cruise line wave season

What is wave season? Perhaps the cheapest time to book a cruise

When is the cheapest time of year to book a cruise? It might very well be wave season.

Well then, what is wave season, you ask? It's the time frame at the start of every year when all the cruise lines tout discounted fares or special deals in the hopes of booking up their voyages for the next 12 months. It dovetails nicely with the period in which many couples and families plan their vacations for the year.

If you've had your eye on a cruise vacation, wave season is the perfect time to price it out and see what kind of special cruise deal you can snag. You might find a great low price on your next cruise vacation. Or, you might get a slew of freebies that stretch your vacation dollars that much further.

Read on to find out what wave season is, when it takes place, the cruise deals to look for and how to get the best possible value during this extra cheap time to book a cruise.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is wave season?

Wave season is the time of year when cruise lines run some of their most competitive sales. This promotional period gets its name from the "wave" of deals convincing travelers to take a trip "on the waves." It's a win-win; the cruise lines fill many berths for the coming year, and cruisers take advantage of discounts and value-adds on their booking.

Wave season promotions are designed to entice you to book not only a cruise for later in the year but also sailings for dates as far as two years in the future. Last-minute voyages might also be on sale.

You can find wave season promotions from nearly every major cruise line, including big-ship, small-ship, river and expedition lines, plus deals on sailings around the world, from Alaska to Antarctica and from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Mediterranean.

Related: How to book a cruise using miles and points

When is wave season?

Wave season generally starts in January and concludes at the end of March. Just like how Christmas decorations are lately appearing in retail stores earlier than they used to, we've seen the big cruise sales starting even earlier over the past several years, too. These days, it's common for cruise lines to release deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November and keep them active into the following year, when they're rebranded as wave season deals, perhaps with small tweaks.

There are several reasons why wave season takes place when it does. Cold winter weather in many northern areas has travelers dreaming of and eager to book warm-weather getaways. Many families make that year's vacation plans at the start of the year after the hectic season of holiday shopping, entertaining and traveling is over. Plus, cruise lines have closed the books on the previous year and are eager to start filling ships for the coming year.

This convergence of interests makes January through March the perfect time to offer incentives for people to book a cruise.

What cruise deals are offered?

The important thing to know about wave season sales is that you aren't just looking for reduced cruise fares, though those are a great place to begin. The real incentive is the bevy of bonuses cruise lines add to their promotions, making it tough to pass up booking a cruise (or three).

Here are the three types of booking incentives you'll see during wave season.

Cruise deals and discounts

Some cruise lines take the direct approach and offer you money back on your booking. These cruise deals can take many forms, such as:

• Discounted cruise fares (e.g., 40% off, $500 back, etc.)
• Reduced deposits (e.g., lock in your cruise with just $1 or $25 and pay the remainder 90 days before sailing)
• Two-for-one cruise fares, or get a discounted second fare when you pay full price for the first
• Third and/or fourth passengers in a cabin sail free or at a discounted rate
• Kids sail free or at a discount

Freebies and extra-value perks

Some cruise lines prefer to keep prices higher during wave season but offer certain amenities for free that you would otherwise have to pay. These include perks that add value to your purchase and save you from a higher onboard bill when you finally set sail.

Complimentary booking perks might include:

• Free airfare from select U.S. gateways
• Pre-cruise overnight hotel stay
• Onboard credit you can use to pay for specialty dining, shore excursions and more
• Beverage packages
• Prepaid specialty dining fees
• Prepaid gratuities
• Free internet access
• Complimentary shore excursions or tour credit

Cabin upgrades

The last type of offer you can expect to see during wave season is complimentary cabin upgrades. You pay the rate for one type of cabin but get to stay in a "nicer" room that would usually cost more.

Cabin upgrades come in two types:

• Upgrade within a cabin category (e.g., from a cheaper inside cabin to a larger or better located inside cabin)
• Upgrade to the next cabin category (e.g., pay the inside cabin price but stay in an outside or even balcony cabin)

Typically with wave season promotions, these upgrades are essentially a discount on the higher-category room, and you still get to pick the location of the upgraded cabin.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Where can you find wave season deals?

Nearly every cruise seller wants a piece of the wave season spending spree, so you can expect to find wave season deals in many places.

Almost every cruise line will offer its own wave season deal, which will be valid whether you book directly through the cruise line, via an online travel seller or with a travel agent. It's not just the major cruise lines that offer promotions at this time. A small expedition cruise line might put its bucket list Antarctica voyages on sale, or a river cruise line you've been eyeing might slash fares on its Rhine and Danube river sailings.

In addition to the lines themselves, travel sellers might tack on their own promotions to cruise bookings. The travel agent down the street might throw in a bottle of Champagne, or your favorite travel website, such as Expedia, might offer an extra deal or two. Cast a wide net when looking for deals, and you're sure to find a bunch.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

How do you know if you're getting the best deal?

It is true that cruise lines can sometimes be tricky when it comes to deals. That "free" beverage package might require you to pay actual money for an automatic bar gratuity calculated on its theoretical value, and that 50% off deal might be based on an inflated cruise fare that no one ever pays.

If you want to make sure you're getting the best deal during wave season, you need to do some research in advance.

As you narrow down your cruise choices in the fall, take note of the current per-passenger fares and any available perks for the cruises that interest you most. Don't forget any special discounts you might be eligible for (think: senior , teacher, military , Florida resident). Price out different cabin categories above and below the room you think you'll book.

Also, look up prices for onboard extras, such as beverage packages, internet access and specialty restaurant meals, so you have a sense of what you might spend on top of the cruise fare.

Then, as cruise lines announce their sales and included promotional perks, you can compare the promotional rates to previous prices. In that way, you can determine if the sale actually represents a good value for you.

How to prepare for wave season

So, how can you prepare to make the most of wave season? There are a few methods.

Research which cruises you want to book

You'll be better able to jump on a wave season deal if you've already thought about the places you want to cruise, the specific cruise lines you wish to sail, available itineraries and dates that you'd consider.

Do you want to plan a family cruise with the kids , a solo getaway or a multigenerational reunion trip? Or, perhaps you're dreaming of a warm-weather getaway to the Caribbean or a bucket list journey to Alaska .

If you don't know which cruise line would suit you best, don't just choose whichever line has the best wave season deals because the onboard vibe might not fit your personality. Instead, read TPG's beginner's guide to picking a cruise line to help you determine which brands and ships are the best match.

Armed with this knowledge, you can then keep an eye out for wave season deals for the trip parameters you've determined.

Join cruise line email lists

You could monitor cruise line websites and social media feeds over the next few months so you don't miss any sales, but an even better idea is to join the email lists for the cruise lines you like. That way, they'll tell you exactly when a sale is about to begin.

Find a travel agent

While you might not use a travel agent for other sorts of trips, you should consider one whenever you cruise. Agents that specialize in cruise travel often get advance notice of sales. They also typically have access to special rates or perks you won't be able to find on your own, and they tend to offer their own suite of bonuses as an incentive to book through them.

For example, the right travel agent could get you several hundred dollars in onboard credit, even with Disney Cruise Line , which is notoriously light on sales and discounts. You can work with a large online travel seller, all of whom have sales representatives you can call for help, or find an individual travel agent in your area. Ask your friends if they can recommend someone, call up your local AAA office or locate a cruise-certified agent on the Cruise Lines International Association website .

Also, note that cruise line deals have all sorts of terms and conditions. A knowledgeable travel agent will know which itineraries offer the best version of the current deals and can guide you appropriately.

Sign up for the right credit card

If you're a fan of stacking deals , you can enjoy cruise discounts, cash back and perks when you work with a travel agent to book a cruise during a sale and pay with a credit card that gives you a cruise-related bonus. If you don't already have a card that gets you extra perks for your cruise purchases , such as The Platinum Card® from American Express , you might want to apply for one in advance of wave season.

A cruise booking, plus the affiliated travel purchases (think: a pre-cruise hotel stay and flights to the departure port) can be a significant investment, even with wave season promotions. Consider signing up for a new credit card and using your cruise purchase to reach the minimum spend necessary to earn the booking bonus. You'll want to apply in advance of wave season so you've got the new card in hand when you're ready to pay for that sailing.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Bottom line

Cruise lines come out with deals throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to find a low price on select sailings. But if you want a smorgasbord of offers to choose from all at the same time, wave season is one of the best times for finding a cheap cruise or more inclusive fare. Do your homework in the fall or over winter break, and you'll be well prepared to jump on a bargain as soon as you see one in the new year.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

YOUR GUIDE TO

Wave season: the best time to score deals, catch some of the year's best cruise deals to vacation around the world at the beginning of the year..

Wave Season is the time to plan an escape to warmer weather or anywhere with Royal Caribbean—and for a great deal.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Is this the year you’ve set out to cross as many new experiences and places off your travel list as you can? Good news: Right now is the best time to plan those adventures—and for more reasons than one.

Introducing “Wave Season,” the best time to book a cruise. At the beginning of the new year, Wave Season is when you’ll find a bunch of great deals on Royal Caribbean cruises. Whether you’ve your heart set on seeing the icy blue glaciers of Alaska , the pink sand beaches of the Caribbean or the beautiful islands of Greece , there’s a lineup of offers to choose from. Just think: You’ll get the very best value on a vacation that will take you to multiple destinations on board ships packed with thrills like zip lining, rock climbing and skydiving; incredible meals that range from sushi to Italian; and more.

