A new report from InsureMyTrip and Cruise Critic shows that more travelers make cruise bookings in late January than at any other time of year. The data indicates online searches for cruise deals spike in early January, followed by a pronounced increase in cruise deposits during the final days of the month.
“This new data indicates that when it comes to booking a cruise, the traditional so-called ‘Wave Season’ actually peaks in late January and remains strong through March. Then, cruise bookings slow down during the late spring and summer months,” said Danny DeMello, data analyst at InsureMyTrip.
The report also highlights several cruising trends expected for 2019. Among them are technology upgrades across many ships, including better Wi-Fi; itineraries that feature longer port stays and correspondingly less time at sea on certain routes; growing interest in cruise-specific travel insurance; and increasingly personalized services for suite guests.
“Many cruise lines, including MSC, Norwegian and Celebrity, have introduced private enclaves for suite passengers, with entrances not accessible to others. Cruise lines are continuing to look for ways to make the cruising experience even more special for those passengers,” said Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor at Cruise Critic.
Overall, the findings suggest travelers should watch for deal activity and consider January as an optimal booking window. Cruise lines appear to concentrate promotions and bookings during this late-January peak, and passengers looking for enhanced onboard experiences—better connectivity, longer port time, or exclusive suite amenities—may find the best choices and incentives during this period.
Additionally, the report underscores the rising importance of travel protection tailored to cruising. With more passengers seeking coverage specific to cruise itineraries and the onboard environment, insurers and travel agents are increasingly offering policies designed to address unique cruise-related risks and disruptions.
For travelers planning a cruise, these insights point to a few practical takeaways: search early in January for online deals, consider finalizing deposits in late January to take advantage of Wave Season momentum, review options for upgraded suite experiences if privacy and personalized service matter, and explore cruise-specific insurance to protect against itinerary changes or unexpected events.