Cruising into Wave Season: How to Plan and Insure Your 2025 Adventure
Are you an avid cruiser who can’t wait to set sail again, or are you dreaming of your very first cruise adventure but aren’t sure where to start? Good news—Wave Season is here! From January through March, cruise lines roll out their best deals of the year, making it the perfect time to book your next voyage. But before you dive into the excitement of choosing itineraries and cabins, let’s talk about something that’s just as important as finding a great deal: travel insurance.
What is Wave Season?
Wave Season is like the Black Friday of cruising, offering discounted fares, free upgrades, onboard credits, drink packages, and other perks. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Caribbean, navigating Alaska’s glaciers, or taking a luxurious river cruise in Europe, Wave Season gives you the best opportunity to snag a deal and secure your spot before itineraries fill up.
Where to find these deals?
Cruise Line Websites - Most major cruise lines offer direct booking through their official websites, especially during Wave Season. You’ll often find exclusive deals or promotions tailored to their fleet.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) - OTAs (think Expedia or Travelocity) often aggregate deals from multiple cruise lines, making it easy to compare prices, perks, and itineraries. They also offer exclusive bonuses like extra onboard credits or discounts.
Cruise-Exclusive Booking Platforms - Specialized cruise-focused websites often feature Wave Season promotions, insider tips, and unique itineraries.
Membership-Based Deals - If you’re part of a membership organization (think Costco), you may have access to exclusive Wave Season deals.
Bonus Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to cruise line and travel agency newsletters to stay informed about exclusive Wave Season offers.
Follow Social Media Channels: Cruise lines and agencies frequently share flash sales and promotions on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Compare Perks: Look beyond the base price. Onboard credits, free drink packages, or Wi-Fi can add significant value to your trip.
Why Travel Insurance Matters for Your Cruise
Booking a cruise is an investment, and while the journey is often smooth sailing, unexpected events can happen. That’s why travel insurance is essential. But here’s the catch: the insurance offered by the cruise line might not provide the comprehensive coverage you need.
Here’s why third-party travel insurance, like the plans we offer, is a better choice:
Broader Coverage: Cruise line insurance typically covers trip cancellation and interruption but may fall short on medical coverage, especially for international travel. Our plans include coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation—something your health insurance might not cover abroad.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Most cruise line plans don’t offer CFAR options, which allow you to cancel your trip for any reason and still recoup some of your costs.
Coverage for Supplier Defaults: If your cruise line or a related travel supplier goes out of business, third-party insurance can protect your investment. Cruise line insurance won’t.
Flexibility: Our policies cover more than just your cruise fare, including flights, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, and shore excursions. Cruise line insurance typically doesn’t extend beyond what you’ve booked with them.
Claims Independence: If you need to file a claim, third-party insurance allows you to work directly with the insurance provider, avoiding any potential conflicts of interest with the cruise line.
How We Can Help
At Insurance Consultants International, we specialize in helping travelers find the best coverage for their specific needs. Whether you’re cruising solo, with family, or as part of a group, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure you’re protected. From medical emergencies to trip interruptions and even lost luggage, our plans provide peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Pro Tips for First-Time and Avid Cruisers
Book Early: Popular itineraries sell out quickly, especially during Wave Season. Booking now ensures you get the best cabin and perks.
Insure Early: Purchase your travel insurance within 14-21 days of your initial deposit to qualify for features like CFAR or pre-existing condition waivers.
Pack Smart: Always carry essentials like medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed.
Research Ports: Know the highlights of each stop on your cruise to maximize your shore excursions.
Ready to Set Sail?
Wave Season is the best time to book your dream cruise, but don’t let the excitement overshadow the importance of protecting your trip. Let us help you find the right travel insurance plan so you can cruise confidently, knowing you’re covered for the unexpected.