Wave Season: The Best Time to Book a Cruise

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, Wave Season is the smartest time to book. Running from January through March, this is when cruise lines release their best pricing, most valuable perks, and widest selection of itineraries and cabins.

In short: more value, better options, and fewer compromises.

What Is Wave Season?

Wave Season is the cruise industry’s biggest booking period of the year. Cruise lines focus on filling upcoming sailings by offering promotions that are rarely matched later—especially on popular routes and ships.

Why Travelers Love Wave Season

Booking during Wave Season often means:

• Lower cruise fares

• Onboard credit for dining, spa services, or excursions

• Free or discounted drink packages

• Specialty dining credits or prepaid gratuities

• Reduced or included airfare on select sailings

Luxury cruise lines frequently bundle many of these perks into the fare, making this an ideal time to book higher-end experiences.

Cruise Lines Offering Wave Season Deals

Most major cruise lines participate, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Viking Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Best Cruises to Book During Wave Season

Wave Season is ideal for:

• Caribbean cruises

• Mediterranean itineraries

• Alaska cruises (especially balcony cabins)

• European river cruises

• Longer or bucket-list sailings

It’s also the best time to secure popular cabin categories before prices rise.

Why Book Through a Travel Agency?

Wave Season offers can be layered and confusing. A travel agency helps ensure you’re getting the best overall value, not just the lowest advertised fare. Travel advisors can also add exclusive perks, monitor pricing after booking, and handle details from planning to sailing.

Final Takeaway

Wave Season is hands-down the best time of year to book a cruise. The best deals, ships, and cabins go first—so booking early makes all the difference.

If cruising is on your radar, now is the time to catch the wave.