Repositioning Cruise, Worth the Cost? Everything You Need to Know
Vložit
- čas přidán 12. 01. 2024
- Join us as we explore the pros and cons of a repositioning cruise in this informative video. Discover the allure of unique itineraries, exploring multiple destinations, and the potential cost savings. We'll delve into the flexibility and adventure these cruises offer, weighing them against potential downsides like longer days at sea and limited port time. Is the price tag justified for the experience? We will share with you everything you need to know, helping you decide if this unconventional voyage is your ideal vacation escape or alternative to flying. Bon voyage into the world of travel choices and cruise considerations!
💳The Travel Credit Card We Carry: i.capitalone.com/GJohlEOTQ
💳Best Travel Credit Cards: www.dailydrop.com/credit-card...
💳Best Airline Credit Cards: www.dailydrop.com/ranked-cred...
Book a flight for your cruise:
expedia.com/affiliates/expedi...
Find a Hotel before and after your cruise:
expedia.com/affiliates/expedi...
Top Travel Credit Cards: www.dailydrop.com/credit-card...
► Stay Connected
* JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: patreon.com/brianandcarrie?ut...
* WEEKLY NEWSLETTER brianandcarrie.myflodesk.com/...
* WEBSITE www.brianandcarrietravels.com/
* FREE PACKING LIST brianandcarrie.myflodesk.com/...
* INSTAGRAM / brian.andcarrie
* FACEBOOK / brianandcarrie21
👇🏻 Ways to Support our Channel
Any support we receive is directly used to keep bringing you videos from around the world. Thank you!!
🍺Buy us a Beer (helps us to continue to produce videos): www.buymeacoffee.com/brianand...
💛PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/brian...
😍 SUBSCRIBE: / @brianandcarrie
Some links below are affiliate links. By using them there is no additional cost to you. This helps us continue bringing you videos from around the world! If you do choose to use them - Thank you!!
👇🏻Our DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT Travel Essentials:
www.brianandcarrietravels.com...
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Check out SafetyWing Insurance for a great deal on short or long-term coverage: safetywing.com/nomad-insuranc...
👉Stay Safe and Connected Online with a VPN: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get weekly TRAVEL TIPS and stay up to date: mailchi.mp/b5946ff455b2/weekly-newsletter-sign-up. Thanks so much for watching! Cheers 🍻
It's not available
I just returned from a transpacific repositioning cruise on Holland America’s Noordam. It began in Sydney and had 2 ports in New Caledonia, 2 in Fiji, 1 in American Samoa, 4 in Hawaii and ended in Vancouver, Canada. By booking early I had the “Have it All”package included. I actually started on the cruise in Auckland and had 7 port stops in New Zealand then 3 in Australia- Hobart Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney. The HAL package included WiFi, drinks package, $300 for shore excursions and 3 nights dinner in their specialty restaurant. I upgraded my WiFi for only $100 for the entire back to back cruise.
Holland America had guest speakers, lectures and port talks , and many special and free extra opportunities such as ukulele and hula lessons. Leaving the Southern Hemisphere at the beginning of their autumn meant lovely warm weather every day. Arriving in Vancouver was the only chilly day of the 39 night cruise. Repositioning cruises are the best especially on Holland America.
Wow, 39 days!!! 😮
Brian and Carrie, you both are so realistic. You give the pros and cons, and do not sugar coat your likes or dislikes. You say it like it is for you. I eagerly look forward to your videos. I know you put a lot of work into the production. Know that it is appreciated by your subscribers.
Thank you, Jeanette! We very much appreciate the kind words and support. ❤
Going on our first Norwegian Transatlantic in October 2024 and cannot wait…new to retirement life 1.5yrs..life is great!
Hi Brian and Carrie. Another great video. I've done a transatlantic repositioning cruise with a friend of mine a few years ago and loved it. I do want to point out for your solo traveler viewers out there that this might not be an economical option if you're traveling by yourself. Unfortunately, most of the cruise lines charge a 100% single supplement for solo travelers so you end up paying for two people anyways. A few will offer a discount (maybe 75%), but it still makes it very expensive ... at least too expensive for me personally. Hopefully, the cruise lines will wake up to the fact that more and more people are choosing to travel the world solo.
That is a very good point! Thank you for adding this. We may start pointing things like this out in our cost videos. Thank you.
Cheers!!🍻
NCL Epic is one of the few ships that have "studio" staterooms specifically for solo travelers (a couple cannot book them) and the price is often half the price (or a little more) of the typical per person rate in the double occupancy staterooms. I stayed in one a few years back when traveling with a group and it was a wonderful experience!
@@BrianandCarriealthough to be fair this is the case for all accommodation if you are travelling alone. As you can’t split it - it is effectively double the cost of 2 people travelling.
thx u
@@doreenfrenier1174
@@andreablack4573 true
I guess another thing to add to the cost/benefit analysis is the Repositioning cruise ports you got to visit vs just staying in Turkey. Even with the bad weather that's pretty cool that you got to visit all those ports.
That is a good point! Thank you for adding.
