repositioning cruise la to vancouver

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

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

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

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

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

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What is a repositioning cruise?

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

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

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

Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

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

Are repositioning cruises one-way?

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

Where and what time of year do cruise ships reposition?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happens on a repositioning cruise?

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

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

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

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

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

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

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a repositioning cruise?

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

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

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

Do you need a passport for a repositioning cruise?

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

Are repositioning cruises cheaper than other cruises?

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

How to score repositioning cruise deals

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

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

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

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

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

What are the best 2024 repositioning cruises?

14-night transatlantic on carnival glory.

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

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

15-night transatlantic on Rotterdam

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

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

14-night transatlantic on Norwegian Escape

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

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

16-night Panama Canal transit on Seven Seas Grandeur

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

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

What are the best 2025 repositioning cruises?

15-night transatlantic on wind spirit.

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

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

23-night Panama Canal on Coral Princess

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

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

17-night French Polynesia and Hawaii on Celebrity Edge

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

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

14-night transatlantic on Odyssey of the Seas

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

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

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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Repositioning Cruises from Los Angeles

Several cruise lines offer repositioning cruises from LA. The destinations of these one-way cruise are Florida, New York, Canada, Japan, Australia, Peru and Chile.

A repositioning cruise is one that shifts a ship from one departure port to another. Out of Los Angeles, the cruises often go through the Panama Canal to the East Coast. Repositioning cruises are usually good bargains because one-way cruises are not as popular as round-trips.

January 12, 2024: 15-night cruise to Florida on Norwegian . One-way from Los Angeles to Miami (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Panama City (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia).

March 31, 2024: 5-night cruise to Canada on Norwegian . One-way from Los Angeles to Vancouver (Canada). Visit San Francisco (California) and Victoria (Canada).

April 22, 2024: 4-night cruise to Canada on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Los Angeles to Vancouver (Canada). Visit Monterey (California) and Victoria (Canada).

May 1, 2024: 12-day cruise to Canada on Oceania . One-way from Los Angeles to Vancouver (Canada). Visit San Francisco (California), Astoria (Oregon), Sitka (Alaska), Icy Strait Point (Alaska), Juneau (Alaska) and Ketchikan (Alaska).

May 4, 2024: 6-night cruise to Canada on Celebrity . One-way from Los Angeles to Vancouver (Canada). Visit Santa Barbara (California), San Francisco (California), Astoria (Oregon) and Victoria (Canada).

May 9, 2024: 15-day cruise to Florida on Princess . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), San Juan del Sur (Nicargua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Fuerte Amador (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia).

August 22, 2024: 18-night cruise to Japan on Carnival . One-way from Long Beach to Tokyo (Japan). Visit Ketchikan (Alaska), Sitka (Alaska), Icy Strait Point (Alaska), Kushiro (Japan) and Aomori (Japan).

September 19, 2024: 15-night cruise to Florida on Celebrity . One-way from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands).

September 28, 2024: 14-night cruise to Louisiana on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Los Angeles to New Orleans (Louisiana). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Huatulco (Mexico), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia).

October 5, 2024: 16-night cruise to Florida on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Los Angeles to Tampa (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Mazatlan (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), the Panama Canal, Colon (Panama), Cartagena (Colombia) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands).

October 8, 2024: 21-day cruise to New Zealand on Princess . One-way from Los Angeles to Auckland (New Zealand). Visit Honolulu (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Tahiti (French Polynesia) and Pago Pago (American Samoa).

December 6, 2024: 15-night cruise to Florida on Norwegian . One-way from Los Angeles to Miami (Florida). Visit Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Panama City (Panama), the Panama Canal and Cartagena (Colombia).

