11 Repositioning Cruises and When They Occur

4. Pacific Coast Repositionings (California ↔ Alaska) (April–May; September)

Each spring, many ships leave California ports and head north for the Alaska season; the reverse happens in late summer and early autumn. Typical windows are April–May for northbound moves and September for southbound repositionings. These sailings often originate in Los Angeles or San Francisco and end in Vancouver or Seattle before beginning Alaska itineraries. Durations vary: short repositionings may be four to seven nights, while extended repositionings that combine Pacific crossings with island calls can last longer. Weather improves steadily as ships move north into summer, but spring sailings from California can still be cool and breezy at sea.