Cruise lines are releasing game-changing new repositioning itineraries

Repositioning cruises are no longer just a way to get from point A to point B.

Repositioning cruises (one-way sailings where the ship is relocating to another country) are no longer just a way to get from point A to point B. Cruise brands are getting savvy and introducing inventive new routes, themed activities and exciting port stops which means cruisers aren’t all “at sea”. There are many advantages of choosing one of these voyages; because the sailings tend to be longer than regular cruises and with less port stops, the fares are often cheaper, and, as there are numerous sea days you can really relax and take in all the ship of your choice has to offer.

Scenic has come up with the genius idea to offer a Wellness Retreat repositioning cruise from Barbados to Spain. Departing from Bridgetown, this 10-day voyage on Scenic Eclipse II focuses on relaxation, with an all-inclusive spa holiday program.

Included is daily expert-guided yoga and pilates practices, meditation and sound healing sessions, and healthy cooking classes led by Scenic’s chefs. There’s also the 550sq m Senses Spa to enjoy where you can alternate between the infra-red and bio saunas, cold plunge and vitality pool, and the salt therapy lounge. Add to this, daily lectures and workshops led by wellness experts, nutritionists, and holistic practitioners. Need more? There’s also the fully equipped gym to sample across the voyage which sails in April 2026 and disembarks in sunny Tenerife.

Keen to just pay for a one-way flight? Silversea has a tempting itinerary departing Singapore and cruising down to Melbourne in November 2025. Sailing on Silver Moon, stops along the way include an overnight in Bali, and along the west coast of Australia, a stop in Busselton to sample Silversea’s new “Taste of Margaret River” excursion which is included on the cruise fare. Here, you’ll be whisked down to nearby Margaret River to enjoy tastings of local wines, beers, ciders, and chocolates. In South Australia there’s a stop at Kangaroo Island, with a new included shore excursion taking in Pennington Bay to spot kangaroos, and offering free time in Kingscote.

Meanwhile, Carnival is adding a whole new 16-day repositioning route aboard Carnival Spirit, one that no cruise line has offered before. Keen for a US holiday, and to also experience one of the world’s best feats of engineering ingenuity? Come 2026 you’ll be able to get from Mobile in Alabama all the way to Seattle via the Panama Canal. That’s not all, the voyages will also include stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

Viking is offering an interesting way to cross the Atlantic. In February 2026 Viking Mars will embark on a 21-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale in the US all the way to Rome. Along the way will be stops in St Maarten, Portugal, and Spain. A highlight of the itinerary is a visit to Sète in France, sometimes referred to as “Little Venice”. Cruisers will also take in Marseille, Monte Carlo and Livorno.

Originally published as Cruise lines are releasing game-changing new repositioning itineraries