When the long days of summer in the northern latitudes start to shorten, the cruise ships plying the North Sea head for greener pastures.

Holland America’s Eurodam sails from Copenhagen to New York around the middle of August, calling at Scotland, Iceland, and Greenland, before arriving at St. John’s, Newfoundland.  The 16-night voyage also includes a couple of stops in Nova Scotia.  Fares this season were nearly 70% off rack rate.  Food lovers will enjoy the ship’s Culinary Arts Center — an exhibition kitchen with video screens displaying all the action.

Princess’s 18-night sailing aboard the Crown Princess leaves London and calls at Norway, Scotland, Denmark, Iceland, and Greenland before arriving in New York.  Fares for this early September cruise have been running as low as $115 per person, per night.   Since the ship is capable of  carrying 3,120 passengers, you’ll likely have lots of space to yourself.

Sea Day on Deck

Many American haven’t heard of MSC Cruises, but they’re one of the fastest growing lines in the world.  This Italian company is known for its multi-lingual staff and European service.  Test them out on a late August sailing aboard the Lirica from London to Genoa.   The 11-night itinerary which calls at several ports in Spain and Portugal, is going for as little as $799 per person.  Their 3,000-passenger Orchestra sails from Copenhagen to Genoa.

Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas sails from London to Boston in 12 nights.  This one is a great choice for those who love sea days.  Once the ship leaves Reykjavik, Iceland, there are five days at sea before sailing into Boston Harbor.   With a putting green, golf simulator, and rock-climbing wall, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.  Rates start below $1,000.

Crystal Symphony treats its  940 pampered passengers with kid gloves.  And they’re offering one of the best repositioning cruises for golfers, who have the opportunity to play some of the world’s best courses, including Nairn in Invergordon, Scotland, Keilir in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Glen Arbour in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Several special events and parties are scheduled.   And fares are almost 50% off regular rates.

Celebrity’s Constellation leaves London and calls at France, Ireland, and Scotland before crossing the Atlantic.  You’ll also visit Iceland, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick before arriving at Bayonne, New Jersey.  The ship has innovative features like listening stations with a huge selection of MP3s and Champagne and Martini bars.

One of the least expensive repositioning cruises out there, Costa’s 10-night sailing from Copenhagen to Savona, Italy starts at just $699 per person.  With six port calls in between, it’s also a good choice for those who want some time ashore.   As the flagship of the Costa line, the Atlantica offers an authentic Italian experience at sea.

The Norwegian Jewel offers cruisers the opportunity to call at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.  There’s a nice balance between sea days and port calls with six days at sea and four ports between London and New York.  The 11-night sailing is a good buy with balcony staterooms starting at $1,499 per person. Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” means you can dine where and when you like.  And there are Asian, Italian, and French restaurants on board.

Find out if a repositioning cruise is right for you here.

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