Cheers!!🍻
Hi Brian & Carrie. We have been on 4 TA’s (Epic, Wonder, Prima, Resilient Lady). We have 2 TA’s booked for this year (both on Virgin Voyages). While Virgin seems way more expensive at first glance, so much is included in the rate (WiFi, gratuities, sodas, all of the more than 20 restaurants, carafes of water in your cabin, specialty exercise classes, and more). Also, after a couple of cruises, the loyalty program gives you free laundry (in a big bag, not like the tiny and flimsy NCL bags). Also, they run many promos at booking that give you bar tabs (often over $600) and free Loot (which can be used for drinks or anything else like gift shops, excursions, or whatever). You can even use loot for getting a tattoo onboard. Regarding loot, for example, we have an upcoming 10 day Australia cruise with $1400 bar tab and loot. Perfect for beer thirty.
No Kids! Best food I have ever had at sea. Hammocks on the balconies. Diverse and happy crew who are allowed to show their personality (visible tattoos, comfortable uniforms, and staff in all ages, shapes, colors, sizes, and sexual orientations). We are 64 years old so don’t believe the rumors that it is just a sexy party ship. There are fun parties to be found, for sure, but also relaxation and easy going fun as well. Shows are unique and energetic and they think outside the box. Please don’t listen to people who have never tried it (there are many rumors out there). My advice would be to arrive with an open mind and an open heart and the staff and the fellow Sailors will welcome you with open arms. Thank you for all the work that you put into your channel. Looking forward to seeing all of your 2024 videos!
This is all great information, Stacie. We are new to the cruise scene so we will be looking closer at the costs and what is included. Thank you for your insights and for following our travels!!
Cheers!!🍻
$1400 bar tab for 10 days, too many drunks on that ship for us!-)))
The rest sounds great!
lol. You don’t have to spend the loot on drinks. Can do spa treatments, gift shop, excursions, and more. One type of promo is for drinks only (bar tab), but in our experience people don’t get carried away. You can sure make a lot of new friends buying drinks for folks from your bar tab!
How much did it cost you per person for the 10 day cruise to Australia, Stacie?
It is an 11 Day/10 Night trip. We paid $1837 per person for Sea Terrace cabin (balcony cabin). Includes all taxes and fees, all crew gratuities, WiFi, all restaurants (20+ eateries), sodas, specialty exercise classes, and still or sparkling water in carafes in cabin. We were also given $800 in bar tab and $600 in Sailor Loot. Bar tab can be used for alcoholic drinks and also for smoothies and specialty coffees and mocktails and afternoon tea and wine tastings and so forth. Loot can be used for drinks, but also for other things like gift store, excursions, tattoos, and more.
Great videos. I did. A reposotioning cruise San Juan to Lisbon in 12 days no stops. Loved it so relaxing after a grueling work scruple.
Thanks so much for watching 😊
We have done two from Civitavecchia to Florida. This year was 22 days on MSC SeaShore. We had 16 stops. It was $80 per day for both of us. So much better than flying.
Hi, Jeff. We are hoping that we can find another one that will work for us this year. It is a nice way to travel. Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
We have done 12 repositioning cruises to and from Asia and Europe. Many cruises port in places we would probably never have thought to go. If you cruise with the same cruise lines overtime you can get discounts on perks like WiFi and free beverages. We sometimes only get one device and can alternate on 2 phones or computers or tablets. We have noticed Holland America refused the price of the WiFi each day so if you have port days early in the cruise, where you can get Internet onshore, you might wait until later to purchase Internet.
We flew to Rome, spent five days there and took the cruise back home. We got a deal on the cruise ($600 pp for a balcony, plus all the "free at sea" perks) . We also found tickets to Rome for $300 each from Orlando. We live in Melbourne, Florida, so it was a trip we will definitely consider again!
How many days was the cruise back home, May I ask?
Very informative video. I did my first Transpacific cruise in April 2023 to get home from a 2 month trip in Taiwan. It was amazing. 14 days on a cruise for less money than a 15 hr flight. And that was even adding in the cost of a flight from Taipei to Tokyo, 4 nights in Yokohama and then a flight home from Seattle. I travel solo so I had to pay the 79% single supplement so it cost more. I usually fly Business Class and I'm retired so 14 days vs 15 hrs was a no brainer. I am headed to Vietnam next month and have not booked any return flight as I'm keeping this same cruise as an option and am hoping the cost drops even lower for last minute. BTW I also met about a dozen CZcamsrs on the cruise and we had a blast.
If you have the time, it is a really good option. We loved our time in Vietnam. We only had 30 days, but we do plan on going back, a beautiful country! We are interested in the cruise from Japan to Vancouver, BC. We may be doing that in 2025. Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!!🍻
Which cruise exactly are you talking about?
We're doing the Tokyo to Vancouver reposition on Royal Princess this spring -- lots of cruise ports in Japan, but on the North American side it basically becomes an Alaska cruise. And by the time we get to Vancouver, we will qualify for Princess Platinum, so on our next Princess cruise we will have the option for $10/day MedallionNet internet that we can buy as we need it. Love those Princess self-service laundry rooms, too! And the pampering! We're older and don't do economy flights over 6 hours, so repositioning cruises are a good strategy for us to get from continent to continent. @@BrianandCarrie
You've become my favorite travel CZcamsrs, started following since you came to visit my country (Romania). Haven't seen all of the actual travel vlogs where you show us around but these kinds of videos, the pros and cons and q&a ones are super interesting to me. Keep them coming!
Thank you so much!! We are never sure about this style. We plan on doing plenty of each this year. We will be starting a podcast in the coming weeks as well.
