What You Need to Know About Cruise Repositioning

The Unpredictable Journey of a Repositioning Cruise

As the Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition yacht, World Traveller, made its way from Uruguay toward the remote Falkland Islands at the end of October, the captain announced a schedule change to avoid a brewing sub-Antarctic storm. This adjustment meant arriving in Port Stanley, the main port of the archipelago, half a day early, giving us the chance to spot our first penguins. After that, we would "hide the boat" in a protected cove on one of the many privately owned and sparsely inhabited islands of the Falklands, waiting for the high winds and seas to pass.

Hunkered in our parkas aboard bumpy Zodiac shuttles heading to the Port Stanley dock after we arrived, it was hard to believe that just a few days earlier, we were wandering through vineyards and enjoying lunch at an outdoor beachfront café in Uruguay. This was the start of the unpredictable part of our 13-day repositioning cruise from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, an itinerary offered by cruise lines as they move their ships across oceans and hemispheres during seasonal changes.

Our sailing from Buenos Aires through the Falklands and on to Ushuaia—the jumping-off point for Antarctic sailings—was the final leg for the 200-passenger World Traveller as it transitioned from its summer and fall season in the Mediterranean to the southern polar season. Unlike traditional crossings, which are almost entirely sea days, this voyage was a hybrid, combining the city-centric culinary and cultural expeditions Atlas offers in Europe with its polar sailings to Antarctica and the Arctic.

We began our journey in Buenos Aires, where, after overnight flights, my travel companion and I took a half-day city tour offered by Atlas before boarding the ship in the afternoon. We explored the colorful La Boca neighborhood, had empanadas and wine for lunch in the San Telmo market, then walked around Casa Rosada, or the pink palace, where Argentina's president works.

The next two stops were Uruguay’s beautiful capital, Montevideo, and its chic beach destination, Punta del Este. Both are ports that larger ships visit, but we were there during the off-season, so they were delightfully free of the crowds that often overwhelm small ports when bigger cruise ships dock. In Montevideo, we visited the Spinoglio winery and vineyard, where we tried our hand at creating our own red blend from the local tannat varietal and cabernet franc and merlot wines. In Punta del Este, we enjoyed a warm, sunny day, strolling the waterfront and watching giant sea lions angle for scraps from the fishing boats.

You could tell this was a popular summer playground, with an upscale feel reminiscent of the French Riviera, complete with seaside cafés and high-end shopping. But at the end of October, it was quiet, save for a few locals and fellow ship passengers wandering the streets.

From there, we set out for the Falklands, following an itinerary that for much of the rest of the cruise would be mostly "captain’s choice"—meaning where we ventured, and whether we were able to get off the ship, would depend on the weather and what he deemed safe. Captain Vitaliy Tsylke did not disappoint. We had a nice mix of relaxing sea days, complete with whale and dolphin sightings, and opportunities to hike on remote islands, where we quickly discovered that to say the Falklands has more penguins than people is an understatement.

Think gentoo, rockhopper, Magellanic, and even king penguins in certain locations. During our landings, we easily encountered ratios of hundreds of penguins to every person, as well as huge albatross and a wide sampling of the more than 200 species of birds that live there. In fact, this repositioning cruise turned out to be a perfect sailing for people who want to see penguins but are hesitant to cross the infamously rough Drake Passage to Antarctica. It's also a great opportunity to see if—or how—seasick you get.

From the Falklands, we headed to Chile, where I kayaked along the shore of the Strait of Magellan in Punta Arenas before we spent a day sailing through the glaciers and fjords of Chile’s Magallanes region. More winter weather prevented us from taking Zodiac excursions to get closer to the breathtaking ice, but we still had fabulous views from the cozy comfort of the luxurious expedition yacht.

For any repositioning cruise, knowing what to expect on board is key, and it seemed that most people on our sailing did. Surprisingly, many guests were repeat Atlas customers who had already sailed with the line to Antarctica. So, all of the passengers seemed content with the yacht’s lack of big-ship amenities, like extravagant entertainment. What Atlas does offer is intimate luxury with comfortable, spacious cabins, fine dining, impeccable service, plenty of comfortable public spaces, a two-room spa with a large sauna, a pool, a hot tub, and a top-deck grill that stays open even on most cold days.

