Wave season cruise deals 2024: Book early and save big on your next sailing
Editor's Note
With summer just a couple of months away, it’s time to start thinking about your travels for 2024. Cruise lines have extended their wave season cruise deals into the second quarter of the year for passengers looking to get a jump on their vacation planning.
What’s wave season, you ask? Although we've been seeing it starting earlier and running later the last few years, it's typically in the first quarter of each new year, when cold winter weather in many parts of the U.S. has potential cruisers dreaming of warmer climates. Cruise lines have taken note, luring travelers with discounted fares and inclusions like free Wi-Fi, drinks and more.
Here’s a roundup of cruise lines’ latest offers.
AmaWaterways
Enjoy deep discounts on river cruises in summer 2024 with this wave season offer from AmaWaterways. Take $2,000 off per cabin for voyages of seven to 11 nights or $4,000 per cabin for sailings of 14 nights or longer. The deal also includes complimentary cabin upgrades and up to $100 per cabin in onboard credit, depending on the length of the cruise. Solo travelers can choose to have their single supplement waived in lieu of the above promotions. This offer is valid on select sailings in 2024; book by June 30.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines, which specializes in river cruises and coastal sailings along U.S. waterways, is extending a special wave season promotion to potential cruisers. Until further notice, book select 2024 Historic Mississippi River itineraries, round trip from New Orleans. You'll save up to $4,000 on fares and be entitled to free domestic airfare. This offer expires April 30.
Azamara
This wave season, Azamara is giving cruisers a choice of either $1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom or air discounts up to $500 per person, depending on the length of the sailing booked. This offer is valid on select voyages departing between July 1, 2024, and June 5, 2025. With a penchant for extended port stays and AzAmazing evenings that connect passengers with authentic local performances, Azamara is a great way to experience destinations in small-ship style. Book by May 30.
Carnival Cruise Line
As part of its current promotion, which runs through April 27, Carnival is offering up to 40% off cruise fares and reduced deposits of just $50 per person, as well as $50 per cabin in onboard credit. This offer is valid on select voyages setting sail through April 2026.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity cruisers will rake in savings of 75% on cruise fares for a second passenger during the line's Semi-Annual Sale. Simply pay for one full fare, and you'll receive the discount on a second one. You'll also be eligible for up to $150 in onboard credit per stateroom. This offer is valid on voyages departing through April 30, 2026. The promotion applies only to nonrefundable fares. (Passengers booking refundable fares will save 50% on the second person in the same cabin.)
Celestyal Cruises
Two-ship Greek cruise operator Celestyal is also in the wave season game this year, offering 50% off select cruise fares and 70% off fares for kids sharing a cabin with two paying adults. Cruising by yourself? The line is also extending savings on single supplements, which are only 30% for a limited time. Take advantage of these promotions by May 31.
Disney Cruise Line
If discounted fares are what you're seeking, check out Disney Cruise Line's reduced-price voyages, which include 25% off sailings leaving out of Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Barcelona and Southampton in the United Kingdom, as well as 20% off departures from Galveston, Texas, and Port Canaveral near Orlando. These discounts are available until further notice.
Emerald Cruises
When you book one of Emerald Cruises' voyages by June 30, you can score two-for-one fares, as well as additional $3,000 ($1,500 per person) in "flex credit" when you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days of sailing (whichever is soonest). The flex credit can either be taken as an additional fare discount or spent on airfare. Choose from rivers in Europe and Asia, as well as ocean yacht cruises in the Caribbean and Europe.
Explora Journeys
Through April 30, save up to 40% on select cabin categories on select voyages departing through April 2026 with the new luxury cruise line Explora Journeys. With the brand's "Total Luxury Offer," you'll also enjoy onboard credit of up to 400 euros (about $438) per cabin, plus a reduced deposit of just 10%.
Holland America
With its “Time of Your Life” wave season offer, Holland America is extending discounts of up to 45% on cruise fares. The line is also tossing in free cabin upgrades (inside to ocean-view or ocean-view to balcony), reduced deposits and free kids fares (when children are the third and fourth passengers in a cabin with two paying adults). You'll also snag up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom when you book by April 30.
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX) is offering BOGO free fares for the Galapagos and up to 45% off other destinations for passengers who reserve a stateroom by June 30. You'll also enjoy an additional 10% savings if you're a member of the line's Ambassador loyalty program.
