limit to the baggage you’re allowed to bring on board with you. Can’t decide which pair of shoes go with your dress for Celebration Night? Bring them all!

There are lots of places you can discover without having to step foot on a plane. You can explore places closer to home on our Short Breaks and British Isles cruises or head to the sunshine of the Canary Islands , Mediterranean or the Caribbean . You can even experience the natural wonders of the Norwegian Fjords or the magic of Northern Europe and Scandinavia  on-board our ships from Southampton.

No-fly cruises from Southampton

No-fly cruises 2024.

Whether you’re looking for a short break in Europe or you’d like to sail further afield, find a no-fly cruise from Southampton that suits you. You could experience anything from the charming and characterful streets of Hamburg to Singapore’s vibrant melting pot of cultural influences. Choose durations from just two nights or a once in a lifetime round-the-world cruise.

No-fly cruises 2025

No-fly cruise destinations.

Perhaps you’ll choose a no-fly cruise around Europe, to retrace the footsteps of Vikings in Scandinavia, and maybe even search for those elusive Northern Lights as you sail. Or maybe a no-fly cruise around the Mediterranean, where white-walled streets in Greece and fresh sangria in Spain await. Find a generous list of itineraries, all of which involve a simple departure process straight out of Southampton.

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Join a Cunard Queen on a no-fly cruise from Southampton, and revel in the ultimate escape from the everyday. Step into the Grand Lobby and find a world in which to relax and unwind, free from life’s responsibilities, whether it’s for a few days, a few weeks, or maybe even a few months.

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Perfect for those who don’t enjoy flying or wish to control the total cost of their holiday; no fly-cruises allow holidaymakers to experience new lands and cultures without having to take to the skies. The UK’s position gives cruise fans a chance to explore a large number of different destinations, whether travelling east to the beautiful cities of the Mediterranean , north to  stunning Scandinavia  or west to exciting New York . For more help developing your perfect no fly-cruise, please  get in touch  or explore no-fly cruise deals from the UK below.

No Fly Cruise Deals

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Advantages of a No-Fly Cruise

One of the great benefits of going on a no-fly cruise is the opportunity to avoid airport stresses and crowds. The freedom provided by a no fly-cruise ensures you are not restricted by airline rules, baggage allowances and flight times. Not to mention how much money and time you are to save not going to the airport. No-fly cruises are perfect when you travel with kids as well. And the high number of cruise ships departing from the nation’s ports every day opens up a huge number of no-fly-cruise deals for UK cruise fans.  

No-Fly Cruises Destinations

Did you know that you can travel the world on a no-fly cruise, depart from a home port and save lots of money, as you don't have to buy tickets and think about transfers? You can cruise around British Islands or go north and discover magnificent destinations like Norway Fjords, Iceland and Scandinavia. You can travel south and explore the best counties of the Mediterranean sea, like Spain, Portugal and Italy or sail to the Canary Islands and learn more about its volcanic nature. You can even cross the transatlantic and enjoy some Caribbean sun. The choice is yours, and we are here to help you book the best cruise deals with Cruise1st.

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NO. 1 GUIDE TO NO-FLY CRUISES FROM THE UK

Over 80 port guides, news, expert insights.

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Cruise News & Features

View our page dedicated to all the latest cruise news & features on no-fly cruises. It’s updated daily!

No Fly Cruise Port Guide 2024

Visit our expert-written no fly cruises port guide featuring the best no fly ports with expert reviews and insights

No-Fly Cruises Vlogcast

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Your Guide to No-Fly Cruises from UK ports

No fly cruises are now one of the most popular cruise choices for people travelling from the UK. This site is the ultimate guide to no fly cruises, offering everything you will need to know before making your choice. With a new era of travel restrictions upon us, more frequent flight disruptions and increased demands for hassle-free and more sustainable travel, no-fly cruises from UK ports are now the cruise holiday of choice for many UK cruise passengers, in 2024 and beyond. NoFlyCruises.co.uk  is the number 1 free guide to no fly cruising from UK ports. We offer information on the ocean and river cruise lines that operate no-fly cruises, rich port guides packed with hints and tips, and all the latest cruise news .

Our guides are written by people that have spent real time in these ports via cruise ships, and we only use amateur photography, so you will see much more than a product brochure will show you. Also, look out for our cruise expert ports that feature comments from some of the world’s most established bloggers, writers, industry executives, crew members and ship lecturer’s. Don’t forget to register for news and offers, and stop by our blog for more cruise updates. We are a community-led site so we are constantly adding to, and improving our port guides . So if some guides seem limited now, they will expand soon!

You can also visit our friends for all the same type of information on Expedition Cruises at Expedition Cruise Hub …

OUR LATEST CRUISE EXPERT PORT GUIDES 🔎

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No-Fly Cruises from UK Ports

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Embark your ship in one of the world’s most iconic ports, explore the beauty of Norway’s fjords, enjoy dramatic evenings in St Petersburg or even traverse the extraordinary Corinth Canal in Greece – you can do all of these things and more on a no fly cruise in 2024 and 2025. There are hundreds of destinations for you explore without having to even think about an airport because you can join your ship in one of many UK ports. At NoFlyCruises we are building the most comprehensible guide to no-fly sailings and we’re filling it with detailed information, maps, cruise expert comments, reviews and much more. If you love cruising, then don’t forget to add NoFlyCruises.co.uk to your favourites list. You can also use the hot-keys below to jump to our Port Guide regions. You can also travel in a more sustainable way by avoiding air travel.

