Cruises provide a unique way to travel the world, allowing an immersive experience where you can enjoy your time while simultaneously traveling to different destinations. There are cruises that visit all over the world with travel times ranging from a few days to weeks to even months long. This exciting way of traveling can give you the opportunity to visit a multitude of places without the stress of constant packing and unpacking and let you literally enjoy the ride.
Cruise line wave season is upon us, and it means one thing – the best deals for cruises. If you’re looking to book a cruise, wave season is the perfect time as it typically offers the lowest prices for cruises for the entire year and many cruise lines offer special promotions or deals during this time.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- What Wave Season is for cruises and when it is
- Activities to do while on a cruise
- How to find the best deals for cruises
- Top insurance plans for cruises and how to find the best one
- What cruise insurance covers
What Is Wave Season for Cruises?
Cruise wave season is a time during the year when the cruise season offers special promotions and deals for their cruises for the rest of the year. It is often referred to as the sales season for cruises and one can often find discounted cruise rates, special offers such as complimentary upgrades, and promotions like free additional travelers.
When Is Wave Season for Cruises?
Cruise line wave season typically occurs throughout the months of January to March. This is the most popular time for booking cruises as people are post-holiday planning, scheduling trips for the new year, and with the availability of special promotions, it’s the best time to book a cruise.
This is also when most cruise lines offer their best promotions, lowest fares, onboard credits, cabin upgrades, and bonus perks. It is considered the prime booking window for cruises sailing later in the year or even into the next year.
What Are Things to Do on a Cruise?
Taking a cruise offers a variety of options for adventures and activities to take part of. Here are some of the key things to do while on a cruise:
Explore Destinations
Visit multiple destination cities and participate in excursions such as scuba diving, sightseeing, and food tours.
Dining Experiences
Enjoy meals in themed eateries and buffets with a wide range of culinary options, often included in your cruise cost. You also have the opportunity to visit specialty restaurants on board that require additional payment as well as the opportunity to upgrade your cruise with a beverage package.
Onboard Entertainment & Activities
Explore your cruise ship and take part in a variety of onboard activities from movie nights to competitions. Most cruises also offer nightly entertainment including comedy shows and theater performances. There’s always something fun to do while on the ship!
Amenities & Relaxation
Take advantage of onboard amenities including swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, rock climbing walls, and whatever else your cruise line offers!
Soak in breathtaking scenery while sailing on the open seas. Plus, depending on your destination of choice, immerse yourself in a new culture and experience the joys of exploring a new (or previously visited and loved) area of the world.
The great thing about taking a cruise is that there is always something to do – even if you just want to relax on board, there’s no shortage of activities to take part in and things to see.
How to Find the Best Cruise Deals
If you’re trying to find the best cruise deals, our first word of advice is to book during cruise wave season. During this time, you’ll definitely find the best deals for the year. Additionally, keep the following tips in mind:
- Book early or last minute for the best prices
- Try to be flexible with your travel dates
- Subscribe to newsletters and alerts from cruise lines to be notified of promotions and discounts
- Compare prices online for similar cruise destinations and dates
- Think about what ports you can depart from and compare prices among these ports, some ports are typically more expensive than others
- Consider off-peak seasons of travel such as fall and winter
These tips can help you discover the best cruise deals, allowing you to book your travels and keep some extra cash in your pocket.
Do You Need Cruise Insurance?
When booking a cruise, it’s always a good idea to consider cruise insurance. You’ll also want to check requirements for any destinations you are traveling to, as some countries do require travel insurance to enter.
What Does Cruise Insurance Cover?
Cruise insurance can offer you protection in the event of an unexpected event during the dates of your travel. For example, a cruise insurance plan can provide coverage for trip disruptions such as:
- Lost luggage
- Missed ports/connections
- Cancellations
- Interruptions
- Delays
Additionally, cruise insurance can offer medical coverage related to emergency medical events that happen onboard such as unforeseen illnesses or injuries. Since sailing on the open waters technically means you aren’t in your home country or state, most domestic health insurance plans will not cover you if you need medical attention during your cruise.
