$1500 Repositioning Cruise
Dec 18, 2011 | 12:24 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: Hilton Diamond-Marriott Platinum-life
Posts: 1,015
OP, you've heard from all the pro-balcony people. Thought I'd put in a word for that inside cabin. I really didn't find it that bad. Cosy, quiet, comfortable temperature, private. Oh yeah, inexpensive. I happily laid and read several hours each day.
As to spending "all your time in public areas", there are ways to deal with that too. For starters, a repositioning cruise often isn't fully sold out, so the ship just isn't as jammed. For semi-private public areas, there are lots of nooks and crannies to be found. The library is a good one. That exercise room during less popular hours. Lots of areas all over the different decks during the more favored dining times. Think non-rush-hour for whatever, and you'll be fine.
I loved the repositioning cruise I took, and am watching for another good deal one. www.vacationstogo.com can be a good source.
Romelle
As to spending "all your time in public areas", there are ways to deal with that too. For starters, a repositioning cruise often isn't fully sold out, so the ship just isn't as jammed. For semi-private public areas, there are lots of nooks and crannies to be found. The library is a good one. That exercise room during less popular hours. Lots of areas all over the different decks during the more favored dining times. Think non-rush-hour for whatever, and you'll be fine.
I loved the repositioning cruise I took, and am watching for another good deal one. www.vacationstogo.com can be a good source.
Romelle
Dec 18, 2011 | 3:53 pm
#17
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,009
Sounds like a phenomenal deal. ^
We have done several repo cruises, all in the South Atlantic, where the water tends to be quite calm. The cruises have normally left from the Balearic Islands to Virgin Islands, with one stop in either St. Barths or Antigua. All of the cruises were on The Sea Goddess (now Sea Dream).
We loved those cruises. Never saw anyone get seasick. Just a great time to kick back and relax and read all of those books you've been meaning to get to.
We have done several repo cruises, all in the South Atlantic, where the water tends to be quite calm. The cruises have normally left from the Balearic Islands to Virgin Islands, with one stop in either St. Barths or Antigua. All of the cruises were on The Sea Goddess (now Sea Dream).
We loved those cruises. Never saw anyone get seasick. Just a great time to kick back and relax and read all of those books you've been meaning to get to.
Dec 18, 2011 | 9:52 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
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If you have the time, can plan ahead and can handle the long at sea stretches then do two positioning cruises a year.
I buy cheaper round trip tickets. Cruise to Europe springtime, chill around Europe and then fly back. In the fall when the ships are going back to the Caribbean I fly over on the return portion of the ticket and sail back.
I buy cheaper round trip tickets. Cruise to Europe springtime, chill around Europe and then fly back. In the fall when the ships are going back to the Caribbean I fly over on the return portion of the ticket and sail back.
Dec 19, 2011 | 6:43 am
#19
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Join Date: Nov 2009
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I find most TATL Re-pos not sailing full and as part of the loyalty package has been given room upgrades onto a higher level. Kids and teenagers are unheard of on these sailings.
So we buy the cheapest cabin (<$500ai) and relax at various places on-board. All the amenities and food/beverage selection is the same unless you are paying for a premium cabin.
My lack of room window tip? tune the TV to one of the ships camera.
Dec 19, 2011 | 11:43 am
#21
Join Date: May 2010
Location: YLMQ
Programs: QF Gold, WY Gold
Posts: 683
For TATL repositioning cruises, I'd say the weather is often favourable for sitting by the pool, particularly on this routing.
Balconies are great if you can afford the upgrade, smoke from smokers is rarely a problem and from the stacks is almost impossible on the larger vessels. If you are unlucky with the wind direction on a particular day, you can close the door, and still have a great view.
Repositioning cruises are great for having a variety of completely different ports, and some nice seadays to relax and get dressed up for dinner.
Balconies are great if you can afford the upgrade, smoke from smokers is rarely a problem and from the stacks is almost impossible on the larger vessels. If you are unlucky with the wind direction on a particular day, you can close the door, and still have a great view.
Repositioning cruises are great for having a variety of completely different ports, and some nice seadays to relax and get dressed up for dinner.
Dec 20, 2011 | 8:27 am
#22
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: Hilton Diamond-Marriott Platinum-life
Posts: 1,015
I find most TATL Re-pos not sailing full and as part of the loyalty package has been given room upgrades onto a higher level. Kids and teenagers are unheard of on these sailings.
So we buy the cheapest cabin (<$500ai) and relax at various places on-board. All the amenities and food/beverage selection is the same unless you are paying for a premium cabin.
My lack of room window tip? tune the TV to one of the ships camera.
Feb 6, 2012 | 12:05 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,140
Booked Oceanview Cabin
My Father got the Oceanview Cabin so I'm wondering if they give free upgrades as its a Repo Cruise? I don't mind spending time on deck to mingle with the people.
I can barley catch my breath because I have been talking about taking a cruise for many years. I was waiting for the perfect itinerary. I could have gone to Mexico a few years ago but decided to wait and do a transatlantic crossing.
With the many transatlantic flights that I have done in the last couple of years I wanted to try something a bit more relaxing than a flight. With all the action of a resort.
