How do I book a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise?

Repositioning cruises are one of the best-kept secrets in cruising, offering longer itineraries, fewer crowds, and exceptional value. If you’ve heard about Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises but aren’t sure how to find, book, and plan one correctly, this guide provides everything you need—step by step.

Drawing on official Royal Caribbean policies, travel-industry best practices, and consumer research from authoritative organizations, this article explains how to book a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise, what to expect, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to maximize value.

What Is a Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruise?

A repositioning cruise occurs when Royal Caribbean moves a ship from one homeport or cruising region to another—usually between major cruise seasons.

Instead of sailing empty, Royal Caribbean sells these voyages to passengers, often at significantly reduced per-night rates.

Key Characteristics

• One-way itineraries (not round-trip)

• Longer sailings (typically 7–21 nights)

• More sea days

• Multiple countries and regions

• Lower average nightly cost

• Based on publicly available Royal Caribbean itineraries, repositioning cruises frequently occur between North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Why Royal Caribbean Repositions Its Ships

Royal Caribbean adjusts ship deployment based on seasonal demand, weather patterns, and regional cruising preferences.

Common Reasons for Repositioning

• Caribbean demand peaks in winter

• Europe cruises peak in summer

• Alaska cruises are seasonal

• Hurricane avoidance

• New ship launches or refurbishments

According to Royal Caribbean Group’s investor communications, fleet deployment is optimized to maximize guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruises

Advantages

• Lower cost per night compared to standard cruises

• Fewer children onboard, especially during school months

• More onboard relaxation

• Unique ports and crossings

• Ideal for slow travel enthusiasts

Disadvantages

• One-way travel (requires flights)

• More consecutive sea days

• Less port-intensive itineraries

• Limited entertainment variations late in sailing

When Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruises Happen

Peak Repositioning Seasons

Season	Typical Routes
Spring (March–May)	Caribbean → Europe
Fall (September–November)	Europe → Caribbean
Late Summer	Alaska → Asia
Winter	Australia ↔ Asia

Based on historical Royal Caribbean schedules, April–May and October–November offer the highest availability.

Where Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruises Sail

Common Routes

• Florida → Spain / Italy

• Rome → Fort Lauderdale

• Vancouver → Tokyo

• Sydney → Singapore

• Barcelona → Miami

Popular Ships Used

• Oasis Class

• Quantum Class

• Voyager Class

Ship assignment depends on itinerary length and regional demand.

Step-by-Step: How to Book a Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruise

Step 1: Visit Royal Caribbean’s Official Website

Go to: https://www.royalcaribbean.com

Use filters:

• Cruise Length: 7+ nights

• Region: Transatlantic, Transpacific

• Departure Month: Spring or Fall

Step 2: Search by Cruise Type

Royal Caribbean does not label cruises as “repositioning.” Instead, search for:

• Transatlantic

• Transpacific

• One-way cruises

Step 3: Compare Itineraries Carefully

Pay attention to:

• Departure and arrival ports

• Total sea days

• Port sequence

• Arrival dates (important for flights)

Step 4: Check Travel Documentation Requirements

Royal Caribbean defers to government entry rules. Always verify:

• U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov)

• UK Foreign Office (gov.uk)

• EU Schengen requirements

• Based on CDC and WHO guidance, travelers should also confirm vaccination or health entry rules for transit countries.

Step 5: Decide How to Book

You can book via:

• Royal Caribbean website

• Royal Caribbean phone agents

• Certified travel advisors

Expert tip: Travel advisors often have access to group pricing and onboard credit incentives.

Step 6: Book Flights Separately (or via Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea program allows bundled airfare, but independent booking may offer flexibility.

How to Find the Best Repositioning Cruise Deals

Proven Strategies

• Book 6–12 months in advance

• Monitor price drops weekly

• Avoid peak school holidays

• Consider interior or ocean-view cabins

• Watch for last-minute reductions (60–90 days out)

According to Consumer Reports, cruise prices fluctuate based on inventory and demand, not sailing quality.

Pricing, Cabins, and What’s Included

Typical Pricing Range (Per Night)

Cabin Type	Average Cost
Interior	$50–90
Ocean View	$70–120
Balcony	$100–180
Suite	$200+

Prices vary by ship, season, and route.

What’s Included

• Accommodation

• Dining (main dining + buffet)

• Entertainment

• Fitness facilities

• Basic onboard activities

What’s Not Included

• Flights

• Shore excursions

• Alcohol packages

• Specialty dining

• Gratuities (unless prepaid)

Passports, Visas, and Documentation Requirements

Passport Rules

Royal Caribbean requires:

• Passport valid at least 6 months after cruise end

• Blank visa pages (varies by country)

Visas

Depending on itinerary, you may need:

• Schengen visa

• UK transit visa

• U.S. ESTA

• Australian ETA

• Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data that Royal Caribbean assists with visa procurement.

Health, Safety, and Insurance Considerations

Travel Insurance Is Strongly Recommended

According to the CDC and WHO, travelers should ensure coverage includes:

• Medical evacuation

• Missed port protection

• Trip interruption

• Emergency care abroad

Royal Caribbean offers cruise protection plans, but independent policies often provide broader coverage.

Real-World Booking Examples

Example 1: Miami to Barcelona (14 Nights)

• Ship: Symphony of the Seas

• Cabin: Interior

• Cost: ~$899 total

• Ports: Miami → Lisbon → Barcelona

• Best for: Remote workers, retirees

Example 2: Vancouver to Tokyo (12 Nights)

• Ship: Quantum of the Seas

• Cost: ~$1,200 balcony

• Multiple sea days

• Ideal for culture-focused travelers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting one-way flight costs

• Ignoring visa requirements

• Booking non-refundable airfare too early

• Underestimating sea days

• Skipping travel insurance

Is a Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruise Right for You?

Ideal For:

• Flexible travelers

• Remote workers

• Retirees

• Cruise enthusiasts

• Budget-conscious travelers

Not Ideal For:

• Travelers with tight schedules

• Families with school-aged children

• First-time cruisers seeking port-heavy itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises cheaper?

Yes. Per-night costs are often lower due to longer sailings and lower demand.

2. Does Royal Caribbean label them as repositioning cruises?

No. They are typically listed as transatlantic or transpacific sailings.

3. Can I use Royal Caribbean loyalty points?

Yes, Crown & Anchor members earn points on repositioning cruises.

4. Are repositioning cruises safe?

Yes. Royal Caribbean follows international maritime safety standards.

5. Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended due to one-way itineraries and international ports.

6. Are shore excursions available?

Yes, but fewer ports mean fewer excursion days.

7. Can I book last minute?

Sometimes, but airfare costs may increase.

8. Are repositioning cruises suitable for solo travelers?

Yes. They often have fewer crowds and better solo cabin availability.

9. Do drinks packages work the same?

Yes, with occasional restrictions in certain ports.

10. Will Royal Caribbean cancel a repositioning cruise?

Based on publicly available information, cancellations are rare but possible due to operational needs.

Final Thoughts: Booking a Royal Caribbean Repositioning Cruise the Smart Way

Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises offer exceptional value, immersive travel experiences, and relaxed onboard atmospheres—if you plan correctly.

By understanding seasonality, documentation, pricing strategies, and itinerary structure, you can confidently book a repositioning cruise that delivers both adventure and savings.

For travelers who value time over speed and experience over repetition, repositioning cruises remain one of cruising’s most rewarding options.