Wave Season – traditionally considered to be January through March – is underway and cruise lines, in addition to some of the suppliers that sell them, are out to make a splash with incentives for clients, and in some cases travel advisors as well in the name of boosting bookings. Here is a sampling of some of the offers currently available.
- TravelBrands Encore Cruises: The ‘Europe Extravaganza’ 2026 Wave Season cruise incentive includes include both air savings for travellers and Loyalty Rewards incentives for agents on qualifying bookings. Travellers can receive up to $200 in air discounts per person, depending on stateroom category, while agents earn 2,500 Loyalty Rewards Points on eligible bookings. In effect through Jan. 30, the campaign applies to European cruise sailings of six nights or longer across TravelBrands’ full cruise portfolio.
- Viking: Until Jan. 31, the ‘Viking Savings Event’ provides 35% off all-inclusive voyages, up to free international airfare, and a $25 deposit for all itineraries – plus additional savings for returning guests – on select 2026-2028 river, ocean and expedition itineraries.
- Smithsonian Journeys: The small-ship cruises (with Ponant) provide a $1,000 shipboard credit on any 2026 sailing, valid only for new double-occupancy bookings through March 31. The credit is only applicable to first and second guests in stateroom (max $1,000 per booking) and only for room categories available during the sale period. When booking, include the code “SBC500SJ” in the comments upon check-out.
- Windstar: The “Beyond Inclusive” Wave Season promotion is available on select voyages through March 31, 2027. Perks include a free all-inclusive upgrade (select drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi; up to $99 value per guest per night), a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night and transfer (where available), and up to $1,000 in onboard credit per guest. Book by March 31.
- Aurora Expeditions: A special 35th anniversary offer features savings of up to 35% on a selection of departures across Antarctica, the Arctic and Small Ship journeys through culturally rich coastlines and remote island regions in 2026 and 2027. The sale is available through March 31 unless sold out prior. Pricing is based on per person twin share entry cabin and applies to cabin fare only. Visit aurora-expeditions.com.
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: The ‘New Year Savings Event’ provides Canadian travellers can save up to 35% on select European river departures, and when booking a river cruise with an escorted land tour extension, save an additional $1,000 per couple ($500 p.p.). Book by Feb. 16 with more details to be found at www.scenic.ca/savingsevent. Meanwhile, with Scenic Discovery Yachts, savings up to $16,000 per couple ($8,000 p.p.), plus included Business Class Airfare or Premium Economy Airfare are available on select 2026-27 Ocean voyages, plus additional savings up to $8,000 per couple ($4,000 p.p.) with the New Years Savings event.
- Emerald Cruises & Tours: Through March 31, the ‘Great Escapes New Year Sale’ provides up to 35% on select 2026 Europe River cruises Sale, plus on select departures, guests will also receive a bonus €200 on-board credit per cabin. Also, Emerald Yacht Cruises’ ‘Luxury Savings Event’ offers savings up to 35% plus additional savings up to $500 p.p. on select 2026-27 Yacht Cruises when booked by March 31.
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises(banner image): has opened the Wave Season 2026/27 with its campaign “The world awaits you “Book early. Travel with Excellence.” The initiative highlights a curated selection of luxury and expedition voyages across nine global regions and encourages travellers to secure preferred itineraries early. Early booking discounts are available on selected cruises until Feb. 25 or May 31, 2026, depending on the voyage. The Wave Season campaign is supported by comprehensive sales resources for travel partners – including a 52-page brochure, digital assets, destination videos and social media templates – all available via the AGENT COMPASS portal.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The ‘Upgrade Your Horizon offer’ provides a free two-category suite upgrade fleetwide across all destinations, plus 50% reduced deposits and a $500 Shipboard Credit per suite on select 2026 voyages. Available for new bookings through Feb. 28, the promotion applies to select sailings in 2026, ‘27, and ’28.
- Explora Journeys: Until Jan. 28, the new ‘Suite Invitation’ Wave offer includes up to 30% savings, a reduced deposit of 10% and, for select suites, a complimentary one-category suite upgrade. The offer is combinable with Explora Club Member Benefits and Sky & Sea Fare.
- Paul Gauguin Cruises: For Wave Season, the French Polynesia specialists is offering guests a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite, paired with a bottle of Champagne and a chocolate treat. Open to bookings made by Feb. 28, the “Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti” promotion applies to all 2026 sailings on the m/s Paul Gauguin to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, and South Pacific, which range from seven to 14 nights. Travel advisors receive up to a $500 gift card for each new deposited booking.
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.