Here’s everything you need to know about Wave Season and tips to make the most of it for your next vacation:

Enjoy Alaska’s unparalleled glaciers, wildlife and more on one of four Royal Caribbean ships headed there, like Ovation of the Seas.

What is Wave Season?

Get unforgettable adventures for an unforgettable value from January through March. That’s what you can look forward to with Wave Season. Adding to the great deals, it’s also a good time to book because you’ll get a head start on planning out your vacations for the year—which means you’ll have plenty to look forward to. Explore some of the Earth’s most incredible World Heritage Sites , grab unforgettable fish tacos in Mexico’s seafood capital or island-hop across the Mediterranean —whichever one of the 290-plus destinations around the world you choose to visit with Royal Caribbean, planning your cruise during Wave Season means getting the trip of a lifetime and a great deal rolled up in one.

Do I really get better value right now?

Yes! You’ll find there are all kinds of deals. They can vary from discounts for every guest to the popular Kids Sail Free offer and even cruise and airfare combinations. Also, keep your eyes peeled for instant savings or discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages. It’s also worth keeping in mind that sometimes these deals can be used for cruises that set sail in the next couple of years.

Booking now could also earn you onboard credit (basically money to spend on your cruise), which you can use to plus-up your vacation. Imagine a shady, private casita by the pool or a beverage package that includes signature drinks like our Lime & Coconut cocktail, a delicious blend of coconut rum, coconut milk, guava syrup and lime juice. Or, why not use it to treat the whole family to Sunday supper at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar?

Pro tip: You could also use those savings or credits for a room upgrade with RoyalUp , a bid-based program. Just take a look at the different rooms available and select the amount you’d be willing to splurge—you’ll then get an email letting you know whether your bid has won.

Deals can get you onboard credit, which you can use on a thrilling shore excursion, a relaxing massage or dinner at one of your ship’s many restaurants.

Does everyone have access to Wave Season deals?

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser who’s sailed to dozens of destinations and wants to add more to their list or a first-timer looking for a new kind of adventure, everyone can be a winner this time of year. All these deals come with great choices: Varying in destinations and departure cities , ships and cruise length, there’s quite a lineup to choose from.

If it’s your first time, this is about as good a time as ever to book. You can get a taste and recharge by trying out a three-night weekend or four-night weekday cruise and be back home in no time.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to change up your weekend routine, check out ships like Freedom or Mariner of the Seas for adventures on board like the FlowRider surf simulator or laser tag. 

Where can I go?

You can go just about anywhere Royal Caribbean visits. Get deals for cruises on new ships like Wonder of the Seas, which can take you to Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas. You could also grab a ride on Anthem of the Seas to wander down the cobblestone streets of France  and Italy . Or there are the rugged coastlines of Canada , which you can visit on Liberty of the Seas . There are 20-plus ships and many more destinations where those came from—the choice is yours.

When and where can I find Wave Season deals?

Whether it’s online on the Royal Caribbean deals page or through a travel advisor, it’s easy to plan your next vacation at the top of the year and at a great value. You can even sign up online to be one of the first to find out about the latest offers all year long.

Check out this season’s top cruise deals here to start planning your vacation.

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What is wave season? Why you should book your next cruise now

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for cruise lovers – and I don’t mean the holidays.

Wave season, when cruise lines run their best deals , is upon us again. The period typically stretches from January through March, but some brands have already released their offers, giving travelers a chance to get a jump on their cruise plans.

“Wave season basically is like Black Friday shopping for cruisers,” said Scott Campbell, manager of cruise relations at AAA. 

This time around, the deals include stateroom upgrades, flight credits, fare discounts and more. Here’s what travelers should know:

Why do cruise lines offer their best deals during wave season?

Campbell said cruise lines aim to use wave season to “fill up the upcoming year” with bookings, particularly coming off of the holidays.

“People have been hanging out with their family for Thanksgiving, for Christmas, talking about, “Hey, we should do a cruise together, this would be awesome,’ ” he said. “So, come wave season … that's when the cruise lines take advantage of all those holiday conversations and throw out a bunch of great deals.”

Cruise operators may list cruises for the current year or further into the future, depending on their priorities. “It could be limited to what they want to promote,” Campbell said, “it could be here’s our book of business, let’s just fill it up.”

All cruise lines typically have some sort of deal, though he noted they may not be as strong or broad from some luxury brands.

Tips for booking during wave season

With so many offers on the table, choosing the right deal can be overwhelming.

“It’s good to sort of have an idea of what you’re looking for,” Campbell said. He recommended breaking it down and bargain-hunting with a desired location in mind.

Travelers can also mix and match with other money-saving techniques, like booking repositioning cruises or less popular sailing dates. “Let’s just say you have a blanket 75%-off-second-person (discount), you're gonna get a better deal with those off-season sailings than you will for the peak spring break Caribbean family cruise,” he added.

But even if a deal has caught your eye, be sure to read the fine print. Deals can come with various exclusions and conditions, and a price that looks low at first can balloon by the time you finally make the booking.

Campbell also recommended working with a travel agent. Agents see deals all year long and can lead clients to the best ones for them during wave season. “They can help filter out the noise and get you in the right place,” he said.

Wave season deals to book

◾ Crystal : The revamped luxury line is offering up to a three-category room upgrade. For select 2024 cruises, guests booking a Double Guest Room with Veranda can move to an Aquamarine Veranda Suite for free, and those in an Aquamarine Veranda Suite can upgrade to a Sapphire Veranda Suite.The deal also comes with complimentary dry cleaning for five pieces and one free bag of laundry every 10 days of a cruise, as well as complimentary pressing for five pieces per day. The deal runs through Jan. 31. The line’s World Cruise, Grand Journeys and combination cruises are not eligible.

◾ HX : HX, formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions , is offering passengers up to $2,000 per guest in flight credits and reduced deposits of 20%. The deal applies to sailings departing between March 29, 2024, and March 30, 2025, including places like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and Svalbard.Guests must book by March 31. The flight credit varies by destination and travelers do not have to book their air travel through the company to qualify. Members of the 1893 Ambassador loyalty program can also get discounts of as much as 10% if they book by Jan. 31.The deal is now open for members and opened for nonmembers on Tuesday.

◾ Princess Cruises : Travelers can save up to 40% off fares on select sailings between 2024 and 2026. Passengers will also get cabin upgrades in like-to-like categories. “For example, if booking the fare for the lowest priced mini-suite, the offer upgrades the location of the stateroom for free, based on availability,” the line said in a news release . The third and fourth guests in a stateroom can also sail for free.The offer runs through Feb. 29 and is available to residents of all 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia.

Yes, cruise prices are up: Here's why cheap sailings may be harder to find

◾ Virgin Voyages : The adults-only line is offering a 70% discount for a second guest in a stateroom, along with a beverage credit of up to $600.Guests will get $100 in premium drinks for cruises four nights and shorter; $200 for five and six-night sailings; $300 for sailings between seven and 13 nights; and $600 for cruises 14 nights or more. The deal runs until Jan. 31 and applies to select voyages through Nov. 2, 2025.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Best Cruise Deals of Wave Season 2024

By Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Welcome to Wave Season—prime time to score the best cruise deals of 2024 (for sailings well into 2025), whether you're a seasoned sailor or  novice passenger . During wave season—which happens annually, usually from January through March—cruise lines offer up their best deals, savings, and perks. And this year is no exception, with the  world's best cruise operators offering deep discounts worth thousands of dollars, free upgrades for staterooms and suites, and onboard credits that can be spent however you wish.

Here are some of the best cruise deals 2024 has to offer.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

From now until February 3, 2024, the second guest sails free on Atlas expeditions. Travelers can choose from journeys to Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

To book, call your preferred travel advisor or an Atlas voyage specialist at 1-844-44-ATLAS (28527).

Aurora Expeditions

Save up to 20 percent on expeditions, including a nine-day voyage through the Arctic Peninsula; a 24-day Odyssey around the coast of Greenland; an 11-day circumnavigation of Iceland; and many more adventurous itineraries. Book now to unlock added extras, including an air credit of $2,000 per person and up to 10 percent off select 2024 Antarctic expeditions with code DREAM24.

Avalon Waterways

Save up to $250 off per person, or $500 per couple, when you book select European river sailings for this year. Along with booking a trip, a deposit must be paid to nab the discount. Travelers can also score free round-trip economy airfare when they fly out of select cities such as Atlanta , Boston and Philadelphia . The booking window for both offers runs through March 2, 2024.

Until January 31, save up to $2,000 off select staterooms on an Azamara cruise with its Savor the Extraordinary promotion. The offer is available for voyages that depart between April 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

Enjoy Cunard's Treat Yourself, On Us sale, where travelers who book by March 27, 2024, receive up to $800 in onboard credit per stateroom to spend on their next adventure. For those who book a Grills Suite, a drinks package, hotel, and dining service charge are included in the booking, creating an elevated Cunard experience where travelers can unwind onboard while traveling to Alaska, Australia, and Asia.