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Reposition Cruises

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

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

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

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

Transatlantic

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

Panama Canal

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

Pacific Coastal

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

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

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Repositioning Cruises from $697*

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Repositioning Cruises

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

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

Things to Do on a Repositioning Cruise

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

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

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

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

Top 10 Repositioning Cruises

• Celebrity Eclipse 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Aug 2024)
• Celebrity Eclipse 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Aug 2024)
• Nautica 35 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Apr 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 10 NT FORT LAUDERDALE TO CAPE LIBERTY Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 12 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Jul 2025)
• Celebrity Silhouette 13 NIGHT GREENLAND & ICELAND CRUISE Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Aug 2025)
• Symphony of the Seas 3 NIGHT DEADHEAD REPOSITIONING CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Oct 2025)
• Brilliance of the Seas 7 NIGHT BOSTON TO SAN JUAN CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Nov 2025)
• Riviera 22 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Nov 2025)
• Vista 16 NIGHT Repositioning CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Apr 2026)

Repositioning: Cruise Lines

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

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

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

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

Repositioning: Departure Ports

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

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

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

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

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

Singapore, Singapore

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

Photo Gallery for Repositioning Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 21, 2024 | Royal Princess

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

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

Princess repositioning cruise to New Zealand in 2024:

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

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

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

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

Princess repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Australia in 2024:

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

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

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

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

🤓 Be informed #2 : It is possible to book a one-way cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver that is the cruise right before the repositioning cruise, but personally I would not feel comfortable booking that. That would mean you would be embarking in one US cruise port (in Alaska) and disembarking in a different US cruise port (in Hawaii), and the laws about embarking and disembarking in 2 different US cruise ports seems ambiguous. I read a story in a cruise facebook group about someone who had booked back-to-back cruises individually in a similar way (it was another cruise line), and just a few weeks before the cruise, they were contacted by the cruise line and told they can’t do that. Maybe there’s something about this specific itinerary that would actually make it okay (I have no idea), but the uncertainty of it makes me feel uneasy about booking it myself! Research before you book! If the cruise line is selling it as a cruise from one US cruise port to another (like a Panama Canal cruise from California to Florida ), then it’s not a problem, but when you would be booking 2 individual cruises, know before you book!

Princess repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii in 2024:

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

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

September 24, 2024 | Sapphire Princess

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

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

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

Princess repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Florida in 2024:

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

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

September 21 | Royal Princess September 28 | Discovery Princess

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

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

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

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

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

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

Princess repositioning cruises from Vancouver to California in 2024:

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

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

What Princess cruise ships are in Vancouver?

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

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

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

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

HAPPY CRUISING FROM VANCOUVER!

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

5 Options For Repositioning Cruises From Vancouver

During the summer, Vancouver serves as a hub for cruise ships embarking on voyages to Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Canada, this vibrant city offers a convenient starting point to explore Alaska’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. But did you know you can take repositioning cruises from Vancouver?

Repositioning itineraries are best suited to those who have time, like extended sailings, and enjoy multiple sea days. Since Alaska cruises begin in May , ships must arrive in Vancouver, BC, from another destination.

In late September or early October, those vessels leave for the winter season, providing a one-way itinerary to another location. Since most cruise passengers prefer to return to the same port, these one-way sailings sell at bargain prices.

Keep in mind; cruise lines sell their packages based on double occupancy. However, you can find solo cabins on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class and Norwegian’s Encore-class vessels.

Cruises from Vancouver sail from the Canada Place cruise terminal downtown. Here, you’ll have plenty of choices for a pre-cruise stay. As you depart the port, you’ll enjoy an iconic sail away, passing Stanley Park and cruising under the Lionsgate Bridge.

Length Of Repositioning Cruises From Vancouver

You can take a one-day itinerary from Vancouver or repositioning cruises of over 50 days. One-day itineraries sail between Vancouver and Seattle and are best suited to those who live in either city. Holland America usually offers this overnight cruise.

If you’re new to cruising, this overnight cruise isn’t a good way to test the waters. Often the cruise lines limit the entertainment and onboard events, and food is often substandard.

Since most longer cruises from British Columbia travel along the coast or cross the ocean, you’ll have many sea days. Sometimes, you may even encounter rough seas.

So, if you suffer from seasickness, consider considering an itinerary that includes an ocean crossing.

