Skip to main content

6 Reasons to Consider a Repositioning Cruise

By U.S. News & World Report

In the cruise industry, typically in spring and fall, cruise lines relocate many of their ships to new ports. During these seasonal repositioning sailings — one-way voyages that cruise companies sell at a reduced price as ships switch locations from Europe and the Caribbean to new home ports — there are significant savings to be had. In the summer, for example, many ships call on Alaska or Europe. Conversely, in the winter, ships relocate from Alaska and the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Often these routes are unique, with more days at sea, and yield generous discounts. However there are some caveats to consider. While these cruises tend to offer themed onboard programming and activities along with extra perks like free Wi-Fi connectivity, they are longer and call at fewer ports, making them well-suited for those looking for peace and quiet rather than those craving nonstop activity on vacation.

[See: The 2017 Best Cruise Lines for the Money.]

To help you determine whether a repositioning cruise is right for you, U.S. News asked cruise experts to share the key benefits of these one-way sailings, and what to expect onboard.

You Can Snag a Deal

According to Greg Antonelle, managing director of MickeyTravels LLC, a Disney-focused travel agency based in New Jersey, a big reason to take a repositioning cruise is the substantial cost savings. “Repositioning cruises, regardless of the specific cruise line, will almost always be a more cost-effective option than a ‘normal’ cruise,” he says. “Another great benefit is that the ships tend to be less crowded during a repositioning cruise, meaning less hustle and bustle and a higher likelihood of a more relaxing cruise,” he adds. Antonelle suggests a 14-night Halloween cruise on the Disney Wonder that departs from San Diego on Oct. 27 and visits the Panama Canal as a great bargain for families. Ports include San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Cartagena, Colombia and the Cayman Islands, among other destinations.

Voyages Are Less Port-Intensive

For travelers looking for a more laid-back vacation, a repositioning cruise can be a great option, says Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of CruiseCritic.com. Unlike port-intensive itineraries, repositioning cruises have more sea days to allow for a more relaxing vacation without the need to constantly be on the go from port to port, she says. “On long repositioning cruises, an added benefit is built-in camaraderie. You really get to know passengers when you spend a week on a ship — no port days — with them,” McDaniel adds.

[See: 10 Things You Shouldn’t Do on a Cruise.]

You Can Opt for a Shorter Voyage

Another perk to a repositioning cruise is that in addition to longer journeys, there are also a number of two- to three-day repositioning cruises that are perfect to experience a new cruise line, McDaniel says. “If you’re hesitant to sail with a different line on a longer trip, but are interested in exploring new options, a repositioning cruise is a perfect sampler,” she adds.

You’ll Start and End at Different Ports

Starting and ending your cruise in two different ports can create a unique travel experience. “The beauty about repositioning voyages is that travelers can combine two or more very different regions of the world in one unforgettable adventure — and at an immense value,” says Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers repositioning voyages that take cruisers to more than 425 worldwide destinations on six continents. For instance, guests can marvel at the urban splendor of Dubai and embrace the exciting nightlife of Hong Kong on the 33-night voyage aboard Seven Seas Voyager, departing Nov. 14, or combine the sultry colors of Rio de Janeiro with Barcelona’s vibrant cultural scene on a 17-night voyage aboard Seven Seas Mariner, departing on Feb. 25, 2018.

You Can Experience a New Ship at a Discount

Sailing on newer ships can be expensive, however, consider a repositioning cruise as a way to experience a new ship at a discount. Carnival Horizon’s repositioning cruise from Europe to the U.S. next spring provides an opportunity to visit beautiful ports across two continents on its newest ship. Carnival Horizon, which will offer a 14-day transatlantic crossing departing from Barcelona on May 9, 2018, and will arrive in New York City on May 23, 2018, will include stops in ports such as Malaga and Vigo, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, as well as at Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Longer length repositioning cruises represent some of the best values in travel with affordable rates and interesting itineraries that visit a variety of beautiful destinations, as well as a wide range of fun and interesting activities on board,” says Terry Thornton, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president of port operations.

[See: The Top 5 Places to Cruise This Summer.]

You Can Avoid Added Costs With Prior Planning

A repositioning cruise may take more time to plan than a traditional cruise. Because you begin and end in different ports, higher airfare costs and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations should be factored in. “Many times, you’ll find these trips priced lower than a normal sailing, but remember you’ll also need to book open-jaw flights, which could be a bit pricier,” McDaniel explains.

More from U.S. News

9 Tips for Small-Ship Cruising With Kids

8 Ways Cruise Lines Entice You to Spend More Money

8 Secret Tricks for Scoring a Cruise Deal

6 Reasons to Consider a Repositioning Cruise originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote