Don’t Book a Cruise This Month of the Year — It Could Cost You
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
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Zuri Anderson
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Already daydreaming about taking a cruise in 2026? There are great months to book a cruise in order to get the best deal.
However, you’ll want to definitely avoid certain months so you don’t lose money. What months are the worst for booking a cruise? Hear what the experts had to say.
January to March
In the cruise business, the months of January through March are known as “wave season.” This is supposedly when cruise lines offer the best deals, but says Christina Gales, a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, said that’s not always true.
“Wave season is heavily promoted, so a lot of travelers book during that window, but because cruise pricing is based on demand, fares tend to go up as ships start filling,” Gales said.
If you can book right at the top of wave season, that should still be a good deal, but any later and Gales said you might be paying too much.
“The promotions sound exciting, but the base price is often higher than it was just a few weeks before — and higher than it may be after the rush dies down,” she added.
April to May
If you think booking right after wave season is a smart move, you’re better off waiting. According to Kelsey Fox, a travel advisor with Modern Family Travel, the months directly after wave season don’t offer many bargains for cruises.
“Without a doubt, you will pay more if you book your cruise in the months of April or May,” Fox pointed out. “People have summer on the brain and the cruise lines have all exhausted their Black Friday and holiday deals.”
Jenn Lee, the president and CMO of both Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners, agreed with Fox, saying customers who book right after wave season will usually get high prices on cruises.
“The worst time to book is right after Wave Season, since consumers would then miss out on the best deals of the year lines offer industry-wide,” Lee noted. She said those looking to take a cruise in 2026 should keep their eyes peeled for Black Friday sales in addition to booking during the first few days of wave season.
If you already have enough on your list for Black Friday, Fox added that anytime during early November to early December will offer better deals to customers than during the spring.
“Look for sales that include percentages off of third and fourth travelers (which applies to most families) and free onboard credit,” Fox said.
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