England & Wales Port Guides  ~  Scotland & Islands Port Guides  ~  Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland Port Guides  ~  France & Monaco Port Guides  ~  Spain, Portugal & Islands Port Guides  ~  Norway, The Fjords & North Cape Port Guides  ~  Iceland & Greenland Port Guides  ~  Northern Europe Cities Port Guides  ~  Baltic States & Russia Port Guides  ~  Caribbean Port Guides

LATEST NEWS & ARTICLES  📰

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Do any cruises depart from Scotland?

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Fred Olsen V’s Ambassador Cruise Line’s No Fly Cruises in 2024

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No Flying River Cruises

European river cruises by rail or coach.

At River Cruising, we understand that not everyone likes the idea of flying – which is what makes cruising an attractive alternative for many travellers. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of no-fly river cruises – so you can travel to the most beautiful and captivating destinations without setting foot on an aeroplane.

With exciting travel options from luxury operators and the biggest names in river cruising, you’ll find the perfect itinerary for you. Travel with national rail and Eurostar to your first port and enjoy a relaxed, scenic train journey before embarking on your river voyage.

One of our River Cruise Experts, Lisa, regaled us with details of her  no flying river cruise experience with Riviera Travel . She travelled by Eurostar to Paris for their Paris & Normandy itinerary. You can read all about her experience  here .

Many of the tour operators featured on our website offer a no-flying option, which provides the exact same service and inclusivity as the flying kind. The only difference is how you choose to get there.

To find out more about our no-flying river cruises, select a cruise line below to see where the journey will take you. Our team of UK based river cruise experts are available from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week, to help plan your river cruise holiday! Recently awarded the UK & Ireland's NUMBER ONE River Cruise Agency, you can trust our 4th generation, family business to look after you! All of our holidays are protected by ABTA & ATOL for financial protection and 100% peace of mind. We are also proud to boast the 5* Platinum Feefo Trusted Service Award for our customer care, both before and after booking! Read more about our award-winning company here and we look forward to speaking with you soon!

No Flying Uniworld River Cruises

You can now book a range of Uniworld European itineraries via Eurostar! Subject to availability on the following sailings: Brilliant Bordeaux, Paris & Normandy, Burgundy & Provence, Castles along the Rhine, Dutch Delights, Tulips & Windmills, Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time, Rhine & Moselle and Classic Germany & Amsterdam!

No Fly Riviera Travel River Cruises

For those of you who prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can travel via Eurostar on selected tours and river cruises in Europe, such as Paris, Bruges, and many more. Travelling by train is the ideal solution if you don’t like flying, cannot fly for medical reasons or simply want fewer restrictions on luggage.

NO FLYING River Cruise Itineraries

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Sail smoothly through flight planning! With Carnival’s Fly2Fun Air + Cruise Packages you’ll find flights from all major airlines. Our prices are competitive and you can easily book them through Carnival. These flights depart from major airports across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Europe, so wherever you’re coming from, you’ll get you to your vacation relaxed and ready for some fun!

CHOOSE FROM TWO FLY2FUN OPTIONS:

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Douro River Cruises

We found you 82 cruise s

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

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Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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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.

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Middle East latest: US 'moving additional assets' to region amid fears of Iran attack on Israel

Washington officials expect Iran to attack Israel in retaliation to a strike on its embassy in Syria - as the US says it will not be drawn into any wider war and Tehran suggests its response will be non-escalatory. Listen to our latest podcast on how tensions are rising in the region.

Friday 12 April 2024 23:01, UK

• Israel-Hamas war
• Iran's threat of attack is real and viable, White House says
• US 'moving additional assets' to Middle East
• Iran attack on Israel expected in coming days - reports
• Tehran 'telling US' it will avoid major escalation
• Number of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza rises to 33,634, health ministry says
• Dominic Waghorn:  Risk of bigger war rising - but Biden knows he can't blink
• Alex Crawford report : Yemeni fishermen face threat of Houthi attack - but on Gaza they are firmly behind the militants
• Explained: Why is Iran threatening to attack Israel? 

That's all for our coverage for now. 

Well be back tomorrow morning with more updates on the Israel-Hamas war and wider tensions in the Middle East. 

Tensions in the Middle East are continuing to increase this evening, as the US moves assets in the region to better protect its forces and bolster regional deterrence. 

It comes amid the threat of an Iranian attack on Israel in retaliation to a deadly strike on its embassy in Syria. 

Earlier, Joe Biden was asked what his message was to Iran. 

You can watch the US president's answer below.... 

More details now on the news we brought you earlier about that US military moving assets in the Middle East. 

An American defence official told Sky News the move was being made to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase protection of US forces in the region. 

Now, our US partner NBC News has reported most of the assets involved are already deployed in the area and just moving around. 

