It might seem odd to think about summer travel before the winter holidays. However, now’s the ideal time to start planning your travels for 2025. This is especially true since the cruise vacation is firmly in its high-demand era. Travelers might find it challenging to secure a deal — and, in some cases, even a sailing. While researching this story, I came across quite a few sold-out cabins across lines in 2025.
Many cruise lines are currently offering wave season cruise deals, and passengers looking to get a jump on their vacation planning can snag significant savings.
Wave season is typically in the first quarter of each new year when cold winter weather in many parts of the U.S. has potential cruisers dreaming of warmer climates. Cruise lines have taken note, luring travelers with discounted fares and inclusions like free Wi-Fi, drinks and more.
Although we’ve been seeing wave season extending well past March for the last few years, you don’t want to take a chance and miss out on some great cruise deals.
Here’s a roundup of cruise lines’ latest offers. We’ll update this list as more lines release wave season promotions, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back often.
American Cruise Lines
Enjoy deep discounts on river cruises and coastal sailings along U.S. waterways with American Cruise Lines. Passengers who book one of the line’s 12-night Mississippi Explorers cruises between New Orleans and Memphis can save up to $2,000 on cruise fares. This deal also includes free domestic airfare. This offer expires Jan. 15.
Azamara
Book by Feb. 28, and snag up to $1,000 in onboard credit (per cabin) on select Azamara cruises in 2025. Travelers can also take advantage of over $4,500 worth of the line’s “Always Azamara” inclusions, such as complimentary room service, exclusive cultural events, unlimited beverages (beer, wine and spirits), gratuities and more. With an affinity for extended port stays and AzAmazing evenings that connect passengers with authentic local experiences, Azamara is a great way to explore destinations in small-ship style.
Celebrity Cruises
Fans of Celebrity Cruises will rake in savings of 75% on cruise fares for a second passenger during the line’s Semi-Annual Sale. Just pay the first full fare and enjoy the discount on a second one. You can also receive up to $500 in additional savings on your cruise. Book by April 7 to take advantage of this deal. The offer is valid on sailings through May 10, 2027.
Celestyal Cruises
When you book one of Celestyal Cruises‘ voyages by Feb. 28, you can save up to 50% with the line’s “Live Your Dream Holiday” offer. The discount is good for voyages through 2027. You can also enjoy onboard credit of up to 100 euros (about $105) per person, preloaded on each passenger’s CelestyalPay — a prepaid food and beverage tab the line launched in 2024 — to use in specialty restaurants, coffee bars and lounges.
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Crystal
Passengers who book a Crystal cruise by Feb. 2 for sailings departing through 2025 will be entitled to free cabin upgrades. They can also snag complimentary dry-cleaning services as part of the brand’s Suite Dreams upgrade offer.
Emerald Cruises
Take advantage of two-for-one fares on luxury river and yacht sailings with Emerald Cruises’ “Wave of Savings” promotion, which runs through Feb. 2. Free airfare is also on the table for passengers who pay in full within 30 days of booking or 120 days prior to departure (whichever is soonest). Suite guests can also save up to $1,000 per suite on select yacht and river sailings.
This deal is available on select river cruises through 2026 and select yacht cruises through 2027.
Margaritaville at Sea
Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan or you just want a short, inexpensive getaway, Margaritaville at Sea can deliver. During the line’s latest wave season promotion, you can snag 60% off all fares and up to $300 in onboard credit.
Plus, kids sail free as the third and fourth passengers when sharing a cabin with two adults. This is also a great deal for solo cruisers, as there’s no single supplement. The offer ends Jan. 31 and is good for cruises through Dec. 31, 2025, on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, and Dec. 31, 2026, on Margaritaville at Sea Islander.
Oceania Cruises
Luxury cruise brand Oceania Cruises is offering passengers up to a four-category room upgrade and a choice of one amenity. Choose from perks like free or discounted airfare, a premium drink package (unlimited wine, beer and spirits) or onboard credit of up to $1,000 (per cabin). Book by Jan. 31 to take advantage of this offer.
Princess Cruises
Want to save up to 40% on your next Princess Cruises sailing? Jump on the line’s Come Aboard Sale, which is available through Feb. 28. In addition to the savings, you can score free cabin upgrades and discounted booking deposits.
Families take note: This deal also includes free fares for third and fourth passengers (in the same cabin as first and second passengers), so kids sail free. This deal applies to select voyages from now through 2027.
Seabourn
Luxury line Seabourn‘s “Sail of the Year” promotion includes savings of up to 15% on select ocean and expedition cruises and up to $1,000 in onboard credit (per cabin) when you book by Feb. 18. The sale applies to select voyages through 2027.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic’s “Wave of Savings” sales promo includes two-for-one fares on river and yacht voyages. You can also save up to $3,000 per cabin on luxury yacht itineraries and up to $1,750 per cabin on select river sailings. This offer ends Feb. 2.
Silversea Cruises
Available until Feb. 28, Silversea‘s “Up to $5,000 Reasons to Sail” offers cruisers savings of up to $5,000 ($2,500 per person) on the line’s Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port All-Inclusive fares. Passengers will also enjoy a 15% reduced deposit. This offer applies to hundreds of ocean and expedition sailings departing through 2027.
Windstar
Known for its high-end sailings in French Polynesia, Windstar Cruises is giving cruisers a choice of either one free hotel night (pre- or post-cruise) or up to $1,000 onboard credit during its “Pick Your Perk” promotion. You can apply the onboard credit to shore excursions, spa services or alcoholic beverage packages.
Planning to splurge on a Premium Suite? You have a third option — a free all-inclusive fare upgrade (valued at $99 per day), which includes unlimited select alcohol, Wi-Fi and all gratuities. Book by March 31 to take advantage of this offer.
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