"Wave season" for cruises: how not to miss a really interesting and profitable offer

Finding travel deals is easy if you know the right time to book. For cruises, one of the best times to get low fares is at the beginning of the new year. This is when the "wave season" begins: a stretch that lasts until March, when cruise lines offer some of their best deals and discounts.

Consider it a golden time to plan your cruise travel for the rest of the year and beyond. "Wave season isn't necessarily about last-minute cruise deals," says Illana Shattauer, a cruise influencer who runs the Life Well Cruised YouTube channel. "This is a great time to plan your vacation cruises in advance and book them months, even a year in advance," writes Condé Nast Traveler.

While there are plenty of offers, narrowing down the many options can be a bit more difficult. After all, there are hundreds of different cruise lines around the world, all targeting different types of travelers and offering deals with different benefits. (How do you compare a cabin upgrade to a free drinks package or onboard dining credit?)

Below are the best strategies and tips from experts on how to get the most out of wave season offers.

Gather your thoughts

Before you delve into the endless list of offers, discounts and bonuses from cruise lines around the world, take some time to determine what your budget is and what type of cruise you actually want to take. "Travelers need to know what they are looking for before they start researching the cruise they would like to book," says Jasmine Ramnarine, who is a frequent cruiser and blogs about her travels with her family at A Rich and Jazzy Life.

One of the easiest ways to keep track of new offers is to sign up for email alerts from cruise lines.

How to understand if it's a good deal

"The best way to compare deals is to look at the total cost, as well as the additional bonuses included," says the expert. "Cruise travelers should keep an eye on pricing so that they can book when they notice a price drop."

Additional features such as beverage packages, prepaid tips, and onboard cash credits make cruises cheaper and can save hundreds of dollars. Experts advise breaking down the cruise itinerary into a per day price that takes these additional benefits into account, but you should only calculate the cost of the perks you will actually use.

If in doubt, use the services of a travel agent

Specialists are truly the unsung heroes of the travel industry. It's hard to match the level of savvy and insider knowledge that these cruise specialists possess. "Travel agents have access to all the offers and promotions of cruise lines, and may also have additional offers and incentives for booking," says the expert. "When you work with a travel agent who understands your travel preferences, they can sort and present personalized offers."

And it's a misconception that cruise specialists add significant costs to your travel budget. "Many of them don't charge any additional fees; they are paid through the cruise line," Ramnarine says.