Much longer cruises travel across the Pacific to Oceania or Asia. Obviously, the lengthier the journey, the more unique ports you’ll enjoy. These longer itineraries suit retired guests who like the diversity of other cultures.

Since vessels leave Vancouver in September to chase the sun, you’ll need a flight to return to your embarkation point. Since ships don’t return until April or May, you can’t make your way back on a cruise ship.

Here are five cruise types you can enjoy from the port of Vancouver.

Transpacific Cruises

Transpacific Cruises offer an unforgettable voyage from Vancouver. A complete transit to Australia typically lasts 27 days or more, with the majority of days at sea. 

Guests crossing the Pacific Ocean have the option to disembark in Sydney, Australia, or Auckland, New Zealand. The best transpacific cruise from Vancouver spans approximately 35 days and has a diversity of stops and cultural experiences. 

Vessels leave Vancouver in September or early October and arrive in Oceania as their spring begins.

After departing Vancouver, some ships head south and  dock in Los Angeles  or San Francisco for the day before crossing the Pacific. Others make the 5-day direct journey to Oahu.

Here, you can visit the historic Pearl Harbor, hike the Diamond Head crater, or relax on the world-famous Waikiki Beach.

Your cruise may include a day in Maui before heading to the South Pacific. If you choose to end your journey here, Hawaii cruises from Vancouver typically last 9 to 12 days.

If you continue the voyage, you’ll have five sea days to enjoy the onboard amenities before arriving in Papeete, Tahiti. Like the Hawaiian Islands, the temperatures are warm with welcoming sea breezes.

In the Polynesian islands, you can  swim with giant manta rays , take a diving excursion, or see migrating humpbacks. 

If your itinerary includes Moorea, Belvedere Lookout, Opunohu Bay, and Cook’s Bay are the island’s must-see places. For a cultural experience, visit the Tiki Village Cultural Center. Alternatively, you can go snorkeling, diving, or relax on a beach.

Before crossing the international date line, ships stop in Pago Pago or Apia in Samoa. In Pago Pago, the National Park of American Samoa provides a tropical paradise for bird watchers. 

Outdoor enthusiasts might prefer a hike to Mount Alava or the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail. 

If you’re ending your journey in Sydney, you’ll savor the views of the Sydney Opera House as you enter the harbor.

Pacific Coastal Cruise

Cruises that sail the Pacific Coast are notoriously rough. If you are okay with the wave action, you can find some cheap cruises from Vancouver. If you’re looking to explore a different part of the world without traveling far, these cruises fit the bill.

Three days sailings offer the best deals at under USD 200 and end in either San Francisco or the port of Los Angeles. By cruising a day longer, you could end your cruise in San Diego and have a port day in between.

Seven-day cruises have more port days if you don’t like multiple sea days. You could have three to four stops in any of the following: Seattle, Astoria, San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Catalina Island, or a day in Santa Barbara.

Some also stop in a Canadian city, Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Butchart Gardens provides the top excursion in Victoria. You can enjoy a complimentary tour of the Parliament Building or visit Craigdarroch Castle, a beautifully restored Canadian castle.

Across the border, Seattle’s attractions include the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market. You’ll find Astoria quainter with its many historic houses.

Like Astoria, Monterey, Catalina Island, and Santa Barbara weren’t designed to handle large cruise ships. In fact, they have no ports, so you’ll need to tender to downtown.

However, you’ll have plenty of things to do in San Francisco and San Diego. After cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll dock at the San Francisco terminal , walking distance of most attractions.

Whether you visit Alcatraz prison , explore Fisherman’s Wharf, or head to Chinatown for cheap eats, you’ll enjoy a memorable day in the northern Californian city.

Further south, expect warmer weather in San Diego. Its activities are diverse, but you’ll find something for everyone. Families might prefer a day at the zoo, while a USS Midway Aircraft Carrier tour might appeal to others.

Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal cruises from Vancouver are an extension of a Pacific Northwest cruise. It typically takes 19 days to go from British Columbia to Florida, transitioning through the Panama Canal.

