Ready to catch a wave? No, we’re not talking about surfing. We’re talking about some of the best cruise deals of the year, whether you want a mega ship with lots of bells and whistles, an expedition cruise to far-flung locales, a small ship, or a river cruise.
“Wave season is the cruise industry’s annual time to shine, with sales, value adds, and deals offered by cruise lines of all types in an effort to encourage travelers to book their upcoming trips,” Chris Gray Faust, executive editor of Cruise Critic, said. “Typically, wave season runs from January through March, but in recent years, we’re seeing a bit of an extension. ... with some deals lasting through April or May.” AAA projects that 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises this year, a 4.5 percent increase over 2024.
Other deals may last only a few weeks, with new ones replacing them. Carnival Cruise Line’s deals, for example, aren’t announced in advance, so if you see one that appeals to you, book it. Many of these deals have reduced deposits, which makes that easier. What appeals to you most?
Faust noted that savings may include two-for-one fares, kids cruise free, onboard credits for things such as beverage packages, specialty dining, cabin upgrades, and even complimentary airfare on international flights. Some lines are waving single supplements.
“The value-add perks are definitely savings to keep an eye on, as those can oftentimes exceed the savings you’d find in a fare discount and can help save on the additional costs you’ll likely incur onboard, helping to make your trip even more inclusive.” (Check Cruise Critic’s best wave season deals here. They are updated throughout the season.)
This is a good time to work with a travel adviser who is an expert on cruising, as in addition to finding you the best deal, he or she can advise you on the best cruise line and ship for your family’s travel style.
Here is a sampling of the deals out there:
We have just happily sailed the Hurtigruten MS Trollfjord up the Norwegian coast chasing the northern lights. Plan a northern lights cruise, or one to a place where the sun never sets, with discounted fares of as much as 25 percent. Book by the end of April but sail until mid-2026.
All-inclusive Regent Seven Seas’ Upgrade Your Horizon deals include savings of up to 20 percent on 25 of the 350-plus voyages within the offer, available for new bookings made between now and Feb. 28. With this offer, travelers can get a two-category upgrade, 50 percent reduced deposits, and the chance to explore everywhere from Alaska to Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. When we sailed Grandeur, Regent’s newest ship, on a transatlantic cruise last spring, we especially appreciated that shore excursions and specialty restaurants were among the included amenities.
Holland America, especially popular with multi-generational groups and for Alaska, is touting its Start Your Journey Sale, with free kids’ cruise fares (those ages 18 and younger traveling as a third and fourth passenger in a cabin), free balcony upgrades, 50 percent reduced deposits, and cruise fares starting at just $129 a day.
Princess Cruises, especially popular with families, has the Come Aboard Sale, with up to 40 percent off, free room upgrades, free third and fourth guests (read that kids), and a $99 deposit. Cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean can be had right now for less than $500 a person.
Celebrity Cruises, which we sailed in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic, is offering up to 75 percent off for the second passenger in a cabin and additional savings of up to $600 per sailing, including on the new Celebrity Xcel, which debuts in the fall. There are new overnight options on some European itineraries.
AmaWaterways, the award-winning river cruise company, is touting complimentary two-, three-, or four-night pre- and post-cruise land packages on select 2025 and 2026 European river cruises, or an up to $2,000 stateroom discount. The deal is compatible with the cruise line’s AirPlus fixed airfare rates, starting at premium economy for $899.
CroisiEurope River Cruises has special multi-generational deals that offer 20 percent off for the second generation and a free cruise for the third generation up to age 16. A selection of special excursions has been developed for the CroisiFamily summer cruises, and solo supplements have been waived. For those traveling without kids, Croisi is offering up to 50 percent off for the second passenger and a free excursion package on a selection of European rivers.
Windstar Cruises, which offer smaller yachts and sailing ships and the ability to visit smaller ports, including Europe in the winter, is touting Pick Your Perk options that include one free hotel night pre- or post-cruise or up to $1,000 onboard credit. Premium suite guests can instead get an upgrade to the all-inclusive fare ($99/day value). This is a good bet for adventurous families with grown or nearly grown kids.
Abercrombie & Kent, which offers all-inclusive expedition cruises across Europe and to far-flung destinations, including coastal Tanzania and the Arctic, is offering a savings of 40 percent for the second person in your cabin on select 2025 cruises. We were especially impressed by the extremely knowledgeable Expedition crew on our Arctic trip last summer, where we experienced climate change firsthand.
If you are thinking about cruising the Greek Islands, consider Greek-owned Celestyal Cruises. Save up to 50 percent, plus get an onboard credit.
A scenic view of a cruise liner deck and the ocean. Getty Images/TNS
Just remember: Booking a cruise, especially for extended family or a group of friends, can be daunting. There are some in my family, for example, who will never go on a cruise no matter how good a deal.
It’s not your fault if they don’t want to go—or go and don’t have a good time.
Bon voyage!
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