NCL repositioning cruises fall 2011.

Fans of Norwegian Cruise Lines can board the recently refurbished Norwegian Sun in Copenhagen on September 11 and spend more than two weeks visiting ports in Northern Europe and the Atlantic. With calls at Berlin, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Lisbon, and Ponta Delgada, there’s plenty to see before the six-day crossing to Port Canaveral.

Norwegian Sun docked in Lisbon, Spain

Those with less time, can board the ship the second time she calls at Copenhagen, on September 20. Passengers leave the ship in Port Canaveral on October 5, 2011.

Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises.

Royal Caribbean has eight ships offering transatlantic repositioning cruises this fall. Jewell of the Seas sails from Harwich on September 3, and calls at Le Havre, Cherbourg, Cobh, Dublin, and Reykjavik before arriving at St. John’s, Newfoundland on September 14. Passengers disembark in Boston on September 17.

Mariner of the Seas leaves Rome on October 26 and arrives in Galveston on November 11 after calling at ports in Spain, Portugal, and the Bahamas. Liberty of the Seas visits ports in Spain and the Canary Islands on her voyage from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. She sails on October 29.

Voyager of the Seas sails from Barcelona on October 30 and arrives in New Orleans on November 12. With only three port calls, this is a great choice for cruisers who love days at sea. Grandeur of the Seas sails that same day and visits several Caribbean ports before arriving in Colon, Panama on November 13.

Navigator of the Seas leaves Rome on November 6 and Adventure of the Seas leaves Malaga the following day. Navigator visits ports in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, while Adventurer makes stops in the Canary Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Princess repositioning cruises.

Emerald Princess

Princess only has two ships crossing the Atlantic this fall: Emerald Princess and Grand Princess. The first sails from Copenhagen on September 11 and visits Norway, the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland, and Nova Scotia before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on September 29.

Grand Princess leaves Southampton on November 4 and calls at Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, and Bermuda before disembarking passengers in Fort Lauderdale on November 19.

Norwegian Sun Docked in Lisbon, Spain Image Flickr: Sean and Lauren
Emerald Princess Image Flickr: Bruce Tuten

They’re also good cruise deals, with fares well below voyages that call at lots of ports.

Princess Cruises has three ships offering transatlantic cruises this spring. The first sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 27, aboard Emerald Princess. With nearly 900 balcony staterooms, the 2,080-passenger Emerald Princess is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the endless ocean views.

Cobh, Ireland

After two days at sea, she arrives at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda for the day. Passengers can spend the next five days at sea enjoying the amenities of the ship, and attending lectures, special meals, and evening entertainment.

On May 6, Emerald Princess arrives in Cobh, Ireland, the port city for Cork. She calls at Falmouth, Le Havre – for Paris – Rotterdam, London, and Oslo before disembarking passengers in Copenhagen on May 13.

Passengers who wish to see Northern Europe can stay aboard and visit Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Berlin, and Aarhus, before returning to Oslo and then leaving the ship in Copenhagen on May 24. After the crossing, they’ll be well rested for their sightseeing excursions.

Repositioning cruises on Star Princess.

The 2,600-passenger Star Princess manages to offer the amenities of a bigger ship in a more manageable space.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

She sails from Fort Lauderdale on May 3 and heads for Tenerife in the Canary Islands. She arrives after a full week at sea. After a day exploring beautiful Tenerife, she sails for Gibraltar, arriving on May 13. From there, she calls at Alicante and Barcelona in Spain, Marseille, and Florence. Cruisers leave Star Princess on May 18 in Rome.

This voyage offers ports that are very diverse in nature. It packs a lot of travel experiences into a brief span of time.

Repositioning cruises on Grand Princess.

We’ve sailed on the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess several times and have always enjoyed being aboard. The ship seems much more intimate than her passenger capacity would suggest.

The Movies Under the Stars out by the pool are always enjoyable.

On May 5, Grand Princess leaves Fort Lauderdale bound for Ponta Delgada, Portugal. The crossing takes a week.

After leaving Portugal, passengers will enjoy a cruise through the British Isles, visiting Cork, Dublin, Glasgow, Holyhead, Falmouth, and Le Havre, before leaving the ship in Southampton on May 21.