I was reading many reviews online on the different cruise ships and picked Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas because of the consistent ratings it got on different websites!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for your tips and let me know if you have anymore tips!!!!!!!!
I can barley catch my breath because I have been talking about taking a cruise for many years. I was waiting for the perfect itinerary. I could have gone to Mexico a few years ago but decided to wait and do a transatlantic crossing.
With the many transatlantic flights that I have done in the last couple of years I wanted to try something a bit more relaxing than a flight. With all the action of a resort.
I was reading many reviews online on the different cruise ships and picked Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas because of the consistent ratings it got on different websites!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for your tips and let me know if you have anymore tips!!!!!!!!
Last edited by danielonn; Feb 6, 2012 at 12:11 am
Feb 20, 2012 | 9:50 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central Texas
Programs: Many, slipping beneath the horizon
Posts: 9,859
From the itinerary, the cruise looks to be about 13 days minimum to make the listed port calls. Calculating the bottom line on airfare, I'd class it as a bargain brought on by modestly hard times in the cruising industry (the economy aggravated by the CONCORDIA grounding).
Depending on the "Up Sell" cost of a balcony, for me at least a sort of necessary evil on that long a cruise, it seems a good deal, especially if you can figure out how (with no extra air cost) to get to SJU a day or two early, and stay for a few days in BCN, in my eyes the SFO of the Med.
San Juan/Canarias/Gib is a routing which avoids the more turbulent belt of the N. Atlantic. I wouldn't worry much about the sea state, and the scheduled port calls are attractive.
Depending on the "Up Sell" cost of a balcony, for me at least a sort of necessary evil on that long a cruise, it seems a good deal, especially if you can figure out how (with no extra air cost) to get to SJU a day or two early, and stay for a few days in BCN, in my eyes the SFO of the Med.
San Juan/Canarias/Gib is a routing which avoids the more turbulent belt of the N. Atlantic. I wouldn't worry much about the sea state, and the scheduled port calls are attractive.
Feb 21, 2012 | 11:49 am
#26
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: Hilton Diamond-Marriott Platinum-life
Posts: 1,015
From the itinerary, the cruise looks to be about 13 days minimum to make the listed port calls. Calculating the bottom line on airfare, I'd class it as a bargain brought on by modestly hard times in the cruising industry (the economy aggravated by the CONCORDIA grounding).
Depending on the "Up Sell" cost of a balcony, for me at least a sort of necessary evil on that long a cruise, it seems a good deal, especially if you can figure out how (with no extra air cost) to get to SJU a day or two early, and stay for a few days in BCN, in my eyes the SFO of the Med.
San Juan/Canarias/Gib is a routing which avoids the more turbulent belt of the N. Atlantic. I wouldn't worry much about the sea state, and the scheduled port calls are attractive.
Depending on the "Up Sell" cost of a balcony, for me at least a sort of necessary evil on that long a cruise, it seems a good deal, especially if you can figure out how (with no extra air cost) to get to SJU a day or two early, and stay for a few days in BCN, in my eyes the SFO of the Med.
San Juan/Canarias/Gib is a routing which avoids the more turbulent belt of the N. Atlantic. I wouldn't worry much about the sea state, and the scheduled port calls are attractive.
Mar 23, 2012 | 11:02 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: BWI
Programs: UA Plat, AA Plat, Hyatt Diamond, PC Plat, HH Diamond, National Exec Elite
Posts: 129
Of course, it is cheaper than buying food at home.
I find most TATL Re-pos not sailing full and as part of the loyalty package has been given room upgrades onto a higher level. Kids and teenagers are unheard of on these sailings.
So we buy the cheapest cabin (<$500ai) and relax at various places on-board. All the amenities and food/beverage selection is the same unless you are paying for a premium cabin.
My lack of room window tip? tune the TV to one of the ships camera.
I find most TATL Re-pos not sailing full and as part of the loyalty package has been given room upgrades onto a higher level. Kids and teenagers are unheard of on these sailings.
So we buy the cheapest cabin (<$500ai) and relax at various places on-board. All the amenities and food/beverage selection is the same unless you are paying for a premium cabin.
My lack of room window tip? tune the TV to one of the ships camera.
Mar 23, 2012 | 11:24 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
"$1500 Repositioning Cruise"
$2500 seadream 12 nt
$2600 seabourn 12 nt
IIRC promo just ended, ~$2K incl upgrade and maybe air
almost 100% positive there was ~$2K fare at time of OP
seabourn crossing i did was a much younger crowd than average, even 1 kid
ive seen others put it second after NYC for food
$2500 seadream 12 nt
$2600 seabourn 12 nt
IIRC promo just ended, ~$2K incl upgrade and maybe air
almost 100% positive there was ~$2K fare at time of OP
seabourn crossing i did was a much younger crowd than average, even 1 kid
ive seen others put it second after NYC for food
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Mar 23, 2012 at 11:35 am
Mar 23, 2012 | 11:32 am
#29
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of the parrots and parrotheads
Programs: Several dozen
Posts: 4,820
Mar 23, 2012 | 11:42 am
#30
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of the parrots and parrotheads
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