Cruise Wave Season: 9 Things You Need to Know Before Booking
Cruise wave season is without a doubt the best time to shop for cruise bargains. What is wave season for cruises? Simply put, it’s the time when both cruise lines and travel agencies put out extra-value deals. There’s always an advertised deal on cruises somewhere, so wave season in particular runs January through March. But what’s so special about these deals?
Wave season cruises often bundle perks with their deepest fare discounts for the year, including more than usual in the resulting package. These sales do for cruise companies what the November and December holidays do for retail stores. Taking full advantage of these deals may take some homework, though. Here are nine things you need to know before booking during cruise wave season.
1. Optimize Your Cruise Wave Season Savings So You Can Save the Most Money
Rule number one to getting the most bang for your buck is knowing what wave season savings to look for. The top three add-ons that bump up a typical cruise bill are the crew gratuities, beverage packages and shore excursions. These account for hundreds of dollars on top of the cruise fare.
Shop for wave season cruises that include the big three or a chunk of onboard credit to use for them and you’re ahead of the game. You might even be able to afford a bigger or better stateroom with the money you save on these. And don’t forget the possibility of all-inclusive lines that already bundle these expenses into the fare.
2. Flexibility Can Mean Huge Cruise Savings
Do you have to cruise during spring break, or are there other weeks you can consider? Would you settle for an oceanview cabin if balconies aren’t available? You may even discover wave season cruises are the perfect time to try a different cruise line, even a premium or luxury line you previously thought you couldn’t afford. You might want to cruise from a port you’ve never tried before as well.
The more wiggle room you have, the more opportunities you will have to access the best deal. Knowing your second and third choices ahead of time will save you time when the promotions are announced.
3. Wave Season Cruises Can Get You to Your Bucket List Destination
If you’ve been dreaming about cruising to the Mediterranean or Alaska, wave season deals could mean the difference in price that takes these destinations from impossible to possible -- and affordable. Alaska cruises can have high fares along with extra high shore excursion costs. Be on the lookout for wave season Alaska cruises that bundles low fares with either pre-paid excursions or onboard credit.
Because the Antarctic cruise season is winding down during the first months of the year, booking next year’s polar expedition cruise during wave season could definitely get you a better price, so don’t limit yourself to the current year when shopping.
4. Start Planning Group Cruises with Family or Friends Before You Shop for Wave Season Cruises
If you’ve always dreamt of a family reunion cruise or getting your gal pals together onboard, cruise wave season may be the key to getting everyone an affordable deal.
But if you'd like to travel with family or friends, don't wait until you see a deal to start sending out invites then be forced to wait for decisions. Make sure you've put together your group and their possible dates ahead of time so you can jump on a deal that works the minute you see it.
5. Cruise Wave Season Is the Time to Splurge on Extras
The name of the deal game is bundling. Instead of slashing prices, cruise lines tack on extra perks that give you more for your money. Beyond the "big three costs" we mentioned earlier, look for ways to splurge. Specialty dining is one of the best ways to treat yourself to something you might not otherwise indulge in.
Look for packages that include access to multiple paid specialty restaurants for the best wave season splurge.
6. Sign Up to Get Cruise Wave Season Deals in Your Email Inbox
Don't be the last to know when deals come out. Major cruise lines like Celebrity, Norwegian, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean offer deals emails with ongoing promotions -- including wave season cruises.
Travel agencies do the same, as does Cruise Critic, all giving you alerts straight to your inbox when wave season goes into high gear. Some sites -- including Cruise Critic -- also let you sign up for alerts when prices drop on cruises to your preferred destination.
7. Learn More About Similar Cruise Lines Before Cruise Wave Season Begins
Check out your favorite cruise line’s competitor before the wave season deals drop. That way you’ll know the differences between what to expect on Royal Caribbean vs. Disney or Celebrity vs. Princess. Take that concept a bit further and explore differences in a cruise line’s ships as in Carnival Vista vs. Breeze. Or simply read up on ships that are on everyone’s wish list.
8. Study Current Pricing So You Can Spot a Genuine Wave Season Deal
This may sound reminiscent of grade school homework, but you should study up on what current cruise fare pricing looks like. That's because, if you start watching fares now, you can determine what average, low and high prices are for your cruise and cabin of choice. That way when fares drop during wave season, you can recognize a good deal when you see one -- and a not-so-great one.
9. Consider Booking Your Cruise During Pre-Wave Season
Travel agents tell us that pre-wave season promotions are often some of the best because cruise lines are trying to fill ships earlier and avoid reducing rates at the last minute.
Whether it's Norwegian's ongoing "Free at Sea" deal (with your choice of perks like specialty dining, Wi-Fi, drinks, tips or third and fourth passengers free) or short sales from lines like Royal Caribbean, you might be able to beat the pack by booking in December. Remember, the earlier you book, the more availability there will be, so you can have your pick of stateroom types and locations.