Cheers!!🍻
Hi Brian and Carrie! We did the eastbound transatlantic on the NCL Epic earlier in 2023, and found the perfect way to get our daily "2-thirsty" fix.
We took advantage of NCL's shareholder benefit, found in their website.
We bought 100 shares on NCL prior to departure, they gave us a USD25 cabin credit which bought us an alcoholic beverage pretty much every day.
We sold the shares ar a small profit later in the year.
Looking forward to your adventures in 2024!
That's a great idea!! Thank you for the tip!! 😀
Cheers!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrieExcuse my typo! It was a USD250 cabin credit, so about $20/day.
HA! We knew what you meant to say!! 😄
Nice to hear your perspective. We took a reposition cruise from FrLauderdale to Barcelona on Princess Cruise line. We throughly enjoyed it. They had music somewhere on the ship almost all the time from a jazz band to guitarist and piano players. The top was two nights in the main theatre with an Elton John cover act. Was he good…a women who sat next to me asked how they got Elton John to do a cruise show.
😂 That’s impressive!
HA!! We had the Beatles on our cruise!! 😂
We love repositioning cruises. We took 1 from FL to Spain last October and returned back to FL from Lisbon in December. We have already booked our next cruises to UK and back in 2025. Only way for us to see the world.
That is very cool!! We may do something like this again from Japan to Vancouver, BC. We still need to figure out the timing, but it sounds amazing! Thank you for watching and safe travels!
Cheers!!🍻
What an amazing rundown, thanks for all the work to pull these numbers together! Hope you had amazing holidays ❤ and happy 2024!
Thank you so much for watching and happy 2024!! ❤
I've always felt like cruises got a bum wrap; they are what they are and can be great. When Madeira was higher on my potential retirement spot list, I considered seeing if a repositioning cruise might stop there and making that my way of getting there for a scoping trip (just leaving the cruise early and not having to see if those cross winds flying into Madeira were as scary as they sound). You've sparked a renewed interest at looking at what's going out of Galveston these days on regular cruises. (Old joke for Brian, who is apparently rarely right: I was wrong once. Thought I was wrong . . . turned out I was right).
Thank you for watching, Doug! When I am right, I am quick to point it out! 😂 Thank you for the continued support!!
Cheers!!🍻
Been waiting for this one. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching!! 🍻
Fantastic video with such great info. Thanks Guys!!!
I love the details. Thank you and safe travels!
Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!!🍻
Fantastic video. Incredibly informative as always. Thank you guys!
Thank you, Laura!! ❤
Great video... again! I enjoy the content you put out. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching!!
Very interesting. I'd never heard of a repositioning cruise before. Now I'm having fun looking at all the places I could go.
Outstanding and calm cruise video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Cheers!!🍻
Great video and great information/comparison!
Thank you for watching, Bob!
Cheers!!🍻
Loved this video. Looking at your costs per person only works because you are a couple. I’ve taken many cruises as a solo traveler. There’s a cost you did not encounter. It’s called a “single supplement”. Often it means a solo traveler pays double for the cruise package. They give you “credit” for having paid double, but there are no real benefits, except a free cocktail party. 🙄 -Elizabeth
We have had a few comments about the solo traveler. It seems like the industry could figure out a way to cut the cost for a solo traveler. Especially since solo traveling is becoming more of a thing. As always, Elizabeth, thank you!! ❤
@@BrianandCarrie A few cruise lines came up with an option that is a no-go for me. They lower the single supplement by reducing the already small inside cabins by about 2/3. The old joke is true, you’d have to go outside to change your mind. -Elizabeth
@@roadtofreecollege6337And they’re always inside, which is a no-go for me … claustrophobic! 😬 😞
@@leapintothewild not necessarily. NCL (the cruise line that originated the studio concept) recently introduced solo balconies (and oceanview and inside) throughout the fleet. I just traveled in one on the Getaway (it's just a reclassed balcony sold for a different price point - no functional difference to any other balcony)
NCL is widely considered the best line for solo travelers, and after doing my first cruise in a solo suite, I agree! Even though the cabin is tiny (mine was 99 sf), you're not sharing it with anyone, so the per person space is at least as good as many other cabins. Plus you have access to the solo lounge, a private space just for solo travelers that has snacks and a cappuccino machine. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Wonderful video, as always! And great timing - I just booked the NCL epic yesterday for a transatlantic to Rome in April, can't wait!!! Looking forward to seeing your next videos :)
You'll have a great time!! Thank you for watching and safe travels!
Cheers!!🍻
How did you find the booking? Did you get a good rate? Have fun!
I also learned about repositioning cruises about a year ago and would LOVE to do one across the Pacific! It’s on my bucket list within the next 5 years
Hi! This is a very unique and well thought out video. You covered anything I and many others could think of and did it with a practical yet not spartan overview. Appreciate you and your insight! Many thanks and stay well! -M
Thank you for watching!! Happy and healthy 2024!
Great info! Thank you!
Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
Great video thank you! I’ve been very interested in this type of cruise. 👍🏽☀️👏🏽
Thank you for watching our channel!
Cheers!!🍻
Love how realistic and honest you are in all your videos. The seasickness has been a big concern for me.