Celebrity Cruises

Through February 29, 2024, save 20 percent off of cruise fares to the Galapagos Islands. Plus, when you book a vacation package, Celebrity Cruises will make it an all-inclusive experience by covering roundtrip airfare.

Celestyal Cruises

This year’s wave season deal means major savings on voyages to Greece booked by February 29, 2024. For a seven-night Greece and Greek Island cruise, prices start at $1,519 per person. From there the deals are tacked on with an additional $80 discount for pre-booked shore excursions, 50 percent off the Celestyal Plus+ Experience, and up to 70 percent off kids fares.

The Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line

Disney is offering a special deal where guests can pay half of their required deposit on the day of booking and pay the remaining balance at the time of the final payment. This offer is valid for select sailings booked through February 16, 2024. But while you have to book soon, you've got plenty of wiggle room in when you actually travel—this offer is valid on any new reservation for select Disney cruises departing between June 17, 2024, and May 31, 2025.

Holland America Eurodam

Holland America

During Holland America's Time of Your Life offer, cruises booked during the 2024 and 2025 sailing seasons will receive a free stateroom upgrade, and up to 40 percent off cruise fares, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and specialty dining. The offer lasts through February 29, 2024.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions’ wave season deals run through 2024. Cruisers can save up to 10 percent when they book by January 31, 2024, and enjoy $4,000 in flight credit for each passenger on an expedition to Antarctica, Antarctica, Galapagos, or Iceland.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is offering major savings during wave season. Travelers can enjoy up to $2,000 deducted from cabin fare depending on the number of sailors in their party. If you pay in full at the time of booking, Lindblad will sweeten the deal with up to 10 percent off cabin fare. Those sailing solo can also save up to 40 percent on their cabins. Promotions are valid through March 13, 2024.

The MSC Seashore

MSC Cruises

MSC's current deals include massive savings on cruise fares with itineraries to the Bahamas , Mediterranean , and Northern Europe starting as low as $279. Savings don’t stop there, especially for your next family vacation—kids sail free. In addition to all the fare savings, travelers can enjoy a $400 ship credit to use onboard. Hurry, this offer ends January 11, 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer its Free at Sea all-inclusive promotion with five offers you won’t want to miss. Valid for reservations of three or more nights, the Free at Sea offer includes an unlimited open bar, free specialty dining, free excursions, free Wi-Fi, free airfare, and free cruise fare for the third and fourth guest in each given stateroom. This deal also includes up to 50 percent off cruise fares as well as free airfare for a second guest when the full price is paid for one airline ticket.

Oceania Cruises

To commemorate the new year, Oceania is offering up to 50 percent off of sailings through June 2025. In addition to the major savings, travelers can enjoy the generous amenities of “Simply More” with two-for-one cruise fares, free roundtrip airfare with free airport transfers, free shore excursions, free Champagne, free gourmet specialty dining, and free unlimited Wi-Fi. The sale ends on February 29, 2024.

Princess Cruises

Through February 29, 2024, Princess Cruises is offering travelers up to 40 percent off cruise fares and a free room upgrade. When making travel arrangements, keep in mind that the third and fourth guests get to sail free as well. Guests can also enjoy complimentary dining and entertainment, benefits usually reserved for Medallion Class members.

Regent Seven Seas

For cruises booked through February 29, 2024, travelers can get a two-category suite upgrade on Regent. The offer, called Upgrade Your Horizon , is available on 337 voyages, including sailings through June 2026 to Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, and more. Enjoy up to 50 percent off deposits and up to as much as 20 percent off eligible sailings.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is offering a 60 percent discount on second sailor fares and up to $600 off of all cruises until January 10, 2024. On top of the 60 percent discount, kids sail free on bookings departing on or after February 1.

Travelers booking with Scenic can save up to $3,000 per suite on more than 125 ocean cruise itineraries. The promotion runs through March 31, 2023. Travelers can also combine this promotion with a two-for-one fare deal, and enjoy up to $13,000 in savings on cruises to Copenhagen, Antarctica, and Greenland.

During Seabourn’s Sail of the Year event, guests can save up to 25 percent on ocean voyages and expeditions. Included itineraries are packed with visits to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, and the Arctic. An additional 15 percent will be deducted from initial deposit prices for select 2024 sailings booked by February 29, 2024. For those ready to commit, enjoy $1,000 in shipboard credit per suite when you book before the end of January.

Silver Endeavour

From now until February 29, 2024, Silversea is offering up to $4,000 in savings on door-to-door all-inclusive fares with 15 percent off booking deposits or $2,000 in savings on port-to-port all-inclusive fares. This includes discounts on voyages to The British Isles, Australia, and the Ar c tic through April 2026.

Travelers can save up to $3,000 off cruise and airfare when they book through the Uniworld team by January 31, 2024.

Viking Cruises is offering travelers $25 deposits on all Viking river, ocean and expedition sailings. Along with deposit savings, travelers can save up to $800 on each booking when they book by January 31, 2024.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is offering more savings for your plus one during wave season. The second guest included in the booking will get up to 60 percent off their fare. Plus, you'll get an additional $600 to go toward drinks during your voyages. Be quick about booking as this offer ends on January 31, 2024.

During the Seize Your Someday deal, travelers get to choose between one free pre-or post-cruise Easy Stays hotel night, up to $1,000 in onboard credit, or a free upgrade to an All-Inclusive Fare for premium suite guests, which includes Wi-Fi; unlimited beer, wine, cocktails; and all gratuities during their next Windstar cruise. Book by February 29, 2024, to snag the deal.

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What Is Wave Season?

Last updated: November 13th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Wondering what wave season is and how it can add value to your cruise vacation? We demystify this term so that as an in-the-know cruiser, you’ll be able to use this information to strategize your booking time and find the best special offers.

Longing to cruise to the Caribbean for a blissful escape to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on a pristine white-sand beach? Can’t wait to see the ancient and dynamic sights of Rome, the native wildlife of Australia, or the natural icy wonders of Alaska?

Wave season can make your cruise travel dreams come true while offering you big savings on both your cruise booking and your onboard experience.

What exactly is wave season?

Think of wave season as the best sale day ever that just happens to last for three months–like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and President’s Day all rolled into one.

Cruise wave season starts right after the winter holiday season and continues until the end of March. The “wave” refers to the tidal wave of cruise promotions offered during this time.

The timing couldn’t be better. Booking a cruise during this season gives you something to look forward to after a tiresome holiday season and dreary winter weather.

What special offers are available during wave season?

Some specials you might find include a dramatically reduced fare, a lower initial deposit to hold your stateroom, perks such as onboard credit to spend on activities and services during your cruise, and discounts for third and fourth guests, making it a great time to book a family cruise vacation.

You could also find extra incentives when you book during this season, like special promotions for booking on our newest ship, Celebrity Apex , or savings when you book The Retreat®, our exclusive all-suites premium cruise experience.

You might also find offers for stateroom upgrades or specials within stateroom classifications such as Veranda, AquaClass, or Concierge class.

Is there a downside to booking during this season?

No. It’s a fantastic time to book one of our luxury cruise vacations, whether you’ve been eyeing a jaunt around the Eastern Caribbean during spring break, a family cruise to Alaska, or a getaway to the Galapagos Islands.

Read: Fun Family Spring Break Ideas

If you have specific accommodations in mind, you’ll want to book as early in the season as possible, since some accommodation types can fill up fast.

Read: How To Choose The Best Stateroom

Which perks are the best value?

That’s one of the best things about booking during wave season: You get to decide which offer and which perk best fits your vacation desires.

When considering the different Celebrity perks that might be offered, think about what you’ll most want to do while aboard the ship. Is onboard credit, which will let you spend at the ship’s casino, full-service spa, or designer boutiques the best value for you? If you know that you’ll want to pair wines with the world-class cuisine you’ll be dining on, a beverage package that includes alcohol may be just right for you.

If you’re worried about a price drop after you’ve booked your cruise, it’s good to know that Celebrity’s best price guarantee will reduce your cruise fare to the lowest prevailing cruise fare, provided certain criteria are met.

Ready to book your next vacation? Whether it’s wave season or not, you can always see our current promotions by browsing our cruise itineraries online .

Related Itineraries

Key West & Bahamas

• 4 nights ON CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
• Starting from $514 USD

Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

• 5 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• Starting from $599 USD

Nassau & Bimini

• 5 nights ON CELEBRITY SUMMIT
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• Starting from $669 USD

Key West, Belize and Grand Cayman

• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY APEX
• Starting from $1004 USD
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• Starting from $1087 USD

Ultimate Southern Caribbean

• 10 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $1638 USD

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Home » Cruise » Cruise News » All the 2024 Wave Season Offers From Your Favorite Cruise Lines

All the 2024 Wave Season Offers From Your Favorite Cruise Lines

The 2024 Wave Season is upon us, and the cruise lines have some great deals on offer, like discounted fares, room upgrades, OBC, and more.

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With the holidays over, it’s that time of year again. The 2024 Wave Season is upon us, and the cruise lines have some great deals on offer. From discounted cruise fares, to room upgrades, onboard credit, and more, now is the time to start planning (and booking) your travel for the upcoming year.

