If you’re a seasoned cruiser, or even just beginning to explore the world of ocean and river cruises, you’ve likely heard the term “Wave Season.” Now, you may be asking yourself, what is "Wave Season" and why should it matter to me as a traveler?
Well, Wave Season is an industry term that refers to a prime booking period for cruise lines and typically runs from January through March each year. During these months, cruise lines tend to roll out their most enticing deals, including discounted fares, free upgrades, onboard credits and other exclusive perks designed to entice travelers to book their next voyage now.
Why Does Wave Season Exist?
Wave Season originated as a way for cruise lines to boost bookings during the first quarter of the year, traditionally a slower travel period after the busy, hectic holiday season. Over the years it's evolved into one of the most important times of the year for the cruise industry, with a significant percentage of their future bookings happening during this compressed time frame.
The Benefits of Booking During Wave Season
Here are just a few reasons why Wave Season is an excellent time to plan your next cruise:
- Best Deals of the Year - Cruise lines often save their most competitive pricing and most generous promotions for Wave Season. This is the time when you’re likely to find bundled packages that include airfare, beverage packages, shore excursions, or even free Wi-Fi.
- More Choices - By booking early in the year, you’ll have access to the widest selection of sailings, staterooms, and itineraries as cruise lines have released itineraries out 24-30 months into the future. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury suite on an Alaskan cruise, or a family-friendly cabin in the Caribbean, this is an ideal time to secure your preferred options.
- Flexibility - Many promotions during Wave Season include flexible cancellation policies or low deposit requirements, giving you peace of mind as you finalize your travel plans.
- Expert Guidance - I'm here to help you navigate the multitude of offers and promotions to ensure you’re getting the best value for your budget. With so many deals available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one—but that’s where my expertise comes in. My job is to help you find the cruise that best fits your needs and your budget.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of Wave Season
- Start Early: The best deals and most popular itineraries tend to sell out quickly. Schedule your consultation call with me ASAP and I can begin researching your options as soon as Wave Season kicks off in January.
- Have a Budget in Mind: Knowing how much you want to spend will help me narrow down the offers and find you the best value for your money.
- Work with a Travel Advisor: I can help you identify all the hidden costs that you might miss trying to book on your own. Many cruise promotions can be very misleading and the price you end up paying can differ greatly from the price being promoted. Again, my job is to work through all the marketing smoke and help you book a cruise that maximizes the value of your cruise vacation.
- Be Open to New Destinations: Wave Season is a great opportunity to try a new destination or cruise line at a discounted rate.
Conclusion
Wave Season is more than just a marketing term—it’s your golden opportunity to secure an unforgettable cruise vacation at an unbeatable price. Whether you’re eyeing the blue waters of the Mediterranean, the scenic rivers of Europe, or the majestic glaciers of Alaska, now is a great time to make your travel dreams a reality.
As a professional travel advisor specializing in ocean and river cruises, I’m here to help you navigate Wave Season’s incredible offers. Let’s find the perfect cruise for you and get you sailing on your next adventure!
Click here to schedule your consultation call and put me to work for you!