Right now, somewhere in your inbox or feed, a cruise line is offering you a deal that won’t exist next month. Maybe it’s 40% off. Maybe it’s free airfare. Maybe it’s $1,000 in onboard credit. The specifics change, but the pressure is real—and it’s intentional.
Wave Season happens once a year. For a few weeks every January through March, cruise lines unleash discounts so aggressive that booking during any other time of year feels like paying full price at a restaurant with a half-off coupon sitting on the counter.
I’ve watched thousands of readers navigate this exact moment. Some jump in immediately and save thousands. Others hesitate, overthink, and watch their ideal sailing fill up or the deadline slip past. A few miss it entirely and spend the rest of the year wondering what they could have saved.
The thing is, you don’t need to guess which deal is actually worth it or which cruise line offers real value versus marketing hype. The offers happening right now aren’t created equal, and the deadlines are closer than you think.
Here’s what’s really available this wave season, broken down by cruise line, what you’re actually getting, and how to stack savings so the math works in your favor.
Related reading: Everyone Talks About Wave Season… Here’s What Actually Makes It Worth It
Wave Season 2026 Deals Breakdown: Where to Save the Most Money
Wave Season 2026 is here. If you’re thinking about taking a cruise this year, right now is the moment that matters most. For the next few weeks—through the end of March—cruise lines are rolling out discounts, perks, and offers that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This is when you see the deepest cuts of the entire year. Cabin options are wide open. Sailing dates are plentiful. The deals are honestly unbeatable. But here’s the thing: these offers won’t stick around long, and some deadlines are already creeping closer.
Whether you’re dreaming of Caribbean warmth, Alaskan glaciers, Mediterranean history, or a peaceful river cruise in Europe, 2026’s Wave Season has something for you. Let’s look at what’s available right now.
Princess Cruises: “Come Aboard Sale”
Princess is living up to its reputation as a value leader with one of the most generous offers out there this season.
What you’re getting:
- Up to 40% off fares across all 345 destinations on all seven continents
- Up to $500 instant savings per stateroom
- 50% off deposits, so you pay less money upfront
- Free 3rd and 4th guests on select sailings—huge for families traveling together
Booking deadline: February 16, 2026
Here’s the real math on this. On a 9-night or longer cruise in a mini-suite or full suite, you pocket $500 just from the instant savings. Then you layer on the 40% off the fare itself. Take a 16-night Hawaiian Islands cruise on Ruby Princess—you’re looking at $1,229 per person for an interior cabin. That’s a serious drop from what you’d normally pay.
Popular sailings in 2026:
- 7-night Western Caribbean (Mexico): From $499 per person
- 7-night Mediterranean (Italy & Turkey): From $1,094 per person
- 4-night Pacific Coastal (Los Angeles to Vancouver): From $304 per person
- 16-night Hawaiian Islands: From $1,229 per person
- 12-day British Isles & France: From $1,580 per person
Why this deal works: Every one of Princess’s 17 ships qualifies—including the brand-new Star Princess. The free 3rd and 4th guests option? That’s a game-changer for multi-generational trips.
Royal Caribbean: Up to $1,000 Off
Royal Caribbean’s strategy this wave season focuses on flexibility and layering savings on everything.
What you’re getting:
- Up to $1,000 off fares on select sailings
- 3rd and 4th guests sail free on capacity-controlled flash deals
- Up to 40% off onboard extras: drinks packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and more
Booking deadline: Through March 2026
Sample pricing:
- 4-night Bahamas & Perfect Day: From $369–$420 per person
- 4-night Eastern Caribbean: From $369 per person
Why this deal works: You’re not just saving on the base fare. You’re also cutting costs on drinks, excursions, and Wi-Fi—the things that actually add up once you’re aboard. If you like enjoying premium amenities without sticker shock, this is your offer.
Margaritaville at Sea: “Best Sail Ever” (60% Off)
Looking for the most aggressive discount percentage? Margaritaville is swinging big.
What you’re getting:
- Up to 60% off fares
- Up to $800 in onboard credit per stateroom
- Free 3rd and 4th guests on select sailings
Booking deadline: January 31, 2026 (This one’s urgent)
Destinations: Bahamas getaways (3–4 night sailings from Tampa and Palm Beach)
Why this deal works: If you want a casual, fun Caribbean escape without pretense, combining 60% off plus $800 in onboard credit is tough to beat. That credit covers drinks, meals, activities, excursions—basically everything that normally costs extra. Your out-of-pocket drops dramatically.
Regent Seven Seas: Free Suite Upgrades + 50% Off Deposits
For luxury travelers looking for premium value, Regent’s “Upgrade Your Horizon” promotion delivers real perks.
