10 Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deals During Wave Season

Cruisers usually know it's wave season when their mailboxes — both email and snail mail — start filling up with promotions for last-minute sailings and plan-ahead voyages. During this savings frenzy, which happens annually from January to March, cruise lines tempt passengers to book sailings with a wide array of perks (think: second-guest discounts, two-for-one fares, free open bars, and specialty dining credits).

To help you nab the best deals, we've compiled our top ten tips for wave season. 

Be a Snoop

Most wave season deals are listed on the cruise line's website (either splashed across the homepage or tucked away under the deals or special offers tabs). Some promotions remain the same for weeks, while others may be added as cruise lines attempt to fill cabins on specific ships or sailings. 

The best way to keep tabs on the latest deals is by browsing your favorite cruise lines' websites as often as you can (we recommend checking multiple times a week). If and when you come across a sailing that sounds appealing, be sure to note the "book by" date. That way, you can keep snooping around without losing out.  

Sign Up for Deal Alerts

Cruise lines love to send out promotions to past and potential passengers, so being in the know is as easy as enrolling in email alerts. You can also sign up for deal newsletters from travel websites that spotlight discounts from individual cruise lines and online booking partners, such as ShermansTravel. 

Consider Your Stateroom Options

If rock-bottom pricing is your bottom line, you'll find some pretty incredible deals — but they are likely to be for interior (no windows) or oceanview (porthole) staterooms. These categories are perfectly comfortable and, in most cases, only a bit smaller than balcony staterooms. While most cruise lines list interior or oceanview stateroom pricing in their deals, you can spring for a balcony cabin for as little as $75 to $200 more per person.

Also, keep in mind that fares may vary by sail date — so it pays to look at all options before you book.