What is Wave Season?

Frequent cruisers are well versed in the cruise lingo, but a few words and phrases, like “Wave Season”, still spark confusion and uncertainty, especially for new cruisers. When we asked our members what Wave Season meant, some people thought that it had something to do with the time of the year when you're most likely to encounter rough seas. Others thought it referred to waving goodbye to the port as your ship sails away. Let's set the record straight - what exactly is Wave Season and what are cruise lines offering for it in 2021? 

What is Wave Season?

Wave season is a three-month period from (approximately) January 1 to March 31, when cruise lines and travel agents historically book the largest number of cruise cabins. Think of it as a “wave” of bookings; it’s kind of like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but it lasts for three whole months and is all cruise-centric. 

Why January to March?

Previous years have shown us that this is the most popular time for cruise bookings from travelers. The stress of the holidays is over and winter is in full swing, meaning more people than ever are looking for a getaway escape. This is also the time of year when people start to plan out their vacations for the year ahead. 

Wave Season 2021 will be a little different as we look to the return of cruising this year. As many people’s vacations were canceled in 2020, it comes as no surprise that most are looking ahead to their next vacations in 2021 and 2022. 

What does Wave Season Offer?

Wave Season is a great time to book a cruise! Now, this isn’t because the fares themselves are cheaper than usual (though you might find some great deals if you sign up for our price alerts). Instead, beginning in late December or early January, the cruise lines tend to roll out their biggest and best promotions of the year and only offer them for bookings made in the next 60 to 90 days.

When you book during wave season, you may be offered promotions like free drink and specialty dining packages, upgrades, free internet, onboard credit, and more. Similar offers may be available at other times of the year, but they’re rarely as rich as what you’ll find during the Wave Season promotional offers. 

Should I Book a Wave Season Offer in 2021?

In one word - YES! If you are considering booking a cruise for 2021 or later, now is the time to book and take advantage of Wave Season specials. As we have mentioned before, if you see a good deal on a cruise book it now to lock in the price. Added perks like savings from specialty dining, WiFi, drinks, excursions and even cabin upgrades make the value even better. 

Read More: The New Cost of Cruising 

Should I Book a Wave Season Offer in 2021?

Holland America Line: View & Verandah Perks 

• Guests booking a 2021 or 2022 Holland America cruise will receive the following: stateroom upgrades, beverage package, shore excursion discounts, 50% reduced deposits, included one-night specialty dining, and free or reduced fares for children
• Book by February 28, 2021
• See more details on Holland America Line’s ‘View and Verandah’ Offer

MSC Cruises: Your Cruise, Your Choice

• MSC Cruises will offer guests up to $400 in spending credit (per stateroom) when booking 2021 and 2022 3-, 4- or 7-night cruises in The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. In addition, Kids Sail Free on many sailings. 
• Book by March 31, 2021
• See more details on MSC Cruises’ Your Cruise, Your Choice Offer

Princess Cruises: Best. Sale. Ever.

• Offers five select perks: stateroom location upgrades, beverage package included, free WiFi, included gratuities, vouchers for specialty dining
• Book by March 2, 2021
• See more details on Princess Cruises’ Best. Sale. Ever. 

Virgin Voyages

• Book a voyage with Virgin and receive 10% off and up to $400 worth of onboard credit which can be used for spa treatments, onshore excursions, champagne toasts, and more. Additionally, Virgin will add $100 to your beverage tab.
• Book by February 9, 2021
• See more details on Virgin Voyages offer

Cunard: Discovery Awaits

• Guests booking eligible ‘Discovery Awaits’ cruises will receive the following: Fares from $1,049, up to $2,000 onboard spending credit per stateroom, and 50% reduced deposits.

• Book by February 21, 2021
• See more details on this offer from Cunard

Details on Wave Season offers from Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and more coming soon! 

Be sure to set a price alert for the sailings you’ve booked or are considering and we will email you if the price goes down! 

Want to meet other cruisers on your ship and sailing? Sign up for your cruise roll call. Not sure what a roll call is or how it works, learn more about it.

Don’t forget to check with your cruise line as to their Cruise with Confidence program. In many cases, the cruise line will allow cancellation or change of sailing date up to 48 hours in advance of sailing.