What you’re getting:
- Free 2-category suite upgrades (up to a Penthouse Suite)
- 50% reduced deposits across all destinations
- $500 in shipboard credit per suite on select 2026 voyages
- Complimentary suite upgrades on every ship, every destination through April 2028
Booking deadline: February 28, 2026
Here’s what makes this interesting: Regent’s all-inclusive model already covers unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining, premium wines and spirits, and butler service in top categories. A free two-category upgrade can move you from a standard suite into a Concierge Suite or higher—and you’re not paying a dime more for your cruise. Plus your $500 shipboard credit covers spa, premium excursions, or fine dining.
Why this deal works: If you’ve always wanted to splurge on luxury but hesitated because of the price tag, this is your moment. A free upgrade can turn a good experience into something exceptional without spending more.
Viking Cruises: Up to 35% Off + FREE Airfare
Viking’s “Viking Savings Event” is one of the most comprehensive wave season offers out there. It combines deep discounts with travel logistics that actually matter.
What you’re getting:
- Up to 35% off all-inclusive voyages
- Up to free international economy airfare from select North American gateways
- $25 deposits on all itineraries
- Additional savings for returning Viking guests
- All-inclusive pricing covering shore excursions, Wi-Fi, beer & wine with lunch and dinner, specialty coffees
Booking deadline: January 31, 2026 (This one’s urgent)
Coverage: River, ocean, and expedition cruises on 2026–2028 departures across all seven continents (500+ ports in 85 countries)
Sample itineraries:
- 15-day Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest): From $5,999
- 8-day Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel): From $3,499
- Romantic Danube (Regensburg to Budapest): From $2,799
- Ancient Mediterranean Treasures (Istanbul to Athens): From $4,299
Why this deal works: When you calculate the value of free international airfare (typically $800–$2,000 per person) combined with 35% off the cruise and an all-inclusive model, you’re looking at thousands in total savings. Viking is rated #1 for ocean and river cruises by Condé Nast Travelers for five years running.
Cunard: “Treat Yourself, On Us” (Up to $600 Onboard Credit)
For transatlantic travelers and lovers of British elegance, Cunard brings luxury into reach during wave season.
What you’re getting:
- Up to $600 in onboard credit per stateroom
- Grill Suite bookings include drinks package plus hotel & dining service charges
- Four iconic ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Queen Anne
Booking deadline: February 25, 2026
Sample 2026 itineraries:
- America’s 250th Independence Day Crossing (July 3): From $4,449 per person
- Wellness Voyage at Sea (July 5): From $1,989 per person
- Italy & Adriatic Solar Eclipse (August 24): From $1,559 per person
- Literature Festival at Sea (November 28): From $1,899 per person
Why this deal works: Cunard brings prestige and tradition to ocean travel. The $600 onboard credit funds elegant dining, shore excursions, or spa treatments that make luxury feel more accessible.
Azamara Cruises: Up to $1,000 Onboard Credit
Azamara’s wave season is all about onboard spending power paired with immersive, destination-focused itineraries.
What you’re getting:
- Up to $1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom
- Always Azamara inclusions (over $4,500 in built-in value per voyage)
- Combinable benefits: Loyalty savings, national account amenities, back-to-back cruise credits
Booking deadline: March 31, 2026
Destinations: 200+ sailings in 2026–2027, including Asia, Alaska, and Europe
Why this deal works: The combination of $1,000 in onboard credit plus over $4,500 in built-in inclusions (shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi) means you’re paying less per day than you’d expect for a premium experience. It’s perfect if you want more time in fewer ports without overcommitting your budget.
Other Strong Wave Season Offers
MSC Cruises
- Cruises from $199
- Up to $500 onboard credit
- Kids 17 and under sail free on select sailings
- Booking deadline: January 15, 2026 (This one ends today)
Windstar Cruises
- Complimentary all-inclusive upgrade (drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities up to $99 per night value)
- Free pre-cruise hotel night
- Up to $1,000 onboard credit per guest
- Period: Through March 31, 2026
Holland America Line
- Up to 30% off fares
- Solo cabins discounted for single travelers
- Caribbean cruises from $1,749
- Booking deadline: January 31, 2026
Seabourn
- Up to 15% off select ocean voyages and expeditions
- Up to $1,000 onboard credit per suite
- Period: Wave season pricing
Swan Hellenic
- Up to $2,000 per person savings on 2026–2027 voyages
- $500 per person onboard credit
- Free Wi-Fi upgrades
- Additional perks for groups of 8 or more
How to Actually Maximize Your Wave Season Savings
Know the Deadlines
Your timeline matters. Some offers close soon, others give you breathing room.
