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

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

The weather is still pleasant in Europe, many of these cruises include interesting ports in Europe and visits in Iceland, Greenland, and the Martime provinces of Canada along the way. So a repositioning cruise would be a lovely way to end the summer.

Holland America’s Eurodam sails from Amsterdam on August 19, then spends a day at sea before overnight in South Queensferry. This is the port for Edinburgh, Scotland, and Eurodam overnights so passengers will have the opportunity to attend the 59th annual Edinburgh Military Tatoo. Hundreds of pipers, drummers, and members of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland perform. It’s a thrilling spectacle you’ll never forget.

Newfoundland

After South Queensferry, Eurodam calls at Kirkwall, Scotland, and Torshavn, Denmark before spending a day at sea en route to Reykjavik, Iceland. Passengers will be able to learn more about the Eyjafjallajokull volcano during their visit. After two more days at sea, Eurodam arrives in Qaqortoq, Greenland, where passengers can tour the Norse ruins of Halsey.

The ship spends the next five days in Canada, calling at ports in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Passengers arrive 19 days later in New York City on September 6. Big discounts are currently available on this sailing.

Travelers with more time can board Eurodam in Amsterdam on August 8 and visit Stockholm, Tallinn, St. Petersburg — where the ship overnights — Helsinki, and Copenhagen in addition to the ports described above. Passengers can choose from several evening activities in Saint Petersburg. The 29-night voyage offers a huge number of ports for a repositioning cruise.

Launched in 2008, Eurodam has the Culinary Arts Center sponsored by Food and Wine magazine, several excellent alternative restaurants, a large spa, and the largest gymnasium in the HAP fleet.

On August 22, Crown Princess sails roundtrip from Southampton and does a 13-night British Isles itinerary visiting Guernsey, Cork and Dublin, Irleand, Liverpool, Belfast in Northern Ireland, and Glasgow, Invergordon, and South Queensferry in Scotland. She calls at Le Havre before returning to Southampton on September 3. Those with less time can board Crown Princess then.

Edinburgh Castle at night

We did this cruise two years ago and really enjoyed Guersney and Liverpool, which was nothing like what we expected. When a strike prevented us from calling at Le Havre, we went to Dover instead, and spend a delightful day in Canterbury.

After leaving Southampton, passengers will visit Falmouth — the gateway to Cornwall — Dublin and Belfast, before sailing to Reykjavik. After leaving Iceland, she has two days at sea before arriving in Greenland, then two more days at sea before visiting St. John’s, Newfoundland. Passengers disembark in New York on September 17.

You can find more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.

Newfoundland Image Flickr: jurek d.
Edinburgh Castle at night Image Flickr: http2007

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

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.

NCL has been responsible for many popular cruising innovations, not the least of which is Freestyle Cruising, which lets passengers dine wherever, and whenever they like.  Not having to hew to any schedule provides NCL cruisers with the utmost freedom.

Their newest vessels have a wide range of dining options, from Spanish to Asian, and healthy options are always available.  Those not too concerned with health can indulge in the Chocoholic Buffet.

With their colorfully painted hulls, NCL’s ships are easy to spot in port or at sea.  Entertainment on board is spirited and fun.  Improvisational performances by Second City players are especially popular.    If they have an improv workshop while you’re aboard, go.

NCL offers a wide range of accommodations, and with their own private deck, pool, and exercise area, the Villas and Deluxe Owner’s Suite offer a ship-within-a-ship experience.

There’s a lot to do on board, including a full-size bowling alley and rock climbing.

Repositioning cruises on the Norwegian Gem.

The latest NCL ships – Jewel-Class ships – were designed to really facilitate the Freestyle cruising concept.  With more than a dozen dining venues, several theaters and nightclubs, and lots of recreational options, passengers are spoiled for choice.  In fact, on most itineraries, travelers can dine in a different restaurant every night of their cruise.

Launched in 2005, the 2,380-passenger Gem has some of the largest suites at sea, making them ideal for family groups.  The Garden Villas have three bedrooms, a combination living room/dining room, and private garden deck with hot tub.  Staterooms have in-room safes, small fridges, Ethernet ports, and small sitting areas.

The full-size, ten-pin bowling alley is the first on a modern cruise vessel.  And the spa’s thermal suites have whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms with ocean views.

On April 10, 2010, Norwegian Gem sails from New York and spends five days crossing the Atlantic.  After arriving in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, she calls at Lisbon, Cadiz, and Malaga, before ending the voyage in Venice on April 24.  This two-week sailing has a nice blend of sea days and port calls.

Repositioning cruises on the Norwegian Sun

One of the first generation of Freestyle ships, the Norwegian Sun has nine restaurants – including a tapas bar – an outdoor basketball court, 24-hour fitness center, cigar bar, and a large Internet café for staying in touch with the folks back home.

