Best repositioning cruises 2022 & 2023 – sail all inclusive from only £62 a day!

Transatlantic repositioning cruises take place at various points throughout the year as cruise lines shift their ship depending on the season.

Many ships generally pass the winter in the Caribbean, for instance, offering cruises around the tropical islands, and then spend the spring and summer in the Mediterranean calling at Europe’s countless hotspots.

As Jo Rzymowska, Vice President and Managing Director of Celebrity Cruises, explained: “In the late autumn, our transatlantic cruises sail from Europe to North America, whilst in the early spring, they depart from the United States and head back across the Atlantic.

“Both offer a wealth of stunning destinations to explore from the sun-soaked Mediterranean, the Azores and Canary Islands, majestic Iceland and Greenland and the exotic Caribbean. The itinerary travellers choose will depend on what sort of holiday they’re looking for.”

These repositioning cruises tend to be cheaper than other sailings as they include more days at sea but this doesn’t need to be seen as a negative thing. According to travel agent Bolsover Cruises Club: “Repositioning cruises are usually great value and more for those that love lazing away on sea days.”

Rather than feeling guilty about not heading ashore you can truly put your feet up onboard and enjoy everything the ship has to offer, from the spa and deck games to the casino and cinema.

Travel writer Caroline Gladstone told Sailawaze of her experience of repositioning cruises: “They are definitely for those with time on their hands and who like many sea days; I really enjoyed mine. It’s a chance to get to know the ship, do the onboard classes (I got really into daily yoga and meditation) try out all the restaurants, learn a craft and sleep in!”

Fellow journalist Danielle Langer agrees. “Repositioning cruises can be a great way to get more for your money because it gives you a totally different embarkation and debarkation port to explore, sort of like a bonus port visit,” she explained.

Rzymowska told Sailawaze: “Repositioning cruises allow guests to become immersed in distinct cultures all in one trip, stopping at some of the world’s most coveted ports, across oceans. Additionally, with more days at sea, there’s more opportunity to relax, restore and make the most of our industry-transforming ships, from the award-winning spa with 120 treatments on offer to culinary experiences inspired by global destinations.”

Most major cruise lines will be repositioning their ships to the other side of the Atlantic in the autumn, with repositioning cruises 2022 generally taking place from September to November. Some of these have already been completed but some lines still have there’s to come but you’ll have to act fast.

Repositioning cruises 2023 tend to occur in March through May when the ships return to this side of the pond before the process repeats come autumn.

We’ve rounded up some of the best repositioning cruise deals for 2022 and 2023, depending on which direction you fancy heading to make sure you bag the best cheap repositioning cruise holiday for you, whether you’re sailing with Marella Cruises, Princess Cruises or Disney.

Marella repositioning cruises 2022 take place in October and call at a selection of Spanish highlights before sailing the Atlantic to a range of fabulous Caribbean islands. Marella repositioning cruises 2023 offer the same but in reverse and take place in March and October.

The best thing about Marella transatlantic cruises is that absolutely everything is included – flights, food, drink, tips, you name it, so absolutely no nasty shocks with the bill! October’s Transatlantic Discoveries cruise came with a £1,734 discount which works out as costing a mere £69.65 which is an absolute bargain! Sadly this one has sold out for 2022 but keep your eye out on 2023 sailings!

Plus, with Marella 2023 cruises you can get an extra £300 off using the discount code CRUISE300 – how fabulous is that!

Celebrity Cruises repositioning sailings pack in a number of top destinations – and spaces are still available on this month’s transatlantic cruise! With Celebrity’s repositioning cruises 2022 you’ll enjoy Italy, France, Mallorca, Spain, the Bahamas and Florida so definitely no chance of getting bored!

If you book with the All Included Rate will benefit from a classic drink package, gratuities included and an unlimited basic Wi-Fi package. Food at a rate of complimentary venues is also included as standard.

Flights are not included on Celebrity Cruises repositioning voyages but can be booked at the same time as the cruise for ease.

As for Norwegian repositioning cruises 2022, this year’s sailing has already been and gone – but look out for next year’s equivalent!

Regarding Norwegian repositioning cruises 2023, with this sailing from NYC, you’re saving £450 and can bag a Free at Sea Upgrade.

This means the following are included: Open bar (all spirits and cocktails, wines, draft beer, juice and soda for guests 21 years or older), speciality dining and Wi-Fi plus US$50 Shore Excursion Credit per tour. What’s more, if you want to sail with extra loved ones, third and fourth guests need to only pay taxes.

All this works out at just £62.07 a day! If you want to add on flights, prices start from £1,740 pp.

Princess repositioning cruises 2022 have been and gone unfortunately but those sailing eastbound in 2023 can visit a wealth of Spanish highlights, including Seville and Barcelona.

Princess dining and entertainment are included in the fare, but if you want to go all in, the all-inclusive Princess Plus option includes drinks, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation for only £40pp per day, worth $95. Flights are not included.

Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises 2023 go between New Jersey and Southampton, calling at France and the Azores, and benefit from savings of £126. The good news is 2022 repo cruises with Royal Caribbean are also still up for grabs! The cheapest 2022 option goes from Barcelona to Barbados, stopping at France, Spain and Madeira.

Food at Royal Caribbean’s complimentary dining venues is included in the fare and other dining, drink and internet packages can be added on as well as pre-paid gratuities. Flights are not included.

Cunard repositioning cruises are technically not repositioning as such as the traditional cruise line specialises in transatlantic sailings. What’s more, there are no stops on route – it’s straight from the UK to the USA or vice versa.

It’s the perfect opportunity to complete switch off and do whatever you want with your days! Dining at your stateroom restaurant is included as is afternoon tea and room service plus tea, coffee, water and fruit juice. Drinks packages can be purchased as extra. Flights are included.

MSC repositioning cruises 2022 have completed for the year but repositioning cruises 2023 stop at multiple Caribbean destinations as well as Morocco before returning to Europe.

Dining at MSC’s complimentary restaurants is included in the fare but all-inclusive packages can be added on. Tips, hot drinks and water are also included. Flights are not.

P&O repositioning cruises are very similar both eastbound and westbound, calling at key Caribbean islands. However, the 2022 repositioning cruise calls at the Canary Islands while the 2023 repositioning cruise stops at the Azores instead.

Flights are included in the fare as is dining in P&O’s complimentary restaurants.

Disney repositioning cruise itineraries vary depending on the direction of travel. The repositioning cruise 2022 (which has already passed, alas) called at France, Spain and Bermuda en route to New York while the repositioning cruise 2023 includes more Spanish stops along with two Portuguese destinations.

All food including 24-hour room service, unlimited coffee, tea and soda is included in the cruise fare with Disney. Flights are not included.