Thank you so much for the kind words!! ❤
You're both so insightful, intelligent and charming I could listen all day. Super interesting topic, breakdown and idea. Happy new year to you both, excited to follow again for a other year of your adventures and insights ✨❤️
Thank you for the kind words, Robert!
Cheers!!🍻
I never thought about that option, but I would definitely go for it. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching our channel!!
I see a lot of full time travel vloggers use these repositioning cruises. Glad you 2 enjoyed it!
Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
Hearing Brian say "I don't need beer everyday," my jaw is still on the floor! 😂 But great info - thanks for all you share with us!
I made up for it the best I could when I got off the ship!! 😂 Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
Hi Brian and Carrie. Great info. We are doing our first transatlantic on the Epic in November. We chose to have a balcony as we love to have our patio door open at night. We also have some Cruise next certificates to use up and can only use them on balcony pricing. The other plus is you then qualify for the free at sea package which gives you free internet, a couple of extra restaurant meals and some credit for excursions. And the booze package if you want it. Like you we plan to ‘detoxify’ so no booze package for this one. We have always cruised with NCL. We love the relaxed dining and no formal wear required. Think we might also be eligible for laundry on this cruise. Great tip in comments re buying the Ncl shares.
Yes, the relaxed dining was a real plus for us! Especially being minimalist packers, we don't have much room for anything fancy. We would love a balcony next time, especially if we're doing one where the view is part of the cruise, like Alaska. Thanks so much for watching - Cheers!!
What a timely video, as we were just sitting here discussing a repositioning (for us, not necessarily the ship!) cruise as a way to return to the US later this year! As always, you guys are fun and informative. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. We are strongly considering booking a Transatlantic cruise later this week. Cheers to another great year of travel experiences! 💙🙏🏻
Hey guys!! You should really consider it. It really is a great way to travel and for those of us that can be flexible, you'll find something that fits what you need. Safe travels!!
Cheers!!🍻
Great info as always... really helpful... thank you so much for your honesty... my husband and I really value and trust your opinions. Happy New Year to you and yours ❤
Thank you for watching and supporting us! ❤
Thankyou ,great information .
Glad it was helpful!
I love the video. You guys are such down-to-earth and lovely couple. I love how you guys are being so realistic and economical the whole way. I really enjoyed watching it.
Thank you so much for the kind words!! ❤
I had no idea there was such a thing as a repositioning cruise. How cool! We'll definitely have to look into that for our next family vacation.
It would be a great option for that and quite affordable. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!
Thanks for the video. I am just loving your videos and it feels like you are always a step or two ahead of my travel plans. My husband and I are taking a transpacific repositioning cruise in April to round out our trip to Vietnam and Thailand, which we have relied heavily on your videos for so this one was very timely, as usual.
Not sure if all cruise lines do this but Celebrity was offering really good discounts during Black Friday and right after Christmas on amenities and shore excursions. We got the premium Wifi package for 2 devices during the after Christmas sale and saved 40%. The total for all 17 days was $335. I realize that still might sound high but he owns his own digital marketing company and needs that Wifi for work so we can also write it off as a business expense as well.
Celebrity also heavily discounted their drink pages during this time so we are not giving up our two thirsty times. I applaud you on your detox though. :)
This is great information, Robin. We are going to start itemizing and we need Wi-Fi for work too! Now if we can figure out how to write off the drink package. 🤔 Thank you for watching our channel and safe travels!!
Cheers!!🍻
Did you add in the cost of your flight TO Turkey? We did a transatlantic from NJ to Southampton. We drove up to NJ from VA. Our one way trip home in economy was over $1,400. The crossing itself was not too bad, just over $2,000.
thanks, that is really good to have that info.
Thank you for watching, we very much appreciate the kind words and support. ❤
We did our second transatlantic cruise on The Beyond back in November. We loved it. Rome to Ft. Lauderdale and the weather for the entire trip was great.
That's so great and you were very lucky on the weather. Cheers!!
Great info. Thanks. You saved me from wasting time investigating further.
That is what we hoped we would do!! Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
I also recently heard about these cruises - Great information Txs
Happy you found it helpful - thanks for watching. Cheers!!
Very interesting.
Great video helps alot thanks peeps!!
Thank you for watching, Dan!!
Cheers!!🍻
Thanks for another very informative video. Regarding weather, a lot of repositioning cruises are during the shoulder season which could result in better weather. But I didn't know that there was a repositioning cruise back from Rome in December. Good to know for future holiday travel. Thanks to you I now know to look for this 🙂
Thank you for watching, Beth!! ❤
First time watching you. Thank you for your down to earth review keeping in mind a budget. I wii consider this
Thank you for watching, Colleen.
I was actually thinking about arranging a trans-atlantic cruise for when we do emigrate from the U.S. to Europe, doing a reversal of our ancestors' journeys. This opens up the possibilities even further! Thanks B&C, looking forward to the next segment!
Thank you for watching and commenting on the channel, Mike!! We appreciate all the support.
Cheers!!🍻
Are pets allowed?
Great breakdown, thank you. Considering the other way around from Florida to Rome but have never cruised before so a little hesitant but it looks like a good experience.