If you are wondering where to start, we have a look at the best new cruise ships to sail on in 2024 on our blog and YouTube channel .

Call to Book Your Next Cruise Now: 1-855-228-5584!

Celebrity Cruises Announces Semi-Annual Sale

With the new year well under way,  Celebrity Cruises  is celebrating their biggest offer of the year:  the Semi-Annual Sale. Available now through April 7, 2024, travelers can enjoy 75% off their second guest’s cruise fare (non-refundable deposit rates) or 50% off their second guest (refundable deposit rates). And they can save up   to an additional $200 per stateroom on select dates.  

Sailing to all seven continents and nearly 300 destinations, Celebrity Cruises is making it easier than ever for travelers to explore the world and visit their bucket-list destinations, including brand new three and four-night Caribbean itineraries. 

Eligible itineraries for these huge savings include Celebrity Cruises biggest Caribbean season yet. Nine of Celebrity’s award-winning resorts at sea will sail the region. In addition, select sailings will call on Perfect Day at CocoCay, providing access to an exclusive private island experience.

On top of Caribbean escapes, this year Celebrity Cruises guests can explore Alaska like never before, soak up the history and romance of Europe’s cultural hotspots, or take in the breathtaking views of the Norwegian Fjords  – and all from the comfort of a revolutionary Edge Series ship.

Highlights for 2024:

• For the first time, travelers will have the opportunity to getaway every weekend on  Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Summit sailing  new three and four-night itineraries. From Friday to Monday, travelers will have the opportunity to break free from their routines and recharge in the Caribbean.
• Celebrity Ascent,  Celebrity Cruises’ fourth and newest ship in the brand’s award-winning Edge Series, embarks on her debut Caribbean season.   
• Celebrity Beyond  is spending her first summer season in the Caribbean and from May 2024 will also be offering Celebrity guests the private island experience of Perfect Day at CocoCay on longer itineraries. Travelers can relax on pristine sun-kissed beaches or escape to the adult-only Hideaway Beach, which includes private cabanas and a new signature restaurant.  
• Celebrity Edge , will be spending her first season in Alaska in 2024, offering guests a fully immersive experience with its unique outward facing design.  
• Celebrity Ascent  will also make her European debut in April 2024. The Edge Series ship will spend the summer in Europe offering sailings to all of the Mediterranean’s hot spots including Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, Portofino and the island of Sicily.
• As Japan continues to be one of the world’s most popular destinations, Celebrity Cruises is offering brand new itineraries to explore the very best the region has to offer.  

Princess Unveils 2024 Wave Sale 

Princess Cruises unveils offers on tap for the 2024 Wave Season, including savings of up to 40% off cruise fares, complimentary room upgrades, plus third and fourth guests’ sail for free.

The 2024 Wave Sale, available now, offers the following perks on select 2024, 2025, and 2026 sailings:

• Up to 40% off cruise fares on voyages all over the globe.
• Complimentary room upgrade offers between like-to-like stateroom types. For example, if booking the lowest priced mini-suite, the offer upgrades the location of the stateroom for free.
• Third and fourth guests sail free when booked in the same stateroom as first and second guests. So, if a family of four is booking one stateroom, the third and fourth guests’ sail free.

Best Fares of the Year

For those dreaming of making the greatest vacation memories on sun-drenched beaches with crystal clear water in the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii, visiting ancient ruins in the Mediterranean, exploring castles in the British Isles, witnessing the topaz blue beauty of the glaciers in Alaska, or exploring exquisite temples in Japan, the 2024 Wave Sale has global destinations covered with the best fares of the year.

Examples include:

• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers (Southbound) on Sapphire Princess (May 18, 2024), starting at $399
• 7-day Norwegian Fjords on Sky Princess (July 13, 2024), starting at $699
• 7-day Western Caribbean with Mexico on Regal Princess (Oct. 27, 2024), starting at $399
• 7-day Canada & New England on Enchanted Princess (Sep. 7, 2024), starting at $529
• 7-day Mexican Riviera on Discovery Princess (Nov. 30, 2024) starting at $399
• 16-day Hawaiian Islands on Ruby Princess (Jan. 3, 2025) starting at $899

Plus, those booking a 2024 Wave Sale cruise vacation can opt for the ultimate savings by adding inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These packages add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities, and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately. 

Virgin Voyages Dives Into Highly Anticipated 2024 Wave Season

As Virgin’s newest travel company – one that has already smashed industry records and regularly sees Sailor rebooking rates of more than 50% – Virgin Voyages is bringing back its most inclusive offer ever for the cruise industry’s annual wave season.

Between now and Jan. 31, travelers can purchase a voyage for one Sailor and get 70% off the second Sailor, plus up to $600 USD in a Bar Tab, depending on the voyage length. Able to be used for specialty coffees, high-end, top-shelf cocktails, or the brand’s signature Shake for Champagne feature with Moët delivery on demand, the Bar Tab tiers include:

• $600 for voyages 14+ nights
• $300 for voyages 7-13 nights
• $200 for voyages 5-6 nights
• $100 for voyages 4 nights or less

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals When Booking Your Next Cruise!

Holland America Line’s ‘Time of Your Life’ Wave Offer

Holland America Line is sailing into the annual “wave” cruise-booking season with a “ Time of Your Life ” offer. The promotion adds an extra layer of excitement to the holidays and New Year by enticing travelers to plan a memorable getaway for the upcoming year.

From Dec. 14, 2023, through Feb. 29, 2024, guests who book select summer 2024 through spring 2025 cruises with the “Have It All” premium cruise package receive a free stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free fares for kids, and reduced deposits.

As a bonus, cruisers who book by Jan. 31, 2024, also receive up to $500 per stateroom onboard credit, depending on cruise length. This is in addition to the “Have It All” perks of shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi that also are included with the cruise fare.

‘Time of Your Life’ Promotion Benefits

• Free Stateroom and Balcony Upgrades : Guests can book a verandah stateroom for the price of an ocean-view (or ocean-view for the price of an interior).
• Free Fares for Kids : Guests ages 18 and under traveling as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom can sail on select 2024 and 2025 cruises for free (taxes, fees and port expenses are additional).
• Reduced Deposits and Cruise Fare Discounts : Travelers can book their future cruise or Alaska Cruisetour with 50% reduced deposits for the first and second guests in the stateroom. Cruise fare savings up to 40% are available on sailings included in the promotion.
• Onboard Credit : Guests who book by Jan. 31 receive $100 per person onboard credit for cruises six to nine days, $150 per person for Alaska Cruisetours and cruises 10 to 20 days, $200 per person on cruises 21 days or longer, and $250 per person for Legendary Voyages. The credit can be used for a variety of amenities, including specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, gift shop purchases and more.
• $500 Europe Air Credit Offer Combinable with “Time of Your Life”:  Through Jan. 31, 2024, North American guests can still take advantage of a $500 air credit for up to two guests.

Best Cruise Values for Couples and Families 

• “Time of Your Life” fares start at $799 per person, double occupancy, for Alaska seven-day cruises. With Kids Sail Free, a family of four could pay as little as $1,598 for a stateroom on a bucket-list Alaska cruise next season. 
• In Europe, fares begin at $999 per person, double occupancy, for a Mediterranean sailing. Additionally, the $500 air credit per person applies to two guests per stateroom on Europe cruises booked through Jan. 31, 2024. Air credit guests must fly from North American gateways and use the Holland America Line Flight Ease air ticketing tool.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces January Savings Event

Atlas Ocean Voyages announces the launch of its January Savings Event combinable with the already popular Second Guest Sails Free promotion, making extraordinary journeys to Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe even more enticing. In addition to exceptional savings, several voyages now feature Up to 4 FREE Shore Excursions on select Cultural Expeditions, allowing guests to delve even deeper into the cultural wonders awaiting them.

Year-Round Expeditions with Unmatched Experiences

With less than 200 guests on board, Atlas Ocean Voyages offers an intimate yachting experience. The Second Guest Sails Free promotion is available on all 2024 and 2025 expeditions, allowing travelers to explore the world’s most captivating destinations with a companion while enjoying 50% savings from our everyday published fare.

January Savings Event – Limited Time Offer

In addition to the Second Guest Sails Free offer, Atlas is introducing a  January Savings Event  promotion. This limited-time special, combinable with Second Guest Sails Free, is applicable to select 2024 expeditions. Bookings made between January 3 and February 3, 2024, will benefit from exclusive savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom, enhancing the value of an Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition.

FREE Shore Excursions

Exclusively available on our carefully curated Cultural Expeditions by Atlas™, these complimentary shore excursions enhance the exploration of vibrant art, intriguing architecture, local music, folklore, and more. Guests can expect an immersive journey that goes beyond the typical tourist experience, connecting more deeply with the heart and soul of each captivating destination.

Whether seeking polar adventures or cultural explorations, Atlas Ocean Voyages provides year-round opportunities for unforgettable experiences. From the pristine landscapes of Antarctica to the cultural richness of Europe, guests can choose from a diverse array of expeditions, each offering a unique blend of luxury and adventure.