Passengers who would like see more of Europe can remain on board and call at St. Peter Port on the isle of Guernsey; Brest, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Vigo, Spain before disembarking in Southampton on May 28.

Read more about Princess repositioning cruises.

Cobh, Ireland Image Flickr: Shaun Merritt
Tenerife, Canary Islands Image Flickr: SanShoot

But you don’t have to do it on your own, and you don’t have to forego all the creature comforts either. A transatlantic repositioning cruise on one of Star Clippers’ three tall ships offers you the best of both worlds – the romance and adventure of days gone by and the amenities of a modern cruise ship.

Royal Clipper in Barbados

Star Clippers lets passengers spend their days enjoying life at sea. You can join the Captain on the bridge, assist with sailing the vessel, or just relax by the pool. Life aboard ship is casual and relaxed, and on beach days, passengers can enjoy the water directly from the marina at the ship’s stern. A nice selection of water sports equipment is available.

Royal Clipper, a five-masted vessel modeled after the tall ships built around the turn of the century, has 42 sails and 21,000 square feet of teak decking. She’s the flagship of the line and the largest passenger sailing vessel in the world. Her 227 passengers enjoy staterooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, telephone, and television. All but six of the cabins are outside.

Special harnesses let guests climb the mast to a crow’s nest for unbelievable views and photos. And there’s a small fitness center, spa, pool, sauna, library, and plenty of space out on deck for enjoying the fresh air. Dress is casual — even in the multi-deck dining room, and there are several bars where you can have a before or after-dinner drink.

Royal Clipper sails from Rome to Barbados on October 15, 2011, calling at 11 ports in Corsica, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, and the Canary Islands en route. The voyage takes 28 days, but passengers with less time can join the ship in Lisbon on October 27 and call at Morocco and Tenerife before crossing the Atlantic.

Star Flyer and Star Clipper are four-masted vessels with a capacity of 170 passengers. Teak decks, brass fittings, and mahogany rails give these ships an old-world feel. There’s even a fireplace in the Edwardian-style library. Private bathrooms in the staterooms have marble accents.

Tenerife, a popular port on repositioning cruises

Star Flyer leaves St. Maarten on April 2, 2011 and visits the Azores, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and St. Tropez before arriving in Monte Carlo on April 30. Passengers can also disembark Star Flyer in Lisbon on April 20.

On April 9, 2011, Star Clipper sails from St. Maarten bound for Athens. In addition to the Azores, Portugal, Morocco, and Spain, she also calls at Tunisia, Italy, Malta, and Greece. The 35-night cruise arrives in Athens on May 14, 2011 but passengers looking for a shorter cruise can leave the ship in Lisbon on April 27.

At the end of the Mediterranean season, Star Flyer sails from Cannes on October 8, 2011. The 29-night voyage arrives in Barbados on November 6. A 22-night cruise that leaves from Malaga on October 15 is also available.

Star Clipper leaves Athens on October 8, 2011 and arrives in St. Maarten 35 nights later, on November 12. Passengers boarding in Malaga on October 22 enjoy a 21-night cruise. Those who board in Las Palmas on October 29, sail for two weeks.

Royal Clipper returns to Barbados from Rome on October 15, 2011. The 28-night voyage includes multiple calls in Casablanca and Safi, Morocco. Travelers joining the cruise in Lisbon on October 27, arrive in Barbados 16 nights later.

Find more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.

Royal Clipper in Barbados Image Flickr: gailf548
Tenerife, a popular port on repositioning cruises Image Flickr: ReservasdeCoches.com

No one got stuck making the beds or doing the dishes. Everyone had their own personal space and could spend the day as they pleased. And we even ate leftover turkey on Friday – though there were plenty of other choices.

To be honest, snorkeling and kayaking off the Baja coast was one of the most memorable Thanksgiving holidays we’ve ever had. Not traditional – but in some ways, better. So if you’re looking for a different way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, a repositioning cruise might be just the thing.

Windstar Wind Spirit

Depending on the ship you choose, there will probably be a big-screen TV showing all the big games. There are plenty of pies to choose from. And you can just relax and enjoy the good life.

Thanksgiving repositioning cruises from Spain and Portugal.

Carrying 700 passengers, Oceania’s Regatta is a really nice size cruise ship. It’s big enough to have all the amenities, including a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, six restaurants, and lots of fitness facilities. But small enough to be manageable. After a few days – especially on a repositioning cruise – many of the staff will know you by name.

