41 Hidden Cruise Deals Only Seasoned Travelers Know About

22. Ride the "Wave Season" & Key Sales Events

Beyond general off-peak timing (#1), watch for industry-wide sale periods. "Wave Season" (typically January through March) is when cruise lines release many of their best offers for the year ahead, often including fare discounts plus valuable perks like drink packages or onboard credit. Also, keep an eye on major retail holidays like Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, as cruise lines frequently launch limited-time promotions with significant savings during these windows. Planning your booking around these key dates can yield substantial rewards.