What Is Wave Season?

Wave season is the industry's name for the early year promotion period, commonly described as January through March. A promotion may change the fare, benefits or deposit terms, but it does not establish the cheapest price for your trip. Compare the actual offer.

Record the deal you can buy

Save the ship, date, cabin, guests, currency and final quote. List drinks, internet, usable credit and other included benefits. Check eligibility, excluded dates, required charges and whether you must choose a particular fare bundle.

A percentage discount needs a stated comparison price. A reduced deposit changes what is due now, not necessarily the total cost or cancellation liability. Read those conditions before treating either as a saving.

Value benefits by use

Count only what you would buy or use. Credit restricted to a particular purchase is not cash back. A children's offer needs a quote for the actual ages and cabin occupancy; its headline does not prove every fee is waived.

Passenger discussions about promotions and repricing show mixed results. They do not prove that waiting for Wave season beats booking at another time.

Track comparable prices

The price tracking guide explains how to record consistent quotes. A fare chart shows observed prices within its stated scope; it cannot by itself establish the value of changed perks or the price you would pay for a different offer.

If you already booked, check your repricing options before cancelling. Penalties, lost benefits and a different fare's terms can outweigh the visible reduction.

Choose an acceptable trip and total rather than a sale name. The booking timing guide covers the tradeoff between waiting and keeping your preferred space.