What Is Wave Season? The Best Time for Cruise Deals

Is this the year you’ve set out to cross as many new experiences and places off your travel list as you can? Good news: There’s a “secret” booking window that will help you snag deals.

While the best time to go on a cruise depends heavily on your interests and the destination, Wave Season, at the beginning of the new year, is among the best times to book a cruise. That’s because it’s when you’ll find a bunch of great deals on Royal Caribbean sailings.

Here’s everything you need to know about Wave Season and tips to make the most of it for your next vacation:

Key Takeaways: What Is Wave Season for Cruises?

●  What Wave Season is: Wave season is the cruise industry's peak booking period from January to March, offering discounted fares and cruise perks.

●  Wave Season cruise value: You get incredible value through guest discounts, Kids Sail Free offers, onboard credits and potential stateroom upgrades.

●  Wave Season accessibility: Both seasoned cruisers and first-timers can access these deals across various ships, durations and exciting departure cities.

●  Destinations you can book: You can travel almost anywhere Royal Caribbean visits, including The Bahamas, Europe and the beautiful Canadian coastline.

●  Where to find deals: Easily find these deals online via the Royal Caribbean deals page.

●  Explore cruises and make the most of your cruise deals today.

1. What Is Wave Season?

Wave Season is the cruise industry’s peak booking season, usually running from January through March, though deals can start as early as November. Many cruise lines offer special offers on cruises to fill cabins early. These deals include discounted fares and additional perks, such as drinks packages, free Wi-Fi, gratuities or even bonuses on third or fourth passengers in the booking.

Adding to the great deals, it’s also a good time for travelers to book because they’ll get a head start on planning out your vacations for the year — which means there’s plenty to look forward to. With that said, Wave Season is not the only time you can access great deals on sailings. It’s also possible to find cruise deals at the last minute, even if you’re booking later in the year.

2. Do I Really Get Better Value Right Now?

Yes! You’ll find there are all kinds of deals. They can vary from discounts for every guest to the popular Kids Sail Free offer and even cruise and airfare combinations. Also, keep your eyes peeled for instant savings or discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages. Keep in mind that sometimes these deals can be used for cruises that set sail in the next couple of years.

Booking now could also earn you onboard credit (basically money to spend on your cruise), which you can use to level up your vacation. Imagine a shady, private casita by the pool or a beverage package that includes signature drinks like the Lime & Coconut cocktail, a delicious blend of coconut rum, coconut milk, guava syrup and lime juice. Or, why not use it to treat the whole family to Sunday supper at Giovanni’sSM Italian Kitchen?

Pro tip: You could also use those savings for a stateroom upgrade with RoyalUp, a bid-based program. Just take a look at the different rooms available and select the amount you’d be willing to splurge — you’ll then get an email letting you know if your bid has won.

3. Does Everyone Have Access To Wave Season Deals?

Both seasoned cruisers who’ve sailed to dozens of destinations and first-timers looking for a new kind of adventure can be winners during Wave Season. All these deals come with great options, varying in destinations and departure cities, ships and cruise duration. There’s quite a lineup to choose from.

If it’s your first time cruising, Wave Season is about as good a time as ever to book. You can get a taste and recharge by trying out a three-night weekend or four-night weekday cruise and be back home in no time.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to change up your weekend routine, check out ships like Wonder of the Seas® or Utopia of the Seas® for adventures on board like the FlowRider® surf simulator or LASER TAG, both of which are included in your cruise fare.

4. Where Can I Go?

You can go just about anywhere Royal Caribbean visits. For instance, you could head to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Royal Caribbean private island in The Bahamas. You could also grab a deal on a sailing that takes you down the cobblestone streets of France and Italy, or the Canadian coastline. There are 20-plus ships and many more destinations where those came from — the choice is yours.

5. When And Where Can I Find Wave Season Deals?

You can find summer cruise deals online on the Royal Caribbean deals page or through a travel advisor. That makes it easy to plan your next vacation at the top of the year and at a great value. You can even sign up online to be one of the first to find out about the latest offers all year long.

Wave Hello To Great Cruise Deals During Wave Season

Running from January through March, Wave Season is essentially the Black Friday of the cruise industry. During these months, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean roll out valuable promotions, making it the prime window to lock in your travel plans for the upcoming year.

Taking advantage of Wave Season might mean snagging a lower base fare, but you can also take advantage of extra value-added perks that come with it, helping you get even more out of your cruise vacation.

Cruise season is here and the deals are hot. Shop for your next vacation before the best offers sail away.