Wave Season occurs when the cruise industry collectively presents a range of offers and discounts to encourage travelers to book future cruises.
Wave Season unofficially kicks off on January 1 and usually continues through March. Almost the entire industry participates in some way. Various cruise lines provide promotions, from discounts to additional perks like onboard credit or complimentary dining. It's akin to the extended Black Friday for cruises.
Wave Season focuses on booking cruises, not necessarily embarking on them. While you can often find deals on upcoming cruises, the best offers are typically for cruises scheduled months or even years ahead.
Cruise lines present their best deals during Wave Season primarily due to the favorable timing. The holidays have just concluded, and the new year (and new opportunities) awaits. Additionally, people often plan trips during family gatherings around the holidays. November and December witness millions of families coming together to celebrate various holidays. People converse and plan; vacation ideas start to form. Wave Season capitalizes on these discussions with timely deals that are hard to resist.
What Types of Deals are Usually Available?
Deals differ by cruise line, but may include any of the following:
Price discounts up to 50% off.
Waived kids’ fares.
Reduced fares for additional guests in the same cabin.
Onboard credit for special meals, drinks, spa treatments, or experiences.
Reduced deposits.
Complimentary perks and amenities include beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities, or free Wi-Fi.
Cabin upgrades, perhaps from an interior stateroom to one with an ocean view.
Included or discounted flights.
Reduced or waived penalties for cancellations or changes.
Priority access to exclusive events.
Almost all major cruise lines, and many smaller and luxury brands, participate in Wave Season.
Here are a few tips for booking a cruise during Wave Season.
Have me research cruises and itineraries that interest you
There are numerous cruise lines and thousands of itineraries to choose from; sorting through all the options can be time-consuming. Tell me the vibe and destination you’re dreaming of, and I’ll handle the rest. This will save you time before Wave Season’s array of deals are unveiled.
Book early: The best deals are usually offered at the start of the season
Wave Season helps cruise lines anticipate travel trends. Wave Season performance is often used as a predictor of how the travel industry at large will perform. It’s no wonder that cruises aim to start the season with a bang. You’ll typically find the best deals in early January.
Weigh the perks and discounts
Sometimes Wave Season deals and perks aren’t relevant to your travel situation. I know the fine print of any deal you might be interested in, as sometimes cruise lines only offer deals for specific bookings. For example, you may only unlock a discount or perk if you book a certain number of nights or a specific cabin tier.
Get expert help
I will help you sort through an often overwhelming number of options — not just between cruise lines, but between the different deals and itineraries. Additionally, I sometimes have access to special offers not typically available to the general public. Or I am made aware of these deals in advance. This is especially helpful if you’re interested in limited premium cabins (like a high-end suite) or experiences.
I'll also streamline the booking process for you; I ensure you get your desired accommodations and onboard experiences, handle all the small details — like making sure your cabin isn’t next to a dance floor (unless you prefer that, of course) — and help you plan the best shore excursions.
How do you know if you're getting the best deal?
Without expert assistance, it’s hard to say. Various tools compare rates, and sometimes perks, between different cruise lines and itineraries. However, reliability and accuracy are concerns. I'll help you navigate different rates, discounts, and packages to help you find the best cruise for your preferences and budget.
Should you get cruise insurance?
Since many Wave Season bookings are months or even years away, it may be wise to purchase cruise insurance in case you need to cancel. Not all cruise lines have free cancellation policies and many require specific conditions for full or partial refunds; you could risk losing any payments you’ve made if you’re forced to cancel later. Beyond cancellation, and depending on the policy, cruise insurance can cover things like medical treatment for injuries or illnesses abroad, unplanned cancellations due to weather or other events, lost luggage, and missed departures.
Is there a downside to booking during Wave Season?
Not necessarily. The main downside is that during Wave Season, you’re often booking cruises months or even a year or two in advance — which means you have to patiently wait for your getaway. Otherwise, most cruise lines won’t penalize you severely for canceling a cruise if it’s early enough. Full or partial refunds are usually issued if you cancel at least three months before your departure date. You may lose your deposit (usually 5–10% of the total anticipated cost), but you should receive a refund for any other payments you’ve made. That said, each cruise line is different. If you book with me, I will make you aware of any relevant cancellation conditions before your booking.
Are there other times of the year when cruise lines offer deals?
Certainly, though none are as consistent or lengthy as Wave Season. Sometimes you may see various deals in fall or late spring, usually in an attempt to fill imminent itineraries — especially around the end of fiscal quarters. You may also find deals on major holidays, like Black Friday and Memorial Day. And any time a major new ship launches, cruise lines typically offer deals; this applies to competing cruise lines attempting to attract bookings, too.
If you've been dreaming about a cruise, now may be the best time to take action and take advantage of some Wave Season deals. Contact me soon because ships are filling up.
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