If you’ve ever heard the term Wave Season but weren’t quite sure what it meant, you’re not alone. Wave Season is the time of year when cruise lines release some of their strongest promotions — and it’s one of the most important booking windows for cruise travelers.
What many people don’t realize is that Wave Season isn’t just about booking a cruise for this year. Cruise lines are already releasing itineraries and group space through 2027 and into 2028, making this an ideal time to plan ahead.
What Is Wave Season?
Wave Season typically runs from January through early spring and is when cruise lines compete for bookings by offering incentives such as:
Reduced deposits
Onboard credits
Bonus amenities
Special pricing or group perks
These offers are capacity-controlled, meaning they apply to select sailings, cabin categories, and availability. Once space fills, the offer disappears.
Why Wave Season Matters for Groups
Cruises have become one of the easiest ways to bring people together because accommodations, dining, entertainment, and venues are all built in.
Wave Season is especially beneficial for:
Graduation celebrations
Family reunions and multi-generation trips
Milestone birthdays and friends’ getaways
Church, social, or community groups
Small business incentive travel
Seminars at Sea and client appreciation events
For groups, booking early often means better perks, better cabin selection, and more flexibility.
Yes — You Can Book Cruises Through 2028
One of the biggest advantages of Wave Season is access to future sailings.
Planning early allows travelers to:
Lock in pricing before increases
Secure group space before it sells out
Take advantage of Wave Season promotions now
Spread payments out over a longer period of time
Planning ahead doesn’t mean committing too early — it means having more options.
Before You Book Online
Wave Season deals often look simple when advertised online, but many travelers don’t realize that online bookings can come with long hold times and limited support if something isn’t applied correctly.
It’s common for travelers to spend hours on hold trying to:
Confirm promotions were applied
Fix pricing issues
Add missing onboard credits or perks
Adjust cabin categories or group space
Because Wave Season offers are layered and capacity-controlled, reviewing details before booking can help avoid frustration later.
Wave Season is one of the most strategic times to book a cruise — whether you’re traveling this year or planning well into the future. With sailings available through 2028, now is the time to explore options, understand current offers, and plan ahead while availability is at its best.
If cruising is on your radar at all, starting the conversation early can make a big difference.
Thinking about cruising during Wave Season?
Start by completing the Cruise Booking Form or schedule a planning call if you’re considering group or business travel.
