The Repositioning Cruise

What is a “Repositioning Cruise”?

Cruise ship companies focus on creating itineraries for the Caribbean in Winter and the Mediterranean in Summer. Therefore, it is necessary to move their fleets across the Atlantic Ocean in the Spring (Caribbean to Mediterranean) and back to the Caribbean in the Fall. Rather than send empty boats across the Atlantic, the companies significantly reduce rates in order to attract passengers for these longer sailings that have relatively few destinations.

Christine and I have long wanted to take one of these cruises, however we did not want to spend 2 weeks aboard a 5,000 passenger behemoth. Our research narrowed the options to just a couple of Cruise Lines, and Viking of Norway was the hands down choice. Viking is best known for its European river cruises. A few years ago, they branched into Ocean sailing, constructing a new fleet of vessels that are only 20% the size of the “big guys”. Furthermore, they have approached cruising by highlighting a less is more approach. They proudly feature:

·         No Photographers

·         No art auctions

·         No charge for beer and wine at meals

·         No charge for the upscale dining

·         Free unlimited Wi-Fi

·         Free laundry

·         Free Spa admission

·         All cabins are exterior with balcony

·         No formal nights

·         No smoking

·         No casino

·         No children under 18

·         Included room service, 24/7

We were sold on this as the best “unique” option for reaching Europe. It is a 15-day passage departing from San Juan Puerto Rico with day stops on the island of St. Martin (Caribbean), the island of Funchal (Portugal), Tangiers (Morocco), Seville (Spain), Valencia (Spain) and disembarkation at Barcelona. There are 8 sea days that we intend to spend in the Spa (Christine), Gym (me), poolside (both of us) and daily docent lead workshops that focus on cooking, culture, art, and geography. Evenings include live entertainment. Best of all, evening attire is upscale casual, which is the reason that we will share a suitcase for the cruise, sending it back to the States from Barcelona.

If you would like more information about our cruise here are links to a video and cruise information:

Video

Information

I look forward to sharing my “Thoughts” and images with you as we cross the Atlantic.

Peace Everyone! Pete