It's definitely a relaxed way to do a transatlantic crossing. Worth considering for sure! Cheers
I've felt your sea-sickness pain Brian on smaller boats. Thanks for the advice to help me feel more confident about trying my first cruise...unless I chicken out😂
I like you guys are so humble, and honest ,I like the way you guys explain the pros and the cons of the cruise and flight
Thanks for your Honesty ❤h❤❤❤
Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching our channel. 😀❤
Love repo cruises. ❤ So relaxing. 😊
Agreed 😊
Thank you for your video. I have gotten a chance to see that the repositioning cruises greatly depend upon the age of the ship. Our ship was older, smaller and lacked a lot of the things that yours had. We will definitely look into repositioning again on a larger ship.
We can see that being a factor for sure. We picked this one because of its size. We didn't want to be on a small boat crossing the Atlantic. 😂
Thank you for the video. I'm going on a transatlantic in April, leaving Florida and heading toward Tenerife, Portugal and Spain, terminating in Southhampton for 15 nights. Looking forward to it
That sounds amazing!! 😊
Thank you very much for sharing - Great Idea: Repositioning Cruise
Thank you for watching!!
My wife and I have taken several Trans-Atlantic (TA) repositioning cruises and enjoyed them all. When crossing Westward to the US in the Fall/Winter, I suggest (if possible) to find a ship that takes a Southern route on it's way to a Florida port.
On the Northern route (Southhampton to Boston and then South to Port Everglades), we experienced frequent rough seas and cold weather, restricting many outdoor activities.
On the Southern route that started the crossing in Tenerife, an island off the African coast, we found it to be be warm and comfortable all the way. All outside activities were available for the entire crossing. Of course, this is one example, but if you find a southern crossing as a choice, I would take it.
We are doing our first Trans-Pacific (TP) in April from Sydney to Seattle. We shall see?
Those all sound great - it's such a affordable way to not only travel but also to get from place to place with out the ridiculously long flights. Cheers!!
We were on that cruise too! Great video!
So many people that we don't think we saw the same person twice!! 😂 Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!!🍻
Great video.
Comments:
1) We were planning to do a transpacific repositioning cruise on Carnival Splendor from LA to Singapore. However, a family event forced us to cancel.
2) A repositioning cruise would probably NOT be the best option for a first time cruiser.
3) Make sure that the “on board” entertainment is adequate as there are a lot of sea days.
4) We really disliked the Norwegian Epic when we cruised with them in February 2023. The entertainment facilities were tiny for the size of the ship and the employees were very unhappy which led to poor service.
Sometimes it’s not about the price, you can’t put a price on the travel experience . I just spent £5000 travelling to South Africa 🇿🇦 with my partner, I’m so glad I went there, could have been done a lot cheaper, but you can’t put a price on these experiences! 🍺
Very true, we just need to stay on budget. Money is a factor in our decision making.
@@BrianandCarrie I understand! 👍 Thank you for making this video, I’m considering going on a cruise in the future so I’m learning from this! From All your content! 👌👌
Thanks for the video! I have a repositioning cruise with Celebrity in November, but I will be on the NCL Epic in a couple of weeks on a Caribbean cruise so it was great to get tips for transatlantic cruises and to find out more about the Epic!
That sounds fantastic! Thank you so much for watching and safe travel!! ❤
This is so informative thanks guys! I need to go to California I will check if I have any option from Indonesia ..
Biggest problem with a repositioning cruise is the one way air prices home are usually high!
For many the deciding factor comes down to what you do on a 16 day cruise or 16 days ashore! Some would rather be on a cruise, others would rather be ashore!
Problem with an inside cabin, covid!
Catch covid and an inside cabin becomes Claustrophobic real quick!
At least with a balcony you can sit on the balcony and get some fresh air!
$50 a day for wifi is crazy high!
Most American carriers have free texting in ports, so for 6 days you can survive!
Big suggestion, make sure you get insurance to cover anything that could go wrong medically on that long a cruise!
Also pick a ship with an inside pool, or a pool under a sliding roof! You will usually get some bad weather days!
I got used to taking crystal lite drink mixes to add to water, no bubbles and no sugar!
Great advice, Bob! Thank you for adding to the channel!!
Cheers!!🍻
Very helpful. Thanks for all the detail. I know it takes a lot of time & effort on your parts (at least for Carrie's part -- sorry Brian ;)), but that is the strength of your channel. Keep it up!
Thank you so much, we are so happy you found it helpful. Cheers!!
What a tremendously helpful video! Thank you for providing all that information. Sadly, as someone else in the comments mentioned, it's probably not an option for me as a solo traveler. Still, it was fantastic hearing about your experience and your opinions!
You're very welcome. It is very unfortunate there isn't a discount for solo travelers. I know some ships I looked at had single rooms, with a single bed. But, going from an already small space to a smaller one, I'm not sure many would want to do that. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!
I’ve done 2 repositioning cruises and loved them, both with MSC. Ours sailed in October and went from Barcelona via the Canaries islands over to the Caribbean then onto Florida so the weather was much warmer as we crossed much further south and 2 months earlier. Also MSC wifi was about £75 for our entire 16 day cruise. You can also get the basic drinks package that gets you beer, wine, soft drinks and basic cocktails for £28 per day which was well worth it. All in all for our 16 day cruise we paid £1064 per person but we had a balcony cabin. We also got £75 on board credit which we used for 5 speciality restaurants and a little flutter on the slot machines. With WiFi and a basic drinks package it’s £1587pp and you’re not compromising on anything. Drinks, balcony, wifi and warm weather all included 😎 🍹
Sounds wonderful! My Mediterranean cruise was on with MSC... It was great! I also appreciated the costs were less for all the ad ons. Thanks so much for watching 😊
I am on Epics reposition back to rome in April qnd glad i came across this. Lots of good information here.
