Wave Season Is Here—But Not All Deals Are Created Equal

February 2, 2026

January through March marks Wave Season, the most important booking period of the year for cruises. This is when cruise lines traditionally release their strongest promotions.

But here’s the truth many travelers don’t realize:

Not all Wave Season “deals” are actually great deals.

This year, we’re taking a closer look at what truly makes the best Wave Season value—and why the cheapest price isn’t always the smartest choice.

Why Wave Season Looks Different in 2026

The Cruise World Has Changed

Cruising is booming. Ships are filling faster, often months—or even over a year—in advance. Because of this strong demand, last-minute deals are becoming harder to find.

Instead of prices dropping closer to departure, travelers who wait often face fewer cabin options and higher prices.

That’s why Wave Season offers leverage—not necessarily because fares are rock-bottom, but because it gives you more control and better options.

What Makes a Great Wave Season Deal Today?

1. Choice Is the Real Advantage

AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will cruise in 2026, a record number. Carnival has already shared that nearly half of its 2026 inventory is booked at historically high prices.

Wave Season often includes:

  • Lower deposits
  • More flexible booking terms (depending on the cruise line and fare)

Our take: A great Wave deal lets you secure the sailing and cabin you want with flexibility, not just a lower price tag.

The Best Deals Protect Your Value

Many travelers assume they can simply reprice if fares drop—but policies vary widely.

For example:

  • Royal Caribbean allows repricing before final payment and may refund the difference.
  • Celebrity may reduce the fare but notes that surcharges can apply.

Here’s the hidden risk: repricing can sometimes mean losing included perks from your original booking.

Our take: The best deal isn’t always the deepest discount. It’s the one that protects your perks—or gives you more value without taking anything away.

“Guarantee” Cabins Come With Trade-Offs

Guarantee (GTY) cabins can save money, but they come with less control. You’re guaranteed a category—not a specific cabin—and assignments can happen as late as embarkation week.

If cabin location matters to you (deck, midship placement, noise concerns), this can backfire.

Our take: GTY cabins aren’t really a guarantee for you—they’re a tool for cruise lines to manage inventory. Great if you’re flexible, a bad deal if you’re not.

Group Space Isn’t Just for Groups

This is one of the most overlooked value opportunities in cruising.

Group space can include:

  • Locked-in rates
  • Better terms
  • Extra perks

And booking into a group doesn’t mean you have to travel with the group the entire time.

Our take: Group fares can often beat public promotions—especially for high-demand sailings and cabin categories.

The Real Deal Reduces Your Total Cost

Promotions like “50% off” sound great—until you add drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, excursions, and gratuities. Those extras add up quickly.

Our take: A true deal lowers what you’ll spend overall, not just the headline fare. That’s why we focus on total value, not flashy discounts.

The Bottom Line

The best cruise deals aren’t just about low prices. They’re about:

  • The right ship
  • The right cabin
  • The right itinerary
  • The right inclusions