As a small-ship lover who can grow weary of over-the-top onboard entertainment and daily wake-up calls for morning excursions, I enjoyed our relaxed sea days as much as our outings. But I have to admit that while I had initially been envious of the passengers who were staying on board for the season’s first run to Antarctica, after docking in snow and enduring 60 mph winds in Ushuaia, I was pleased to be heading back to Buenos Aires to enjoy two days of sunny weather, with temperatures in the 70s.

Repositioning cruises can take place in a wide range of destinations, including transatlantic and Panama Canal crossings as ships make their way from Europe, Alaska, and the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and other points south. In the Pacific, many lines offer sailings between Hawai‘i and Asia or Hawai‘i and New Zealand, with stops in remote locales like Pago Pago or Tonga. In the South Atlantic, luxury line Silversea, for instance, will offer two 21-day cruises from Puerto Williams, Chile, to Cape Town and Namibia, respectively, in 2026.

On smaller ships, the sailing itself can be the main part of the adventure. For example, both Windstar Cruises and Sea Cloud Cruises offer transatlantic crossings under full sail on their tall ships between Europe and the Caribbean. The sailings, some of which include a few limited Caribbean stops, feature lectures and plenty of opportunities to mingle with the crew and learn about course calculations, sailing maneuvers, and even the basics of knot tying. Windstar also lets some guests take the wheel.

Repositioning cruises often include several sea days (days when the ship does not dock in any port), as the main goal is to transfer the vessel to a new region. But, since these tend to be less-traversed cruise routes, they may also include some unique, lesser-visited ports or offseason stops in more popular destinations that allow passengers to explore without the crowds.

One of the best aspects of repositioning cruises, because they are one-offs that aren't heavily promoted, is that they are rarely full and tend to attract experienced cruisers who easily roll with the unexpected. The easiest way to find repositioning cruises is to work with a cruise specialist travel agent or sites such as repositioningcruise.com, cruisemapper.com and cruisedirect.com. You can also search individual cruise company sites for "repositioning" or "one-way" cruises. Atlas Ocean Voyage will host a 16-day repositioning cruise from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on November 12, 2026, with prices starting at $14,823 per person.

Unique Experiences on a Repositioning Cruise

Repositioning cruises offer a unique blend of adventure and exploration that sets them apart from traditional cruise itineraries. These voyages are designed to move ships from one region to another, often during the off-season, allowing passengers to experience destinations that are typically less crowded and more accessible. This makes them ideal for travelers seeking a more personalized and immersive experience.

During our trip, we had the opportunity to explore various ports that are not commonly visited by larger cruise ships. From the charming streets of Montevideo to the bustling waters of Punta del Este, each stop provided a glimpse into the local culture and natural beauty of the region. The off-season timing allowed us to enjoy these destinations without the usual crowds, making for a more tranquil and enjoyable experience.

In the Falkland Islands, the highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the encounter with the diverse wildlife. The sheer number of penguins, albatross, and other bird species was overwhelming, and the sense of being in a remote and untouched environment was exhilarating. The captain’s ability to navigate the unpredictable weather and find the best spots for wildlife viewing was impressive, adding to the overall adventure.

Another unique aspect of our journey was the opportunity to engage with the ship’s crew and learn about the intricacies of sailing. On some of the smaller ships, passengers can even take the wheel, providing a hands-on experience that deepens their appreciation for the maritime world. These interactions added a personal touch to the cruise, making the journey feel more like a shared adventure than a typical vacation.

The combination of relaxation and activity on board the World Traveller was another standout feature. While there were plenty of sea days to enjoy the comforts of the ship, there were also numerous opportunities to go ashore and explore. Whether it was hiking on remote islands, kayaking through serene waters, or simply soaking in the scenery from the deck, each moment contributed to the overall sense of adventure.

For those looking to embark on a repositioning cruise, it’s essential to do some research and plan accordingly. Working with a cruise specialist or visiting dedicated websites can help uncover hidden gems and unique itineraries that might not be widely advertised. These cruises are often tailored to experienced travelers who appreciate the flexibility and unpredictability of the journey.

Ultimately, the repositioning cruise experience is about embracing the unknown and finding joy in the unexpected. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting penguins in the Falklands, the serenity of a quiet port in Uruguay, or the excitement of navigating through the icy waters of the Strait of Magellan, each moment is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our planet. With careful planning and an open mind, these journeys can offer unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the world around us.