Oceania Cruises Commences the New Year with Exclusive Savings on Small Ship Luxury Experiences

Oceania Cruises is ringing in the new year by offering savings of up to 50% off per stateroom on a vast array of destination-immersive voyages. This unrivaled offer is available on 112 sailings in 2024 and 2025 for bookings made now through February 29, 2024.

The New Year Sale features itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Alaska, Canada and New England, and South America. These itineraries range from seven to 32 days in length.

Making the best value in luxury cruising even better, the new year savings include Oceania Cruises’ already generous  simply  MORE value promise, with virtually everything guests desire included in their voyage fare. This includes free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length); complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines, and international beers during lunch and dinner in onboard restaurants; unlimited WiFi; and free gourmet specialty dining.

Featured Sailings Include:

• Emirates & Adriatic Gems  aboard  Riviera,  Dubai to Trieste departing May 14, 2024 (15 days). Sail exotic lands right out of Lawrence of Arabia to history-rich Ionian and Adriatic seaports, including Corfu, Kotor, and Split. The New Year Sale savings of 50%: Prices from $2,629 per person for  a veranda stateroom.
• Mediterranean Stars  aboard  Insignia,  Dubai to Barcelona departing May 13, 2024 (24 days). Witness an awe-inspiring mélange of mankind’s earliest achievements at must-see cities along the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. This odyssey also follows the siren’s call to a host of Mediterranean destinations including Sicily, Sorrento/Capri, and Monte Carlo. The New Year Sale savings of 50%: Prices from $4,829 per person for a veranda stateroom.
• Turkish Ovation  aboard  Vista , Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul departing July 23, 2024 (10 days). Place Turkey center stage as you uncover Ephesus’ nearly intact Roman ruins to Bodrum’s imposing Knights Hospitaller fortress. Then, relish in the distinctive, shimmering islands of Santorini, Crete, and Cyprus. The New Year Sale savings of 35%: Prices from $2,819 per person for a veranda stateroom.
• West Africa Rhythms  aboard  Riviera , Barcelona to Cape Town departing November 14, 2024 (27 days). Let the vibrant communities of West African nations and the wilderness of Africa take center stage on this journey. Also, revel in coveted calls on the Canary Islands and overnight stays in Walvis Bay and Cape Town. The New Year Sale savings of 40%: Prices from $6,599 per person for a veranda stateroom.

Viking Launches New “Discover More” Sale

Viking launches its new the  Discover More  sale for this 2024 Wave Season, providing North American travelers with a variety of new booking incentives across the company’s collection of river, ocean, and expedition voyages. From now through January 31, 2024, Viking is offering special fares, up to free airfare and a $25 deposit on all itineraries—as well as additional savings for both new and returning guests.

“For more than 26 years, we have invited curious travelers to explore the world in comfort. We focus on the destination, and we design travel experiences for the thinking person. This approach has always allowed our guests to discover more history, science and culture when they travel with us,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As this new year begins, we look forward to welcoming returning guests back on board, as well as introducing new travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”

Viking now explores all seven continents, with river, ocean ,and expedition voyages. The cruise line calls in more than 500 ports in more than 85 countries.

Highlights of Viking’s most popular itineraries:

• Viking Homelands  (15 days; Stockholm – Bergen) . Sail historic waters and discover more of Scandinavia with overnights in Stockholm, Oslo, and scenic Bergen. See charming Ålborg and Gdańsk, and visit the grand cities of Berlin and Copenhagen. Witness breathtaking scenery from your ship as she glides through majestic Norwegian fjords in the legendary homelands of the Vikings.
• Empires of the Mediterranean  (10 days; Venice – Athens) . Sail the Adriatic and Aegean, taking in all the riches of this fabled region. On an exploration bookended by iconic Venice and Athens, discover the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Acropolis. Explore the medieval warrens of Zadar and Dubrovnik, and admire the whitewashed villages of Santorini. Delight in the beauty of Corfu and be captivated by Koper, the gateway to picturesque Slovenia.
• Rhine Getaway  (8 days; Amsterdam – Basel) . Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns, and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel, this journey reveals a landscape of beauty and culture.
• Danube Waltz  (8 days; Budapest – Passau) . Soak at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily monastic life on an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these places while cruising through spectacular scenery.
• Great Lakes Collection  (15 days; Ontario – Duluth) . Join Viking for a unique voyage across the waterways of all five Great Lakes. Experience urban centers and admire the power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey into the dense boreal forests of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
• Antarctic Explorer  (13 days; Buenos Aries – Ushuaia) . This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of famed explorers, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.
• Heart of the Delta (12 days; New Orleans – Memphis) . Immerse yourself in history and heritage on this journey bookended by New Orleans and Memphis. Attend a Privileged Access Mississippi Delta blues experience in Greenville and be inspired by the stories of famed musicians and iconic civil rights heroes. Savor Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue. And stir your soul with the rhythms of Dixieland jazz, Delta blues and gospel.

Windstar Cruises Brings Back Popular “Pick Your Perk” Savings Offer

Windstar Cruises has announced its popular holiday season sale – Pick Your Perk. For a limited time, guests who book voyages with Windstar Cruises can enjoy exceptional savings and customized experiences while traveling to iconic destinations around the globe like the Mediterranean (including first-ever sailings aboard Star Legend this winter season); the Caribbean; Greek Isles; Tahiti (with new experiences aboard the 312 guest, all-suite Star Breeze); and even the cruise line’s new destinations such as South America and the Canary Islands.

The popular savings period provides an opportunity for guests to plan their dream sea-based vacations and take advantage of discounts and special offers on all Windstar sailings through spring of 2026.

Now through Feb. 29, 2024, travelers are encouraged to “Pick Your Perk”: one free hotel night (which can be used pre- or post-cruise) OR up to $1,000 Onboard Credit. This can be used for Windstar’s award-winning shore excursions and adventures, spa services, or even special celebratory cocktails. Premium suite guests can select an upgrade to the All-Inclusive Fare which includes all alcohol, Wi-Fi, and all gratuities.

Explora Journeys Launches First Wave Promotion in the US

Explora Journeys has launched its first ‘wave season’ promotion in the US, ‘The Total Luxury Offer’. Guests can benefit from up to 40 percent savings on their journey when they book either an Ocean Terrace Suite or Ocean Grand Terrace Suite.   

The special offer is applicable for sailings on both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II up to April 2026, on reservations made by January 31, 2024. Guests can also pay a 10 percent reduced deposit, and gain EUR 200 per person in Journey Experience Credit. 

The Total Luxury Offer applies to a range of journeys including:  

• A Celestial Caribbean and Creole Soul , 10 nights, March 8-18, 2024. Miami to Bridgetown on  EXPLORA I, offering 25 percent value savings.   
• A Grand Journey Connecting Continents , 44 nights, May 6 – June 19, 2024 . Vancouver to Barcelona on  EXPLORA I , offering 40 percent value savings .
• A Journey of Limoncello Days and Catalonia Nights , 7 nights, September 2-9, 2024 . Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona on  EXPLORA II , offering 20 percent value savings .
• An Extended Journey to Sybaritic Beaches , 14 nights, September 13-27, 2024 . Piraeus (Athens) round journey on  EXPLORA I , offering 20 percent value savings .

Crystal Cruises Suite Dreams Upgrade Offer

For this year’s Wave Season,  Crystal  has announced an exclusive offer for those looking to embark on voyages in 2024. Guests booking a 2024 cruise before Jan. 31 will receive a complimentary suite upgrade, as well as dry-cleaning and garment care also included free of charge.

The promotion includes:

• Up to a three-category upgrade from an Aquamarine Veranda Suite to Sapphire Veranda Suite or from a Double Guest Room with Veranda to an Aquamarine Veranda Suite on select departures in 2024. Terms and conditions apply.  
• Complimentary garment care and dry-cleaning services.
• Only eligible for new reservations made after Dec. 14, 2023. Any changes to existing reservations would require guests to pay the prevailing rate. 

BOOK NOW: Discounted Rates on Many Cruises in 2024!

Save Up to $2,000 with Azamara’s Wave Season Offer

Azamara , the small-ship cruise line renowned for Destination Immersion and Extended Destination Days, is making a splash this wave season. The cruise line is giving travelers up to $2,000 off per stateroom on select sailings between April 1 and December 31, 2024, when booked between Dec. 6, 2023, and March 21, 2024.

With this special wave offer, Azamara invites guests to bid farewell to the hustle and bustle and savor more extraordinary moments in each destination. Extended Destination Days give travelers more time in port to explore and expand their horizons.

Travelers can save on Azamara sailings such as:

• 7-Night Greece Intensive Voyage onboard Azamara Journey   – starting at $1,323* . Starting July 6, 2024, travelers will set sail from Athens to explore the country’s rich history and charming islands. This sailing features Extended Destination Days in every port, allowing a total of 70+ hours to destinations such as Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos, and Mykonos.
• 8-Night Wine and Culture Voyage onboard Azamara Quest   – starting at $2,160* . Setting sail Sept. 3, 2024, this voyage offers special gastronomic experiences including guided tours to some of the best cider houses and restaurants in Gijon, Spain, tastings of Porto’s famous port wine, and festive meals of traditional tapas in the Old Town of La Coruña, Spain.
• 9-Night Cities of The Western Med Voyage onboard Azamara Quest   – starting at $1,728* . Beginning Oct. 31, 2024, this Mediterranean journey includes an overnight stay in Florence and Extended Destination Days in Monte Carlo, Mallorca, and Marseille, giving guests ample time to explore the iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures of each destination.

