It’s just about the most wonderful time of the year for cruisers in search of jaw-dropping value, when summering cruise ships from Alaska, Europe, and other northerly locales point their hulls south toward the warmer waters and their winter bases in the Caribbean, Florida, Mexican Riviera, and more. And the direction of these sailings is not the only thing headed south – rates on these “repositioning” sailings are slashed as much as a whopping 80 percent off, as cruise lines look to woo vacationers with discounted rates on these relocation runs, while offering passengers access to off-the-path ports and plenty of extra time at sea for some quality R&R. Read our Repositioning Cruises 101 Guide for our expert advice on planning your next repositioning cruise vacation, and then make it happen with one of the exceptional deals outlined below – we’ve rounded up four cruise deal steals with radically reduced rates that are sure to have you hitting the high seas with financial ease this fall:
Sail Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America from $699
Length of Cruise: 12 nights
Embarks: October 10
Cruise Ship: ms Eurodam
Ports: Quebec City, Canada; Saguenay, Canada; Gaspe, Canada; Charlottetown, Canada; Sydney, Canada; Halifax, Canada; Bar Harbor, Maine; Gloucester, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; Fort Lauderdale
Savings: Listed rates from $2,849 are marked down to $699 – a savings of 75 percent.
The Catch: The lowest rates of $699 are for inside cabins; it’ll cost $999 to upgrade to an oceanview room.
How to Book: 877/932-4259; www.hollandamerica.com
Cruise from Barcelona to Miami on Top-Notch Norwegian Epic from $749
Length of Cruise: 13 nights
Embarks: October 23
Cruise Ship: Norwegian Epic
Ports: Barcelona; Ponta Delgada, Portugal; St. Thomas, USVI; Miami
Savings: Brochure rates from $1,899 have been knocked down to $749 – a savings of 61 percent.
The Catch: While the buzz-worthy Norwegian Epic will offer plenty onboard to keep you entertained, the itinerary is light, with only two ports scheduled on the 13-night trip.
How to Book: 800/338-4962; www.vacationstogo.com
Sail Athens to Bombay w/Suez Canal Transit on Azamara from $1,799
Length of Cruise: 14 nights
Embarks: November 27
Cruise Ship: Azamara Quest
Ports: Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Suez Canal, Egypt (transit); Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Bombay (Mumbai), India
Savings: Listed rates from $7,598 have been slashed to $1,799 – a discount of 76 percent.
The Catch: The Suez Canal transit is viewed entirely from the cruise ship – there won’t be an opportunity to disembark.
How to Book: 877/999-9553; www.azamaraclubcruises.com
Cruise from Spain to Fort Lauderdale on Luxe Seabourn from $2,299
Length of Cruise: 14 nights
Embarks: November 25
Cruise Ship: Seabourn Spirit
Ports: Malaga, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Fort Lauderdale
Savings: Brochure rates from $11,900 have been discounted to $2,299 – a reduction of 81 percent.
The Catch: Aside from the one stop in Madeira on this transatlantic run, all other days are to be spent at sea.
How to Book: 800/338-4962; www.vacationstogo.com
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