While you can find extended itineraries of 27 to 28 days, these include a back-to-back with a Caribbean cruise. Like most one-way cruises, expect to score low prices on these three-week journeys.

Since Panama Canal itineraries include sailing along the Pacific Coast, be prepared for rougher seas. The sailings going down in September and October offer a calmer time. However, the reverse cruise from Florida to Vancouver brings larger waves in the spring.

From California, vessels head south to the Panama Canal. Along the way, they may stop in the  Mexican Riviera ports  of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Huatulco, and Puerto Chiapas. 

In Mexico, excursions are plentiful and inexpensive. Parasailing, deep fish fishing, and diving are all tours you can do for less than half the price in other destinations.

For nature enthusiasts, an  excursion to Marietas Islands  provides excellent bird watching and a chance to see Blue-footed Boobies. 

Further south, the landscapes of Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Puerto Caldera, and Puntarenas offer tropical coastlines and wild interiors. Whether you want a day at a black sand beach or a jungle excursion to see howler monkeys, you can find it all in these ports.

The highlight of this journey is undoubtedly the transit through the Panama Canal, regarded as one of the most incredible engineering feats of the modern era. 

The canal connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, cutting through the massive Gatun Lake and the awe-inspiring Gaillard Cut, which was carved out of solid rock. 

As you navigate the 50-mile waterway, you’ll pass through a series of locks. The locks raise and lower the vessel with only inches to spare on either side. 

It’s an unforgettable experience that showcases both human ingenuity and the region’s natural beauty. Once through the canal, ships usually stop on one of the Caribbean Islands before completing their journeys.

Some vessels like Cunard Queen Elizabeth offer an extended itinerary that crosses the transatlantic. This 42-night transatlantic voyage ends in Barcelona, Spain.

Cruises To Seattle

Cruises that begin in Vancouver and end in Seattle tend to be a few days. One-day cruises go for under USD 70, far less than you’d pay in a hotel, and includes food. 

However, you will need to get transportation one way if you live in either Vancouver or Seattle. Quick Shuttle and Amtrak run services to get you home, and their prices are very competitive.

Three-day itineraries usually stop in Victoria for a day before ending in Seattle. You can often book one of these with Princess Cruises. Unlike Alaskan cruises, which only stop for 4-5 hours to appease the Jones Act, you’ll enjoy up to twelve hours in this British Columbia capital.

If you want to enjoy all the sights, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus lets you explore at your own pace. The  west coast provides whale-watching tours , and you’ll see orcas in Victoria.

Fishermen’s Wharf, near  Ogden Point, the cruise port ,  provides a great place to enjoy seafood or fish and chips.

These shortened trips are the result of vessels moving to their home ports for the start or end of the Alaska season. 

Again, three-day itineraries cost less than a night in a hotel. These mini cruise getaways are ideal for those who want to try a cruise vacation.

If you’re a seasoned cruiser, it’s an opportunity to try a different cruise line or splurge on a suite, which may be unaffordable on a longer journey.

Cruises To Asia

Repositioning cruises from Vancouver to Asia travel northwards through the Gulf of Alaska to reach Japan or Hong Kong. While more cruise lines offered this pre-pandemic, some companies have been slow to re-introduce them post-COVID.

Part of that has to do with some Asian countries have not opened their ports to ships again. Currently, you can book this type of cruise with Silversea, Viking, Celebrity, Regent, and Holland America. 

These September cruises usually include ports in Alaska. Depending on your cruise length, you may have one day or three to four days.

While it may not be the  best month to see Alaska  (due to rain), you’ll have a chance to see a glacier. Some itineraries include Kodiak Island; if you’re lucky, you may see its famed bears. 

From Alaska, reaching your first port in Japan can take up to seven days. You’ll also cross the international date line. Picking a vessel with lots of amenities and entertainment is vital to making the most of a week at sea.

The shortest journey takes 13 days and is offered on the Holland America Noordam. However, it only provides three port days in Sitka and Kodiak Island in Alaska and Kushiro in Japan.