MSC Cruises Wave Season Deals

MSC Cruises  will kick-off one of the largest cruise savings seasons of the year with its New Year’s Sale. From December 27 through January 15, MSC Cruises will offer cruises starting at just $279. Guests who book during Wave Season will also receive:

• An Easy-Plus drink package
• Wi-Fi for up to two devices per stateroom
• Up to $400 onboard credit
• Kids sail free

The deal applies to sailings in the Caribbean and North America, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Southern Caribbean through Winter 2025. With so many sailings, guests can save on spontaneous trips or begin planning future vacations to a variety of destinations.

Sample MSC Cruises Deals

• A family of four booking an interior cabin for a quick 3-night getaway aboard  MSC Seashore  sailing from Port Canaveral this spring would save just over $600 compared to booking the cruise at full price and adding the extra amenities on their own.
• That same family planning a dream vacation a year from now in the same type of cabin, with 7-nights aboard  MSC Seascape  sailing from Miami, would save more than $1,600 compared to paying full price.

Will you take advantage of any of these 2024 Wave Season deals? Do you have any cruises planned for 2024 yet? Drop us an anchor below to share your upcoming cruise plans.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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It’s Wave Season: Here Are the Best Cruise Deals of 2024

Save up to 50 percent off cruise packages during wave season (January through March).

Lauren Dana Ellman

Contributor

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Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

From serene yacht-like vessels to behemoth mega-ships, today’s cruise lines have plenty to offer for every type of traveler. Fortunately, ‘wave season’ is officially in full swing, so there’s no better time to book a trip of a line suited just for you (and your budget).

If you’re unfamiliar, wave season, which takes place annually from January through March, is the period when cruise lines release some of their best deals of the year, allowing passengers the rare opportunity to snag free perks and, in some cases, thousands of dollars in savings. It’s kind of like an extended Black Friday event for cruises specifically, but you’ll also find other deals on travel in general.

Travelers can expect steep discounts on a wide array of bucket-list-worthy cruises through 2024, which means it’s not too late to plan a last-minute sailing. Meanwhile, those who like to plan ahead are also in luck: as part of wave season offers, several cruise lines also have deals on 2025 and 2026 packages.

Whether you’re dreaming of an epic Antarctic adventure, an idyllic warm-weather Caribbean escape, or simply looking for a fun way to spend your upcoming tax refund, the best wave season deals of 2024 are sure to impress even the most frugal of travelers. We’ve scoured the web to narrow down the best of this year’s wave season offerings that will have you hearing ‘Bon Voyage’ before you know it.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Best known for its fleet of floating boutique hotels, this boutique river cruise line features a slew of spectacular sailings through Europe, India, Egypt, Peru, and more. Fortunately, Uniworld has brought back its Cruise + Air offer just in time for wave season. The result? Up to $3,000 in savings for travelers who purchase cruise and air bundles on select 2024 itineraries—that is, as long as they book by January 31, 2024.

CruiseDirect

Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly family cruise or a couples-only sail, CruiseDirect has you covered with plenty of deals, discounts, and upgrades on various cruise lines and destinations. Some bonus deals include kids sailing for free, $400 dining and drink credit, and free WiFi and drink credit onboard. Best of all? CruiseDirect offers a price match guarantee.

Viking Cruises

Viking is one of very few adults-only, all-inclusive cruise lines. As part of the Discover More sale, which runs through January 31, 2024, cruisers can snag special fares plus $25 deposits on all river, ocean, and expedition sailings across all seven continents and 85 countries. Viking is also offering free airfare on select departures of Grand European Tour, Capitals of Eastern Europe, and European Sojourn, plus select Panama Canal, Hawaii, Mississippi River, Great Lakes, and Antarctica itineraries.

Oceania Cruises

Set sail in style with Oceania Cruises , a small-ship luxury line famous for its onboard culinary programming and elegant ambiance. The line’s New Year Sale , which offers up to 50 percent off per stateroom, is bookable through February 9, 2024 and available on dozens of sailings through 2025. It’s also worth noting that this promotion can be combined with the line’s value-packed simply MORE offer, which is available on 600 itineraries and features two-for-one cruise fares, plus complimentary additions like airfare, shore excursions, unlimited WiFi, gourmet specialty dining, and Champagne and wine.

Holland America

Holland America offers an elegant, refined cruising experience at prices that won’t break the bank. The acclaimed cruise line’s Time of Your Life promotion, which is available through February 29, 2024, features up to 40 percent off fares, complimentary stateroom upgrades, and free and reduced fares for kids—that is, all in addition to 50 percent off deposits and up to $400 in onboard credit. Pro tip: Combine this offer with the Have it All package to receive added perks like shore excursions, specialty dining, WIFi, and the line’s Signature Beverage Package (which includes a selection of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, specialty coffees, and more), all for a flat fee of $55 per person, per day.

Seabourn is one of the most famous small-ship luxury cruise lines out there thanks to its impressive fleet of all-suite ships, each carrying between 458 and 600 guests. Don’t miss the line’s annual Sail of the Year event, in which passengers are privy to savings of up to 25 percent on select ocean and expedition voyages. Other perks include a reduced 15 percent deposit. While the offer is technically available through February 29, 2024, those who book by January 31, 2024 can enjoy up to $1,000 in shipboard credit to be used on spa treatments, shore excursions, and more.

Virgin Voyages

Billionaire Richard Branson’s party-centric, high-energy, and adults-only cruise line has completely transformed the traditional cruising experience with its unique onboard amenities, including tattoo parlors, risque entertainment, and absolutely no buffets (instead, expect an array of over 20 complimentary eateries, which would otherwise be considered specialty dining on other liens). Don’t miss the line’s limited-edition wave season offer , which includes 70 percent off the second cruiser in your party on all sailing through 2025, plus up to $600 in premium drinks per cabin (depending on the length of sailing). This promotion ends January 31, 2024, so act fast to score.

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Those seeking a luxe, all-inclusive cruising experience complete with an ultra-swanky onboard ambiance should consider sailing with Silversea . The $4,000 Reasons to Sail with Silversea promotion runs through February 29, 2024, and is valid on voyages through April 2026. Passengers can enjoy steep savings ($4,000 off Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares, with a 15 percent reduced deposit, or $2,000 off Port-to-Port All-Inclusive fares). While both include butler service, shore excursions, food and drink, and in-country airfare and hotel, the former includes private transfers and international flights.

This Miami-based cruise line has just four ships in its fleet, though don’t let that deter you from booking. In fact, Azamara is renowned for its destination-intensive voyages, which often include late nights or even overnights in ports, allowing passengers to truly immerse themselves in each locale. Bookable through March 21, 2024, the line’s wave season offer includes savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom on select 2024 cruises.

Don’t forget to check out our coupon site to find more deals, including Nordstrom Rack coupons , Macy’s coupons , Overstock coupons , and adidas coupons.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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Everybody loves a good deal. After all, every little bit helps, especially on big-ticket items like a vacation. A cruise is the type of vacation that can hit the pocketbook hard, especially if you don’t know the ins and outs of how to find a good deal. If you’re in the market for a cruise, you may be wondering how to get the best price, where to look to find an incentive or package deal, and when is the best time to book. If that sounds like you, read on, friend. All potential cruisers can benefit from a bit of education in that area, and what that really means is that you NEED to know about wave season.

What is wave season?

Wave season is the time when you can get the best deals, the best package offers, and the best incentives on booking a cruise. The prices during wave season will be highly competitive, and you’ll find the smokin’ hot deals on cruises throughout the year, including short term incentives, and sometimes even deals on cruises up to two years in advance. You may be wondering why they call it wave season, and there is a simple answer: during wave season, you can expect a wave of great deals on vacation that cruise the ocean’s waves. If you’re thinking of taking a cruise, you’ll definitely want to shop around during wave season.

When is it?

Traditionally wave season runs January through March, and for good reason — immediately after the holidays is when many people start planning their vacations for the upcoming year, which leads to an influx of cruise bookings. The cruise lines noticed this pattern years ago and decided to capitalize on it. To take full advantage of wave season deals, plan on booking earlier in the season rather than later, as prime sailings and prime destinations may fill up early, if the deals are hot enough (and they usually are). Some cruise lines occasionally offer discounts for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holidays, but wave season is always a sure thing. You know you’ll find a steal-of-a-deal if you shop wave season.

Which cruise lines participate?

Pretty much all. Wave season has become an industry standard over the years, and now everybody joins in the fun, from major cruise lines to smaller ones. You’ll find wave season deals on ocean cruises and river cruises, big ships and small ships, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and everything in between. Expect better deals from the larger companies, but you’ll see discounts across the board.

Different types of deals.