I was planning to visit Rome anyway, and I saw this cruise as a leisurely way to get there. The prices were very reasonable and not all that much more than a one-way plane ticket.
It is a much more relaxing way to get back and forth from the US and Europe for sure. If you have the time, why not? You will have a fantastic time!! Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!! 🍻
Your hair and makeup look great Carrie. You too Bri, lol.
Thank you so much ♥
Lots of us take them as partly vacation, partly transportation, to or from Europe. I did two last year, as one had cancelled the year before. I was able to take fall and spring transatlantic cruises with just one round trip airfare. I spent less for two longer vacations than I did for one land based tour vacation. Repositioning cruises are a great value!
Yes, they absolutely are! Thanks for watching 😊
Been on a Trans-Atlantic & Trans-Pacific this past year. First was with Norwegian and second Princess. Came to the same conclusion about internet and drink packages. Just not worth it. I liked Princess better for food, do it yourself laundry and gratuity not being mandatory. I liked the ability to tip staff myself vs the auto deduction. Naps were the same on both. Depending on time of year they go the weather at the ports may be better. A much easier way to travel vs the really long flights if you have the time. Great video!
It's great to go on many different lines and find which you prefer, as they do differ so much. Not sure if gratuity changed for princess since you went though. All the cruises I checked were still mandatory, including the one we went on in July with Princess. I agree though, nice to have the option who you're tipping, but I also understand this spreads it fairly through the staff. Cheers!!
Great video. In the world of full time slow travel, "repositioning" is a great word to describe the move from one area of the world where you stay for at least a few months to another area where you will have an extended stay. The greatest 'extra' costs (unless you have a large stash of points which are hard to build up in this lifestyle without getting 2 or 3 new card bonuses a year) are these repositioning costs. Your thoughts are exactly aligned with mine. Everything looks good until you figure in the Wi-Fi, which we need for work. I do think that trading all that goes with a long overseas flight for a slow, relaxed transport across the sea could be worth the Wi-Fi costs. Especially in this lifestyle where you can always make up for it down the road by staying in SE Asia or Mexico an extra month.
Someone here mentioned that Virgin Voyages cruises include Wi-Fi, so they might look a bit more at first glance, but that they include a lot of "extras" for the price.
We flew to Hawaii in October then did an 18 night repositioning back to Australia. Seas were relatively calm until the final night. Only had 2 ports of call, 2 others were cancelled because of weather. Booked another repositioning cruise for later in the year because we enjoyed it so much.
There is one from Australia to Seattle that is 29 nights. That may be a bit long for us but would be an adventure for sure! Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!!🍻
Hi B&C, hope you made it back safe and sound. I haven't had the privilege of being on a cruise, however I did buy one for my mom and step-dad. It was something that she always wanted. Maybe someday it will be my turn? I have been doing a bit of research just in case (you never know) and have been watching CZcams about cruising. One thing that I did learn is that cruise lines will often let you bring alcohol onboard. Usually, its a two bottle of wine limit per person. It was suggested that you purchase your wine after your flight but before boarding. You must bring it onboard in your carry-on and declare it while you are going through the boarding process. When you get to speak to your cabin steward they will tell you where you can get ice (and may even handle that for you) and how to get a corkscrew for use in your room. I heard someone say that you may be able to just borrow a corkscrew from the bar when you need one. Maybe a couple of glasses too, if the cabin steward didn't provide. There should be a mini fridge in your cabin to keep your bottles until you are ready. You can also take your bottle to a restaurant for enjoying with your meal. DO NOT TAKE YOUR BOTTLE TO DINNER UNLESS YOU ARE OK WITH A CORKAGE FEE. Maybe this information helps you on your next voyage? I hope so. If you aren't sure about what you are allowed to bring onboard, you can check with the cruise line beforehand. Take care.
Hi, Paula. On this cruise, they allowed one bottle with a corkage fee. On our cruise last summer on Princess they allowed one bottle each without a fee. You really should try a cruise!!!
Cheers!!🍻
My man!! You had me at nap time!!
😁
- what's a "repositioning cruise "?
- a cruise that is repositioning. 😅
Great video, keep it up!
Exactly!😁
We are doing our first transatlantic cruise on ncl pearl in April 2024. Thanks for the tips
You're very welcome 😁
Enjoyed the video , good, informative and nice pace.
We have had ten transatlantic repositioning cruises and enjoy meeting other cruisers particularly at the table tennis , quiz and other get togethers . There is plenty to do on the sea days, no time for naps. Agree the wi-fi and drinks packages are very expensive ,so we usually do without.
The Epic entertainment was very good , however they permitted smoking in the casino which permeated a large area of the center of the ship. The almost see-thro bathroom doors , who's idea was that?. but the food on the Epic and to be fair most of the others was usually of a high standard.
Fortunately for us, there was no smoking in the casino on this trip. The inside cabins were a bit interesting. Not sure who came up with the frosted glass bathrooms with only a curtain for privacy. 🤔 All and all it was a good trip. Thank you for watching!!