- Immediate (by January 15): MSC Cruises
- Urgent (by January 31): Margaritaville, Viking, Holland America
- Important (by February 16): Princess Cruises
- Extended (by February 25–28): Cunard, Regent Seven Seas
- Latest (by March 31): Azamara Cruises
Stack Your Savings
Here’s a secret cruise lines don’t advertise loudly: you can combine multiple offers.
Many lines let you layer:
- Base fare discount
- Instant or onboard credit
- Loyalty program bonuses
- Deposit reductions
- Free upgrades
Example: Book a 10+ night Princess cruise and combine the 40% discount + $500 instant savings + 50% off deposit + your loyalty bonus.
Choose Your Strategy Based on What You Want
If budget is your main thing: Princess (40% off) or Margaritaville (60% off) for pure fare discounts.
If you want luxury without spending more: Regent (free upgrades) or Azamara ($1,000 onboard credit) to elevate your experience at the same price.
If you want to know your total cost upfront: Viking (free airfare + all-inclusive) or Azamara (massive built-in inclusions).
If you want a quick getaway: Royal Caribbean or Margaritaville for 3–4 night Caribbean escapes.
If you want a longer adventure: Viking expeditions or Cunard transatlantic crossings.
Think About Where and When
- Caribbean: Available year-round; late spring and early fall offer better prices
- Alaska: Book now for peak summer (June–August) availability
- Mediterranean: Late spring (May) or early fall (September) have the best weather
- River cruises: Spring and fall are premium seasons; booking early matters
Flexibility Pays Off
If you can move on:
- Sailing dates
- Cabin locations
- Departure ports
- Ship size
…you unlock the deepest discounts and the widest choice of cabins.
The Real Bottom Line
Wave Season 2026 is a historic window of savings. With interest rates high, inflation hitting retirement budgets, and travel appetite stronger than ever, cruise lines are doing whatever it takes to drive bookings.
When you add up 30–60% fare discounts, hundreds to thousands in onboard credits, free guest additions, and complimentary suite upgrades, you get to take the cruise you’ve always wanted at a price that actually makes sense.
But this won’t last. Deadlines are weeks away. Popular dates are filling fast. Once Wave Season ends on March 31, prices climb toward full-fare levels by summer.
If you’ve been thinking about a 2026 cruise, today is when you move from thinking to booking. Your wallet will thank you. Your future self, relaxing on a deck chair in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, will thank you even more.
Wave Season 2026 Savings Cheat Sheet
Want to see all the offers side-by-side without scrolling back through the details? Here’s your complete Wave Season tracker with deadlines, savings amounts, and key benefits for every cruise line we covered. Download the full spreadsheet to compare pricing, itineraries, and loyalty bonuses for each line.
| Cruise Line | Main Offer | Booking Deadline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Up to 40% off + $500 instant savings + 50% off deposits | February 16, 2026 | Budget-conscious cruisers wanting variety |
| Royal Caribbean | Up to $1,000 off + 40% off onboard extras | Through March 2026 | Families wanting onboard value stacking |
| Margaritaville at Sea | Up to 60% off + $800 onboard credit | January 31, 2026 | Quick Caribbean getaways on a budget |
| Regent Seven Seas | Free 2-category upgrades + $500 shipboard credit | February 28, 2026 | Luxury travelers wanting premium perks |
| Viking Cruises | Up to 35% off + FREE airfare + all-inclusive | January 31, 2026 | River, expedition, and all-inclusive cruisers |
| Cunard | Up to $600 onboard credit | February 25, 2026 | Transatlantic and British elegance lovers |
| Azamara Cruises | Up to $1,000 onboard credit + $4,500 built-in inclusions | March 31, 2026 | Destination-focused immersive travelers |
| MSC Cruises | From $199 + up to $500 onboard credit | January 15, 2026 | Budget cruisers with families |
| Windstar Cruises | All-inclusive upgrade + free hotel night + $1,000 OBC | Through March 31, 2026 | Upscale small-ship cruisers |
| Holland America Line | Up to 30% off + solo cabin discounts | January 31, 2026 | Solo travelers and classic cruise lovers |
| Seabourn | Up to 15% off + $1,000 onboard credit | Wave season pricing | Luxury expedition cruisers |
| Swan Hellenic | Up to $2,000 per person savings + free Wi-Fi | Wave season | Cultural and expedition travelers |
What to Do Next
- Pick your must-have destination (Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, river cruise, expedition)
- Choose 2–3 cruise lines that match your budget and what you want
- Check your deadlines against the timeline above
- Book directly with the cruise line or contact a travel advisor before your deadline passes
- Celebrate—you’ve just locked in an incredible deal on an unforgettable experience
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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