What is a repositioning cruise?
A repositioning cruise is a one way voyage that moves a ship from one region to another as the seasons transition. You will also hear these called relocation cruises or simply one way cruises. Because the goal is to relocate the ship efficiently, itineraries include more consecutive sea days than a typical round-trip holiday and may visit ports that are not on standard routes. That combination often produces wallet-friendly fares on a per-night basis.
Examples include a ship finishing summer in Alaska and moving to Sydney for the Australian season, or a vessel wrapping up the Mediterranean and heading toward Asia or the South Pacific. If your travel style values long stretches to unwind, read, enjoy the spa and try specialty dining, you are the perfect match for a cruise ship repositioning itinerary.
For inspiration on destinations at either end of your voyage, explore Asia cruises to see where ships are headed across the region and Hawaii cruises if you are planning a Pacific crossing or island-hopping before or after your sailing.
Are repositioning cruises cheaper?
In many cases, yes. With more sea days, off-peak timing and unusual routing, repositioning cruises can price below comparable round-trip holidays on a per-night basis. Value improves further if you book during a sale, accept an oceanview or balcony with an obstructed view, or choose a guarantee stateroom.
For short-notice bargains, our last-minute cruises page lists time-sensitive fares you can filter by port or month.
Popular repositioning routes
– Australia to Asia, and Asia to Australia: These are among the most frequent relocation patterns around the Australian season. Expect sea days punctuated by ports such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila or Hong Kong. If you plan to spend time pre- or post-cruise, start with our cruises from Singapore page for scheduling ideas and city tips.
– Australia to Hawaii, and Hawaii to Australia: Cross the Pacific with lazy sea days, enrichment talks and film nights on deck. Many travellers pair the voyage with a few hotel nights in Honolulu. See our cruises from Honolulu page if you want to browse sailing dates around your stay.
– Transpacific cruise options: A transpacific cruise is a classic repositioning style voyage linking Australasia and North America. Routes vary, but you may see calls through Tahiti, Bora Bora or other South Pacific islands on longer itineraries. If you prefer to begin or end in the United States, explore cruises from Los Angeles or cruises from San Francisco for potential departure dates that match your plans.
– World cruises and segments: If you like the one way concept but want even longer time at sea, world cruise segments frequently appear as global one way cruises. Start with our world cruises page to see segment ideas that mirror repositioning benefits with broader reach.
How do I find the best repositioning cruises?
1. Choose your direction and window. Start with the rough month band that suits your calendar. For Australia to Asia, think February or March. For Australia to Hawaii, think March or April. For returning to Australia from Asia, look to October through December. For Hawaii back to Australia, aim for September or October. Exact schedules vary by year and ship, so confirm dates on the itinerary page before booking.
2. Set your sea-day comfort level. Longer relocation routes can include a week or more at sea. If you want a mix, look for itineraries with two or three clusters of sea days broken up by port calls.
3. Compare inclusions, not just fares. A slightly higher lead price could include a drinks package or specialty dining that fits your style. Our Price Guarantee helps you book with confidence if you see the same cruise advertised at a lower rate later on eligible fares.
4. Pick your cabin strategically. If views matter less on a sea-day-heavy sailing, an interior can be a smart choice. If balcony time is your holiday highlight, a guarantee balcony can help manage costs.
5. Bundle the logistics. Ask about flights and hotels when you enquire so everything aligns with your embarkation and disembarkation times. For tailored help, request a call back and our Australian team will shortlist options to match your timing and budget.
Example lines and ships
Inventory changes every season, but popular choices for repositioning cruises often include major lines that homeport in Australia or pass through the region. If you prefer specific brands, browse our dedicated pages for Princess Cruises for a mix of Australia, Asia and transpacific routes, Royal Caribbean Cruises for larger ships with standout entertainment, or Celebrity Cruises for a modern-luxury feel on selected relocation voyages, and Carnival Cruises for casual, family-friendly ships that occasionally feature one way and transpacific sailings in the region. Availability by year is subject to change and not all brands operate the same route patterns every season.
Terms and important information
*Terms and conditions apply. Prices shown are an average price per person, twin share in AUD inclusive of all discounts, taxes & fees. Prices are as categories as specified. Prices are subject to change and availability. Once the lead in stateroom is sold out, prices may increase to a higher fare, or be withdrawn without notice. Cruise line offers are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offer. Oceanview staterooms and balcony staterooms may have obstructed views. Discounted fare will reflect in the final booking screen. Offers are not combinable with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Sailing itinerary may vary from what is shown. Itinerary changes are at cruise lines discretion. Additional surcharges will apply to dining reservations made at any of the ship’s specialty restaurants. Some onboard entertainment will have a participation charge, please contact guest services on board for full details. All offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Cruise Guru reserves the right to correct any errors inaccuracies or omissions and to change offers, fares and surcharges at any time without notice. Credit card fees are not charged for deposit payments via Visa or MasterCard. Final payments will incur a 1.3% merchant fee via Visa or Mastercard. American Express incurs a 1.3% merchant fee for both deposits and final payments.
The savings percentage amounts are a comparison between the current lowest available fare and the current highest available fare on the same category, regardless of promotion. Each fare level has its own terms and conditions.
Shipboard credit offer is in the currency onboard the ship and is per stateroom. It is non-transferable, non-refundable and not redeemable for cash. Shipboard credit offer is capacity controlled and subject to availability. The shipboard credit amount will reflect in the final booking screen. Shipboard credit cannot be used at the Medical Centre or the Casino and will expire at 10pm on the last night of the cruise if not used prior.
For terms and conditions of specific cruise line offers, please visit Cruise Deals