Alternatively, the 30-day Regent Seven Seas Explorer itinerary includes Hubbard Glacier and five Alaskan ports. Once it reaches Japan, it spends 13 days in Japanese ports and one day in Busan, South Korea.

A Japanese itinerary offers a unique cultural journey to immerse yourself in the country’s history. On a port day, you can enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony, see an ornate temple, or tour a beautiful garden.

Mount Fuji, the star of the itinerary, may be viewable in the port of Shimizu if the skies are clear. If you pick the reverse itinerary from Japan to Vancouver, you may catch the end of Sakura or cherry blossom season.

Who Should Take These Vancouver Repositioning Cruises?

One-way cruises from Vancouver suit those living in or near Vancouver or the destination city. While you can cruise from the west coast city in September, you can do the reverse itinerary in April or May.

If you’re traveling to the embarkation port from another area, by starting or ending your journey in Vancouver, you’ll have a chance to explore Canada’s largest city on the west coast.

During your stay, you’ll enjoy its multiculturalism, superb cuisine, and fantastic attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island, and Stanley Park.

If you don’t like flying, taking an extended cruise from Vancouver reduces your time in the air by only needing a one-way flight.

One-way cruises allow you to travel further from the home port than taking a roundtrip cruise.

Whether you prefer larger ships or more intimate vessels, short cruises, or extended itineraries, you can find one to suit your needs.

Wednesday 25th of October 2023

Great article, but do you have some tips on booking these without having to check each individual cruise's website?

Karen Hosier

Sunday 29th of October 2023

I use Vacations To Go to price out cruises. It features a great 90 day ticker to find great deals

Wednesday 11th of October 2023

Thanks Karen, this is a good piece of descriptive work.I personally enjoyed the write up. Take care both of you.

Privacy Overview

Pacific Coastal Cruise

Vancouver BC Tourist Information and City Guide

• Attractions

Pacific Coastal Cruises are available between Vancouver BC and California annually from April until October.

One-way "repositioning cruises" depart California (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego) in springtime while southbound cruises set sail from Vancouver in late summer and early fall.

Return cruises from Vancouver are also available.  Some are short cruises to Victoria and Seattle while others sail right down the Pacific coast to southern California.

Popular ports-of-call along the Vancouver-California route include Victoria BC, Seattle, Astoria Oregon, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Catalina Island and San Diego.

Some cruise lines are now combining an Alaska cruise from Vancouver with a south-bound coastal cruise to California.

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Is A Repositioning Cruise From Vancouver The Right Choice For You?

Repositioning cruises have historically been a great option for folks that love sea days and saving money. While some repositioning cruises are historically unpredictable in terms of when they will happen, repoisitioning cruises from Vancouver (as well as Seattle ) are pretty easy to predict since they happen each year at the end of the Alaska cruise season.

Why Do Cruise Ships Relocate From Vancouver?

Simply put, it's too cold to sail to Alaska during the winter and it's too far to sail to Hawaii the way many cruises do from Southern California ports where there are already 4 or sometimes 5 sea days between ports. Since Vancouver is farther north, this journey would be even longer. Though there have been Hawaii cruises from Vancouver on occasion, this is not a regular occurance. One notable cruise that does this is Holland America Line with a 16-day circle cruise to Hawaii from Vancouver and back.

So, without attractive winter cruise itineraries, cruise ships must head to other home ports for the winter season. These ports can include Southern California, Asia, Australia, and Panama Canal cruises on the way to spend the summer sailing the warm Caribbean waters.

Example Vancouver Relocation Cruise Itineraries

One of the biggest thing that is common to nearly all repositioning cruises is that you will have a large number of sea days proportional to the overal length of your cruise. For instance, you may have a 5 day cruise from Vancover to San Diego with only a stop in San Francisco . At the time of writing, that itinerary is priced starting at only $199 on Holland America Line's Koningsdam at the end of October. However, Holland America Line offers other similar options such as their 6-day Wine Country cruise on Noordam that stops in Victoria and Astoria as well as San Francisco before ending up in San Diego.