Oceania sails from Barcelona on November 13, 2010 and calls at Tangier and Funchal before crossing the Atlantic. After five says at sea, she arrives in Hamilton, Bermuda and overnights there. Passengers spend Thanksgiving at sea, which gives them plenty of time to dress up for dinner and enjoy a leisurely turkey dinner and after-dinner show. Passengers disembark in Miami on November 27.

Wind Spirit is one of the smaller Windstar computer-assisted sailing vessels. Her 148 passengers enjoy a country club casual ambience where the most exciting activity is spotting dolphins riding the bow waves. Those who enjoy plenty of time at sea can board her in Lisbon on November 20 for a two-week cruise to St. Maarten, in the Netherlands Antilles. There are no port calls along the way – just lots of rest, relaxation, and good food.

Barcelona

Seabourn’s 208-passenger Legend offers its guest a true luxury experience with complimentary beverages, cuisine by celebrated chef Charlie Palmer, and all-suite accommodations. She sails from Malaga, Spain on November 20 and calls at Funchall, Madeira two days later. After nine days at sea, she arrives in Fort Lauderdale on December 3.

Thanksgiving repositioning cruises from Rome.

Cruisers who have more time and want to visit some European ports before crossing the Atlantic can board Seabourn Legend in Rome on November 13. Passengers will spend the extra week exploring Florence or Pisa, Barcelona, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca before arriving in Malaga.

The 694-passenger Azamara Journey is another mid-size ship with big-ship amenities and small-ship service. In fact, the crew-to-guest ratio is one of the highest in the industry. Cruisers who want to experience all Azamara has to offer can board Journey in Rome on November 15 and call at Cartagena, Gibraltar, and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. After a week at sea, she arrive in Nassau, and then disembarks passengers the next day, November 29, in Miami.

Find more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.

Windstar Wind Spirit Image Flickr:  ed and eddie
Barcelona Image Flickr: papalars

The big excitement at HAL his year is the July 2010 launch of Nieuw Amsterdam, the fourth HAL ship to bear that name. A sister ship of the Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam has décor that pays tribute to the city of New York. From a chandelier that echoes the Manhattan skyline to a yellow cab in the teen area, the design comes together quite successfully. The city is also celebrated in the multimillion dollar fine art and photography collection displayed throughout the ship.

Nieuw Amsterdam

The Pinnacle Grill steak house and the Tamarind Asian restaurant offer diners more variety, and passengers willing to pay $89 per person can enjoy a seven-course dinner with wine pairings at the Master Chef’s Table. A casual Italian trattoria in the Lido called Canaletto that serves pastas and antipasti is another option.

New with this ship are staterooms with direct access to the spa, and some with floor-to-ceiling windows. All but inside cabins have tubs.

Other amenities that were a hit when Eurodam was launch have returned, including the private cabanas near the pool area.

Eurodam sails in the Mediterranean until October 18, which she leaves from Barcelona for the start of her repositioning cruise to America. She calls at Monte Carlo, Livorno, Rome, Valencia, Cartagena, Almeria, Portimao, and Lisbon before crossing the Atlantic. After eight days at sea, she arrives in the Bahamas on November 6 and disembarks passengers in Fort Lauderdale on November 7.

This is an excellent repositioning cruise on several levels. First of all, there are ten Mediterranean ports at the beginning of the voyage – more than most repositioning cruises include. And the ship will be new enough to still be shiny and bright, but any early service glitches will likely have been worked out by then.

October transatlantic repositioning cruise on Noordam and Westerdam.

Funchal

The 1,918-passenger Noordam was launched in 2006. She’s slightly smaller than Nieuw Amsterdam, but she offers many of the same amenities. The two-level Vista Dining Room has sweeping views of the ocean, and the innovative Culinary Arts Center has cooking demonstrations and wine-tasting classes on some days at sea.

Noordam sails from Rome on October 18 and has port calls at Livorno, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, and Funchal in Madeira. She arrives in Fort Lauderdale on November 3 after a week at sea.

Westerdam, which launched in 2004, is one of the roomiest ships in the HAL fleet. She carries 1,916 passengers in a space that often carries many more. She sails from Rome on October 25 and also calls at Livorno for Florence, Monaco, and four ports in Spain. She overnights in Funchal on November 3, so passengers have the opportunity to experience Madeira nightlife. She arrives in Fort Lauderdale a week later on November 12.

