Ahoy, fellow travelers! I'm Frank Bellino, PhD., and if you’ve been dreaming of escaping the winter blues with a sun-drenched cruise, I have one piece of advice for you: Get ready for Wave Season.
Typically running from January through March, Wave Season is the cruise industry's version of a Black Friday sale—a period when cruise lines unleash a flood of their most aggressive deals and promotions to fill their ships for the year. But like any great promotion, you need a trusted guide to navigate the currents. That's where I, and the team at I Got a Guy Travel, come in.
During Wave Season, you can find a mix of:
Discounted Fares: Simple, straightforward price drops.
Reduced Deposits: Making it easier to lock in your trip now and pay later.
Complimentary Perks: This is the fun stuff! Think onboard credits, free drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, or even pre-paid gratuities.
Cabin Upgrades: Booking a lower category and getting bumped up—a traveler’s dream!
These promotions aren't just limited to the major ocean carriers. As your travel advisor, I can confirm these deals extend across the entire spectrum, including last-minute bookings, future sailings, and even small-ship, expedition, and the increasingly popular River Cruises (an area where I am also certified!).
While the deals look amazing on the surface, this is where my experience as a CLIA-certified Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) and an expert for multiple lines becomes your greatest asset. As the provided summary rightly points out, Wave Season deals may come with tricky terms you need to watch out for:
The "Free" Catch: Is that "free" drink package truly free, or does it require you to pay mandatory, upfront gratuities on the value of the package?
The Discount Trap: Is the advertised percentage discount calculated on an inflated price? Comparing the current offer to historical pricing is crucial to ensure you're getting genuine value.
Eligibility Requirements: Promotions often vary by itinerary, cabin type, and eligibility (e.g., military, senior, or resident discounts). We check the fine print to make sure you qualify for every possible rate.
Don't spend hours tracking prices, joining email lists, and trying to decipher complex offer codes. Let your I Got a Guy Travel advisor do the heavy lifting!
My advanced certifications—including my PhD from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) University (Cruiseologist), my Master of Adventure from Royal Caribbean International University (RC), my Carnival Cruise Lines Expert status, and my MSC Master certification—mean I don't just know the cruise lines; I know their systems.
The biggest advantage of booking with an advisor is access. Because of our preferred relationships, we can often access:
Exclusive, Non-Public Rates: Deals not advertised directly to the consumer.
Additional Bonuses: My agency may be able to offer extra onboard credit, a gift, or other amenities that you won't get by booking direct.
Your preparation for the best value shouldn't be a second job; it should be a quick call or email to me.
Ready to book your 2026 adventure? Don't wait for the tide to go out—let’s lock in your perfect cruise during Wave Season!
Contact I Got a Guy Travel Today:
Email: igotaguytravel@gmail.com
Phone: 210-219-3663
Frank Bellino, PhD., OPI Owner and Travel Advisor, I Got a Guy Travel