Every fall, I get asked where Alaska ships go once the glaciers start to freeze. The answer? They set off on voyages that go beyond borders—and sometimes continents. But Alaska ships aren’t the only ones on the move. October and November represent the industry’s great migration, when Norwegian’s entire fleet reshuffles for winter deployments.
Understanding these movements opens up cruise opportunities that most travelers never consider.
Encore’s Epic Spring 2026 Voyage
Look ahead to April 2026, when Norwegian Encore takes guests on a 22-night repositioning cruise from Miami to Seattle. This exceptional itinerary includes stops in Cartagena, a transit through the Panama Canal, and port calls in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, Astoria, and Victoria before docking in Seattle.
For curious travelers, this isn’t just ship relocation—it’s a 22-day odyssey spanning cultures, coastlines, and climates, literally ushering in spring on the Pacific Northwest horizon. The guest experience feels more like an extended voyage than a typical cruise, with sea days that let you actually enjoy the ship’s amenities without feeling rushed between ports.
What makes this route extraordinary is the diversity of experiences within a single booking. You’ll wake up to Caribbean warmth in Cartagena, experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, enjoy Mexican Pacific coast culture in Puerto Vallarta, savor California wine country in San Francisco, and finish with the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It’s like booking five different cruise regions in one voyage.
Considering a repositioning cruise for your next celebration? Let’s discuss how these unique itineraries can create once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
The Economics of Repositioning: Why Prices Surprise
Repositioning cruises often offer exceptional value compared to regular sailings—sometimes 30-40% less per night than comparable roundtrip itineraries. Norwegian needs to move these ships regardless of passenger load, so pricing reflects operational necessity rather than peak demand.
However, the best staterooms still command premium pricing. Suite categories and solo accommodations disappear fastest because experienced cruisers understand the value proposition. A Haven suite on a 22-night repositioning cruise costs less than two separate 7-night Caribbean voyages in the same category, but with significantly more sea days to enjoy the exclusive amenities.
Alaska → Asia & Australia: The Pacific Crossing
Historically, Norwegian ships like Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit have repositioned west, crossing the Pacific to Asia or even Australia. These longer itineraries capture time zones and continents in a single voyage, often including destinations like Japan, Singapore, or New Zealand that don’t appear on standard cruise schedules.
The demographics shift noticeably on these crossings. You’ll find more seasoned cruisers, retirees with flexible schedules, and couples celebrating major milestones who appreciate the extended time at sea. The pace becomes more contemplative—perfect for travelers who want to disconnect from daily routines and truly immerse themselves in the cruise experience.
Pacific repositioning cruises also feature unique seasonal timing. While Alaska wraps up in September, Asian destinations enter their optimal weather windows in October and November. Norwegian Sun’s typical Asia repositioning takes advantage of this climate shift, arriving in Japan during perfect autumn temperatures while escaping Alaska’s winter freeze.
Europe → Caribbean: The Atlantic Crossing
At the other seasonal shift, ships departing the Mediterranean or Northern Europe head west across the Atlantic—often branded as transatlantic repositioning voyages. These rare sailings may include stops in Iceland or the Azores before the ship settles into Caribbean duty for winter.
I’ve noticed these Atlantic crossings attract a particular type of traveler: those who understand that the journey itself becomes part of the celebration, not just the destinations. The ship becomes a moving hotel that crosses time zones while you sleep, delivering you to completely different cultures and climates over the course of the voyage.
Norwegian Gem’s April 2026 repositioning from New York to Barcelona includes Halifax and Reykjavik, while Norwegian Pearl’s transatlantic crossings connect Miami to European ports via the Azores. Norwegian Epic follows the Barcelona to Port Canaveral route with Atlantic island stops. These routes showcase how Norwegian’s fleet creates unique connections between seasonal deployment regions.
What Makes Repositioning Cruises Special
A repositioning cruise isn’t your typical roundtrip experience—it’s a one-way adventure that often comes with more sea days, distinctive ports, and value that surprises even seasoned cruisers. The extended time onboard lets you experience Norwegian’s ships as they were designed: as destinations themselves, not just transportation.
Plus, the guest mix tends toward more experienced cruisers who appreciate the unique nature of these voyages. Conversations at dinner span continents because your fellow guests are often as well-traveled as the ships themselves. It’s cruise networking at its finest—stories from Antarctica, insights about river cruising in Europe, and recommendations for shore excursions in ports you’ve never considered.
Planning Reality: Premium categories—balcony staterooms and solo accommodations—are most in-demand on repositioning cruises. Book 9-12 months in advance to secure your preferred setup, or watch for occasional last-minute opportunities if you can travel flexibly.
Timing Your Repositioning Strategy
The key to repositioning success lies in understanding Norwegian’s deployment patterns. Alaska ships typically begin their southern migration in late September, while Mediterranean vessels start Atlantic crossings in October. These patterns create predictable windows for booking these special voyages.
Spring repositioning cruises offer the reverse journey—ships moving from winter Caribbean deployments to summer Alaska or European schedules. These April and May sailings often provide the best weather for ocean crossing, with calmer seas and more comfortable temperatures for extended time on deck.
Want to understand your cruise planning style? Join the Norwegian Planning Lounge for insights from experienced cruisers who specialize in these unique voyage opportunities.
The beauty of repositioning cruises lies in their ability to transform necessary ship movements into extraordinary guest experiences. Instead of empty ships crossing oceans, Norwegian creates unique itineraries that appeal to travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary cruise calendar.