Norwegian Cruise line offers an alternative though. Instead of simply running their ships south as quickly as possible from Vancouver, they have NCL Jewel doing an Alaska cruise that visits Juneau and Ketchikan before heading to San Francisco and Los Angeles .

What To Expect On A Repositioning Cruise From Vancouver?

As we mentioned above, each cruise line that sails from Vancouver during the summer Alaska season has a different response to what to do next. However, the consistent thing between all of them is that you will likely have new crew as well as some crew that are at the end of their contracts and looking froward to heading home. Additionally, even the seasoned crew will not nessisarily be experts in the area of the world where they are headed and routines that may have worked in Alaska - entertainment and food for instance, might not be fully "in gear" for repositioning cruise.

Weather also is not going to be ideal. While summer can be quite warm and enjoyable in the waters of the Pacific Northwest, spring and fall can be chilly, overcast, and sometimes rough waters.

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Not all is bad though, these cruises are a fantastic opportunity to get very cheap cruises and they will also be less full too.

Additionally, you will usually find that the guests are a bit older and there are no kids on board. This is because it is quite expensive to fly a full family to / from Vancouver for a relatively short cruise. 

Finally, while you usually sail point-to-point in a circle, these cruises start and end in two diferent cities. This means that you will need to plan to do two one-way flights or if you live in an area you can't park a the cruise port since you aren't returning there. This isn't a big deal with some careful planning but it is something that you need to take into consideration before choosing a repositioning cruise like this from Vancouver.

So, is this the right cruise for you? Only you can answer that. I personally enjoy the experience since I live in San Diego and it's a cheap way to spend some time at sea and just relax. I'm not really concerned abuot the ports as much as I'd look forward to enjoying some good music, food, drinks, and those cool sea breezes from my balcony.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy generally costs 100% more. Prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed until your card has been charged.

We don't set prices-- we just find the best deals and display them for you. While we work hard to keep prices completely accurate, they change quickly based on time and availability. With almost 12,000 cruises tracked, it's not possible to be 100% accurate all of the time. The price you see upon checkout will be your final price.

Prices are displayed in local currencies for convenience, but will be booked in USD.

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Cruise line canceled while guests were already onboard

• Published: Apr. 29, 2024, 4:53 p.m.

Royal Caribbean Cruise canceled while guests were already onboard. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) AP

• EmilyAnn Jackman | [email protected]

So much for thinking they had crossed their final hurdle.

Guests onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise line were told their trip was canceled and were being sent home despite already being aboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean International notified guests onboard Radiance of the Seas that the ship would not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaskan cruise. The trip was canceled, and guests had to disembark, CruiseHive.com reported.

The ship was set to leave from Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 26, but an earlier adjustment due to technical difficulties allowed guests to board on embarkation day while the ship was to spend two days in port undergoing repairs.

The revised plan features a Sunday departure and an adjusted route, with calls to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan and scenic cruising in the famed Inside Passage before returning on May 3, which was the original completion date.

But it was later announced that the trip was being canceled due to repairs for a technical issue. Guests had to leave the ship by 4 p.m. Sunday.

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26th sailing,” the letter given to passengers in their staterooms read, the unofficial cruise site RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com reported.

“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our April 26th, 2024, cruise,” the letter concluded.

Guests will receive a 100% refund of their cruise fare and a 100% future cruise credit that may be applied to any future Royal Caribbean sailing. Internet service aboard the ship was also open free of charge to allow for easier travel planning and offered a free open bar until debarkation.

The ship began to develop propulsion difficulties last week during a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, causing multiple stops to be scrapped due to a slower speed.

Stories by EmilyAnn Jackman

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Repositioning Cruises

Ships, Itineraries, Sailng Dates, Prices

• Cruise Industry
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Repositioning Cruises Seattle WA

We have the list of all Alaska repositioning cruises to and from Seattle WA 2024-2025 Spring and Fall ship relocation specials. We show you here all departures and arrivals of passenger ships offering Seattle repositioning cruise deals on “one-way itinerary” voyages with changing the ship’s seasonal destination of operation.

Seattle relocation cruises include deals on ships that arrive to or leave from Seattle WA. The list of itinerary and destination changes associated with these deals includes:

• Panama Canal transition cruises  on ships departing from Alaska to Florida ports, New Orleans, or to texas (Houston or Galveston) are operated in Fall. The reverse routes are operated in early Spring.
• Ships with deals on repositioning cruises from Seattle to Vancouver and the reverse cruise Vancouver to Seattle , operated respectively in Fall and Spring each year.
• Transpacific crossings – ASIA and AUSTRALIA (with Hawaii) repositioning cruises from Seattle to Sydney or ports in Japan (Yokohama or Kobe).

Repositioning Cruises to/from Seattle WA

As you will see from the lists below, the short “Alaska ships relocation” deals offer to visit the busiest Alaskan ports of call – Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and the regions of Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm. In British Columbia (Canada) you will stop in its capital city Victoria (on Vancouver Island, about 60 ml / 100 km south of Vancouver BC).

All these deals are on one-way itineraries. The Seattle cruise repositioning presents the perfect chance for budget-minded vacationers to find low-season-cheap bargains. In the group of these deals are the discounted cheap Alaska fly-cruise packages with discounted air on both flights. These deals are usually sold by travel agencies, and rarely by the ship’s operator or the cruise company.

Seattle relocation cruises

Since Seattle relocation cruise deals usually offer some hotel stay in the city of Seattle, we offer you here two outbound information links. The first link is to Wikipedia’s article about Seattle , the second one is to the official website Seattle.gov . Follow some of the city’s most popular statistics:

• A major coastal port city in the state of Washington, USA.
• Population – 634,535 (~4 million in the whole metropolitan area). This is the largest US city in the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region and the 15th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
• The busy Seattle port as a cruise ship schedule is just the tip of the iceberg. This is the 8th largest seaport in the US in terms of cargo ship traffic and container handling.
• Seattle architecture marvels and the most famous landmarks. “Space Needle” observation tower (built 1962) is the city’s symbol. This building attracts ~2,3 mill visitors a year, with ~20,000 people using its lifts each day. The tower’s height is 605 ft (184 m), width 138 ft / 42 m, and weights 9550 t. Its observation deck is located at 520 ft / 160 m and features the rotating restaurant named “SkyCity”. The Space Needle’s elevators are moving at hat travel at 10 mph (4.5 mps), and it will take you ~40 sec to reach its top.
• The city’s tallest buildings are: “Smith Tower” (built 2014), “Columbia Center” (built 1985, 284 m / 932 ft), “Washington Mutual Tower” (built 1988, 235 m / 772 ft). Other famous places to visit are “Pike Place Market”, “Fremont Troll”, “EPM Museum” (founded by Microsoft), “Central Library”, “The Seattle Great Wheel” (Pier 57, Elliott Bay, height 175 ft / 53 m).

Repositioning Cruises Seattle 2024-2025 ships relocation schedule

In the table below we list all Alaska cruise ships departing from Seattle WA during the summer of 2024, and 2025. You can compare departure dates and itineraries. For more reposition cruise offers and cruise prices comparison – follow our line-links at page right. We will add more itineraries as soon as the Alaskan cruise lines leaving out of Seattle announce their dates officially.

Repositioning cruises from Seattle are a very small set of one-way itinerary deals per year. The reason is the small number of Alaskan cruise ships departing from Seattle WA as compared to those leaving out of Vancouver, Canada.

Now, that you know the Seattle relocation cruise ships and their departure/arrival dates, all you gotta do is book the “right one”. We wish you the best of luck with the prices and cabin availability! This is one of the US most prominent cities – and a top choice port for Alaska cruising vacations. Don’t miss the one-time-a-year-only chance to embark on a cheap ship relocation vacation!