Margaritaville at Sea
Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan or you just want a short, inexpensive getaway, Margaritaville at Sea provides a cheap and cheerful cruise experience from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport in the Bahamas on Paradise Island or from Tampa to Key West, Florida, and Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico on Islander. During the line’s latest wave season promotion, which runs through May 12, you can snag 50% off all cruises departing on or before Dec. 29, 2025. Plus, kids sail free as the third and fourth passengers when sharing a cabin with two adults. This is also a great deal for solo cruisers, as the offer means there's no single supplement.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This year, Norwegian has made its usual Free at Sea inclusions even more enticing by throwing in a "70% off second guest" promotion, which runs through April 25. Passengers will also enjoy free basic Wi-Fi and alcohol packages, included alternative dining and shore excursion credits as part of the Free at Sea program. They can even receive free airfare for a second person on select voyages with the purchase of one full-price airfare and $250 in Cruise First credit to be applied toward a future sailing.
Oceania Cruises
Luxury cruise brand Oceania Cruises is giving passengers free pre-cruise hotel stays when they book one of 33 select 2024 and 2025 voyages by May 31. This promotion can be combined with the line's "Simply More" offer, which includes two-for-one fares, free roundtrip airfare with airport transfers, free shore excursions, free alcohol and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)
For the second half of wave season, when you book by April 30, O.A.T. is offering a choice of either $1,000 off any 2024 booking or $3,000 off sailings departing July through October. Call 1-800-955-1925 to book, and reference code SPRING SAVINGS. Solo travelers can also enjoy free or greatly reduced single supplements on voyages this year.
Princess Cruises
Want to save up to 35% on your next Princess cruise? Check out the line’s wave season offer, which runs through May 31. It includes the discount, as well as deposits as low as $99 per person and free third and fourth passengers when sharing a room with two paying guests. This deal applies to select sailings into 2026.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
This wave season, Regent is running an "Upgrade and Explore More" promotion, offering passengers a two-category stateroom upgrade and up to $500 per cabin in onboard credit when they book a 2024 cruise to Europe or Alaska.This offer is valid through April 30.
Riverside Luxury Cruises
New luxury river cruise line Riverside — which took over operation of the river vessels formerly operated by the old Crystal Cruises — is offering an onboard credit bonus for wave season. When you book by May 31 for sailings of five nights or longer departing on or before Aug. 31, you'll earn €150 (about $163) per person (up to €300 or $327 per cabin) in onboard credit. Just be sure to use booking code SPRING24 when making your reservations.
Royal Caribbean International
Passengers booking Royal Caribbean voyages can save up to $600 on cruise fares plus an additional 60% off second-passenger fares. Kids 12 and younger sail free as the third and fourth guests in a cabin with two paying adults. This offer is valid through April 24.
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours
Through June 30, Scenic is extending an offer of two-for-one cruise fares and up to $10,000 ($5,000 per person) in "flex credit," which is based on cabin type booked and can either be applied as an additional fare discount or used for airfare. Flex credit is earned when passengers pay within 30 days of booking or 120 days of sailing (whichever is soonest). This applies to both the lines river and ocean products, featuring select sailings on rivers in Asia and Europe, as well as ocean voyages to exotic locations like Fiji and Antarctica.
Seabourn
Luxury line Seabourn’s “A Sale Beyond” promo is offering a two-category suite upgrade and up to $2,000 per stateroom in onboard credit when you book by April 30. Plus, if you're a member of the line's Sabourn Club loyalty program, you'll save an additional 5%.
Sea Cloud
This year, small sailing ship line Sea Cloud is running its biggest wave season deal ever. With the Sail the Wave promotion, you’ll receive savings and perks on bookings made through April 30, depending on which ship you choose. For the line’s newest vessel, Sea Cloud Spirit, you’ll save 15% off fares and receive $250 in onboard credit to use during your voyage. If you select one of the brand’s older two ships, Sea Cloud or Sea Cloud II, you can expect an onboard credit of $750 per cabin. This promotion is valid on select sailings through December 2025.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Luxury river cruise line Uniworld is offering up to $3,000 per person in savings when you book select 2024 voyages and pay in full by April 30 as part of its Cruise Savings Event. Additionally, the brand is running a two-for-one flash sale through May 10 that allows the second passenger in each stateroom to sail for free with the purchase of one full-price fare. Sailing solo? Not to worry: Uniworld is also waiving single supplements on select 2024 cruises.
Virgin Voyages
Always on the cutting edge of the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages is granting cruisers a BOGO deal, offering 70% off second-passenger fares for Caribbean voyages and 80% off second-passenger fares for sailings in the Mediterranean. Book one fare at full price by April 30, and your companion will sail for a 70% or 80% discount, depending on destination.
Viking Cruises
For savings on both river and ocean cruises, check out Viking Cruises‘ wave season offer. When you book select sailings of either type by April 30, you’ll save on fares, with deposits of as little as $25 per person. Plus, you’ll also receive complimentary round-trip airfare.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises, known for its high-end sailings in French Polynesia, is running a "complimentary all-inclusive upgrade" promo. The offer provides passengers with free Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol on 2024 voyages when they book a sailing by June 30.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.