How Much Is Cruise Insurance?
The cost of cruise insurance will depend upon a number of factors, such as:
- Your cruise destinations
- Length of your cruise
- Your age
- Cost of your cruise
Typically, cruise insurance is roughly between 5% to 7% of your cruise cost. You can always compare cruise insurance plans to choose a policy that fits within your budget and offers the benefits you need for your specific travel plans.
When Is The Best Time to Book a Cruise?
Cruise wave season is the perfect time to book a cruise, so if you’re in the market for an adventure on the open ocean, start your planning now! Additionally, it’s essential to consider cruise insurance to protect against unforeseen events and ensure peace of mind throughout your journey. By following these tips, you can embark on your next cruise adventure with confidence, knowing that you’ve secured the best deals and are prepared for a memorable voyage ahead.
- Wave season is the cruise industry’s biggest sales period, running from January through March.
- Travelers can often find perks like onboard credits, cabin upgrades, bonus amenities, and free additional guests during this time.
- Cruise insurance is roughly 5% to 7% of your total cruise cost, and can provide coverage for trip disruptions and medical coverage.
- Cruises offer a wide range of activities and experiences for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises and Travel Insurance
Is cruise insurance mandatory?
No, cruise insurance is generally not mandatory. Most cruise lines do not require passengers to purchase insurance, though it is highly recommended, especially for international itineraries or longer cruises. Even when it’s not required, cruise insurance is valuable because it protects you from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies at sea, lost luggage, or travel delays.
If my cruise is traveling internationally, do I need separate insurance?
Yes. If your cruise travels internationally, it’s highly recommended to have cruise insurance that covers international travel, as domestic health insurance often won’t cover medical treatment abroad or at sea. Not only this, but if you require emergency medical evacuation or treatment and proper resources are not available, and it can be expensive without insurance.
Is a cruise-line package not enough to cover me on a cruise?
While cruises may offer insurance packages, there are several reasons to consider purchasing your cruise travel insurance through an online provider instead. While similar to a trip insurance policy, cruise line insurance will not cover your entire trip cost, but rather only the cost of your cruise. These packages also have very low coverage amounts, can run more expensive, offer only cruise credit if cancellation is necessary, and can provide a complex claim process.
Does my regular health insurance cover me on a cruise?
Most regular health insurance plans do not fully cover you on a cruise, especially if you’re traveling internationally or in international waters. Domestic plans often exclude care outside your home country or state, meaning medical treatment onboard or in foreign ports may not be covered. Not only this, but shipboard medical facilities are usually considered out-of-network, so your regular insurance may only cover a portion (or nothing at all) of the costs.
When should I purchase cruise insurance?
You should purchase cruise insurance as soon as you book your cruise. Early purchase provides several advantages. These can include pre-existing condition coverage, trip cancellation protection, and a peace of mind. Waiting until just before your cruise can limit your coverage options, increase premiums, or exclude certain benefits like “Cancel for Any Reason.”
Are excursions or off-boat activities covered by cruise insurance?
Yes, many cruise insurance plans provide coverage for excursions or off-boat activities, but it depends on the policy and the type of incident. Typically, medical emergencies or medical evacuation are covered if injured during an activity. Trip cancellations, lost money for excursions that are missed for personal reasons, or damage of personal items may not be covered.
Does cruise insurance cover emergencies while at sea?
Yes, cruise insurance generally covers medical emergencies that occur while at sea, providing protection that most regular health insurance plans do not. This includes unexpected illnesses or injuries that require treatment at the ship’s medical facility, as well as prescription medications needed during the cruise.
Is cruise insurance worth it?
Yes, definitely. If you’ve paid a significant amount for your trip, are a senior concerned about your medical coverage, are traveling internationally, have health concerns, are traveling during unpredictable seasons, or simply want a peace of mind, cruise insurance is definitely worth it.
