Why January Is the Best Month to Book a Cruise
Wave season, a travel industry term, is the post-holiday period during which cruise lines offer discounts on upcoming sailings, as well as promotions such as upgrades and onboard bonuses. Cruise lines benefit from filling their ships early, capitalizing on people planning their trips earlier in the year, and passengers can travel cheaper if they’re willing to book ahead. The wave season usually starts in January and lasts until March.
Why wave season is the best time to book a cruise
If you’re planning on going on a cruise this year, you’ll likely get the best deal if you book now. The only potentially best time to book is the previous fall, but if you missed out on that boat and want to sail during spring break, summer break, or winter break, wave season deals are generally the cheapest you’ll see. There are a few other scenarios that make booking for wave season worthwhile:
Are you booking a cruise for a group?
Cruise lines usually offer significant discounts on fares during high season, which in itself can reduce the overall cost per person. But offers may also include two-for-one tickets, discounted or free rates for children, and reduced rates for an additional person (a second, third or fourth) per cabin. If you’re taking the whole family on a cruise, you can save big by booking your tickets in advance.
Do you need popular dates or routes?
Cruise lines are trying to book as many passengers as possible during the high season to ensure full ships later in the year. If you want to travel during major holidays or have specific departure dates, itineraries or cabins in mind, you should consider booking early to beat the competition.
You care about updates and benefits
Discounted rates aren’t the only promotions available during wave season. Cruise lines may also offer other freebies in addition to (or instead of):
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Free hotel stay or airfare
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Credit on board or packages of drinks and meals
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Free Internet
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Travel credits or free excursions
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Free upgrade (within or to the next category)
These extras may add value to your trip and may not be included in later bookings.
How to take advantage of wave seasonal sales
Cruise lines of all sizes participate in wave season (they’re all competing for your business), so you’re likely to find deals whether you book directly or through a third-party seller or travel agent. Signing up for cruise lines’ emails or following them on social media is a good way to find out about deals as they become available.
Before booking, make sure you read the fine print to ensure that the “free” or “complimentary” items are actually free or complimentary and don’t have any additional strings attached. Some offers may not apply to all flights or may expire well before March. You should also compare rates with previous prices and other cruise lines to make sure the promotion is truly a good deal.