If you've never heard of Wave Season, that's understandable. It's an Inside-the-Cruiseway term referring to the spate of deals and special offers that all the major cruise lines roll out, beginning around Dec. 1 and lasting until early March or so.

Part of our job at Cruiseable is to look for cruise specials, land packages, sweet deals on airline travel and other specials and offers that don't just offer rock-bottom prices — after all, what's the point of going on a vacation where you're saving money but absolutely miserable?

There's nothing like a river cruise to the Christmas markets of Europe. Ask anyone who's taken one. The setting is about as sentimental and old-timey as it gets when you explore these quaint locales brimming with the spirit of the season.

Now's the ideal time to book a Christmas market cruise on AmaWaterways, with fares starting at $2,049 per person. Enjoy a gondola ride, visit centuries-old cathedrals, explore villages on a bike ride or do some wine tasting. See below for the two best ways to experience the holidays on AmaWaterways.

Jean-Michel Cousteau

Spend 10 memorable days sailing the South Seas to Tahiti and Bora Bora aboard the five-star Paul Gauguin, the flagship of one of our favorite cruise lines.

Why this cruise is special: This is my fifth sailing to Tahiti, and I cannot wait! If you choose the June 1 itinerary, I'll be serving as your host and guide, and world-renowned ocean preservationist and filmmaker Jean-Michel Cousteau will be joining us. This 10-night itinerary is ideal for those who want to experience the best French Polynesia has to offer, at a good rate and with free air fare.

The Special Offer

Now there's no better way to explore the Mediterranean on Oceania Cruises. Through the end of March 2022, you can take advantage of these specials: 

OLife Choice 2 for 1 Cruise FaresFREE Round-trip Air fare*FREE Airport Transfers*Plus choose one:

• FREE Shore Excursions
• FREE Beverage Package
• FREE Shipboard Credit

Plus, Cruiseable's exclusive Free Pre-Paid gratuities on select sailings.

The Special Offer

Windstar’s Refundable Reduced Deposit makes it even easier to plan your European adventure now and save now, then travel when you’re ready.

Windstar has reduced its normal deposit requirement of 15 percent to these low flat rates, but only for a limited time!

• Itineraries 10 days and less $200 per guest
• Itineraries 11-17 days $600 per guest
• Itineraries 18 days and more $1,000 per guest

Choose individual All-Inclusive cruise pricing for only $79 extra per guest, per day, including unlimited alcoholic beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi and all gratuities.Sailings of 13 days and longer also receive complimentary laundry. Small group cruise tours available. Plus, up to $150 per guest onboard credit on select departures.

Special Offer on Holland America

Through select travel partners such as Cruiseable, when you book select Holland America Line cruises from now until February 28, 2022, your voyage gets even better with The Ultimate Upgrade Event*. This offer includes a free room upgrade, such as interior to ocean view, or ocean view to veranda. And Have It All with four of Holland America Line’s best amenities: shore excursions, drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi. Plus, kids sail in Alaska for just $75!

Born to voyage

Holland America Line was born to voyage. For nearly 145 years, Holland America Line has been introducing guests to new places and new cultures, and they've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of travel. They've seen how it opens minds, builds connections and fosters an appreciation of the shared humanity that unites us the world over. Holland America Line invites you to join them for an unforgettable experience. Because travel is more than an itinerary, it has the power to change us and our world, journey by journey. This is why Holland America Line sails.

The Special Offer

Make your cruise dreams a reality with this Exclusive Special Offer of a $100 shipboard credit on all published sailings booked on Oceania Cruises by February 28, 2022.

Enjoy the value of OLife Choice:

• 2 for 1 Cruise Fares
• FREE Roundtrip Airfare*
• FREE Airport Transfers* 

Plus choose one:

• FREE Shore Excursions
• FREE Beverage Package
• FREE Shipboard Credit

Also enjoy Cruiseable’s Exclusive Free Pre-Paid gratuities on select sailings!

The Special Offer

When you book through Cruiseable, you can now take advantage of Princess’ Best. Sale. Ever. It includes a value of at least $695 per guest on a 7-day cruise! And for a limited time, get everything below:

• Free drinks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free gratuities
• Specialty dining
• Stateroom location upgrade
• Other exclusive offers available only through Cruiseable

But hurry, the best staterooms are going fast!

The Special Offer

Royal Caribbean has come out with a new Special Offer when you book with participating travel agency partners such as Cruiseable:

• All guests get 30% off their cruise fares
• Receive up to $150 Instant Savings
• Crown & Anchor Society members receive up to $50 to spend at sea
• Redeem a Future Cruise Credit and receive up to $100 to spend at sea

Start packing for an epic vacation

From admiring massive natural rock formations in Cabo San Lucas to conquering the tallest waterslide in North America at Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay — the possibilities are endless. And when you book today, you’ll score big deals that are just as epic. Like $150 instant savings, plus 30% off every guest. Crown & Anchor Society members receive up to $50 to spend at sea, on top of the promotion. And if you have a Future Cruise Credit, redeem it to receive an additional bonus of up to $100 in onboard credit. If your plans change, the Cruise with Confidence program offers flexibility you can count on and Royal Caribbean’s Best Price Guarantee. 

Special Offer

There has never been a better time to sail with Norwegian Cruise Line — seriously. Save 70% off the 2nd guest's fare, get Free Air for the 2nd guest, and enjoy up to 5 Free At Sea offers. Choose from:

• Free Open Bar
• Free Specialty Dining
• Free Shore Excursions
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free 3rd and 4th Guests

Contact a Cruiseable travel professional to take advantage of this Special Offer: 1-877-322-3773 or email [email protected].

Tons of great itineraries on Norwegian

Imagine cruising just the way you want it: with no schedule to follow but your own. That is what Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising provides for all their ships and itineraries.Indulge your tastebuds at one of their wide-ranging dining options, or perhaps you would prefer a dinner and a show combination? Relax at some of the most spacious and modern staterooms in the cruise industry before venturing out to experience the shore excursion of your choice. From award-winning dining and entertainment, to year after year of itinerary accolades, Norwegian Cruise Line has been on hot lists and readers' choice awards since 2003. Savor a three-course meal and a great bottle of wine. Or grab a burger hot off the grill. Dress up. Dress down. Sit down with friends or make new ones.