Find other Holland America repositioning cruises here.

Nieuw Amsterdam Image Flickr: Mike Knell
Funchal Image Flickr: Jean & Nathalie

On September 2, Silversea Silver Whisper leaves Southampton, and calls at Fowey, England the following day. Between Plymouth and Falmouth, Fowey is a rarely visited medieval port town with a pretty esplanade and great seafood. The following day, Silver Whisper calls at Waterford, Ireland. After four days at sea, she arrives in St. John’s Newfoundland, followed by another sea day, then Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Lobby of the MSC Poesia

Passengers will have a full day to explore the historic “cottages” of Newport, Rhode Island before disembarking in New York on September 14.

This 13-night voyage has a nice balance of port calls and time at sea, and Silver Whisper’s all-suite accommodations ensure that all passengers will be comfortable. The menus designed by chefs from Relais & Chateaux, and treatments and services at the Mandara Spa make the sea days especially enjoyable. And wines, Champagne, and other spirits are included in the cruise fare.

Sailing from Copenhagen on September 4, Costla Atlantica visits Bremerhaven, Germany, before calling at Harwich and Le Havre, France. After five days crossing the Atlantic, she visits Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia, Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island before arriving in New York on September 19. Passengers will have two nights in New York before disembarking on September 21.

With Carrara marble accents, a recreation of one of the most famous cafes on the Piazza San Marco in Venice, and the Via Veneto Lounge, Costa Atlantica is Italian through and through. Expect many of your fellow passengers to be European on this cruise.

Another European cruise line, MSC has a repositioning cruise on September 4. MSC Poesia sails from Kiel, Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark. After a sea day, she visits Southampton and Le Havre. Passengers will have half a day to explore Vigo, Spain, and then a full day in Lisbon before sailing for the Azores. The 13,000-sqare-foot-spa is a great place to unwind during the four days Poesia spends en route to Bermuda. She arrives at King’s Wharf at 8 in the morning on Saturday and sails on Sunday afternoon, giving passengers the opportunity to spend the evening ashore in Bermuda. She arrives in New York on Tuesday afternoon and docks for the night. Passengers disembark the next morning – September 22.

Crystal Serenity Tenders

The luxurious Crystal Symphony sails from Dover on September 5 and calls at Dublin, Reykjavik, Nuuk in Greenland, and Halifax, Nova Scotia before arriving in New York on September 19. With nine days at sea, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the shipboard amenities, including a wraparound teak promenade, a state-of-the-art spa, putting green, and paddle tennis court. Two alternative restaurants, one Italian and one Asian, provide plenty of dining variety.

Families with children will enjoy the voyage aboard Disney Magic, which sails from Barcelona on September 18. She has full days in Gibraltar and Funchal, Madeira, before spending five days sailing to the Caribbean. There, she visits St. Maarten, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas, which was voted the best private island in the Caribbean. Passengers leave the ship in Port Canaveral on October 2.

Although Disney cruises are designed for kids, adults enjoy the progressive dining program in which passengers change dining rooms several times during the course of the cruise. There are plenty of adults-only spaces on board. And kids’ programs and babysitting services ensure that parents have some alone time.

Find Princess transatlantic repositioning cruises.
Find Royal Caribbean transatlantic repositioning cruises.

Lobby of the MSC Poesia Image Flickr: Tambako the Jaguar
Crystal Serenity Tenders Image Flickr: Der Etienne

A sister ship of the Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess is one of Princess’s newest ships. With more than 900 balcony staterooms, it’s a great ship for those who love being at sea. There’s a Sabatini’s Italian restaurant and Crown Grill in addition to the main dining rooms, and a Lotus Spa for relaxing. The atrium lobby is like a piazza with a sidewalk café and wine bar.

Crown Princess

She sails from London on September 3, 2010 and calls at Cornwall in England, Belfast and Dublin in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland before disembarking passengers in New York on September 17. With seven port calls and seven days at sea, this voyage has a nice balance of activity and relaxation.

Grand Princess launched in 1998 as the first Princess Grand Class ship. For such a large ship — she carries 2,600 passengers — she’s surprisingly intimate with lots of cozy places. The adults-only Sanctuary is a good place to unwind and there’s a nine-hole putting course where you can work on your short game.