Wave season deals come in many shapes and sizes. Your standard deal is just a discounted purchase price, but that’s just the jumping off point. When it comes to saving cash off your purchase price, it may come in the form of a straight-up discount, like 25% off the standard rate, for example. It may also come in the form of cash back as an onboard credit, reduced or waived deposit, BOGO cruise fare, and/or reduced price for additional passengers (or sometimes even kids sail free!).

Outside of cost savings on the initial booking, many cruise lines offer freebies and/or perks that can add value to your experience. You may find offers for things like complimentary beverage packages, shore excursions, cabin upgrades, internet access, and other onboard experiences. You can sometimes find cruise lines offering free airfare to and from your embarkation/disembarkation port, or a free night’s hotel stay before or after the cruise. Sometimes it’s an offer for prepaid onboard gratuities, or for a set amount of onboard credit to use as you see fit. It may even be a complimentary bottle of wine in your stateroom when you arrive. If you’re really lucky, you may find a combination of several of the above offers all rolled into one. The sky’s the limit during wave season.

How to book.

WorldMark by Wyndham Travel’s got your back. When it comes to finding the best wave season deals, look no further than your exclusive owner travel agency. WorldMark by Wyndham Travel has exclusive partnerships with several major cruise lines, and through those partnerships, WorldMark by Wyndham Travel is able to book any and every wave season deal you can find, but not only that — they often have some exclusive deals of their own, including offers you won’t find with the cruise lines or any other travel agency. Some of WorldMark by Wyndham Travel’s hottest deals can be found right here on your owner website, but some are so fresh, so good and so new, you can only get them by calling in. Call WorldMark by Wyndham Travel at 800-953-5511 before you book your next cruise and let their friendly and knowledgeable Travel Advisors get you the best deal possible for riding the waves.

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Cruising during hurricane season: What to know — and should you go?

V eteran cruisers know that fall is a great time to snag a deal on a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas. But the deals come with a big caveat: Fall is hurricane season in these regions, and there's a chance a hurricane or tropical storm could disrupt your sailing.

During most years, at least a few fall cruises are affected by storms. In some years, dozens of voyages are affected.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, even during peak hurricane season weeks (more on that below), most sailings in the Caribbean and the Bahamas are completed without a hitch. Here's what you need to know before committing to cruising during hurricane season in these regions.

When is hurricane season for cruises?

In theory, a hurricane or tropical storm can develop in the Atlantic at any time. Still, the vast majority of such storms — about 97%, according to the National Hurricane Center — occur between June 1 and Nov. 30 of any given year. This is the period known as hurricane season in the Atlantic, and it typically brings about 14 named tropical storms, half of which become hurricanes.

Within this time frame, the peak period for tropical storms in the Atlantic, by far, is the weeks between mid-August and mid-October. This is the key "iffy zone," as I like to call it, for cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas , as well as sailings out of eastern U.S. ports to Bermuda and New England.

Still, even during peak weeks for hurricane formation, the odds of your cruise being affected by a hurricane are relatively small. A glance at any cruise booking site will show hundreds of sailings departing for the Caribbean and the Bahamas each year during cruise hurricane season. In most years, though, only a small portion of these are affected by tropical storms.

Even during the busiest of hurricane seasons, there will be many weeks without a single tropical storm in the Caribbean or Bahamas. When a large storm does swirl through the Caribbean or Bahamas, it'll likely only affect a small portion of the region and, thus, only a small number of cruise ships.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Caribbean is enormous in comparison to the size of a typical hurricane. The distance between Belize, on the western end of the Caribbean Sea, and the easternmost Leeward Islands is nearly 2,000 miles. The hurricane-force winds of a typical small hurricane, by contrast, extend just 25 miles out from its center. The hurricane-force winds from a large hurricane might extend as far as 150 miles from its center.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Even a giant hurricane that is bearing down on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands (a common port on Eastern Caribbean sailings), for instance, is likely to have little or no impact on a Western Caribbean or Southern Caribbean sailing happening at that time.

Trying to predict where tropical storms will hit in any given year is a fool's game. But if you're playing the odds, one area that is known for seeing fewer storms on average is the southern part of the Caribbean. The southerly islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (common stops on Southern Caribbean itineraries), in particular, are far south of the typical hurricane track and experience few fall storms.

How many hurricanes are expected in 2024?

For the 2024 hurricane season specifically, Colorado State University's tropical weather and climate team is predicting an "extremely active" year with 23 named storms for the season as a whole, of which 11 would become hurricanes.

Of those, five could become major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or more, according to the forecast.

The Colorado State team cited record warm tropical and eastern subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures as a primary factor for the elevated forecast.

The Colorado State forecast was released on April 4.

The U.S. government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to release its official forecast for the number of named storms and hurricanes in 2024 in May.

Your hurricane season cruise itinerary could change

When a tropical storm does appear in one part of the Caribbean or Bahamas, the standard response from cruise lines is to reroute ships in that area to other parts of the Caribbean or Bahamas that are well clear of the storm. This can mean a last-minute change to your cruise itinerary.

Depending on the forecasted track of the storm, the change could be relatively minor — a port stop being pushed back by a day, for instance, or one port being swapped for another port. It could also be far more significant.

To avoid storms, cruise lines will sometimes completely rework an itinerary. A ship on an Eastern Caribbean sailing to such stops as St. Thomas and St. Kitts might reroute to such Western Caribbean ports as Cozumel, Mexico, and Falmouth, Jamaica.

In some cases, a storm will cause a port to be dropped from an itinerary with no new port added as a replacement. Occasionally, you'll see cruises shortened or extended by a day or two or even three.

The latter situation can occur when a storm is forecast to pass between a ship and its home port around the time the vessel is scheduled to be heading home. The ship either will return to the home port early to arrive before the storm or stay out at sea for extra days to wait for the storm to pass.

Related: 26 cruise secrets from a cruising expert that will blow your mind

In rare cases when a home port closes due to a storm, ships have been known to sail to an alternative port to drop off passengers. In such situations, the vessels sometimes will depart on their next cruise from the alternative port. Cruises are canceled occasionally when a home port experiences extended disruptions related to storms, but this is relatively rare.

You aren't entitled to compensation for itinerary changes

Cruise lines aren't obligated to offer you compensation if they change an itinerary due to weather. The fine print in cruise contracts allows them to make such changes when they see fit. However, that doesn't mean they never offer compensation.

In the case of a port swap — when one port is substituted for another — there typically isn't any compensation offered. When a port is missed without a substitute, though, there's a chance you might be offered an onboard credit as compensation. Just don't count on it. Lines will also refund the cost of any prepaid shore excursions scheduled for the missed port and the portion of port taxes and fees you paid in advance that are associated with that port.

In the case of a shortened voyage, lines will typically offer a prorated refund for the lost days. On the flip side, when cruises are extended, lines generally won't charge passengers anything more for the extra days — at least for room, board and entertainment. Passengers typically will still have to pay for onboard extras such as drinks and spa treatments.

When cruises are shortened or extended due to weather, cruise lines will often aid passengers who need to change post-cruise travel plans. They might offer free phone calls from the ship or free internet access to make it easier for passengers to contact airlines and hotels to make changes.

You won't get a refund if you cancel a cruise to avoid a storm

As a rule, cruise lines don't offer refunds to passengers who cancel a voyage on short notice, even if there's a big storm brewing in the area where the cruise is scheduled to take place.

If you see there's a hurricane churning toward the Caribbean a few days before your departure, you can't call your cruise line, cancel the trip and expect to get your money back.

From the cruise line's point of view, the cruise will go on — it just might be adjusted a bit. (Or not, depending on how the storm tracks over the coming days.) As far as the line sees it, you're still about to get what you paid for: a wonderful cruise vacation.

That said, there are exceptions to the rule. When a line knows in advance that a storm will cause a significant alteration to a voyage (for instance, lost days due to a delayed departure), it sometimes will allow passengers to cancel for a refund or credit toward a future cruise.

This happened in 2017 when some lines delayed departures out of Florida as Hurricane Irma approached. The lines that delayed departures allowed passengers to cancel for a refund in the form of a cruise credit. Alternatively, passengers could proceed with the shortened trips and receive a prorated refund for the missed days.

Related: The best time to cruise to the Bahamas

When a line cancels a departure outright, it's sometimes the case that it will offer passengers both a refund for the trip and a future cruise credit they can apply to their next sailing. This sort of response was on display in 2017 as Irma's approach prompted some lines to cancel itineraries altogether.

One problem that cruisers encounter in these (relatively rare) situations where a cruise line cancels a sailing due to a storm is that the cancellation usually comes at the last minute. That could leave you in limbo in the days leading up to your cruise, wondering whether your cruise is on or not. If a hurricane is headed for your departure port, you might have to decide whether to travel to the departure port (and possibly into a dangerous storm) or stay home and risk losing all the money you paid for the sailing.

Each line approaches compensation issues differently, and some are historically more generous than others in offering compensation when storm-related disruptions occur. The responses from lines can also vary depending on the circumstances surrounding any given storm.

To avoid remorse, my advice is to go into any hurricane-season booking assuming you will not be compensated for storm-caused itinerary changes and not be able to get a refund if you cancel the trip at the last minute.

