Repositioning Cruises from the US to Europe next March/April

[LL_Travelfan]

Hi,



Has anyone ever taken a repositioning cruise from the US to Europe and could share some firsthand information. We are thinking about a repositioning cruise next year, but don't really know how to go about it. Some insight would be appreciated.

[kyshel]

Take a look at dynamictravel.com
They have a search engine that shows all T/O cruises Mar-May 2010. Scroll way down to find repositioning cruises and plug in the most general ports, length, etc. It will give you ships sailing from Mia, Ft. Lauderdale, NY etc. This is the retail dept of the airline employee website, interlinetravel.com.
Lots of senior agents here--many are former airline staff--Sandra comes to mind (if she's still there)
I've done lots of cruises but never a "reep". Not sure what I'd do w/that many days at sea--spa, workout? EAT!!
You can also find repositioning section of cruisecritic.com for more than you'll ever want to know...

[omegaet]

No first hand experience (we don't cruise....we don't even like crossing long bridges)......but my neighbors are cruise fanatics......and I asked them.

I was informed there are true ocean liners (i.e. Cunard's OM2), which are designed and constructed for transoceanic travel (bring on the "perfect storm" and you can still party and dance away the night on and in the high seas).

Then there are cruise ships....designed for a different type of "typical" port to port calm water sailing. Not being a nautical engineer, I don't fully understand hull designes, etc., etc......but apparently there is a big difference and can come into play under less than perfect sailing conditions.

My neighbors have taken a number of transatlantic repositioning cruises and claim they can be one of the best bargains available...usually not crowded and on-board excellent services generally provided. Generally an "older" population (whatever that means).

Good luck!

[LL_Travelfan]

kyshel,



Thanks for the helpful links. I did check them out and found indeed a number of repositioning cruises that looked interesting. When I get closer to the actual booking, I will try to call Sandra if she is still there.
Message Edited by LL_Travelfan on 07-01-2009 10:52 AM

[LL_Travelfan]

Hi Omegaet,

Thanks for your neighbors' insight. We have done a couple of transatlantic crossings on the QE2. Yes, there is quite a difference between a heavy duty transoceanic boat and a lighter cruise ship. We have been thinking of the new QMII, but from the looks of it, the QMII is a "monster" and somewhat priceyer, not really a bargain. Kyshel came up with some good links and I have been checking them out. I have seen a number of new boats there at reasonable rates. Also the QMII usually winds up in Southampton, from which is hard to get to London and then to the rest of Europe. I will look into the repositioning sailings more closely as time gets a little closer.

The older crowd doesn't really bother me, and the added excellent service is only a plus....

[CMDAVILACLI]

I have taken quite a few cruises, as have members of my family. I have not opted for the repositioning mainly because the one-way airfare is usually what kills the deal! The other issue is the age group tends to be older (not that I'm a spring chicken), since most of the time spent on the cruise is aboard ship. Having said that, my parents, who have taken several very elegant one way crossings/repositioning have found them to be exceptional in that the emphasis is removed from lots of loud, sporting type events, shore excursions to more indepth lectures, excellent food preparations/wines, etc. They also said that meeting people is a lot easier as you are on the ship basically all the time!

Check out www.vacationstogo.com for all the repositioning trips available next year. You can plug in all your specifics and out pops what is available. Keep in mind that repositioning cruises are really subject to the season.... that's why the lines are moving them around, so they can use the ship in, let's say, the spring/summer in europe and then move the ship in the fall for the fall/winter season in warmer locations.
I have booked two cruises on www.vacationstogo.com and they have been really easy to work with.

cmdavilacli

[LL_Travelfan]

Hi CMDAVILACLI,

Thanks for your helpful link and your insight on the subject. We too were shying away from transatlantic crossings and repositionings because of the exhorbitant one-way airfares. However, now that American Airlines Frequent Flyer program allows to book one-way trips, we are reconsidering and are exploring the option of taking a repositioning cruise next Spring.

I looked at the link you provided and did find some possibilities. I will contact them with more of our details when the time gets a little closer. Thanks again for your help.



Kind Regards,

[CMDAVILACLI]

Travelfan,
You're welcome, and keep us posted if you decide to do the crossing!
cmdavilacli

[LL_Travelfan]

I will certainly keep you posted as time gets closer.

[travel2fun]

LL_Travelfan, did you make a decision on a repositioning cruise?