On Saturday, September 25, Grand Princess sails from London and visits Bergen in Norway, the Shetland Islands, Denmark, two ports in Iceland, and Nova Scotia before docking in Fort Lauderdale on October 11. With ten days at sea, this is a great choice for cruisers who want to enjoy the ship’s amenities and life at sea.

Ruby Princess is the same class as the Crown Princess, so she has the same dramatic, atrium lobby where passengers gather to enjoy a glass of wine or watch the performers. There are more than 900 balcony cabins to choose from, and several alternative restaurants.

Passengers embark Ruby Princess in Venice on October 8 and overnight onboard. She sails the next day and visits Naples, Rome, Cannes, and Barcelona. After three days at sea, she calls at Ponta Delgada, Portugal and then spends five days at sea en route to Fort Lauderdale. Passengers disembark there on October 24.

Grand Princess

Travelers with a little more time (16 nights) and a taste for the exotic should consider a repositioning cruise on the Star Princess this fall. The ship has three dining rooms, three showrooms, two alternative restaurants, and a full-service spa. With four pools, nine whirlpools, and a golf simulator, there’s plenty to do on sea days, and Movies Under the Stars are a fun evening activity.

Star Princess sails from Rome on Saturday, December 4 and calls at Florence, Cannes, Barcelona, and Casablanca and Agadir in Morocco. After five days at sea, she arrives at Recife in Brazil. After two more sea days, she arrives in Rio de Janeiro, where passengers overnight onboard the ship. They disembark in Rio on Monday, December 20.

Carrying just 64 passengers, Pacific Princess is one of the smallest ships in the Princess fleet. She is one of the R Class ships that Princess acquired from the now defunct Renaissance Cruises. And she’s a real gem to sail on. The food and service are a cut above, and the smaller scale contributes to on-board camaraderie.

Pacific Princess leaves Rome on Sunday, December 5th and visits Florence, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona. She calls at rarely visited Ceuta, which is a Spanish Territory, and then continues on to Casablanca. After visiting Ponta Delgada, Portugal, she spends four days at sea before arriving in Hamilton, Bermuda. She spends another two days at sea before disembarking passengers in Fort Lauderdale on December 22.

Find more Princess repositioning cruises here.

Crown Princess Image Flickr: MoToMo
Grand Princess Image Flickr: P/\UL

Because Royal Caribbean’s ships offer so much, they’re great for repositioning cruises.  There’s never a shortage of things to do and see on these ships.  And with fares starting as low as $499 for 14 nights, these are fantastic cruise deals.

Adventure of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas is an especially good choice for cruisers who like to play sports and stay fit.  Passengers can ice skate, play golf, basketball or volleyball, in-line skate, or work out in the fitness center.  Afterwards, the spa is the perfect place to relieve sore muscles.

When it’s time for dinner, Portofino Italian restaurant and Chops Grille are alternatives to the main dining rooms.

Navigator of the Seas leaves Rome on Saturday, October 23, 2010 and calls at Toulon, Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga, and Tenerife before crossing the Atlantic.  She arrives in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, November 6, after a week at sea.  This is a nice itinerary for cruisers who want to see some Mediterranean ports before relaxing and enjoying the many amenities Navigator has to offer.

A sister ship of Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas sails on Sunday, November 7, 2010, from Barcelona, Spain.  She visits Cartagena, and then has a day at sea before calling at Funchal in Madiera and La Palma in the Canary Islands.  These are interesting ports you’re not likely to visit unless you’re on a cruise.  She spends the next six days at sea, and then visits Nassau in the Bahamas.  She arrives in Galveston, Texas on Sunday, November 21, after two more days at sea.   With a total of nine sea days, there’s plenty of time to unwind on this voyage.

The 1,800-passengers Splendour of the Seas is small by Royal Caribbean standards.  In fact, she carries about 1,300 passengers fewer than Navigator.   But there’s still plenty do with a fitness center, solarium with retractable roof, and 18 hole mini golf course.

