Big ships give "repositioning" bargains

When cruise lines need to move their ships long distances to prepare for seasonal markets, travelers can enjoy significantly lower-priced cruises.

These repositioning cruises are available in October and November from Europe to the U.S. and Caribbean, in the spring from the U.S. and Caribbean to Europe and from Mexico or California to Alaska, and in September from Alaska to points south.

Repositioning cruises offer a way to get the cruise experience for less money, when measured on a daily rate.

Cruise lines consider such itineraries to be less attractive because the ship has fewer ports of call. The companies, accordingly, cut the cruise price, though virtually all of the amenities are unchanged.

If you'll be taking a long cruise, you may want to upgrade to a balcony to enjoy a private view of the ocean.

Here are some samples of repositioning cruises. Prices are per person, double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional (and rates can change).

Celebrity has a 14-night cruise from Barcelona, Spain, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with stops in France, Spain and Morocco. Prices start at $599 for an inside cabin, $899 for an ocean view and $999 for a balcony. The cruise departs Nov. 28.

Royal Caribbean is offering a 14-night trans-Atlantic sailing from Barcelona to Galveston, Texas, with stops in Spain, Portugal and the Bahamas. The cruise departs Nov. 29. Prices start at $749 for an inside cabin, $803 for an ocean view and $1,049 for a balcony.

Holland America is has a 24-night cruise from Piraeus, Greece, to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., that makes several stops in Europe before crossing the Atlantic. The cruise departs Nov. 1 and stops in Tunisia, Malta, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Prices start at $1,999 for an inside cabin and $2,499 for an ocean view.

Royal Caribbean has a 13-night trans-Atlantic cruise from Southampton, England, to Fort Lauderdale, with stops in France, Spain and Portugal. The ship departs Nov. 23. Prices start at $719 for an inside cabin, $937 for an ocean view and $1,049 for a balcony.

Celebrity is offering a 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Valparaiso, Chile, with stops in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. The cruise departs Dec. 5. Prices start at $1,049 for an inside cabin, $1,149 for an ocean view and $1,399 for a balcony.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night cruise from Miami to Los Angeles, with stops in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. The cruise departs April 10 and passes through the Panama Canal. Prices start at $1,099 for an inside cabin.

Holland America has a four-night West Coast cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C., with a stop in Victoria, B.C. The cruise departs May 10. Prices start at $249 for an inside cabin and $299 for an ocean view. (Other cruise lines also offer short cruises around the Pacific Northwest in early spring and fall, before and after the Alaska summer cruise season. The ships then head to warmer winter cruising .)