It’s been a long, wet winter, and a vacation sounds pretty good right about now.   But there’s not a lot of discretionary income left over this year, and it’s hard to take much time off from work because things are so busy.

If any of this strikes a chord with you, we have just the solution — a repositioning cruise from California to Vancouver, British Columbia.  Fares start $149, and that includes all your meals, transportation, accommodations, and entertainment.   And if you watched the Winter Olympics, you know that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

At press-time, one-way fares from Vancouver to LAX were running under $150, so the total cost including airfare runs as little as $300.  Dollar for dollar, a repositioning cruise is a terrific way to get out of Dodge and add some excitement to your life without breaking your budget.

Holland America Line (HAL) is offering four west coast repositioning cruises this spring, and their cruise ships are some of the nicest at sea.

Their 1,432-passenger Zaandam sails from San Diego on Wednesday, April 21, 2010.  You can tour San Diego or visit the world-famous Zoo in the morning, and then board the ship in the late afternoon.  San Diego is a beautiful city to sail in and out of, and you’ll likely be treated to a spectacular sunset as you leave.  If the weather’s fine, you can enjoy a dip in the pool or one of the spas before dinner.

In addition to the main dining room, Zaandam serves Pacific Northwest specialties like Dungeness crab cakes in the intimate, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill.  During your days at sea, you can watch cooking demonstrations in the innovative Culinary Arts Center, see a movie at the Wajang Theater, or enjoy a treatment in the spa.    If you’d like to get some exercise, there’s a jogging track, fitness center, and sports court.  At night, enjoy a show in the lounge where hydraulic lifts and a revolving stage add to the excitement or have a quiet drink in the Crow’s Nest.

The first morning, you call at Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island.  You’ll have a full day to explore the island.  Rent a bike or golf cart to get around.  You’ll spend the next two days at sea before arriving in Astoria, Oregon.  In Astoria, you can take a biking tour, go to Cannon Beach and Seaside for shopping, or enjoy a wine-tasting and cooking demonstration.  The next day, you’ll call at Victoria, British Columbia where you can see Butchart Gardens in springtime splendor, have high tea at the legendary Empress Hotel, or visit a local brewery.  You’ll disembark in Vancouver the morning of Tuesday, April 27.  Fares for this cruise start at $299 per person.

Cruisers who choose the 1,316-passenger Amsterdam will leave from Los Angeles on Thursday, April 29, 2010.  One of Holland America’s flagships, Amsterdam has an old-world, traditional ambience that seasoned cruisers appreciate.  With no port calls, this cruise is perfect for those who just want to get away from it all and enjoy some quiet time at sea.  Passengers disembark in Vancouver on Sunday, May 2.  Fares start at $149.

HAL’s  beautiful Ryndam has a wide, teak promenade deck that’s lined with old-fashioned deck chairs.  It’s a lovely, traditional cruise liner with a three-story atrium and a grand staircase.  Ryndam sails from San Diego on Wednesday, May 5th and spends two days at sea before arriving in Victoria.  She sails from Victoria at midnight, so guests can enjoy Victoria at night when the Empress Hotel, Houses of Parliament, and other buildings on the Inner Harbor are all illuminated.  Passengers disembark in Vancouver on Sunday, May 9.  Fares start at $199.

With a fountain that cascades 26 feet down through the three-story atrium, the 1,258-passenger Statendam is a beautiful ship with excellent service.  She sails from San Diego on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 and arrives in Port Angeles after two days at sea.  In Port Angeles, you can tour spectacular Hurricane Ridge or go wine tasting at 15 Olympic Peninsula wineries.  Statendam arrives in Vancouver on Sunday, May 16.

Find more Holland America repositioning cruises here.

Vancouver Image Flickr: PoYang_博仰
Catalina Island Image Flickr: GeeSeeBee
Statendam Image Flickr: axiepics

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The economy isn’t bouncing back as quickly as everyone had hoped, so travel sales are still down.  And the cruise industry is responding by slashing prices to the bone.   Right now, transatlantic repositioning cruises to Europe this spring are a fantastic deal with fares under $50 per person, per day.

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).

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).

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).

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

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“Bigger is better” seems to be the Royal Caribbean motto. Over the years, a RCCL ship has frequently been the biggest cruise vessel in the world. And today, the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas holds that distinction.

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.

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