Splendour of the Seas sails from Barcelona on November 27, 2010, which is the Saturday following Thanksgiving.  Port visits before crossing the Atlantic include Cadiz, Lisbon, and Tenerife.  She spends six days making the crossing before arriving in Salvador, Brazil.   She spend one more day at sea before calling at Rio de Janeiro.  Passengers disembark the next day, December 12, in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Adventure of the Seas entertains its 3,114 passengers with an ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, and full-sized basketball court.  Johnny Rockets 1950s-style hamburger restaurant is a fun alternative to the dining rooms and buffet.  And the 15,000-square-foot spa offer a wide selection of health and beauty treatments.

The Royal Promenade

On Sunday, November 28, 2010, Adventure of the Seas leaves Barcelona, and calls at Toulon, Ajaccio in Corsica, Palma de Mallorca, and Cartagena.  After a day at sea, she visits Grand Canary Island on Saturday and Tenerife on Sunday.  A week later, on December 12, she arrives in San Juan, Puerto Rico where passengers leave the ship.

One of Royal Caribbean’s first Vision Class vessels, Vision of the Seas has a soaring atrium lobby that’s flooded with natural light.  It’s a bright ship with many floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights.  The indoor, solarium pool adjacent to the spa and fitness center lets passengers enjoy some pool time whatever the weather.  And  the two-story dining room is especially attractive.

Some of the inside cabins have windows that overlook the Promenade — Vision’s café and boutique-lined main street.

Vision of the Seas leaves Lisbon on November 30,2010 and calls at both Grand Canary Island and Tenerife before crossing the Atlantic.   Six days later, she arrives in Recife, Brazil.   She has a sea day, a port call at Salvador, another sea day, and a port call in Rio before disembarking passengers in Sao Paolo on December 14.

Find more Royal Caribbean repositioning cruises here.

Adventure of the Seas Image Flickr: briandrum
The Royal Promenade Image Flickr: GregM35

Even the most expensive fares represent savings of up to 60% off.

Many of these special fares expire soon, so act fast.   Here’s a brief run down of what’s available.

Azamara’s 710-passenger Azamara Journey (5*) sails from Miami on April 11 and arrives in Barcelona on April 25.  There are four port calls in Portugal and Spain.  Fares start at $1,799 for 14 nights ($128.50 per person, per night).

Celebrity’s 1,770-passenger Celebrity Century (4*) sails from Miami on May 20 and arrives in Barcelona on June 3. There are four port calls in Portugal and Spain.   Fares start at $1,099 for 14 nights ($128.50 per person, per night).

The Promenade Deck

Costa’s 2,600-passenger Atlantica (3*) sails from New York City on May 5 and arrives in Copenhagen on May 22.  There are eight port calls in New England, Canada, France, England, and Germany.  Fares start at $919 for 17 nights ($54 person, per night).

Cunard’s 2,620-passenger Queen Mary 2 (5*) has 21 transatlantic crossings from New York to Southampton this summer.  Early booking fares start at $895 for 6 nights ($149 per person, per night).

Disney’s 2,500-passenger Disney Magic (4*) sails from Port Canaveral on April 10 and arrives in Barcelona on April 24.  There are four port calls in the Bahamas, Madeira, Spain, and Gibraltar.  Fares start at $699 for 14 nights ($50 per person, per night).

Holland America’s 2,044-passenger Eurodam (5*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 3 and arrives in Rome on April 19.  There are seven port calls in Portugal, Spain, and Monaco.  Fares start at $799 for 16 nights ($49.95 person, per night).

Their 1,918-passenger Noordam (5*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on May 14 and arrives in Barcelona on May 27.  There are four port calls in Madeira and Spain.  Fares start at $799 for 13 nights ($61 person, per night).

MSC’s 3,013-passenger Poesia (3*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 27 and arrives in Hamburg on May 15.  There are seven port calls in New York, Portugal, Spain, and England.  Fares start at $1,089 for 18 nights ($60.50 person, per night).

Norwegian Cruise Lines’ 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun (4*) sails from Miami on April 26 and arrives in London on May 11.  There are six port calls in Portugal, Spain, France, and Belgium.  Fares start at $979 for 15 nights ($65.26 person, per night).

Oceania’s 684-passenger Insignia (5*) sails from Rio de Janeiro on April 3 and arrives in Barcelona on April 18.  There are four port calls in Brazil, the Cape Verde Islands, and Morocco.  Fares start at $2,599 for 15 nights ($173 person, per night).