The risk of the above is one reason you will generally get a cruise during hurricane season at a lower price than you would during other seasons.

Build wiggle room into your hurricane season travel schedule

If you're booking a cruise during hurricane season, keep in mind that tropical weather can affect not only cruise ships but airplanes, too.

If you're flying to your cruise departure point, build in plenty of wiggle room in case air travel is affected by a big storm and flights are delayed. Your flight could be delayed by a storm that is far away from the destination where you are flying. During hurricane season, tropical storms moving through the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico and up the East Coast of the U.S. can sometimes snarl air traffic across a wide swath of North America.

At TPG , we always suggest that cruisers head to their departure ports at least a full day in advance of their sailings just to be safe, and this is doubly important during hurricane season. You don't want a delayed flight to be the reason you miss your cruise .

Travel insurance is key for fall cruises

It's always a good idea to book flights and cruises with a card that provides travel protections — and this is especially important during hurricane season.

Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , will reimburse you for at least some of the costs of trip delays, cancellations and interruptions related to severe weather if you have booked the trip on the card. The travel protection benefits provided by such cards may also reimburse you for expenses when your baggage is lost or delayed.

Just be warned that these benefits often come with a lot of fine print that can make it tough to collect in some circumstances.

You can also buy separate travel insurance just for the single trip that will provide reimbursement if you experience trip delays, cancellations or interruptions. These plans include a lot of fine print that limits the circumstances where they are valid, and they vary widely in what they offer.

While travel insurance policies often will cover the cost of changing a flight or pre-cruise hotel reservation if a storm delays your cruise departure, they generally don't offer compensation in the case that a cruise line changes the ports on your cruise due to a storm. Travel insurance policies also won't help if you cancel a cruise to avoid a storm — unless you've bought a pricey "cancel for any reason" policy.

Also note that to make any claim under a travel insurance policy related to a cruise marred by a hurricane or tropical storm, you have to have bought the policy before the storm formed and was officially named.

Related: The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans

You may experience rough seas

Cruise lines will reroute ships by hundreds of miles to avoid tropical storms and hurricanes. That doesn't mean you can always expect smooth sailing during hurricane season.

If a big storm is present in the Caribbean or Bahamas, there's a chance you'll feel some motion on your vessel, even if it's far from the center of the storm. Swells from big storms can travel thousands of miles.

If you're particularly prone to seasickness , hurricane season might not be the best time for you to cruise. But don't panic. Cruise ships are built with sophisticated stabilizers that tamp down the effects of waves. As ships have gotten bigger, on average, they've also become more stable. It takes a lot to move a giant vessel like Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — at 236,857 tons, it's one of the world's largest cruise ships.

Any rough seas you may experience due to a nearby storm are likely to be temporary. Many cruise ships operating in the Caribbean can sail at speeds of up to 22 knots, or about 25 mph. That means they can move as much as 300 miles in one day. You can be somewhere stormy and rough one day only to find yourself in sunny and clear conditions a day later.

Just as airline pilots maneuver to avoid turbulence , cruise ship captains and their headquarters-based overseers are keenly aware of passenger safety and comfort. They aren't shy about making a call to reposition a vessel to calmer seas.

Be careful booking shore excursions during hurricane season

Not all cruisers book shore tours through their cruise line. Some book excursions through alternative tour companies such as Viator or PortSide Tours. If you go this route for a hurricane-season cruise, be sure to check cancellation policies before prepaying for excursions.

While cruise lines will automatically refund you for prepaid shore excursions you've booked directly with them in the case of a canceled port call, it isn't a given that an outside tour company will do the same. Some will, for sure, but others require a nonrefundable deposit that may be hard to get back, even in the case of a storm-caused itinerary change. (Note: Travel insurance policies sometimes cover the cost of lost nonrefundable deposits.)

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Bottom line

Cruises that take place in the Caribbean and the Bahamas during the height of hurricane season can be an incredible deal, and many are completed with nary a problem. However, before booking one, you want to be sure you're OK with the idea that your itinerary could change on short notice or be disrupted in some other way. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

If you're booking a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas to see a specific destination — St. Kitts, for instance, or the British Virgin Islands — a hurricane-season cruise may not be for you. However, if you're flexible and want a fun and inexpensive getaway at sea, there's no reason to fear a fall sailing.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your 1st cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last year. This year should be about the same.

Juneau’s 2024 cruise ship tourism season is just around the corner as the  first ship of the year  — the Norwegian Bliss — is slated to arrive early Tuesday morning.

Last year, the capital city saw its busiest season ever — welcoming more than 1.6 million passengers. On the busiest days, Juneau welcomed upwards of 21,000 cruise visitors. 

Juneau Tourism Manager Alix Pierce said this year likely won’t top last year’s record-breaking season. She expects to see about the same number of visitors.

“I think it will run a lot more smoothly, and things will be better,” she said. “Generally, our tour operators know what to expect. They know what kind of volume to expect, and they’re gearing up and getting ready.”

In a survey conducted last fall, about 64% of Juneau residents said they wanted to keep the local tourism volume about the same or reduce it slightly. 

But some major problems did crop up during 2023’s record season — things like heavy  downtown congestion , the Mendenhall Glacier reaching  its tour capacity  and business owners saying it was just hard to keep up.

One big change this year for controlling the traffic will be a new limit of  five large ships  per day. 

During a tourism panel on Thursday, Cruise Lines International Association Alaska spokesperson Renee Reeve said that agreement with the city will be key to flattening growth in the coming years.

“I think what that shows is industry’s commitment and CBJs commitment to making this place somewhere that visitors want to visit, and somewhere that the residents want to live,” she said.

A limit on the number of ships does not necessarily mean fewer passengers. But an even bigger change could be coming in 2026. Pierce said the city is in the early stages of negotiating with cruise lines to limit the number of passengers that come off their ships each day. 

“The best thing that we can come up with are daily passenger caps to keep our numbers relatively flat or decrease a little bit,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some of these things come to fruition, and then seeing how it feels in terms of passenger volume, and numbers and what that means for us as a destination.”

Last season, cruise ship passengers spent a total of $320 million in Juneau, according to a  report that came out last fall.  To support that business, it’s estimated that more than 3,000 people in Juneau worked jobs that were directly related to tourism. 

Local tour operators faced a tough situation after they sold out on  bus trips to the Mendenhall Glacier  halfway through the season, which meant more tourists stayed downtown.

This year, the city plans to send extra buses to follow the city buses that carry people out to the glacier to handle the overflow. Pierce said local operators are also trying to balance their permits over the season to reduce congestion on buses and downtown.

“They’re offering more city tours that go to other sites where you can see the glacier from elsewhere. So they’re trying to pick up that volume in different ways,” she said.

In April, about one-to-three ships will port in Juneau per week before ramping up to three-to-five ships per day by the latter half of May. Ships will continue to port in Juneau nearly every day before winding down in late October. 

And as tourism kicks up for the summer, residents can send in complaints and concerns to the city’s  tourism hotline.

Clarise Larson, KTOO - Juneau

Related articles more from author, kivalina fire cuts electricity, cellphone service, dunleavy says new polling data shows alaskans want education reform with bsa increase, a collective of doulas and midwives is helping alaska native mothers stay connected to their roots.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Over a Dozen Voyages in 2025 — What to Know

Guests impacted by the cancellations will receive a full refund and a 10% discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit towards any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling over a dozen cruises 2025.  The cruise line is nixing multiple voyages throughout next year, Norwegian confirmed to Travel + Leisure on Friday. "The recent 2025 itinerary cancelations are a result of varied events including the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and Israel, modified dry dock schedules for ship enhancements, a full ship charter, and lastly, to accommodate the demand for shorter close-to-home voyages to the Bahamas," a spokesperson for the cruise line told T+L.

The affected itineraries are as follows:

• Norwegian Epic - , Feb. 20, 2025, Nov. 1, 2025, Nov. 11, 2025
• Norwegian Jade - Mar. 4, 2025, Mar. 13, 2025, Mar. 24, 2025
• Norwegian Pearl - Apr. 19, 2025, May 5, 2025, May 16, 2025, Oct. 15, 2025
• Norwegian Sky - May 27, 2025, Jun. 5, 2025
• Norwegian Spirit - Jan. 1, 2025, May 17, 2025
• Norwegian Star - May 18, 2025, May 29, 2025, Jun. 9, 2025,
• Norwegian Viva - May 27, 2025, Sep. 20, 2025, Sep. 29, 2025

The spokesperson also shared with T+L that guests impacted by the cancellations will receive a full refund and a 10% percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit towards any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025. "In addition, we understand the inconvenience and frustration this disruption may cause affected guests, so we have shared alternative sailings similar to their original booking," the spokesperson added, encouraging impacted guests to head to contact the company at 1-800-327-7030 for more information.  

In February 2024, NCL also announced it would no longer dock in Venice, Italy, due to restrictions of the waterways.  “While we have made every effort possible to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver,” a spokesperson from NCL told T+L at the time.  Despite the cancellations, the cruise industry continues to rebound since COVID-19 closures. The industry is expected to grow to 130 million global passengers in 2026, which is up from 73 million global passengers in 2022, according to a 2023 report from the Cruise Lines International Association.