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Why Repositioning Cruises Are My Favorite Way to Cruise (And Why I’m Sailing My Third)



This September, I’ll be setting sail on my third repositioning cruise, and honestly… I might be more excited than ever.

If you’ve never heard of a repositioning cruise, here’s the simple explanation: it’s a cruise that starts in one place and ends in another because the cruise line needs to move the ship to a new home port or region. For me? That repositioning equals longer cruises, and longer cruises are my absolute favorite.

My Repositioning Cruise History

My first repositioning cruise was way back in 2015, sailing the Panama Canal from Miami to San Diego on the Disney Wonder. Fifteen nights of magic, sunshine, and unforgettable memories.

Fast forward to last year, and I did it again—another 15-night repositioning cruise, once again on the Disney Wonder. This time? A South Pacific sailing from Sydney, Australia to Honolulu. Yes, it was just as incredible as it sounds.

Now, coming up next: a 13-night Transatlantic cruise on the Disney Dream, sailing from Southampton, UK to Fort Lauderdale. And the best part? I won’t be sailing solo. I’ll be cruising with my mom, my bestie, my bestie’s parents, and friends we met on our South Pacific cruise. Truly the best kind of reunion—at sea.

Bestie and me leaving Sydney


Why I Love Long Repositioning Cruises

Sure, an extended vacation is amazing—but that’s only the beginning.

1. Sea Days (My Absolute Favorite)

Give me sea days all day, every day. I love the slower pace, the rhythm of the ship, and the freedom to do exactly what I want—or nothing at all.

Fun fact: across nearly a full month of long cruises, I’ve barely used the pool. On my Panama Canal cruise, I swam once in Colombia and never onboard. On the South Pacific cruise, the only time I got in the pool was while crossing the equator—so I could officially swim across the equator and earn the certificate.

Sea days are for:

  • Quiet mornings with a book

  • Movie marathons

  • Trivia and onboard activities

  • And if I’m sailing concierge? Afternoon tea, which is hands-down my favorite ritual

Every long cruise develops its own sea-day rhythm, but they all lead to the same outcome: pure relaxation.



Sunrise someplace in the South Pacific


2. Unique and Bucket-List Ports

Most of my cruises are Caribbean or Bahamas sailings, and while I love them, repositioning cruises unlock destinations I might never see otherwise.

  • Panama Canal introduced me to Cartagena, Colombia and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

    Sunrise in Cabo San Lucas

  • South Pacific brought first-time visits to Fiji, New Caledonia, and American Samoa

    American Samoa with mom

  • This upcoming Transatlantic cruise includes stops in Vigo, Spain, plus Lisbon and Funchal, Portugal

And the adventure doesn’t stop at the ports. Before my South Pacific cruise, we explored Sydney, Australia, and this fall I’ll be spending several days in London before boarding the ship. Repositioning cruises truly turn travel into an experience, not just a vacation.

We caught this magical rainbow our last night in Sydney over the Opera House


3. The Crew Becomes Family

One of the most underrated perks of a long Disney cruise? The crew members.

On my Panama Canal cruise, by week two my dining team knew me so well that I’d ask them what I wanted for dinner—and they were always right. Perfect pairings from the adult and kids menus, plus surprise extras just because.

On the South Pacific cruise, the concierge team had my mornings down to a science: my latte made exactly how I like it, and my protein shake mixed and ready to go. Disney crew members are always magical, but on longer cruises, those relationships deepen—and the experience becomes truly special.


Ready for the Next Adventure

With my third repositioning cruise just around the corner, I can confidently say this: long cruises are where the magic really happens. More sea days, more connection, more discovery—and memories that last a lifetime.

I can’t wait to share every moment of this next adventure. Stay tuned… the countdown is officially on. 🚢✨


If you loved this post, you’ll find even more Disney Cruise Line content over on my hub page—packed with tips, itineraries, and real experiences from my sailings. It’s where I share everything I wish I knew before I cruised… and everything I’m planning next.

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