Their 684-passenger Regatta (5*) sails from Miami on March 21 and arrives in Barcelona on April 4.  There are three port calls in Madeira, Morocco, and Spain. Fares start at $2,099 for 14 nights ($150 person, per night).

Princess Cruises’ 3,120-passenger Crown Princess (4*)  sails from Fort Lauderdale on May 1 and arrives in Rome on May 15.  There are five port calls in Gibraltar, Spain, France, and Italy.  Fares start at $799 for 14 nights ($57 person, per night).

Their 2,600-passenger Grand Princess (4*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 9 and arrives in London on April 24.  There are six port calls in Bermuda, Scotland, Ireland, England, and France.  Fares start at $799 for 15 nights ($53 person, per night).

The 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess (4*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 19 and arrives in Barcelona on May 5.  There are seven port calls in Madeira, Gibraltar, Italy, and Monaco.  Fares start at $999 for 16 nights $62.50 person, per night).

The 2,600-passenger Star Princess (4*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 24 and arrives in Copenhagen on May 12.  There are eight port calls in Portugal, Spain, England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Norway.  Fares start at $1,270 for 18 nights ($70.55 person, per night).

Seven Seas Navigator

Regent Seven Seas’ 700-passengers Mariner (6*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on March 22 and arrives in Monte Carlo on April 7.  There are five port calls in Bermuda, Madeira, Spain, and France.  Fares start at $5,695 for 16 nights ($355 person, per night).

Their 700-passenger Voyager (6*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on May 12 and arrives in Reykjavik on May 26.  There are six port calls in the U.S. and Canada.  Fares start at $6,195 for 14 nights ($442 person, per night).

Royal Caribbean’s 3,835-passenger Navigator of the Seas (4*) sails from Miami on April 10 and arrives in Rome on April 24.  There are four port calls in the Canary Islands, Spain, France, and Italy.  Fares start at $799 for 14 nights ($57 person, per night).

The 4,375-passenger Independence of the Seas (4*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 11 and arrives in Southampton on April 25.  There are four port calls in Portugal and Spain.  Fares start at $599 for 14 nights ($42 person, per night).

The 3,835-passenger Voyager of the Seas (4*) sails from Galveston on April 18 and arrives in Barcelona on May 2. There are four port calls in the Bahamas, Portugal, and Spain.  Fares start at $558 for 14 nights ($39.85 person, per night).

The 3,835-passenger Adventure of the Seas (4*) sails from San Juan on May 2 and arrives in Barcelona on May 15. There are four port calls in the Canary Islands and Spain.  Fares start at $499 for 13 nights ($38 person, per night).

The 2,501-passenger Jewel of the Seas (4*) leaves Miami on May 6 and arrives in Harwich on  May 19.  There are three port calls in Bermuda, Portugal, and Belgium.  Fares start at $594 for 14 nights ($42 person, per night).

Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas

Seabourn Cruise Lines’ 208-passenger Seabourn Spirit (6*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on March 19 and arrives in Lisbon on April 1.  There is one port call in Madeira.  Fares start at $2,799 for 13 nights ($215 person, per night).

Their 208-passenger Seabourn Legend (6*) sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 8 and arrives in Lisbon in on April 21.  There is one port call in Madeira.  Fares start at $3,300 for 13 nights ($254 person, per night).

SeaDream Yacht Club’s 110-passenger SeaDream I (6*) sails from San Juan on April 30 and arrives in Malaga on May 13.  There’s one port call in Madeira.  Fares start at $2,299 for 13 nights ($176 person, per night).

SeaDream’s 110-passengers SeaDream II (6*) sails from Barbados on April 25 and arrives in Malaga on May 7.  There is one port call in Madeira.  Fares start at $2,299 for 12 nights ($192 person, per night).

Silversea’s 540-passenger Silver Spirit (6*) sails from New York on April 23 and arrives in Southampton on May 7.  There are six port calls in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Wales, and England.  Fares start at $6,238 for 14 nights ($445 person, per night).

Their 296-passenger Silver Cloud (6*) sails from San Juan on April 14 and arrives in Barcelona on April 29.  There are six port calls in the Caribbean, the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Spain.  Fares start at $5,518 for 15 nights ($368 person, per night).

