Wave Season: Why January Is the Best Time to Book Your Cruise
If you've been thinking about a boutique cruise but haven't committed yet, now's the time. Wave Season—the cruise industry's biggest booking period—runs from January through March, and it's when luxury cruise lines offer their most compelling promotions of the year.
Here's what you need to know.
What Is Wave Season?
Wave Season is when cruise lines roll out their best deals to fill cabins for the year ahead. Think reduced fares, onboard credits, complimentary perks, cabin upgrades—the kind of incentives that make booking now smarter than waiting.
The timing makes sense. The holidays just ended, families have been talking about travel plans, and people are ready to commit to the year ahead. Cruise lines know this, so they front-load their best offers in early January to capture that momentum.
The catch? You're typically booking cruises that depart months—sometimes a year or more—from now. But if you're someone who plans ahead (and the best boutique cruise cabins do fill early), this works in your favour.
What Kinds of Promotions to Expect
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Yacht Collection
Offers vary by cruise line, but here's what typically shows up during Wave Season:
Reduced fares – Sometimes as much as 30-50% off standard rates
Onboard credit – Money you can use for spa treatments, specialty dining, shore excursions, or drinks
Complimentary perks – Free beverage packages, prepaid gratuities, Wi-Fi included
Cabin upgrades – Move from an oceanview to a balcony, or a balcony to a suite
Reduced deposits – Less money required upfront
Flexible cancellation policies – More breathing room if your plans change
Not every deal applies to every cruise line or itinerary, which is where having someone who knows the fine print becomes useful.
How to Get the Best Value
Book Early in the Season
The strongest promotions typically drop in early January. By March, you're technically still in Wave Season, but the best inventory and offers are often gone.
Know What You're Looking For
There are hundreds of cruise itineraries across dozens of lines. Sorting through them all is time-consuming. If you tell me what kind of experience appeals to you—river cruising through Burgundy, expedition travel in the Galápagos, a Mediterranean yacht journey—I can narrow it down to the options that actually fit.
Understand What You're Getting
Not all promotions are equally valuable. Some only apply to specific cabin categories, certain departure dates, or minimum night stays. I know which offers are genuinely compelling and which ones are just clever marketing.
Don't Book Based on Discount Alone
A reduced fare on the wrong ship is still the wrong ship. The goal isn't just to save money—it's to get the best value on a trip you'll actually love.
Why Book Your Cruise Through A Travel Advisor?
Booking through me gets you perks you can't access by going direct to the cruise line—at no additional cost. You're paying the same rate either way, but getting more value.
Depending on the sailing, these can include:
Shipboard credits you can use during your voyage
Specialty dining options
Dedicated onboard hosts
Private welcome reception
Exclusive shore excursions, from VIP tours to outings with a private car and driver
Beyond the perks, I also handle the logistics: comparing itineraries, navigating Wave Season promotions, securing the right cabin, and managing all the booking details.
Should You Get Travel Insurance?
Yes, especially if you're booking a cruise that's six months to a year out.
Wave Season bookings are often non-refundable or come with penalties if you cancel close to departure. A solid travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and delays—essentially, the things that could derail your plans and cost you money.
I can help you find the right coverage when we book your cruise.
Are There Other Times to Find Cruise Deals?
Wave Season is the most reliable window, but you'll occasionally see promotions around Black Friday, the end of fiscal quarters, or when new ships launch. That said, none of these are as consistent or comprehensive as January through March.
If you're considering a river cruise, small ship journey, or yacht experience this year, January through March offers the best value.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you've been curious about river cruising in Europe, small ship exploration in remote destinations, or a yacht experience in the Mediterranean, now's the time to move forward.
I'll help you figure out which cruise line fits your style, navigate the Wave Season promotions, and handle the logistics.
Start here: Download my free guide, The Savour Guide to Boutique Cruising, to figure out which type of cruise best fits your style. Then reach out and we'll plan the details.
