David KrisoIt’s Fall, and the summer cruising season is at its height. The hurricane season, too, is at its peak. It sounds like the perfect storm, yes? Indeed, but cruising is still the way to see the world in a week’s time or longer. In port cities such as New York City, Bayonne, NJ, Brooklyn, and Boston, there will be ships sailing to New England and Canada. Fall is the time for that itinerary. Whether sailing on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, or Princess, Fall is a great time to sail without the youngsters. With the youngsters back in school, adults can let out a sigh of relief. Even with the youngsters being out of the way, there is still one mistake cruisers often make which must be avoided. The mistake is regarding repositioning cruises, or ‘open loop’ itineraries. Yes, there’s a mistake made! What must cruisers do to prevent making the mistake and the consequences that result from it?
Repositioning cruises, or ‘open loop’ itineraries, are cruise itineraries which ships are departing from one home port, and terminating at another. Repositioning cruises often take place at the beginning and ending of a season. Once the season concludes, the ship does a repositioning cruise, concluding at the port city where it’ll begin it’s upcoming season. This normally happens in late spring and in the Fall.
When it comes to repositioning cruises, cruisers make the infamous mistake. The mistake, often made, comes with the lacking of careful thought. The mistake comes with the lacking of common sense. The mistake is clear and cut. Cruisers assume they’re going on a round-trip cruise. They are not. The ship is not returning to home port. It will be starting its upcoming season at its termination port. The mistake results in even bigger obstacles. At first, cruisers drive to their port city. They think they’re going to return to home port, easy-peasy. Then, their mistake comes into hindsight. Days later, the plot thickens. Having left their car at the embarkation port, they need to figure out a way how they are going to retrieve their vehicles. Worst of all, they don’t have air transportation or a hotel room booked. It’s more than just a mistake. It’s a mistake that comes with expensive repercussions. It is a nightmare which cruisers should never have to encounter. It’s a harsh reality. It’s equivalent to being stranded abroad. When it comes to cruising, preparation and common sense should always be atop the list.
Repositioning cruises are considered cheap itineraries. They are known as ‘open loop’ itineraries. The ship is starting at one port city and ending at another. What should cruisers do to avoid this horrific mistake? Driving to the cruise port, thinking they’re going on a round-trip cruise, and then realizing that they’re not, is a mistake they definitely don’t want to make repeatedly. The solution is simple. All cruisers must use common sense. Cruisers must do thorough research on their cruise itineraries. Repositioning cruises are not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’. Not all cruisers are comfortable with using one form of transportation to get to their embarkation port. Not all cruisers are proficient at mastering the logistics at their termination port. Repositioning cruises require more attention to detail than ‘closed loop’ itineraries. With the necessary homework done, cruisers are sure not to stress. With adequate preparation, they won’t get caught with their pants down.
It’s officially September. The cruising season is going strong. The youngsters are returning to the classroom. Soon enough, the leaves will be turning colors. The changing of the leaves leads to the New England and Canada season. Soon afterward, ships will be repositioning to port cities in warmer weather. All cruises, including repositioning cruises, require a significant amount of preparation. From the booking phase, to setting up guests’ profiles, to uploading security pictures, to entering passport information, and onboard charge information, there is much to do. The last part is the packing process. Unfortunately, common sense is one element cruisers forget to include on their packing cheat sheet. Cruisers must verify what type of voyage they’re embarking on, an ‘open loop’ or a ‘closed loop’. It is the ‘open loop’ or repositioning cruises which cruisers are often unprepared for.
Repositioning cruises include more than meets the eye. Air fare and hotel stays must be booked. Further, there are shore/airport packages to be considered. Cruisers should not be left at their terminating port, twiddling their thumbs and fingering their lips with uncertainty. Ultimately, should not be left wondering how to return home. Repositioning cruises don’t involve common sense alone. They also involve applied logistics. As long as both are dually put to use, repositioning cruises aren’t much to dread about. Repositioning cruises, like all cruises in general, should be ‘smooth sailing’. As long as cruisers avoid making the big mistake, memories…not nightmares, will always be the end result. Ultimately, repositioning cruises should be picture perfect postcards, with colorful positives to be shared with friends and family at home.