Windstar Cruises’ 312-passenger Wind Surf (4*) sails from Barbados on March 21 and arrives in Lisbon on April 4.  There are no port calls.  Fares start at $1,499 for 14 nights $107 person, per night).

Their 148-passenger Wind Star (4*) sails from St. Martin on April 10 and arrives in Lisbon on April 24.  There are no port calls.  Fares start at $1,635 for 14 nights ($117 person, per night).

Find more information on Transatlantic repositioning cruises here.

The Promenade Deck Image Flickr: garybembridge
Seven Seas Navigator Image Flickr: milan.boers
Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas Image Flickr: EandJsFilmCrew

Royal Caribbean’s cruises appeal to active travelers who want to have unique experiences. In fact, when you return from a Royal Caribbean cruise, you may need a vacation. There’s never a dull moment aboard these popular ships. And there are plenty of activities for people in every age group. From the rock climbing wall to the surfing pool, these ships are built for fun and excitement. Ice skating rinks, boxing rings, and surfing simulators are just some of the innovations you’ll find on board.

Their shore excursions also provide lots of opportunities to hike, bike, parasail, and “get out there.” If you want to swim with sting rays, dolphins, or other aquatic creatures, Royal Caribbean has you covered.

Programs and facilities for children and teens keep them out of their parents’ hair. And these days, most ships have adults-only pools and hot tubs.

Royal Caribbean has many ships that spend the summer in the Mediterranean, so there are several transatlantic repositioning cruises to choose from.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises on Vision of the Seas.

One of Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships, Vision of the Seas is a light, airy ship with lots of skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows. Passengers gather in the atrium lobby where there’s a Champagne bar and live music.

The two-story main dining room and Windjammer buffet serve a variety of international dishes, depending on the itinerary. And burgers are available at the pool-side grill.

The indoor solarium pool adjacent to the spa and fitness center is nice on cooler days.

Cabins have small sitting areas and private safes. Some of the inside cabins even have windows overlooking the Promenade. Mini suites have balconies, bathtubs, and mini bars.

Vision of the Seas sails from Sao Paulo, Brazil on April 5, 2010 and visits Rio de Janeiro and Salvador before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A week later, she arrives in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. She calls at Funchal and Cadiz before disembarking passengers in Lisbon on April 19.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises on Navigator of the Seas.

With an ice-skating rink, miniature golf course, in-line skating track, volleyball court, basketball court, and golf simulator, Navigator of the Seas will appeal to sports-minded cruisers — who can soothe their aching muscles with a variety of treatments in the full-service spa.

In addition to the main dining rooms and Windjammer, there are two alternative restaurants — Portofino Italian restaurant and Chops Grille steakhouse.

On April 10, 2010, Navigator of the Seas leaves Miami and spends the next week crossing the Atlantic. After the transit, she calls at Tenerife, Barcelona, Nice, and Florence before ending the cruise in Rome on April 24.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises on Independence of the Seas.

As a Freedom Class ship, Independence of the Seas has everything passengers could want at a land-based resort — lots of activities, entertainment, and dining options. From the water park to the whirlpools that extend out over the ocean, Independence was designed to impress. And she does.

Passengers can enjoy burgers at Johnny Rockets, pizza from Sorrentos, fine Italian dining at Portofino, or steak at Chops Grille. And Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is a nice pool-side treat. The lively Promenade is filled with shops and places to wet your whistle.

Cabins have flat-screen TVs and WiFi Internet access. Three quarters of the outside cabins have balconies.

Independence of the Seas sails from Fort Lauderdale on April 11, 2010. After crossing the Atlantic, she visits Ponta Delgada, Portugal, Funchal, Lisbon, and Vigo before disembarking passengers in Southampton on April 25.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises on Voyager of the Seas.

A sister ship of Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas was the first of the Voyager Class vessels. She was the first ship to have a television studio and a full-size basketball court.

Passengers can play some of the world’s most famous courses in the golf simulator or enjoy a smoke in the cigar club. There are two venues for teens only — the Living Room and Fuel Dance Club. Adventure Ocean has plenty of activities for younger kids.

Voyager of the Seas leaves Galveston on April 18 and calls at Nassau in the Bahamas before heading for Europe. After arriving in Ponta Delgada, she visits Malaga and Catagena before ending the voyage in Barcelona on May 2.

Fine more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.