Look for a Wave of Deals

As cruise lines look to kick-start the new year by getting plenty of reservations on the books, the “Wave Season” deals are rolling in. Look for opportunities to save on cruise fares booked between January and March, the largest booking period for cruises, thanks to the annual sales event. The offers apply to new bookings only.

Here’s a taste of some of the current deals:

Royal Caribbean International is sweetening the pot with a “WOW” promotion, offering up to $300 in shipboard credit on 2014 Caribbean cruises. The offer applies to sailings departing between March and December, excluding the new Quantum of the Seas, which debuts from New York in November. You get $75 per stateroom for an ocean-view, $150 for a balcony, or $300 for a suite – to spend any way you want on board. The line is also offering up to $400 in credit on Europe cruises.

Carnival Cruise Lines is celebrating Wave Season with a New Year, New Memories promotion bringing price reductions on select Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexican Riviera departures. Save up to $200 per stateroom on short sailings, and up to $400 savings on cruises of six days or longer. Free stateroom upgrades may also apply. 7-day cruises are from $399, and some cases less.

Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line on a 3-night or longer sailing and get free upgrades – to ocean-view, balcony, or mini-suite cabins – and a coupon booklet worth more than $300 in savings (if you use all the coupons).
You need to book by April 4.

Cunard Line‘s Royal Upgrade Celebration brings free upgrades, free gratuities, and other benefits on trans-Atlantic crossings, New England/Canada sailings, Europe cruises, and Grand Voyages. Book a crossing in a balcony stateroom from $1,299 (the price of an ocean-view) with free gratuities.