What Is National Cruise Vacation Month?
How CLIA’s cruise month moved from February to October, and what it means for travelers.
Get Free Cruise QuotesA Short History of the Month
National Cruise Vacation Month began as CLIA’s annual promotion of cruising to the traveling public. For years it took place in February, the heart of the industry’s busiest booking period.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Before 2005 | CLIA held National Cruise Vacation Month in February, promoting cruising through media appearances and travel agency events. |
| 2005 | CLIA moved the month from February to October, so agents could give it more attention outside the busy winter booking season and help generate winter bookings. |
| October 2005 | The new October month was timed with CLIA’s first cruise3sixty conference for travel agents, held in Fort Lauderdale from September 30 to October 2, and featured “The World’s Largest Cruise Night” on October 19 at member agencies. |
| 2015 | CLIA was promoting October as National Plan a Cruise Month, with consumer sweepstakes and encouragement to book through CLIA-certified travel agents. |
| Today | October remains associated with cruise planning. CLIA’s Australasia region runs an October Cruise Month, and travel advisors in North America continue to use the month for cruise promotions. |
Why February Became October
February is part of what the industry calls Wave Season, the busy stretch from January to March when many travelers book and cruise lines launch big promotions. Holding a consumer awareness month in the same weeks meant it competed with everything else agents were doing. Moving it to October gave the campaign its own space and gave travelers an earlier nudge to start planning.
That shift is the reason this site exists. October is a natural “first look” month; Wave Season is when many people make their final decision. Read October to Wave Season for how to use both.
Who CLIA Is
CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association, is the cruise industry’s largest trade association. Its members include most major ocean and river cruise lines, and it runs certification and training programs for travel advisors. You can learn more on the CLIA website.
A CLIA-certified advisor or an experienced cruise specialist can save you time by narrowing choices and explaining the fine print. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle every quote request personally.
About the Month
Who created National Cruise Vacation Month?
CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association, which represents cruise lines and travel agencies. It promoted the month to consumers and to its member travel agents.
Is it the same as National Plan a Cruise Month?
They are the same idea. CLIA moved National Cruise Vacation Month to October in 2005, and by 2015 it was promoting October as National Plan a Cruise Month. Campaign names and activities have varied over the years.
Is there an October cruise month outside the US?
Yes. CLIA’s Australasia region runs an October Cruise Month for travelers in Australia and New Zealand, with weekly themes; in 2025 they covered ocean, river, expedition and luxury cruising.
Celebrate the Month With a Plan
Tell us the cruise you have been dreaming about. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will turn it into a real itinerary and send free quotes.
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