Officials said moves were being made to be better positioned for defence of Israel and US assets and in case the US needs to respond to whatever Iran does. 

The specific assets being moved in the region have not been identified. 

Germany has advised it citizens to leave Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

The German foreign offices warned there was a risk of sudden escalation in Tehran's situation with Israel and also of arbitrary arrest in the country. 

"In the current tensions, especially between Israel and Iran, there is a risk of a sudden escalation," it wrote in a travel warning. 

"It cannot be excluded that air, land and sea transport routes could be affected." 

It said Germans were at "concrete risk" of being arrested, interrogated and being given long prison sentences. 

"Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk," it added. 

Three Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank today in military raids and settler rampage. 

Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians, including a member of the armed wing of Hamas, in raids. 

While, the Palestinian Health Ministry has reported at least one person was killed in an Israeli settler rampage near Ramallah.

The Israeli military said Mohammad Omar Daraghmeh, who has been described as the head of Hamas infrastructure in the Tubas area, was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces.

It said a number of weapons and military-style equipment, including automatic rifles were found in his vehicle.

Hamas confirmed Daraghmeh's death and his membership of its armed Al Qassam Brigades.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said another man was killed by Israeli forces conducting a raid in the al Far'a refugee camp in Tubas.

Hamas mourned the man's death but did not claim him as a member. 

The military said forces carrying out the operation opened fire on Palestinians who threw explosive devices and killed one man it said was attempting to attack them.

Israel has stepped up military raids in the West Bank since launching its operation in Gaza. 

Joe Biden has reiterated US support for Israel, saying his administration is "devoted" to its defence. 

The US president said his message to Iran, which has threatened to take military action against Israel, was simply "don't". 

"We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he said. 

His comments come after a US defence official confirmed to Sky News that "additional assets" were being moved to the Middle East to "bolster regional deterrence efforts". 

Iran has threatened to attack Israel in retaliation to a deadly strike on its embassy in Syria last week.

Israel has been widely blamed for the attack, but has not commented on it publicly. 

Around 40 rocket launches have been identified crossing from Lebanon, the Israeli military has said. 

In a Telegram post, the Israel Defence Forces said some rockets were intercepted, and the rest fell in open areas. 

It also confirmed two Hezbollah explosive drones that had entered Israeli territory from Lebanon had been intercepted. 

"Over the last few hours, the IDF struck in a number of locations in southern Lebanon in order to remove a threat," it added. 

Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have regularly exchanged fire across the border since the war in Gaza erupted last year. 

Throughout the day, we have been reporting on the threat of an Iranian attack on Israel. 

The US has warned the threat is "real" and "viable" and, in the last few moments, an American defence official has confirmed "additional assets" are being moved to the Middle East as a result. 

Our security and defence analyst Michael Clarke has said it is "quite likely" Iran will attack, and the US has been given signals all day that it could be "imminent". 

He added he is "fairly sure" Iran will not let go of the deadly strike on its embassy in Syria - which is what sparked the threat of an attack in the first place. 

"The United States is pretty clear now that something is about to happen, maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, but it won't be much further than that, and it might be quite big," Prof Clarke said.

He explained that the US has said it is more likely Iran will launch a direct attack on Israel, and the Iranians do have missiles with the capability to do so.

Israel has made it very clear it will hit back if Iran decides to attack, and Prof Clarke said some Israelis would "almost like that to happen" so they could attack some of Iran's nuclear facilities. 

You can watch his full analysis below...  

The US is "moving additional assets" to the Middle East, a defence official has told Sky News. 

The move will "bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for US forces", the official said. 

Our US correspondent Mark Stone said no further details have been provided. 

"That means more military hardware is being moved or will be moved to the region to do two things - try to deter Iran from taking any massive action and also to protect existing American forces that are in the region," he said. 

"I think the consensus among experts is that the Iranian will respond, but they will almost certainly respond against Israel directly rather than any American military in the region. 

"Nevertheless, what that response will look like and what it will mean in terms of an Israeli response, we don't know yet." 

The announcement comes after the White House said it changed its force posture in the region amid threats of an Iranian attack on Israel. 

Fears of an escalating situation in the Middle East have grown in recent days after Iran threatened to attack Israel. 

But how is Iran involved in the conflict - and why is it threatening to attack Israel? 

Firstly, Iran is the biggest backer of Hamas, having provided weapons and training to the militant group in previous years. 

It also backs Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen - both of which have been involved in attacks on Israel since the war in Gaza erupted last year. 

Historically, Israel and Iran have been arch enemies, with both countries allegedly behind a long series of attacks on each other's interests. 

Tensions between the two nations have been increasingly stretched since Israel entered Gaza following the 7 October Hamas attacks. 

But, they became incredibly high last week after an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria. 

That's why Iran is threatening to attack Israel. 

Two generals and seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were killed in the strike in Damascus, which Tehran has blamed on Israel. 

The US military has said it also believes Israel was behind the attack. 

However, Israel has not publicly commented on the airstrike. 

Iran has been warned by the US not to use the embassy attack as a pretext to escalate the situation in the region. 

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