Cruise Lines

• Holland America
• Marella (Thomson UK)
• NCL Norwegian
• P&O (Australia, UK)
• Royal Caribbean
• Viking Ocean

Destinations, Ports

• Vancouver BC
• Panama Canal cruises
• Transatlantic cruises
• Suez Canal cruises

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Coastal Vancouver To Los Angeles

From VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - onboard CELEBRITY SUMMIT

†Taxes, fees and port expenses $238.99 USD *

At Celebrity Cruises®, we believe choice matters. That’s why we’ve pre-packaged our most popular amenities—drinks, and Wi-Fi— Tips charged separately. So you can now choose the most convenient way to get the best value from your cruise.

 Drinks

Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water.

 Wi-Fi

We know staying in touch is important, so we’ve included internet access for all guests. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.

Cruise Itinerary

• Port of Departure
• Port of Call
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Vancouver, British Columbia

Fri, Sep 13, 2024

Departs: 5:00PM

Victoria, British Columbia

Sat, Sep 14, 2024

Docked: 7:00AM to 4:00PM

At Sea - Cruising

Sun, Sep 15, 2024

San Francisco, California

Mon, Sep 16, 2024

Arrival: 11:59AM

Tue, Sep 17, 2024

Departs: 6:00PM

Wed, Sep 18, 2024

Los Angeles, California

Thu, Sep 19, 2024

Arrival: 6:30AM

See Full Itinerary

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About This Ship

Revolutionized Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Summit

Onboard Features

Cosmopolitan

The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

Clean, crisp flavors and inventive cuisine meet an extensive list of sustainable and biodynamic wines. Exclusively for AquaClass guests.

The exclusive restaurant for guests of the Retreat. Select and cutting edge, the globally inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant on board.

Rendezvous Lounge

The Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect place to gather before dinner for a cocktail and dancing.

Cellar Masters

Immerse yourself in wine culture. Cellar Masters lets you try a bold collection of both familiar and unknown wines from around the world.

The Martini Bar

Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.

The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

Say "Ahh" in spa-inspired staterooms designed just for you. Savor clean eating at Blu and escape to the Persian Garden.

Tailored services and amenities await you in these exceptionally appointed staterooms. We're here to help you make the most of your time on board and on shore.

Camp at Sea

For our Camp at Sea program, we’ve designed more than 500 activities that make every sailing a brand new experience and an unforgettable memory for our junior cruisers.

Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games at The Casino. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

Shops on Summit

Celebrity's European-inspired piazza and elegant galleria hold riches of chic sophistication. Marble walkways lead you to modern boutiques and fine jewelry stores.

Fitness Center

Bring your workout routine along on your modern luxury vacation and enjoy a variety of new fitness classes and seminars along with world class cruise fitness amenities.

Art Gallery

When you visit the Art Gallery, you'll be surrounded with one of the world's largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

Rooftop Terrace

A restaurant, a bar, and an alfresco movie theater. With cozy furnishings and gourmet fare, the inviting Rooftop Terrace beckons you to stay a while.

Jogging Track

Built around the ship’s top deck, the jogging track let’s you take in breathless ocean views while you workout. It’s so mesmerizing, you’ll forget you’re breaking a sweat.

Adults-only Solarium

A serenely beautiful adults-only pool and hot tub experience, The Solarium let’s you relax and daydream of the next destination you’ll be exploring.

SEARCH FLIGHTS FOR THIS CRUISE

Price is per person and applies to selected sailing, lowest available fare stateroom category, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability until booked. Additional terms and conditions apply to offers. Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 03/02/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking. 

Celebrity Edge® Series Iconic Suites, Edge Villas, Penthouse Suites, Royal Suites, Celebrity Suites, AquaClass® Sky Suites, and Sky Suites (and Family Suites during Holiday sailings) require double the deposit amounts listed.

All Included  pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate.  Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins.  Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

Departing Sep 13, 2024

$418 USD * Avg Per Person

DAY 1 - Friday , Sep 13

DAY 2 - Saturday , Sep 14

DAY 3 - Sunday , Sep 15

DAY 4 - Monday , Sep 16

DAY 5 - Tuesday , Sep 17

DAY 6 - Wednesday , Sep 18

DAY 7 - Thursday , Sep 19

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