Cheers!!🍻
We love repositioning cruises. We've done several. Our last had 6 sea days and I loved it. It was on the Viking Sea. They had added lecturers and other entertainment opportunities for days. I often look for repositioning when we're figuring out where we want to go next.
They are a great way to travel around at a nice leisurely pace 😊
Great video! We're doing a 36-day repositioning cruise in September from Vancouver to Sydney and didn't find a lot of great info on CZcams about them when we were researching, so this is needed content. We'll be on Princess and decided to get the "Premier" package, which includes gratuities, adult beverages, and internet (along with a few other extras) and we feel like the added expense will be worth it on such a long cruise. Although it does put us a bit over our desired budget, we think it will be a much more pleasant way to reach that part of the world.
Sometimes you need to spend a little extra to get what you want! We are looking at cruises in Central and South America so like you mentioned, a much more pleasant way to see the areas that we wouldn't want to spend a month. Thank you for watching and safe travels!!
Cheers!!🍻
Hey guys. Such great content for those considering a repositioning cruise. I don’t think of myself as a cruise person (at least not yet) and like my own itinerary and schedule. But I can understand this. The cost difference which is crucial was $50. So it becomes a no-brainer. With global satellites I would think charging outrageous $35 PP Per Day can’t last much longer one would think. But I agree that I wouldn’t pay it. Nor the crazy drink prices. Back to the travel life as we are well into January. Cheers to both.
We didn't really think of ourselves as cruise people either. But, now after taking this one and seeing others that take you to areas we wouldn't otherwise see, it may make sense. One would really hope that internet pricing would come down eventually, as that is such an outrageous price. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!
Really great to hear about long cruises and repositioning ones, not that I take cruises. But, I can pass the information on to others. I get seasick just looking at the water. LOL! But, friends and family love cruises and for decades have cruised to various places around the world. I'll stick with planes.
One of my closest friends is at present on a 7-week cruise to South America and Antarctica with a day trip to the Atacama Desert. He loves cruises and has been cruising for probably three decades as he started in his 30s. I've lost track of how many times he has cruised to Europe. I think he takes the Queen Mary 2. Sometimes he has to fly to the ship departure point unless he's cruising to Mexico or other West Coast starting points. Then, he can leave from L.A. I don't know if he does repositioning cruises. I'll ask him as he'll be home in a week.
Greetings from Los Angeles
The 7-week cruise to South America sounds amazing! We may do a repositioning cruise to get down there. This could happen this year, we will see how everything works out this fall.
A cruise there could work out really well for the two of you. I hope you look into it further. Personally, I flew to South America, a couple of times, and took it from there. But, I prefer flying. 🙂
Greetings from Los Angeles@@BrianandCarrie
We did a 21 day transpacific in October 2022 from LA to Auckland, NZ on the Grand Princess. We used it as a way to get to New Zealand to visit friends we had met on a river cruise in Europe, and it was a wonderful way to arrive well rested with zero jetlag. On a westbound itinerary, you gain an hour every few days, so you even have extra napping time 😉.
Another added bonus is that we got to visit ports along the way that we otherwise wouldn't have seen, including Hilo, HI, Honolulu, Tahiti and Fiji.
It was perfect for what we wanted, and we have an Athens to Singapore itinerary booked for this fall in order to get to southeast Asia. 😍
That sounds wonderful! We've looked at doing one from Tokyo to Vancouver as well, such a great way to travel such a long distance. Cheers!!
@@BrianandCarrie Tokyo to Vancouver is on my radar, too, if I can convince my husband to brave the Spring weather in Alaska! 😂
did a cruise where at about 1-2pm they didn't really have anything on, and the cruise director would announce the afternoon and evening activities.
& use to say that this was a great time to just chill or have a nanna nap to recharge for tonight's activities.
Love that..always love a good nap and no better place for one. Cheers!!
We just completed the NCL Prima 11 day repositioning cruise from Barcelona Spain to NYC as Haven guests. 11/23
Frequent NCL travelers- we got a great price on the Haven Aft Owners suite.
Ive been told only do the East to West transatlantic because the time changes Eastbound causes too much time loss.
Great video thanks
That sounds like a much more comfortable stay 😉. That does make sense on the loss of time...but I love having the opportunity to adjust our time slowly. Thanks so much for watching 😊
What a brilliant description of repositioning cruises. I was in the cruise business in the late eighties and I learned a lot then much has changed. I agree with you in the fact that you can compare your living expenses but not all the extras the cruise gives you... free movies to watch in their theater,,. the evening entertainment... I did the math and if you lived your life like that on a daily level it would cost you over $300 per day. Think about it? On a cruise you get to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner and a great assorment of choices with no price tag ... In real life that would cost a fortune going out for dinner everyday. So yeah... if you don't want jet lag .... go for the cruise
So many wonderful positives to the repositioning cruise. We are so happy we tried it and now know we would do it again in the future...probably a transpacific next. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this video. I just came across your channel, and I'm now going to "Binge" watch your videos. We are booked on a New York to London, 14 day Repositioning Cruise in April / May 2024 on the NCL Pearl, to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. (Our first cruise) We will fly back. Not knowing anything about cruising, I was taken aback by the Laundry, or I should say lack of. The plan was to travel light, and launder often, but now we have to rethink those plans. If possible, could you address how much you pack, and
if hand washing in a stateroom with only a shower (No tub) is even realistic. Thanks again! I just subscribed, and I'll catch up on the past, and look forward to more videos in the future.
