Greece - Repositioning Cruises

Looking for a bargain, unusual ports, and a great time on a cruise? A repositioning cruise may be just the ticket for you. Exploring Greek waters with a repositioning cruise can be a great way to experience unusual destinations and save money, even on some of the world's most deluxe cruise lines.

What Is a Greek Repositioning Cruise?

Repositioning cruises are different itineraries designed primarily to get a ship from one sea to another. International cruise lines need to move crews and ships around for the new season. Because of this, they often have different starting and ending ports than the usual cruise offerings, and since they are financially necessary for the company to do, the passenger prices are often substantially less than normal. Most repositioning cruises are fairly long due to the distances they need to cover, but in general, you'll end up paying much less than an average cruise.

The Downside on Greek Repositioning Cruises

Downside? Some cruise lines will short you on interesting ports in the desire to get you to the ultimate destination. Check itineraries and try to find a line that offers an interesting string of destinations. They get their ship moved, you get an unusual cruise at a discounted price - a classic win-win situation.

You May Feel "at Sea" on a Repositioning Cruise

One caveat: Given the distances involved, a few days spent entirely "at sea" are usually unavoidable. The ships, while generally new and comfortable, may not be the massive shopping-mall-on-the-waves size. If the thought of actually learning where the ship's library is located disturbs you, a long cruise with several days entirely at sea may not be for you.

Repositioning Cruises for Greece

Since these cruises are mainly traveling to or from Greece, the actual Greek portion of the trip is minimal. But it's a great opportunity to combine a cruise with a land tour that will explore Greece in depth. Some cruise lines offer these or you can book your own.

In general, these cruises won't include free air, but or add-ons are usually available as repositioning cruises tend to be in the off or shoulder season when rates are low.

The Upside on Repositioning Cruises - Great Prices
Prices vary, but at the low end, they can be less than USD 80 per day per person. Depending on the line, there is no upper limit, but many top out at less than USD 300 per day per person for a deluxe oceanview suite - including all meals.

What Lines Offer Repositioning Cruises to Greece

Each year, offering on repositioning cruises vary. Ones I find will be blogged at the Greece for Visitors homepage and mentioned in my newsletter. You can also check the About.com Cruises Site to find other potential repositioning cruises with Greek destinations. .