As the seasons change, so too do the waters upon which the world`s cruise ships travel. Each fall, vacationers have the chance to experience extraordinary voyages…
As the seasons change, so too do the waters upon which the world`s cruise ships travel. Each fall, vacationers have the chance to experience extraordinary voyages aboard cruise ships repositioning from one seasonal destination to another. These unusual seagoing journeys offer travelers a one-of-a-kind travel experience – an opportunity to embark on voyages offered only once or twice a year to ports not normally found on contemporary cruise itineraries.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is comprised of the 19 leading cruise lines serving North America, with more than 150 ships. Each autumn, CLIA member-line ships move from Europe`s cruising waters to the warmer climes of the Caribbean. Other fall repositioning cruises move ships from Alaska to Hawaii, the West Coast or Caribbean; and from the Canada/New England region to the Caribbean.
The majority of vacationers know very little about repositioning cruises – or for that matter, what they really are, said Terry L. Dale, CLIA`s president and CEO. These repositioning itineraries offer guests a tremendous opportunity to experience unusual journeys that normally feature more leisurely days at sea and out-of-the way ports of call. Even better, in most cases, repositioning voyages offer travelers significant value compared with `standard` itineraries.
Repositioning cruises can feature as many as nine leisurely days at sea in addition to eclectic ports on each side of the Atlantic. As a highlight, travelers typically can enjoy enhanced onboard activities, including distinguished guest lecturers from the arts, sciences, politics and journalism. Itineraries may also feature culinary and wine appreciation seminars, computer classes or other enrichment programming. In some cases, brand-new vessels built in Europe sell out on repositioning cruises to North America, with ship buffs vying to ensure they`re booked to sail on the latest ship to hit the high seas.
Following is a sample of some CLIA member lines` 2005-2006 repositioning cruises.
CELEBRITY CRUISES
Four Celebrity ships sail on 12- to 15-night itineraries through November on routings that include: Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale; Civitavecchia to Galveston; and Dover, England to Cape Liberty Cruise Port, N.J. Other repositionings include Summit`s 14-night sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles in September, Constellation`s nine-night sailing from Cape Liberty to San Juan in November and Mercury`s eight-night itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego in October.
COSTA CRUISES
Nine Costa ships will offer repositioning itineraries from late August through November. Seven of the ships reposition within Europe while two others sail from Europe to North America. Costa Mediterranea and Costa Magica will sail on 16- and 17-day sailings from Genoa to Fort Lauderdale, respectively. The ships will call at Barcelona, St. Cruz de Tenerife, St. Maarten and Nassau – among other ports.
CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal`s Crystal Serenity celebrates the centennial of the Tommy Dorsey band, led by Buddy Morrow, on a November transatlantic cruise from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale. Crystal Symphony`s September transatlantic sailing from London to New York is dubbed a Film Festival/Distinguished Speakers Series cruise while its October sailing from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale will include lecturers from the Smithsonian and U.S. News & World Report.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
In October, Holland America`s Westerdam sails from Civitavecchia to Fort Lauderdale on a 15-day transatlantic. In November, Prinsendam sails a 15-day itinerary from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale and Rotterdam operates a 17-day Lisbon to Rio cruise. Three fall Panama Canal sailings aboard Veendam, Volendnam and Zaandam reposition the ships from Vancouver to Caribbean waters. Three Pacific Coast itineraries operate between Vancouver and San Diego.
MSC CRUISES
MSC Cruises` MSC Lirica departs November 12 on a 17-night Genoa to Fort Lauderdale journey ale. MSC Armonia leaves November 30 on a 17-night journey from Genoa to Rio de Janeiro, while MSC Melody departs November 24 on a 16-night cruise from Genoa to Rio. MSC Rhapsody leaves September 3 on a nine-night cruise from Copenhagen to Genoa; on November 7, she heads to South Africa, on a 21-night sailing.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Norwegian Cruise Line`s Norwegian Jewel, which debuted this August in Europe, repositions to the U.S. in September on a 10-day Path of the Vikings itinerary from London to New York. October repositionings include two 13-day Exotic Caribbean itineraries, one between Philadelphia and Miami and the other between Boston and Charleston. A third October cruise, a four-day Pacific Coastal voyage, sails a San Francisco-Vancouver route.
OCEANIA CRUISES
Oceania Cruises` Regatta sails on a 10-day Lisbon to Miami sailing November 17 and Insignia on a 12-day Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro voyage November 27. A highlight of the Regatta`s repositioning cruise is a visit to Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Sister ship Insignia will make a call at Las Palmas, Canary Islands. During the voyages there will be a special emphasis on wine, with tastings and wine appreciation classes offered.
PRINCESS CRUISES
In late August, September and November, Princess features four transatlantic itineraries: London-New York; Civitavecchia-Galveston or Fort Lauderdale; and Copenhagen-Fort Lauderdale or New York. Coral Princess and Sun Princess reposition from the West Coast to Fort Lauderdale in September via the Panama Canal. Diamond Princess sails on an exotic 17-day transpacific voyage in late September that repositions it from Seattle to Osaka, Japan.
RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Radisson`s Seven Seas Voyager sails on an eight-night crossing November 13 from Madeira to Fort Lauderdale. En route to Fort Lauderdale, guests will be able to dance to the music of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra with Christopher Riddle conducting from the bandstand. A series of cooking classes, operated by famed Le Cordon Blue chefs is available.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Royal Caribbean offers four cruises from Europe to North America in late August, October and November: Itineraries include Barcelona-Miami, Harwich-Boston, Barcelona-Galveston and Southampton-Tampa. The line has a range of other repositioning voyages, including sailings from the East Coast to the Caribbean and cruises from Vancouver to Honolulu and Los Angeles. Two itineraries – San Diego-San Juan and San Juan-Miami – reposition via the Panama Canal.
SEABOURN CRUISE LINE
Guests on Seabourn`s Seabourn Pride sail with the acclaimed British repertory troupe, The Reduced Opera Company, from London to New York in late August. The ship also sails from New York to Nassau October 16, hosting the annual Great American Food & Wine Festival. Seabourn Legend sails from Tenerife to Fort Lauderdale November 9. Seabourn Spirit positions from Egypt to Asia on October 23.
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Silversea`s Silver Whisper departs in late August on a 12-day voyage from London to Boston. Silver Cloud sails in October on a 14-day itinerary from Lisbon to Barbados. Silver Wind departs in November on a 17-day Passage to the Seychelles adventure from Port Said, Egypt, to the Seychelles via the Red Sea and Suez Canal, calling at ports in Egypt, Jordan, Eritrea and Djibouti.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