50 years, how wonderful - Congrats 🎉. The laundry thing is a bit though but manageable. We really only hand washed undergarments and a few really light items. I'd say it may just be best to work it into the budget to take advantage of the couple bargain laundry days they do offer.
Thanks so much for subscribing and commenting 😊
Very interesting video. We had a TA booked for Apr 2020 that was cancelled due to the age of Covid. We check them out regularly, but can see how they would work especially if you were already near a cruise port. We had booked an inside cabin with no wifi/drink pkg just like you did. It always amazes us how we can do a 7 day cruise for say $1000, and the couple next door will find a way to spend $10,000.
Alcohol and gratuity can sneak up on you for sure. The drink may be already paid for, but each drink comes with an added cost. 🙄
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have sailed on the Epic and lots of cruises with NCL.
It sounds like you didn't take the Free at Sea, that gives you some minimum internet and shore excursion credits for each port. You can also accept the drink package but we typically skip that option as paying tax gratuities is way more than we'd ever spend on beverages. That package also includes specialty dining credits and all you pay is about $16 for the gratuities. On a longer cruise specialty dining could be a nice treat and break.
For several years NCL has also offered an airfare perk. It's been a good experience for us on two European cruises: nonstop to Barcelona and another with a single connection to Athens.
The laundry bag actually holds quite a bit, and with certain status levels, they discount off the sale price. If you book with a travel agent that offers onboard credit, that could be a worthwhile spend. We also book direct so we rarely have OBC, but that perk may be there for others that use travel agents.
I am researching for my potential first repositioning cruise in 2025, so truly appreciate your perspective. Thanks for sharing.
The repositioning cruises are a great option for travel. We chose not to take the Free at Sea package, the cost of it just didn't weigh out for what we would use. If the internet they included was the unlimited package, then it would have been a no-brainer for us. Fingers crossed they figure out a cheaper way to include internet in the future. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!
For Free at Sea you can accept only the options you want, unless it was a GTY cabin not sure there's much of a cost difference. The only big ticket item is the drink package and we skip that one.@@BrianandCarrie
What a great video! Also, you got to see a few other places that you wouldn't have had if you stayed in the beautiful Antalya. I think I will consider it! Soda has to be in the drink packages too right. I wonder if you have your own wifi device????
That is very true! There is typically a smaller package offered that is a non-alcoholic package, where soda is included. The only option for service is purchasing their wifi, unfortunately. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!
Had planned a NCL repositioning from Athens to Lisbon. The cruise itself was going to be a bit over $7000 for two of us. Add in excursions, lodging before and after, flights, etc. it was going to cost $13000 bare minimum. Flew into Athens. Stayed 4 days. Flew to Rome. Stayed 5 days. Train to Florence for 5 days, over to Pisa for a day trip. Then on to Venice 4 days. Train through the Italian and Swiss Alps to Paris for 12 days. We went through every cathedral, museum, ruin, watched the guys at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Athens, we saw everything we possibly could in every city we went to and ate really well. The steak in Florence is amazing! Total $9500. I am so glad we made that decision. We would have missed so much! I understand you were working and not vacationing, so excursions were not important. We have no idea if we will ever go again. I had to retire to have enough time to go see all of it. I love a good cruise, but you really only see port cities or one, maybe two major points of interest at each stop.
Edit: To clarify- it was a Mediterranean repositioning for a transatlantic repositioning to Argentina.
Sounds like an amazing trip!! Yes, agreed, you miss so much of each area on a cruise when you're limited to one short day of exploring. But, for so many it's a great opportunity to see so many areas in a short time and in a relaxing way. Cheers!!
Love your videos, and inside cabin all the way. Save money for other fun things because you aren't in the cabin much❤
Agree 100%
We did a back to back on NCL this past summer. I ended up buying a bottle of wine at the dining room and had 1 glass of wine with dinner, turned out to be way cheaper since I don’t drink very much.
That's a great way to do it! Cheers
It’s nice that my brother works for vacations to go, so I just called my brother to book my transatlantic cruise
That would be so nice, you're very lucky to have that connection. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!
In Brazil for the winter, taking a repositioning ship back to Euriope in April $500 for 16 nights , Will be 40% full maximum . So much better than flying ...
Thats awesome!! Something that we will be looking into!! Safe travels!
Cheers!!🍻
We are doing the 21 day on NCL Encore. Mia to Seattle April 2024 Excellent price and our longest cruise yet
That sounds like a wonderful route to go on a cruise! Enjoy ☺
Hearing about the drawbacks, I wonder if passengers find ways to work around them: Can people take the cruise part way, say Turkey to Portugal? Sneak liquor such as vodka on and mix drinks? Starlink direct to cell data becomes available in 2025. Depending on cost and data speeds it'll be interesting to see what capabilities opens up to this kind of travel. Maybe email and texting, and limited surfing the web but not video.
It sure would be great if Starlink becomes an option! As far as alcohol, they scan your bags when you arrive, so it's not a good idea to try to sneak anything on as you'll most likely lose it. I'm unsure on disembarking at a different port, but don't see why you couldn't do that if you make them aware. Cheers!!