A longer cruise for less money? Get on board!
Cruise lines carry a lot of secrets: One is that they can’t afford to sail an empty ship between regions to kick off a new itinerary each season. For example, ships that sail Europe’s oceans and the Mediterranean Sea during the blissful summer months will, each fall, move the ship to a sunnier climate. That might be Florida, the Caribbean or South America. This means a transatlantic crossing is necessary between seasons. These moves are all intentional, designed to capture the best weather patterns in each region.
If you’re looking for an affordable cruise, these repositioning cruises—also called transatlantic cruises—are a deal if you don’t mind more sea days (cruise lingo for when you’re at sea and not docking) and a longer trip. This only means more time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, such as live music, musicals, cooking classes, the spa, pools, adventure sports (yes, really, like waterslides, rock climbing, and zip-lining), the fitness center and jogging track, or simply sunning on the Lido deck. Most ships of this size (2,000 to 4,000 passengers) also feature an art gallery and casino. And because some cruise-ship passengers are drawn to a frenetic pace of port stops, which this is not, you’ll find fewer people on board.
Although it may not be a port-heavy itinerary, it’s a cheap way to hop on and experience #cruiselife and your “floating hotel” to the fullest. This extended time at sea might also be a chance to blow through a stack of books or dabble in creative pursuits, maybe make new friends. And, remember, all meals and lodging are included on a cruise—and some even throw in free drinks.
Here are 10 examples of affordable cruises. Note that these are based on double-occupancy prices. And you’ll need to buy a one-way plane ticket as departure and arrival ports are not the same.