When the skies are gray and damp, the days short and dark, and spring seems lightyears away, the thought of sailing the seas with a warm breeze on your face is nearly irresistible. That dream can become a reality aboard a cruise, particularly post-holiday when deals abound during wave season.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser and hit the seas every winter or a rookie battling cabin fever and up for trying something new, here’s what you need to know about the cruise industry’s hottest time of year:
Wave season is starting earlier than ever
Wave season refers to the period of the year, typically January through March, when cruise lines of all varieties, from the big lines to luxury excursions to river cruises, offer major deals to increase their first quarter bookings. However, it is not uncommon to see deals being teased earlier. In fact, cruise lines have started the 2023 wave season extra early by nixing their COVID vaccination requirements. What’s more, experts anticipate fares and fees to increase in 2023, so it’s important to not delay booking if you can help it.
The sweetest deal isn’t always a lower fare
While fare discounts are a tried-and-true promotional strategy, they aren’t necessarily going to give you the biggest bang for your buck. Instead, keep an eye out for packages that beef up onboard perks. For example, an upgrade to your stateroom, onboard credit, additional offshore excursions or more robust drink packages. Keep in mind the value of onboard perks can be specific to the type of cruise you book – for example, a luxury cruise will typically already include a Wi-Fi package, whereas a big line cruise may not – so do your due diligence for where the deal really lies.
Pandemic precautions are in place and hefty
While vaccination requirements may have been recently lifted, and other pandemic procedures like masking and testing are no longer in practice, the cruise industry does not look the same as it did three years ago. Significant, lasting changes for onboard health and safety protocols have been made, there are new laws protecting travelers, and even ancillary aspects of cruising, particularly air travel, are different.
Snag a deal, but stay true to your travel self
There are all varieties of cruises, and the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially for first time cruisers. There are kid-centric cruises, laid back river jaunts or luxury forays to exotic locales, and more. It’s important to do your research and even turn to expert travel specialists to help you not only snag a great deal during wave season but ensure your vacation will align with your travel style and expectations.
The Aon Travel Takeaway?
“You may have scored a major deal during wave season, but that doesn’t make the trip any less of an investment to protect,” says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Travel insurance can provide peace of mind when the unexpected happens – lost luggage, a canceled or delayed trip, or even an injury.”