From October to Wave Season
Plan in October, compare offers in January — how the two seasons work together.
Get Free Cruise QuotesTwo Seasons for Two Jobs
October and Wave Season work best as a pair. October is for deciding what you want; Wave Season, from roughly January to March, is when the cruise lines launch many of their largest promotions and when many travelers book.
| October (National Cruise Vacation Month) | Wave Season (January – March) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Planning, research and early booking | Promotions and booking decisions |
| Best for | Fixed dates, specific cabins, holiday sailings, next summer’s Alaska and Europe | Flexible travelers waiting for an offer on a short list of sailings |
| What to expect | A wide choice of ships and cabins; offers vary by line | Many lines run limited-time promotions with added amenities or reduced deposits; terms vary |
| Your task | Build a short list and budget | Compare offers on your short list and book |
Where to Find Live Offers
This site does not list cruise deals, because offers change daily and an out-of-date price helps no one. Our sister site WaveSeason.com is built for exactly that: it gathers current cruise line promotions in one place, and its Wave Season news page tracks new offers as they are announced.
When you see an offer you like, ask our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise to price it for your dates and cabin. They will confirm what is included and whether it beats the fare you already have.
Booked in October? You May Still Benefit Later
Booking early does not always mean missing out on later promotions. Depending on the cruise line and fare type, an advisor may be able to request a fare adjustment or added amenities if a better offer appears before your final payment date. Policies differ by line and change from time to time, so ask before you book and again when Wave Season begins.
The Official Cruise Directory lists cruise lines, ships and destinations if you want to research further, and Cruising for Less explains how cruise pricing and discounts work.
How to Judge a Wave Season Offer
- Compare like with like. An offer on a different cabin category or a different date is not a saving on the trip you wanted.
- Price the extras. A drinks package, Wi-Fi or onboard credit has value only if you would have paid for it anyway.
- Read the fare rules. Some promotional fares are non-refundable or limit changes; a flexible fare may be worth a little more.
- Watch the deadline, not the hype. Promotions often end on a set date, but similar offers can reappear later in the year.
With a short list prepared in October, each of these checks takes minutes rather than days.
Get Ready for Wave Season Now
Tell us your short list or your dream trip. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price it now and watch for better offers.
Get Free Cruise Quotes