WHATS THIS WAVE SEASON ALL ABOUT

What's this "Wave" season all about?

Some of our readers and followers will have heard of the term "Wave Season" being mentioned around the Internet and on blogs. But just what is it? Well in the trade the Wave season is what cruise lines call the peak booking months of January and February. These have always been traditionally the time when most cruises are booked - and by no coincidence it is also the time when many cruise lines offer great pricing and added value booking benefits.

So is it the right time for you to book? Well if you have a particular cruise line and indeed ship that you want to travel on, a particular itinerary and even a preferred suite then yes, book as soon as you can. If you are flexible on date and destination, and even line, then there will always be cruises that for some reason or other don't sell well - so you could wait around for a bargain nearer the time you are ready to travel.

Are the prices the best during Wave? Well yes and no - there are a number of cruise lines that have had some very keen pricing in December, with offers expiring on 31 Dec, namely Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. These all have GBP rates converted very favourably from the US Dollar - however come 1^st January these prices will be revised and let me tell you they will be going up - so yes the Wave period is traditionally the best time to book, but with the upmarket lines I suggest research now and book or hold that suite or stateroom to lock in the price - and always use a travel agent rather than going to the cruise lines direct - you will still get all the past passenger benefits you are entitled too plus a good travel agent will always be able to offer you better value for money.