Wave Season Is Here: The Best Cruise Deals of the Year (And Who They’re Best For)
Wave Season runs from January through March each year and is widely considered the best time to book a cruise. Cruise lines release their strongest offers of the year; often combining fare discounts, onboard credit, reduced deposits, and limited-time perks.
If you’ve been thinking about cruising in 2026 or 2027, this is when you should book.
Below are some of the standout Wave Season offers currently available across luxury, expedition, and adults-only cruise lines.
Quark Expeditions — Arctic & Polar Voyages
Quark’s Wave Season promotions focus on future Arctic sailings, making this an ideal moment for travelers planning far ahead.
Current Wave Season highlights:
Up to $3,000 USD off select Arctic 2027 expeditions
Additional 10% savings on select voyages
Applies to popular itineraries including Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage
Early booking bonuses available while inventory lasts
These itineraries sell out well in advance; Wave Season pricing offers meaningful savings on trips that rarely discount later.
Best for: Adventure travelers, wildlife lovers, clients planning once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experiences.
Virgin Voyages — Adults-Only Caribbean Cruises
Virgin Voyages’ Wave Season offers are particularly strong for couples, friends’ trips, and honeymoon-style travel.
Current Wave Season highlights:
80% off the second sailor
Up to $300 onboard credit on select Caribbean sailings
Up to $400 in free drinks
Sailings across Eastern, Western, and Deep Caribbean itineraries from Miami
These offers stack well and significantly reduce total trip cost compared to booking outside Wave Season.
Best for: Couples, adults-only groups, travelers who want a modern, lively cruise without kids.
Seabourn — Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Seabourn’s Wave Season promotions are subtle but valuable, especially for travelers who prioritize space, service, and destination-focused itineraries.
Current Wave Season highlights:
Up to 15% savings on select sailings
15% reduced deposits
Up to $1,000 shipboard credit per suite
Applicable to Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic, Mediterranean, Japan, Caribbean, and Northern Europe sailings
Enhanced solo traveler pricing on select voyages
Luxury cruise pricing rarely drops; these incentives are most attractive during Wave Season.
Best for: Luxury travelers; solo travelers; clients who want small ships and refined onboard experiences.
Aurora Expeditions — Expedition & Small-Ship Cruising
Aurora is celebrating its 35th anniversary with one of the strongest Wave Season campaigns in the expedition space.
Current Wave Season highlights:
Up to 35% off select voyages
Applies to Antarctica 2026–27, Arctic & Beyond 2026, and Small Ship Cruises 2026
Booking window: December 22, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Includes Antarctica, Iceland, Scotland, Northwest Passage, Mediterranean small-ship itineraries, and more
These are substantial savings on trips that normally sell out without incentives.
Best for: Expedition travelers; photographers; active travelers; those seeking remote destinations with expert guides.
Why Booking During Wave Season Matters
Wave Season is not just about discounts, it’s about availability and flexibility.
Booking during this period often means:
Lower upfront deposits
Better cabin and sailing selection
Added onboard credits or inclusions
Protection against future price increases
Waiting usually means paying more for fewer choices.
Ready to Book or Compare Options?
Wave Season offers are capacity-controlled and can disappear quickly, especially on expedition and luxury sailings.
If you’re considering a cruise for 2026 or 2027, now is the time to lock in pricing and perks.
📩 Reach out via thatblondetravels.com/contact to review current offers, compare itineraries, and book with the best available Wave Season advantages.