Repositioning Cruises: Sample Prices

If you enjoy traveling on the “giants of the seas” that are cruise ships, a “secret” for cheap cruises is well guarded. If you are flexible on dates, repositioning cruises might interest you!

Repositioning cruises are cruises that have the particularity of not having the same departure and arrival port.

These repositioning cruises are usually linked to the fact that the ship changes continent to adapt to the seasons. Mediterranean cruises are not very popular in the middle of winter, for example, while the weather is nice in South America at the same time.

Some legs of these repositioning cruises can be difficult for cruise lines to sell. Rather than sailing empty, they will reduce prices.

Here are some examples to illustrate.

Example with MSC

The MSC Armonia will spend nearly 8 months in Italy in 2023. From March to November, it will do back-to-back 7-day cruises from Venice to Venice.

In November, winter approaches in Europe, it’s time to head to more temperate latitudes.

The MSC Armonia will make a long journey (19 nights), from Venice to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.

This cruise is priced at €1,477 per person in an interior cabin (tips included), which is €78 per night per person.

But MSC will struggle to fill the first days of the cruise. A 5-night cruise is therefore offered on the Venice – Naples leg (where most travelers will probably embark).

This cruise is offered at €239 per person, or €48 per night. The per-night cost is 38% less than the full journey. For a couple, that gives a budget of €96 per night for a full-board stay (room, food, activities, shows, …), the value for money is excellent! If you plan a 15-day vacation in Italy during this period, this could be a great opportunity!

Example with Royal Caribbean

In March 2023, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, after several months of 7-day Miami – Miami cruises, will return to Europe.

The transatlantic cruise to Barcelona will last 12 nights, for a total (US taxes included, but not tips) of €1,037 for two. That’s €43 per night per person.

On this same ship, a classic 7-day cruise costs €110 per night per person. Almost 3 times more expensive!

Conclusion

There are no miracles, you will always need a decent budget to travel on a cruise. But repositioning cruises, combined with a vacation in the same geographical area, can save you on transportation costs and give you a few days of full board in a magnificent setting, with excellent value for money.