If you’re looking for a great spring or fall trip for less, did you know that’s when cruise lines are repositioning their ships from winter to summer ports? Here’s how you can benefit.

Here’s how it works: Cruise ships, like migratory birds, head south in the winter and back north for the summer.

The perks are that you can get longer cruises for discounted prices. The drawbacks?

If you enjoy stopping in ports, this might not be a good deal for you, as the majority of the time is spent at sea.

And keep in mind, these cruises are one way, which means you have to get yourself to and from two different ports.

In the spring, common itineraries include voyages from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, or Hawaii to Alaska.

For example, in spring, Holland America is offering a repositioning cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, starting from just $149 per person.

Don’t worry about missing the boat this spring.

Ships also reposition in the fall, so those deals are coming up as well.

And if you to really save on costs, look for a repositioning cruise that starts and ends in domestic ports.

This October, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas will depart from Boston, sail for 13 nights to the Caribbean, and end in Fort Lauderdale: no international airfare required.

Learn more about Repositioning Cruises here.

For more tips, visit our Cruise Travel section.

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