Welcome Wave Season and Save!

Posted on 01/09/2026

'Tis the season for cruise travelers to save! Wave Season is that time of year when cruise lines roll out wave after wave of promotions, perks, and irresistible offers. They’re all competing to capture your attention… which means you get the chance to save, spoil yourself a little, and maybe even try a whole new style of cruising.

Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/travel expert and journalist, shares tips for navigating Wave Season.

Tips for Charting the Course for Wave Season

Timing is everything. Wave season has no ‘official’ beginning or end. Watch for offers beginning in January, running into February, and sometimes even into March.
But don’t wait to do your homework and book – to get the best deals, and your top choice of dates, itineraries, ships and even staterooms or suites – booking early is your best bet.
With so many discounts, bundles, and “limited-time offers,” it’s important to understand what each one really means — and how they compare. Not every deal is created equal, and the best choice is always the one that fits you and the way you like to travel.
Work with an expert travel advisor – this is where they earn their stripes. They’ll help you decode the fine print, compare apples to apples, and maximize your cruise dollars.

Here are some of the most common Wave Season incentives — and some insights into making them work for you:

Straight-Up Discounts

Per person vs. per stateroom:
Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy. So, $1,000 off per person means $2,000 off the cabin — but $1,000 off per stateroom works out to $500 per person. Small detail, big difference.
Solo travelers:
Wave Season can be your moment. Single supplements are sometimes reduced — or even waived — meaning you’re not paying the usual “double” to cruise alone.
BOGO / 2-for-1 fares:
These can be great, but compare to regular fares on similar cruise lines to see if you’re actually getting twice the value… or if it’s just clever marketing.
3rd / 4th guests or “Kids Sail Free”:
Fantastic for families — often on family-focused cruise lines. Just remember: it usually applies to guests sharing the same stateroom, so be prepared to get cozy!
Reduced deposits:
Lower deposits don’t change the final price, but they do let you spread payments out — especially on trips 12–18+ months away. That breathing room may even make a nicer stateroom possible, budgeting-wise.

Bonus Value Perks

Complimentary upgrades:
Think of these as an instant discount — you’re paying for one category and staying in one or more categories of staterooms or suites better. Watch for 2-category or better upgrades!
Pre-cruise hotel night:
We always recommend arriving the day before. If it’s included? Even better — fewer worries, less expense.
Onboard credit (OBC):
Sometimes called shipboard credit, this ‘free money’ is great to treat yourself to spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining, wine, or a little shopping. Even on “all-inclusive” cruises, there’s always something to splurge on!

Bundles & Added Inclusions

Cruise + airfare:
Often available from major gateways, sometimes with discounted connectors. Great convenience — just ask what’s included, how much choice in route, airline and date you get.
Beverage or dining packages:
These can add big value to non-inclusive lines. And since many cruise lines now bundle them into regular pricing, it’s worth checking whether the promo is truly extra.
Gratuities included:
Daily crew gratuities add up quickly. Having them covered can make your final bill much friendlier. Some cruise lines include tips for their included shore excursions, too!
Wi-Fi:
Internet at sea can get pricey. If it’s included, check how many devices can connect at once.
Shore excursions:
Even one or two included excursions can save a bundle. Tip: Book early after reserving your cruise — popular tours fill fast.

Working it for Wave Season

New to cruising?
This is the perfect time to try that first cruise you’ve been curious about.
Thinking about something different?
Maybe an expedition ship, a small luxury yacht, or switching from the Caribbean to Alaska, the Med, Tahiti — even Antarctica or the Galápagos. Now’s the time to spread your wings!
Ready to treat yourself?
Wave savings can make luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines surprisingly attainable — especially with inclusions like open bar, tips, and even excursions.

The Bottom Line

Wave Season is full of opportunity — but also plenty of fine print.

A trusted travel advisor can help:

Match you with the right cruise style and cruise line
Compare offers ‘apples to apples’
Get the maximum value for your travel budget
Avoid costly surprises

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel expert and journalist