If you like hotels and travel and cruises then you may want to consider a repositioning cruise for your next vacation. Repositioning cruises have been around for quite awhile but, it has only been in the last few years (most likely due to a flagging economy) that they have really caught on. These types of cruises provide many of the same stunning amenities as a regular cruise but, at steeply discounted prices.

These cruises are called \”repositioning\” because that is exactly what happens. Large cruise liners (or any type of boat) can not stay in water during the winter or they risk severe damage to the hull through ice build up. So, cruise ship companies move (or reposition) their ships by having them sail to warm, southern waters.

It is mostly ships in Alaskan and European waters that are required to move south. This happens during the months of September through November. Of course, in the spring they will come back north between March and May. Since the ships need to be moved anyway, the cruise companies offers passengers steep discounts to ride aboard. These trips are not the everyday type with many ports of call and 10 day maximums.

The repositioning cruises last longer (14-16 days) and have many fewer port of calls with some trips docking only once the entire trip. To counter balance the extra days at sea the cruiser sets up more activities which include ice rinks, tennis courts, swimming pools, boxing rings, special guest speakers, rock climbing walls and theme nights.

Probably the biggest bonus is the tremendous slash in price to board. On average, most repositioning cruises will charge between $35 and $65 per person per night. This will include the room, meals and entertainment. Those who consider themselves real sailors and cruise veterans will love the extended sea time, as well as, the massively reduced cost.

Now, the biggest draw back for this type of vacation will be the arrival at the docks. Since most of the destinations begin in locations that are out of the way to begin with you will probably have to fly a fair distance to dock. As well, you will need to return from the southern local or far north as the case may be. Unless you live in these outer regions you will be flying a lot.

With this in mind it is recommended to book an \”open jaw\” ticket. The open jaw is named so because if you mark the flight pattern on a map it will roughly imitate an open jaw instead of the closed circle or loop most flight paths take. You will find many of these flights on the discount hotels and travel sites. However, they will usually go by names such as \”multi-city\”, \”multiple destination\”, or \”multi-destination\” tickets or the seldom used \”ARNK – Arrival Unknown\”.

Here are a few extra tips to make your vacation cruise as enjoyable as possible; since you will be traveling a long distance between the northern and southern hemispheres, bring clothing that reflects the type of temperature changes you will encounter. Make sure you are familiar with the regions where you will have ports of call. Go online and read the daily newspaper in that location to see what the latest events are so you can capitalize or avoid the gatherings of your choosing. Last but, not least, check that your medical insurance is current and updated.

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