Wave Season: What It Is, When It Starts, and How to Get the Best Cruise Deal

 If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Wait for Wave Season,” they’re not wrong—Wave Season is the cruise world’s biggest deal window of the year. It’s when cruise lines push out their strongest promotions to fill ships and lock in future bookings.

Here’s what you need to know (and how I help you take advantage of it without getting stuck in the fine print).

What is Wave Season?

Wave Season is the annual period when cruise lines roll out their best booking incentives—think of it like the cruise industry’s version of a big sales event. The goal is simple: drive bookings early in the year by offering eye-catching promotions.

These offers change constantly and they’re rarely “one size fits all.” The best deal depends on your ship, sailing date, cabin type, and how many people are traveling.

When does Wave Season start?

Wave Season usually runs from early January through the end of March.
Some cruise lines will tease or start offers in late December, but the biggest push is typically January–March.

If you have your eye on a popular ship, school vacation week, holiday sailing, or a prime summer itinerary—waiting too long can cost you more than the deal saves. Wave Season isn’t only about discounts; it’s also about timing and availability.

What kinds of deals can you expect?

Promotions vary by cruise line and sailing, but Wave Season often includes:

  • Reduced deposits (helpful if you want to lock it in now and pay over time)

  • Lower cruise fares or “% off” promotions

  • Onboard credit (extra spending money onboard)

  • Cabin upgrades or category promos

  • Perk bundles (sometimes drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, or excursion credits—depending on the cruise line)

Here’s the truth: the headline promo isn’t always the best value. A “free upgrade” can be meaningless if the base fare is inflated, and an onboard credit deal might not beat a better rate with no credit.

Why Wave Season matters (and why it can be confusing)

Wave Season is exciting… and also messy.

Promos are full of conditions, like:

  • “New bookings only”

  • Cabin/category restrictions

  • Limited inventory at advertised rates

  • Non-refundable deposit rules

  • “Up to” language (which usually means most sailings won’t qualify)

This is exactly why people get frustrated: they see an ad, but when they try to book their exact dates, the deal isn’t what they expected.

How I help you during Wave Season

This is where working with me changes the game.

When you’re ready, I can:

1) Match you to the right ship (not just the cheapest promo)
Not all ships feel the same. I’ll help you pick the one that fits your travel style, budget, and must-haves.

2) Track promos and help you time it right
Wave Season deals move fast. I keep an eye on what’s actually worth grabbing for your sailing.

3) Handle the booking details and protect you from fine print surprises
Deposits, cancellation terms, insurance timing, cabin selection, dining, transfers—this stuff matters.

4) Check options if pricing drops
Depending on the cruise line’s rules and what you booked, I’ll help you evaluate what can be adjusted.

5) Build the full trip (not just the cruise)
Flights, hotels, port transfers, pre-cruise nights, travel protection, and excursions—so your vacation doesn’t fall apart on the logistics.

When you should book (even if you’re waiting for Wave Season)

You may want to book before Wave Season if:

  • You’re traveling during spring break, holidays, or summer

  • You need specific cabins (connecting rooms, suites, specific decks)

  • You’re booking for a group

  • You’re sailing on a brand-new ship or high-demand itinerary

Sometimes the best strategy is book early to lock in the cabin, then watch promotions to see if a better offer becomes available later.

Ready to take advantage of Wave Season?

If you want me to start tracking options for you, send me:

  • Your preferred travel dates (and any flexibility)

  • Your departure port (or nearest airport if you’ll fly)

  • Your destination (Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas, Europe, etc.)

  • Who’s traveling + ages of kids (if any)

  • Your rough budget comfort zone

I’ll narrow down the best sailings and keep it simple: what’s truly a good deal for YOU, not just what looks good in an ad.

Bottom line

Wave Season can be an awesome time to book a cruise—but only if you book smart. If you want the best value and the right ship for your trip, I’ll help you get it.

#magicwishesvacations #travelwithKrista

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