You may have heard of Wave Season from your cruise-savvy friends, but may not know what it is—or why it’s so popular. This annual event is the time when cruise lines launch their best sales for sailings departing all year long.
Wave Season typically runs from January through March, and it features some of the best deals of the year, so it’s in your best interest to book early. This year, Royal Caribbean will offer perks for everything from the pricing of your entire trip to discounts for additional guests, as well as instant savings. What’s more, nearly every ship in the fleet—including the newest, Harmony of the Seas—qualifies for these offers.* Since these deals are underway now, here are our experts’ tips for what to look for and how to make the most of them. Note: Select dates may apply, and offers are subject to change, so read the fine print before booking.
Check Early And Check Often
Expect the chance to book trips at exciting rates overall, but know there will be a rotating lineup of deals to look out for, too. Through February 28, for example, travelers can receive 60 percent off the second guest in their stateroom, as well as 30 percent off a third and fourth, on select sailings.*
You could spend the money you’re saving with these perks on purchases like VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, shore excursions and spa treatments.
Plus, for sailings on Anthem of the Seas, there will be free upgrades on things like balconies, which you could receive for the price of an oceanview accommodation, if you book by February 13. A tip: A balcony is an ideal amenity when you might want more space or are planning a trip to Alaska, where natural vistas are something you won’t want to miss, especially from your stateroom.*
Keep your eyes peeled; you never know what’s in store.
Families And Friends Really Benefit
Make no mistake: Wave Season deals are for everyone, for nearly whichever cruise vacation you’re craving, but larger parties—which carry additional logistics no matter what type of trip—might especially appreciate this time of year, when these deals amount to significant savings the larger your crew is.
This gives you the opportunity to choose from a lineup of Royal Caribbean itineraries—whether you’re eyeing a Caribbean adventure or something a little farther flung—but also the chance to organize a long-awaited reunion or extended family vacation in a way that can accommodate everyone’s budget and preferences.
Think About Weekends
Use the widespread winter downtime to scope additional best offers: some specials are announced over the weekend or on holidays. If you’re more the type to book last-minute, don’t fret: there will be plenty to entice you for spontaneous getaways—especially on weekends—as some of these offerings are designed for speedy turnaround when choosing your dates. Even better? Some offers could run for nearly a week, so if you’re one to travel on a whim, you can’t lose.
Finally, you can always look out for flash sales that are announced on the deals section of our website. There’s plenty of incentive to cruise in 2017, especially in the first part of the year, so visit Royal Caribbean often in the next months to find the offer that’s right for you.
*Full offer details available on royalcaribbean.com.
