Should you book during Wave Season or Black Friday?
You've seen the ads: 'Black Friday cruise deals!' and then 'Wave Season is here!' But which one actually gets you the lowest fare? As someone who's tracked cruise pricing for years, I'll give it to you straight: it depends on what you value, but for most cruisers, Wave Season still wins—if you know how to play it.
The contenders: Wave Season vs. Black Friday
Wave Season, roughly January through March, is the cruise industry's Super Bowl. Cruise lines roll out aggressive promotions to fill ships for the coming year. Black Friday, in late November, has become a digital shopping holiday, and cruise lines have jumped on the bandwagon with limited-time offers. But these are two very different beasts.
What you're actually getting: perks vs. price
Black Friday deals tend to be flashy but shallow—often just a small discount on the base fare or a token onboard credit. Wave Season, on the other hand, typically bundles real value: free upgrades, included beverage packages, shore excursion credits, and sometimes even airfare. In my experience, the total value of Wave Season perks often exceeds the sticker discount of Black Friday.
Booking windows: when to pull the trigger
Here's the thing: cruise lines plan itineraries 18 months to three years out, and most travelers book 12 to 24 months ahead (The Independent). That means Black Friday deals are usually for sailings within the next year—often filling unsold cabins. Wave Season, however, targets the entire coming year, including peak summer and holiday sailings. If you want a specific cabin or a family-friendly sailing, you need to book early, and Wave Season gives you the best chance.
Who should book Black Friday?
If you're flexible on dates and destinations, Black Friday can snag a last-minute steal. But know this: you're competing with everyone else who waited. And with global cruise passengers hitting a record 34.6 million in 2024 (Destination NSW), demand is high. If you see a Black Friday deal that fits your schedule and budget, grab it—but don't expect the same cabin choices or the same level of service as booking early.
Who should book Wave Season?
If you have a specific itinerary in mind, need a family-friendly ship, or want the best cabin location, Wave Season is your window. The industry's top lines—Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, MSC, and Norwegian—control nearly 80% of global capacity (Cruise Industry News), and they all participate in Wave Season. You'll have the widest selection and the best perks.
Comparing the two: a quick breakdown
| Criterion | Black Friday | Wave Season |
|---|---|---|
| Price discount | Often modest, sometimes misleading | Occasionally higher base price but more value |
| Perks & inclusions | Minimal—maybe onboard credit | Beverage packages, excursions, upgrades |
| Availability | Limited to unsold inventory | Full year of sailings |
| Best for | Flexible, last-minute planners | Specific itineraries, families, early birds |
Quick tip: If you book during Wave Season, always compare the total value—not just the base fare. A $100 higher fare with a $500 beverage package is a better deal.
What I'd actually do
Here's my blunt advice: unless you're truly flexible and love the gamble, skip Black Friday. Wave Season is where the real value is. Book 12–24 months out, during Wave Season, and you'll get the best combination of selection, perks, and price. And if you want to save even more, consider a smaller ship—mega-ships like Icon of the Seas are amazing, but they come with a premium. A mid-size ship from a premium line like Celebrity or Holland America often gives you more for your dollar.
Remember, the cruise industry is booming—CLIA forecasts 37.7 million ocean passengers in 2025 (Destination NSW). Ships are filling up. Don't wait for a mythical last-minute deal that rarely materializes. Book during Wave Season, lock in your perks, and enjoy the cruise.
Sources
- The Independent - https://www.the-independent.com/travel/cruise/different-types-cruise-ship-explained-b2978555.html
- Destination NSW - https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/record-breaking-year-for-cruise-industry
- Cruise Industry News - https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2026/07/global-cruise-industry-range-diversity-and-concentration/
- CLIA State of the Cruise Industry 2024 - https://cruising.org/news/state-cruise-industry-report-2024
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