The Sports Bar lets fans keep up with their teams.  And golfers can play famous courses with the simulator.

On April 26, 2010 Norwegian Sun sails from Miami.  After six days crossing the Atlantic, she arrives in Ponta Delgada, and then visits Lisbon, Vigo and La Coruna.  After more port calls in Le Havre (for Paris) and Zeebrugge, Belgium, she arrives in Dover on May 11.

Repositioning cruises on the Norwegian Spirit.

Once part of NCL sister company Star Cruises’ fleet, the 1,966-passenger Norwegian Spirit has French, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese restaurants in addition to the Mediterranean Bistro.  There’s also a Champagne Bar.

Cabins have amenities like stocked mini bars and memory-foam topped mattresses.   Almost 70% of the cabins are ocean view and 70% of those have balconies.  Suites have whirlpool tubs and DVD players.

Facilities for kids are better than on most ships, making the Spirit very family friendly.  And Buccaneer’s Wet & Wild water park has slides, caves, and other fun places to explore.

Norwegian Spirit spends the summer sailing from Boston to Bermuda, so she does not offer a transatlantic repositioning cruise.  But she does reposition in April for the start of the Bermuda season.

She leaves New Orleans on April 11 and calls at Costa Maya, Mexico and Santo Tomas de Castilla in Guatemala.  She spends two days at sea en route to Aruba and Curacao, and then visits Hamilton, Bermuda before disembarking passengers in Boston on April 23.

Find more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.

They add new ships and itineraries to their repertoire often. Most of their programs are in the Mediterranean, and the Baltic has recently been added. For more exotic ports, their repositioning cruises are just the thing.

Because so many of MSC’s passengers are European, they’re best for Americans who enjoy other cultures and continental cuisine. Italian language classes are a popular on-board activity. And the Euro is often the currency used on board.

The ships are clean and modern, with an Italian sense of style. Polished wood and marble set the tone. Given the overall quality of the experience, cruise fares and incidentals are very well priced. Wine and cocktails on the ships are especially reasonable.

The dining rooms serve seven-course dinners with an emphasis on authentic Italian and Mediterranean specialties. Vegetarian and healthy options are also available. The breads baked each day are always tempting. And unlike most cruise lines today, MSC still offers a full midnight buffet.

To work it all off, there’s a fitness center with basic classes, a jogging track, and a spa.

Repositioning cruises on MSC Sinfonia.

Acquired in 2004 from now defunct Festival Cruises, Sinfonia has a musical theme. In addition to the usual fitness facilities, there’s also a tennis court and a whirlpool and sauna.

Cabins are on the smallish side, but all have a desk, small fridge, in-room safe, and ample closet and storage space. Suites have balconies, bathtubs, and sitting areas.

Sinfonia sails from Durban, South Africa on April 1, 2010 and visits Cape Town, and then spends ten days sailing up the west coast of Africa, calling at Walvis Bay in Namibia, and Dakar, Senegal along the way. From there, she visits Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Funchal, Madeira, Malaga, and Rome before arriving in Genoa on April 22.

This repositioning cruise is a great chance to visit some off-the-beaten ports in Africa that you wouldn’t otherwise see.

Repositioning cruises on MSC Orchestra.

Those who love the sea will enjoy the 3,000-passenger Orchestra. With 80% outside staterooms, and 60% of cabins having balconies, there are plenty of places to enjoy the view.

Launched in 2007, she’s one of the new breed of MSC vessels and she’s pretty impressive. From the Zen Garden to the Sushi Bar to the LED screen for movies under the stars, she has pleasant surprises in store for passengers who board for the transatlantic repositioning cruise.

On April 20, 2010, she sails from Sao Paolo, Brazil and calls at Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Recife in Brazil before transiting the Atlantic. After the crossing, she arrives in Tenerife, and calls at Funchal, Lisbon, Vigo, and Dover before disembarking passengers in Amsterdam on May 7.

With ten ports and eight sea days, this itinerary has a nice balance of sightseeing and relaxation.

Repositioning cruises on MSC Poesia.

A sister ship to Orchestra, Poesia’s atrium lobby has a waterfall that cascades down three decks. She offers one transatlantic repositioning cruise in April, but you can embark or disembark in different ports.

She leaves Fort Lauderdale on April 27, and spends two days sailing up the U.S. east coast before arriving in New York. Passengers can also board the ship there on April 30. She spends five days crossing the Atlantic, and then arrives in Ponta Delgada, Portugal.

She arrives midday in Lisbon and sails at 2AM the next day. Then calls at La Coruna, and Bilbao before arriving in Dover. Passengers can disembark there on May 13 or stay aboard and disembark in Hamburg two days later.

Americans looking for an authentic European cruise experience will enjoy MSC.

Find more transatlantic repositioning cruises here.