Image courtesy of Crystal Cruises
Wave Season is what you get when the entire cruise industry collectively hosts a variety of offers and discounts to spur travelers to book future cruises. This article covers everything you need to know about Wave Season, including when it occurs, what’s offered and how to get the best deals.
When is Wave Season?
Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages
Wave Season unofficially begins every January 1 and typically runs through March. Virtually the entire industry participates in some fashion. Various cruise lines offer promotions ranging from discounts to extra perks like onboard credit or complimentary dining. It's like the extended Black Friday of cruises.
Wave Season is about booking cruises; it’s not necessarily about embarking on them. While you can generally find deals on imminent cruises, the best deals are often reserved for cruises that are months or even years away.
Why cruise lines offer their best deals during Wave Season
Cruise lines offer their best deals during Wave Season largely due to the advantageous timing. The holidays have just ended, and the new year (and new opportunities) lie ahead. Additionally, people tend to plan trips during family get-togethers around the holidays. November and December see millions of families get together to celebrate different holidays. People talk and plan; vacation ideas start to brew. Wave Season rides the wave of these conversations with timely deals too good to pass on.
Types of promotions and offers to expect during Wave Season
Deals vary by cruise line, but may include any of the following:
Price discounts as steep as 50% off.
Waived kids’ fares.
Reduced fares for additional guests in the same cabin.
Onboard credit that can be used for things like special meals, drinks, spa treatments or experiences.
Reduced deposits.
Complimentary perks and amenities, such as beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities or free Wi-Fi.
Cabin upgrades, perhaps from an interior stateroom to one with an ocean view.
Included, discounted flights.
Reduced or waived penalties for cancellations or changes.
Priority access to exclusive events.
Virtually all major cruise lines, as well as many of the smaller and luxury brands, participate in Wave Season.
Tips for booking a cruise during Wave Season
Image courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Here are a few tips for booking a cruise during Wave Season.
Have me research cruises and itineraries that interest you
There are dozens of cruise lines and thousands of different itineraries to choose from; sorting through all the options is time-consuming at best. Tell me the vibe and destination you’re dreaming of, and I’ll take care of the rest. This will save you time before Wave Season’s plethora of deals are unveiled.
Book early: The best deals are usually offered toward the start of the season
Wave Season helps cruise lines anticipate travel trends. In fact, Wave Season performance is often used as a predictor for how the travel industry at large will perform. It’s no wonder, then, that cruises want to start the season off with a bang. You’ll typically see 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 amount of options — not just between cruise lines, but between the different deals and itineraries, too. 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.
Wave Season and related cruise FAQs
Image courtesy of Viking Cruises
Read on for more information on Wave Season and related topics.
How do you know if you're getting the best deal?
Without expert assistance, it’s hard to say. There are a variety of tools that compare rates, and sometimes perks, between different cruise lines and itineraries. However, reliability and accuracy is a concern. I'll help you sort through different rates, discounts and packages to help you find the best cruise per 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 specifically 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 be at risk of losing any payments you’ve made if you’re forced to cancel at a later date. Beyond cancellation, and depending on the policy, cruise insurance can cover things like medical treatment for injuries or illnesses abroad, unplanned cancellations because of weather or other events, lost luggage and missed departures.
Is there a downside to booking during Wave Season?
Not necessarily. The only major downside is that oftentimes during Wave Season, you’re booking cruises months or even a year or two in advance — which, unfortunately, 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 prior to your booking.
Are there other times of year when cruise lines offer deals?
Certainly, though none are as consistent or lengthy as Wave Season. Sometimes you may see a variety of deals in fall or late spring, usually in an attempt to fill imminent itineraries — and especially around the end of fiscal quarters. You’re also likely to 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 snag bookings, too.