What is The Budget Traveler’s Secret Weapon for Slow Travel
Picture this: Days spent gazing at the endless ocean, exploring charming port cities far from the tourist hordes…all for a fraction of the cost of a typical cruise. Sound too good to be true? Meet the budget traveler’s secret weapon: repositioning cruises.
Hi, we’re Lidia and Jeff! Ditching the 9-to-5 for slow travel in retirement has become our favorite way to see the world. Repositioning cruises are our go-to for crossing oceans in style – without sacrificing our budget. Let us show you why they just might change how you travel (sort by price per night to get your 25 USD per night deal)
Get ready to dive deep into the world of repositioning cruises. We’ll cover everything you need to know: what they are,the best times to find deals, why they’re perfect for slow travelers, and how to snag those dream itineraries for less.
What the Heck Are They?
Think of it as a one-way ticket for the ship itself! Cruise lines need to move their fleets around the world based on seasons. Instead of sailing empty, they offer amazing itineraries at bargain prices.
Myth-Busting:
- Myth: It’s Not Just for the Super-Rich: Prices can be surprisingly competitive with long-haul flights, especially when factoring in meals and accommodation.
- Myth: They Take Forever: While longer than standard cruises, many are still under 2 weeks, with some truly epic month-long options.
- Myth: You’re Stuck Onboard: Repositioning cruises often have multiple fascinating port days in a row, perfect for those who hate that rushed “one day per city” feeling.
The Sweet Spot for Slow Travelers
More Sea Days, More Serenity:
If crowded pool decks aren’t your thing, you’ll LOVE the unhurried pace of a repositioning cruise. Time to truly unwind,read that book, or strike up conversations with fellow passengers.
Unique Itineraries:
Forget the played-out Caribbean routes. These cruises take you to hidden gems, smaller coastal towns less reliant on mega-ship tourism, and offer in-depth regional exploration.
Your Floating Home Base:
Pack and unpack ONCE, then let your hotel room take you to incredible new destinations. Perfect for those who want the comfort of a routine with the excitement of daily discoveries.
Budget Perks:
With longer itineraries, the per-day cost often works out to be a steal. Onboard activities are included, and extended port stays mean more chances for budget-friendly meals and experiences ashore.
When to Go for the Best Deals
Shoulder Season Savvy:
Spring (April-May) and Fall (Sept-Oct) are prime time. Ships head to Europe for the summer, then back to North America for winter in the Caribbean.
Flexibility is Key:
If your dates are open, you’ll have more options. Last-minute repositioning cruise deals pop up too, for the truly adventurous (sort by price per night to drill to 25 USD per night per person).
Weather Matters:
Hurricane season can impact Caribbean departures, but also lead to even bigger discounts on those routes if you’re willing to be slightly flexible.
Our Favorite Repositioning Adventures
Last October we went from Rome to Miami for the price of 25 USD per day per person and this was our itinerary:
| Day 1 | Sunday, Oct 22 2023 | Port: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy | Arrival: – | Departure: 06:00 PM |
| Day 2 | Monday, Oct 23 2023 | Port: Palermo (Monreale), Italy | Arrival: 10:00 AM | Departure: 06:00 PM |
| Day 3 | Tuesday, Oct 24 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 4 | Wednesday, Oct 25 2023 | Port: Ibiza (Baleari Is.), Spain | Arrival: 08:00 AM | Departure: 08:00 PM |
| Day 5 | Thursday, Oct 26 2023 | Port: Valencia, Spain | Arrival: 07:00 AM | Departure: 04:00 PM |
| Day 6 | Friday, Oct 27 2023 | Port: Marseille (Provence), France | Arrival: 01:00 PM | Departure: 07:00 PM |
| Day 7 | Saturday, Oct 28 2023 | Port: Genoa (Portofino), Italy | Arrival: 09:00 AM | Departure: 06:00 PM |
| Day 8 | Sunday, Oct 29 2023 | Port: Marseille (Provence), France | Arrival: 08:00 AM | Departure: 07:00 PM |
| Day 9 | Monday, Oct 30 2023 | Port: Barcelona, Spain | Arrival: 07:00 AM | Departure: 05:00 PM |
| Day 10 | Tuesday, Oct 31 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 11 | Wednesday, Nov 01 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 12 | Thursday, Nov 02 2023 | Port: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Is.), Spain | Arrival: 11:00 AM | Departure: 08:00 PM |
| Day 13 | Friday, Nov 03 2023 | Port: Arrecife de Lanzarote (Canary Is.), Spain | Arrival: 08:00 AM | Departure: 05:00 PM |
| Day 14 | Saturday, Nov 04 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 15 | Sunday, Nov 05 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 16 | Monday, Nov 06 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 17 | Tuesday, Nov 07 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 18 | Wednesday, Nov 08 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 19 | Thursday, Nov 09 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 20 | Friday, Nov 10 2023 | Port: Philipsburg, St. Maarten | Arrival: 07:00 AM | Departure: 06:00 PM |
| Day 21 | Saturday, Nov 11 2023 | Port: Road Town (Tortola), United States | Arrival: 07:00 AM | Departure: 06:00 PM |
| Day 22 | Sunday, Nov 12 2023 | Port: San Juan, Puerto Rico | Arrival: 07:00 AM | Departure: 11:59 PM |
| Day 23 | Monday, Nov 13 2023 | Port: San Juan, Puerto Rico | Arrival: 12:01 AM | Departure: 12:01 AM |
| Day 24 | Tuesday, Nov 14 2023 | Port: At sea | Arrival: – | Departure: – |
| Day 25 | Wednesday, Nov 15 2023 | Port: Miami, Florida | Arrival: 07:00 AM | Departure: 06:00 PM |
How to Score the Cruise of Your Dreams
Where to Search:
Sail MSC Cruises for Affordable Luxury and Ulta-Moderns Touches! Book MSC Cruises Today, Only at CruiseDirect.com! (sort by price per night to get your 25 USD per night deal). There are additional costs like tips and port charges.
The Early Bird Advantage:
These cruises CAN book up far in advance, especially popular itineraries. If you have a dream route in mind, start researching at least 6-9 months out.
Beyond Price:
- Number of port days vs. sea days: Which fits your travel style?
- Cabin Location: Inside cabins are cheapest, but a balcony for endless ocean views might be your worthwhile splurge.
- What’s Included: Some lines offer enticing pre-cruise hotel stays or open bar packages to offset the longer length.
Tips to Maximize Your Experience
- Embrace Slowness: This is where the “journey is the destination” mindset shines. Bring ample reading material,try a shipboard class, or savor leisurely meals.
- Pack Smart: You may encounter a wider range of climates than a shorter cruise. Layers are key, and check the dress code for any formal nights.
- DIY Your Fun: Research those port cities in-depth to find free walking tours, local markets, or scenic hikes that don’t require pricey ship-sponsored excursions.
- Connect & Share: Repositioning cruises attract a diverse crowd. Strike up conversations, you might find a travel buddy or get insider tips from seasoned cruisers.
Ready to Set Sail?
Let the repositioning cruise search begin! Share YOUR repositioning cruise dreams in the comments below. Have you done one, or which route is topping your wish list?
Stay tuned for our destination-specific deep dives on ports you can explore during a repositioning cruise! Sail MSC Cruises for Affordable Luxury and Ulta-Moderns Touches! Book MSC Cruises Today, Only at CruiseDirect.com!
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