when is wave season for cruise lines

Wave season for cruise lines is typically January through March , with some deals starting as early as late November or December and occasionally stretching into April. It’s the main booking window when cruise lines roll out their biggest promotions, onboard credits, and other perks.

Quick Scoop

• Core timing: January to March.

• Early promos: Some offers appear in late November or December.

• Best deal window: Often January through March, with many travelers booking early in the year.

What it means

Think of it as the cruise industry’s version of a major sales season: fares may be discounted, and extras like drink packages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, or onboard credit can be included. If you’re planning a cruise, this is usually the time to compare offers and lock in a sailing before the best cabins go first.

TL;DR: Wave season usually runs from January to March for cruise deals, though some promotions begin earlier and a few run into April.