For those in cold parts of the world, we are now entering the dead of winter. Even if you love the cold or live somewhere warm, the days are short and the holidays are over. Many of us could use something to look forward to in order to get through the next few months. One of our favorite ways to stay upbeat is to book a travel experience for the year ahead—a light at the end of the tunnel. And what better light at the end of the tunnel than a cruise? Our favorite thing about cruises is that there are so many options available—river, ocean, warm climate, arctic adventure, outdoor experiences, historical journeys, and so much more. So no matter what you’re interested in, you can find a cruise that is perfect for you.
If you’re thinking about booking a cruise, here’s our tips to help you determine when and how to do it. Check them out:
Get ready for “wave season”
Unless you’re a frequent cruiser, you may not know about “wave season”—the early months of the year when cruise lines launch large-scale marketing campaigns and offer some of the best cruise deals you’ll find all year long. This may not mean dirt cheap pricing, but it does mean you’ll likely get the most bang for your buck. During wave season, cruise lines often put together special packages. These include items like spa treatments or excursions you’d usually have to pay extra for. As such, we recommend searching for different options in January and February, when deals are abundant but space is still available.
Sign up for price alerts
While wave season is a great time for deals, it’s not 100% guaranteed you’ll find one for a cruise that you’re interested in during this time period. If you’re not totally set on your cruise destination and timing, you can set up alerts with cruise lines you’re interested in. This means you’ll get emails when low fares and deals pop up. That way, you don’t have to check in constantly, but you’ll be one of the first to know when a good option is available.
One caveat: If you have a specific destination and travel timeline, you might want to go for it and book. If you wait too long, ships might book up before you can reserve your spot. So if you know exactly what you want, book the best deal you can find during wave season–if at all possible.
Get the right insurance at the right time
Most of the time, cruises entail a number of moving pieces. You’ll want to make sure you’re covered for elements that are out of your control, such as if your flight doesn’t get you to port in time or your luggage gets lost while in transit. In addition, you’ll likely be doing some outdoor adventuring, which means you’ll want to have medical coverage, just in case. To make things easier, you can use our Instant Quote tool to find the right insurance for you.
Are you planning on cruising anywhere this year? Tell us about it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (or tag us @insureyonder)!
Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.
