If you’re looking to book a cruise and want to save some money, you need to know about one of the cruise industry’s biggest secrets for getting a deal: Wave Season.
I get this question all the time: “Clark, when is the best time to book a cruise?” My answer is simple: You want to book during Wave Season.
Clark Howard’s Cruise Secret: How To Land the Best Deals
Wave Season is the cruise industry’s biggest promotional period, usually running from January through March.
It follows the holidays. It comes right after Christmas, which is key to understanding why it works. The cruise lines know that after the holidays, many people are “tapped out” financially.
The cruise lines are hungry for your business. By January, cruise lines have a good handle on their inventory for the entire year, and sometimes even for sailings two or three years out. To get those bookings secured early, they roll out their best discounts and perks.
It’s the “Black Friday” of cruising. It used to be called “Wave Week,” but now the calendar is spread out and it’s become a full season. This is the prime time to shop for deals that include things like onboard credit, free drink packages, or reduced deposits.
Best Strategy for Booking During Wave Season
Keep in mind that booking during Wave Season doesn’t guarantee the absolute cheapest price on every single sailing. However, it is the best time to find a great overall value with the best combination of low fares and added benefits.
Here’s my money-saving advice for cruising:
Be a Calendar Commando
The more you can use the calendar as your friend, the more you’ll save.
The prices for a cruise vary so much from week to week, even for the exact same ship and itinerary. This is based on how many cabins have already sold and the anticipated demand for a particular week.
If you have a particular ship you want to go on, look at the rates week by week. You’ll be absolutely shocked at how different they are from one week to the next. Avoid peak times when kids are out of school, like the summer or spring break, to find the best deals.
Comparison Shop Beyond the Cruise Line
I always tell you to compare prices, and cruise booking is no different. Once you know which cruise line and itinerary you want, you need to check third-party discounters.
A lot of times, a third party will offer a superior deal to buying directly from the cruise line. This could be in the form of lower prices, or they might throw in enough extra benefits — like more onboard credit or a free specialty dining package — that it makes their offer the clear winner.
Final Thoughts
Remember, my philosophy is all about getting the most value for your money. Wave Season is the time to plan ahead, compare prices like a maniac, and lock in your dream cruise for less.
