Are you catching the Waves?

The cruise season sales period “waves” is in full force. Every single cruise line is currently offering incentives for cruises with sailing dates up to 2027. Imagine what this means, not only can you save on your vacation this year, you can have over 1 year to pay and plan your next vacation.

It is impossible for me to list all the cruise lines here on this blog. There are many differentiators within the industry, even when they sail the same destinations. In this article I’ll feature some of my favorite suppliers along with some noted as best by US News*.

Cruise lines for the money

Celebrity: Offering up to $500 saving per room and 75% off 2nd Guest.

One of my favorite itinerary is a 10 days Best of Greece visiting: Athens, Thessaloniki, Ephesus – Turkeye, Limassol – Cyprus, Rhodes, Crete and Athens. Starting at $704.

Virgin Voyages: Offering 80% off 2nd sailor and drinks included.

These cruises are adult only and the packages are more inclusive than some of its competitors. One of my favorites is the 8 nights Scarlet Valentine Voyage visiting Miami, Puerto Plata, San Juan, St Croix, Bimini and Miami.

MSC Cruises: Offering up to 35% off and free kids sailing until January 20th.

For those who prefer short cruises their 4 nights Bahamas cruise visit Port Canaveral, Nassau – Bahamas, Ocean Cay and Port Canaveral.

Carnival Cruises: They are offering so many promotions that you’re bound to find one that suits your needs. The only caveat is don’t miss the waves deadlines. Among their options of itineraries is this from New Orleans to Cozumel for 4 nights.

Princess Cruises: Offering up to 40% off + room upgrade, $99 deposit and free 3rd and 4th guest.

This cruise line carries the distinction of being #1 in Alaska cruise 20 times. Although they sail everywhere in addition to Alaska, I’d be amiss not to showcase the Alaska trip that I’m booking for myself. This is what they call a “cruisetour,” a land tour with train ride in addition to the cruise. This is the 10 days “Denali Explorer.” A 7 days cruise from Vancouver – BC, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord glacier and Anchorage – Alaska. Then there’s 3 days to explore 2 wilderness lodges and end in Fairbanks.

Cruise lines for Families

Disney Cruise Line: Offering 50% deposit requirement.

Showcase sailing: 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan – Puerto Rico to Oranjestad – Aruba, Willemstad – Curacao, St John’s – Antigua and Basseterre – St Kitts,

Royal Caribbean: Offering up to $700 off plus 60% off 2nd guest and kids sail free.

This cruise line has been named best overall cruise line. I’m partial to their 13 nights transatlantic sailing from Lisbon – Portugal to Seville – Spain, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife – Canary Islands and Orlando – Florida

Norwegian Cruise Line: Offering 50% off all cruises plus (free airfare for 2nd guest, free excursion credits, free wi-fi package, free 3rd & 4th guest, unlimited open, specialty dining).

Yes, that is a long list with so many options. The catch is this deal won’t last long. Their inter-island cruise for Hawaii is a great way to explore the islands. It’s 7-day from Honolulu to Kahului – Maui, Hilo, Kona, Nawiliwilli – Kauai and back to Honolulu. It’s your chance to experience Hawaii’s 4 big islands.

Or, their 7-day Middle-East: UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain from Qatar

Or, their transatlantic Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal from Barcelona

Best Cruise lines for Couples

Viking: Offering free airfare on selected departures, reduced fares & $25 deposit.

Viking is known for river cruises that allow cultural immersion but they also offer ocean cruises along with expedition cruises. If you have yet to experience a river cruise, I recommend the “Rhine Getaway.” It’s 8 days from Basel – Switzerland to Breisach – Germany, Strasbourg – France, Speyer, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cologne – Germany, Kinderdijk – Netherlands and Amsterdam.

Seabourn: Offering up to 15% off, up to $1000 in shipboard credit and 15% reduced deposit.

This is an ultra-luxury cruise line. Since budget allow and you’re already being spoiled, I’d recommend an exploration cruise. I do like the 13-day antarctica exploration but if you have the time, I will advise the 21-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland expedition cruise.

*“Cruise line ranking.” US News & World Report 2024. https://travel.usnews.com/cruises/