What is wave season? 6 hacks for the peak cruise booking period + top deals

Wave Season is the golden time to plan and book cruise trips for the year ahead, as cruise lines across the board (mega-ships, river, expedition and luxury – you name it!) all offer fantastic deals for a set period. It’s also great for softening the blow of those January blues and gloomy winter days, as you can cosy up in the knowledge that you’ve got a blissful cruise on the horizon. 

Starting at the very end of the year and running through until early spring, Wave Season is the prime time to snap up great perks and huge savings, while bagging your spot on a host of awesome itineraries. If you haven’t taken a cruise before, it’s a great opportunity to test the waters while not splashing too much cash, and if you’re a long-term cruise fan it also provides a wonderful chance to try something new. 

To help you decide, we’ve divulged Sailawaze’s top tips on how to get the most out of this cruise deal bonanza.

– READ MORE: Skip to the best Wave Season deals  –

1. Get organised 

Before diving in, think about what you’re looking for. Sun? Snow? Luxury? Adventure? Whatever it may be, there’ll be a wave season deal for it, so narrow down what you’re after and a comfortable budget before you start. Keeping track of deals can feel like a thankless task, but by signing up to your favourite cruise line’s email alerts you can make sure you’re first in the know. Some hard-core cruisers even make separate emails to stay on top of them…!

2. Compare and contrast

Don’t feel rushed to make any decisions you may regret. Take time to shop around and look at what different cruise lines are offering. You may feel particularly loyal to one brand, however, another you’ve never tried might be offering an exceptional deal – in which case this is the time to push the boat out! 

3. Speak with travel agents & specialists

Travel agents have access to pretty much every cruise deal and promotion under the sun, many of which us mere mortals may not have access to. It’s always worth chatting to them, letting them know your preferences and budget, and seeing what they may suggest.

– READ MORE: Best time to book a cruise –

4. Be open-minded 

Harking back to tip two, this is a chance to test new waters and try something new! Destinations you’ve never considered, cruise lines you’re yet to try, or even a completely new style of sailing like river cruising, for example, are all possibilities to consider. Some cruise lines offer additional Wave Season benefits for new customers, while the best savings often occur in voyages to more unusual destinations.  

5. Perks can be as good as savings!

Everybody is liable to be drawn in by the largest percentage off or the saving promotion with the most zeros at the end. But, savvy travellers will know that added extras like onboard spending credit, drinks packages, pre-paid tips, and kids sailing for free can save a huge amount of money and work out as more cost-effective in the long run. Top hack? Break down the cost of your cruise into price per day, factoring in the extras, and see what it comes to. 

6. Phone direct 

Sometimes, going old school is the best policy. Wave Season 2026 deals may vary depending on departure dates, ships and destinations, so it’s a good idea to drop your favoured cruise line a call and talk it through with the experts.

– READ MORE: This secret type of cruise guarantees you a deal – 

2026 Wave Season cruise deals

Below, we’ve rounded up the Wave Season cruise deals that offer genuine savings — from low deposits and drinks packages to onboard credit and flights included.